Yamaha Nmax - Hits & misses

Yamaha Malaysia has a good reputation in the automatic scooter segment in the country. It has a wide range of products available for people with all kinds of needs. The Nmax has been around for quite a while now and we still spot it on the roads. Even after getting a mid-season update in 2017, old age has taken a toll on its popularity. But it is still holding on. Here are some of Nmax’s hits and misses.

Yamaha Nmax Hits

Engine

The Nmax power source is a 155 cc, single-cylinder engine which produces nearly 15 bhp (14.7 bhp to be precise) at 8,000 rpm and 14.4 Nm of peak torque is generated at 6,000 rpm. The engine has a single overhead cam (SOHC) setup and 4 valves. The transmission here is V-belt automatic, just like any other common modern-day automatic scooter. However, what is not common here is the fact that it is Yamaha. That means this engine gets Yamaha’s Blue Core Technology and Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). These advanced features help to provide maximum performance at the minimum fuel consumption and a wide range of torque throughout the rev range.

Brakes

To provide proper braking performance, Yamaha has given the Nmax with disc brakes at both the ends. Both the rotors measure 230 mm in dia and help bring the 136 kg Nmax to a halt at the earliest.

Ergonomic floor space

Hats off to the designers at Yamaha for designing a very ergonomic floor space. It provides a lot of space to keep your feet. The front portion of the floor space is at an angle so that you can spread your legs and rest them comfortably on long journeys. Yamaha says that this floor space is comfortable for riders with both small and large physiques.

Digital instrument panel

Another interesting feature listed in the Yamaha Nmax specs is the digital instrument panel. It is a circular LCD unit that isn’t as big as you would expect it to be. But Yamaha has managed to organise things nicely. It shows the necessary information that you would want to have while riding. We like the looks of it too.

Easily accessible fuel tank

The Nmax has a fuel tank of 6.6-litres which has been strategically placed. It is much easier to access which means filling fuel is quicker and easier. It is a convenient feature to have.

Seat with hinges

Do you know how irritating it is to open the seat and hold it with one hand and take or put things in the under-seat storage? Either you hold the seat with your hand or let it rest on your shoulder or back to do your business. Thankfully Yamaha has sorted this problem out by providing a seat with hinges. These spring-fitted hinges hold the seat in its open position so that you have both your hands-free to access the under-seat storage compartment. It is a small thing to add but it makes a world of a difference.

LED lights

Yamaha has fitted LED lights in the Nmax. But not all lights are LEDs. It is the headlamp and tail lamp to feature LED whereas the side turn signals continue to accommodate conventional halogens. We wonder why Yamaha didn’t change them as well.

Large front fairing

The design of the Nmax includes a large front fairing that has a decent sized front windscreen as well. The benefit of having them is that they protect from wind blasts to a certain extent. This could come in handy on long journeys and highway rides.

Yamaha Nmax Misses

Outdated design

The Nmax has been around in the Malaysian market for many years now. It was a good-looking scooter back when it was launched. But now, its design has taken a toll of changing times and evolving designs. It still looks good but its competition in the market looks much better and appeal to a larger audience.

Limited under-seat storage

Many people have complained about the limited under-seat storage compartment of the Nmax. For some, storing a full-face helmet inside is not feasible. This is a downer because people usually keep their helmets in the under-seat storage compartment only. Perhaps, the storage is limited due to the design of the floor space and fuel tank.

No ABS

Although Yamaha has provided disc brakes on both wheels, which we really appreciate, there is no ABS on offer. Having ABS at least as an option would have been great.

Today, other scooters are available in the Yamaha Nmax price range of RM 8,409. These are much more advanced and modern and look much better and thus attract more eyeballs. Considering all the factors, the Nmax is still a solid machine and a good purchase.