Yamaha NMAX

Yamaha scooters carry a modern and dynamic styling, and NMax is no exception. The front fascia has an extended visor that extends from the digital meter to the sharp headlight. The leadlight incorporates an LED daytime running light for a much better design language. The back end is utmostly sculpted, thanks to the twin cluster tail lamp along with turn indicators. Overall, the design is compact and mature.

The ergonomically designed scooter features 765 mm seat height that makes for a relaxed riding posture for average height Asians. It also has a decent ground clearance that measures 135 mm and has a wheelbase of 1350 mm, making it easy to ride through tight traffic. There are 13-inch wheels wrapped in 110/70 tyre at the front and 130/70 tyre at the rear. 

Coming to the practical features of Yamaha NMax, the fuel tank is given under the floorboard and can be easily accessed via the central tunnel. The under-seat compartment is big enough to hold a full-face helmet and can be opened with a button near the ignition. The instrument cluster is also very well designed. It houses an LCD mono eye display, which is simple yet informative. It provides clear visibility in broad daylight, with black on white text.

Built on a backbone frame, Yamaha NMax equips telescopic forks in the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. However, they are set on a harder setting, which can be adjusted for preload but nothing else. The seat is also supportive and does not cause too much discomfort. All these together make the scooter best suited for smooth city roads. 

With a wet weight of 136 kg, the NMax offers light and nimble handling. On top of that, its short turning radius makes it convenient to ride in heavy traffic conditions.

Yamaha NMax houses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine churning out a maximum power of 14.9 bhp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.4 Nm that kicks at 6000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a V-belt automatic transmission unit that transfers the power to the wheels. Though the numbers are not much high, it is still more than its competitor, the PCX.

Yamaha has powered its engine with the Blue Core technology that makes it even more efficient. Another interesting characteristic of this engine is the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, which adjusts the fuel intake at predetermined revs. Thus, providing strong torque at low rpm range and ensures maximum power at high speeds.

The top speed of the scooter is rated at 124 kmph. And, the mileage figure easily comes out to be 30 kmpl. With a 6.6-litre tank, it can last for 200 km. 

The braking setup incorporates disc brakes at both ends. These are single 230 mm hydraulic disc brakes that use single-piston calipers. Though the system seems enough and also performs well, it would have been better with an anti-lock braking system. Yamaha says that ABS is not included in the NMax specs sheet to keep the price competitive. The company also claimed that it would have a variant equipped with ABS on the upcoming model.

It is not only the price but also the features that make the Yamaha NMax a preferable choice over others in the segment. The scooter is advanced and modern and looks much better, thus attracting more eyeballs.