The Scooter for Disaster Risk Management [Webike Motoreport]

I'm Gin of Webike Staff.

Hello, I'm Gin of Webike Staff. From now on, I will introduce various models in Webike Motoreport based on the knowledge I have gained from My Bike.

1. My quick self-introduction

I would like to introduce my simple profile.

For some reason, my owned motorcycles are limited to SUZUKI, YAMAHA, and KTM (HUSQVARNA TE125 also has a KTM engine). When I had owned the 400cc and 1100cc of the KATANA, I had traveled around in Japan by touring, when I had owned the 690 DUKE, I had ridden on it at the circuits and had been also participated in the race, as a result, I had a tendon sheath inflammation (Tenosynovitis).

I recently purchased the V-STROM 650 immediately, because I took a test to ride on it by my business and was impressed it very well. While enjoying to go out for long touring with the V-STROM, I started to enjoy the off-road riding with the HUSQVARNA TE125, equipped with a 2-stroke 125cc engine.

2. A reliable NMAX when the train schedule is suspended due to typhoon

I have owned 4 motorcycles now, and I would like to introduce the YAMAHA NMAX, which is the most convenient motorcycle.

Usually, typhoons hit Japan from July to October, causing damages through out Japan. In the metropolitan area where I am living in, apart from the direct damage, some typhoons often bring serious troubles, such as stopping or reducing the number of trains to the railway, which are important means for commuting.

Even the typhoon the other day has already stopped raining, the situation also occurred in my workplace where the trains are too crowded to go to work. I was in a situation where the train on my way to working place was suspended at that time, and there was no expectation of when to recover it.

In such a case, I can rely on the YAMAHA NMAX, called "the swift commuting bike"! Since the peak of the typhoon had passed, I decided to ride on it would not be a problem and switched to commuting by scooter. I was able to commute more comfortably than usual.

3. Scooter as a countermeasure against disaster risk

Even after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the transportation network in the urban area was collapsed for several days. At that time also, since I had the YAMAHA CYGNUS X, I was able to survive without any problems. After that, the gas station was also closed in many places, but the small engine displacement scooters have good fuel efficiency, and there are many motorcycles that can travel 200 km lightly if the fuel tank is full, so if it is about commuting, you can ride for a few days without problems.

I extracted gasoline from the gasoline tank of a big motorcycle that I owned at that time, and refueling my CYGNUS X. The fuel tank capacity of a scooter is usually around 6 liters. In the case of transferring gasoline from the fuel tank of big bikes, you can refuel 2 or 3 times.

In case of emergency, fuel efficiency, adaptability, and ease of carrying luggage, and the mobility of the scooter are reliable. Currently, my NMAX has a GIVI top case, by adding a top case on the scooter, the load capacity of the luggage will greatly increase. The top case of GIVI that I am currently using can be stored even in a large backpack, and it is really useful. The fact that the top case is attached, its advantage is to keep the luggage from getting wet even when it rains.

4. USB charging is also available by optional parts!

Smartphones have become essential items especially in the event of a disaster. It is an essential item for looking up information and making phone calls, but in the unlikely event of a power outage, you will suffer from battery charging issues. However, modern scooters are easily accessible with accessory power (ACC power), and many models are equipped with an accessory socket from the beginning. Since you can charge the smartphone when starting the engine, it is also safe to charge your smartphone even if there is a power outage. Charging while riding is a basic, but it is also possible to charge by idling in an emergency.

5. Advantages of the NMAX

The emergency story ends here and regarding the important of the NMAX, it is really excellent. YAMAHA has been released the NMAX as a rival to the PCX of HONDA, and it is completed well.

The liquid-cooled blue core engine has excellent fuel efficiency, even for an ordinary city ride won't be under 40km/L. If riding on a road with few stops-and-go, it will record over 45km/L.

Its liquid-cooled engine also had excellent power, and when I tested once to ride on a closed course, the maximum speed was to 115km by meter reading. Compared to the Cygnus X that I rode before riding the NMAX, the body rigidity is higher and the engine vibration is less, so the NMAX's comfort is outstanding. Because the chassis is solid, there is a sense of security even when pillion riding.

Since the optional knuckle guard has a grip heater and a TUCANO URBANO motorcycle cover, it is comfortable to ride without overpants even in the winter morning.

6. Disadvantages of the NMAX

The NMAX is a good scooter but the disadvantage is the trunk capacity under the seat is quite small. The 24L trunk is quite small because the CYGNUS X that I was riding before was very big. It is a little disappointing that the NMAX did not have the accessory socket power supply from the brand new if I will complain forcefully. Since there is an accessory power supply, it can be easily installed, but considering the accessory power supply of rival scooters and TRICITY are already installed from the brand new, the NMAX should be installed the accessory power supply.

7. Summary

In this way, the YAMAHA NMAX has always supported my family from the shadows. It cannot be used on the highway but it is enough to enjoy the touring. It is not only convenient to commute, but also as a risk countermeasure in case of emergency, the 125cc scooter, including the NMAX that can also pillion riding is really recommended. If you are interested in a 125 scooter, such as the NMAX, be sure to visit a motorcycle shop near you.

8. General Evaluation of the NMAX

See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See KTM Moto Index Page
See HUSQVARNA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA NMAX
See Accessories for YAMAHA TRICITY125 (MW125)
See Accessories for YAMAHA CYGNUS125
See Accessories for HUSQVARNA TE125
See Accessories for SUZUKI KATANA
See Accessories for SUZUKI V-STROM 650 (DL650)
See Accessories for KTM 690DUKE