2025 Yamaha NMAX Test & Review

The Yamaha NMAX is one of the most ubiquitous 150cc scooters, being seen everywhere since its 2016 debut in Malaysia. Since then it has been updated to where it is now, the 2025 Yamaha NMAX.

The NMAX is popular for being uncomplicated, user friendly, light on its feet, and pretty good engine perfomance especially beginning the second version. Adding to these points is the convenience that comes with scooters i.e. commendable onboard storage space.

However, we could not get past the elephant in the room, namely, the challenge posed by the large number of Chinese scooters that feature futuristic designs, more electronic gadgetery, all at lower prices.

So, can the NMAX hold its own?

What is the 2025 Yamaha NMAX?

To state the obvious, the bike is set in the 150-160cc ‘twist-and-go’ automatic scooter segment. This segment is hard-fought among manufacturers and distributors alike, as it is the most affordable to the buying public.

Compared to its Yamaha NVX stablemate, the NMAX is marketed as a more utilitarian and approachable variant, while the NVX is a sport-oriented scoot. As such, the NMAX features more storage space and comfort.

Highlights

• The 2025 model features a new headlight and tailight design over its predecessor. This new design makes the bike look sportier and more futuristic.
• The Malaysian version is not the same as the Yamaha NMAX “Turbo” with the Yamaha Y-Shift feature, currently being sold in Malaysia.
• Its engine remains as the Blue Core, liquid-cooled, 155cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve with VVA (variable valve actuation) unit. It is the same engine found in the NVX and Y16ZR.

• It produces 15.2 hp (11.3 kW) at 8,000 RPM and 14.2 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
• Transmission is a CVT, with V-belt final drive.
• Over to the running gear, the front suspension consists of a pair of updated telescopic forks, while the rear is suspended by a pair of shock absorbers.
• Braking duty is handled by single 230mm discs, front and behind.

• Dual-channel ABS is a standard feature.
• Electronic features include a single, large LCD screen with Y-Connect feature; keyless ignition, engine idle stop function, USB charging port, and LED lighting all-around.
• Nominal seat height is listed as 775mm.

• Bigger underseat storage, now at 25 litres.
• The fuel tank has a capacity of 7.1 litres.
• Yamaha claims that the bike has a wet weight of 131 kg.

Riding the 2025 Yamaha NMAX

Climbing on, we found it having the same ergonomics being the same as the previous iterations, with a narrow body and seat, short reach to the handlebar, and low seat height. Our feet rested comfortably on the floorboards on either sides, with more than enough space to move them around.

The seat cushion felt supple, although we could not remember if it was the same previously. There is enough space to move forward and back, besides good space for the pillion.

The handlebar was narrow with lots of steering lock angle, which was good for scything through traffic.

Opening up the seat reveals the larger underseat storage space which can take a backpack with a 15-inch laptop in it. However, the bag kind of ‘floats’ leaving more room underneath for a rainsuit and shoes. Unfortunately, we tried to store our jet-style open-faced helmet but to no avail. It may be able to stuff in an MS88-style helmet, though.

The engine started quickly each time, while eliciting a note that was characteristic of any single-cylinder scooter. It also revved relatively fast, but without any rough sounds.

Opening the throttle had the scooter accelerating smoothly without a hard punch like the NVX. In fact, the engine and CVT combination delivered a very linear response throughout its rev range. Closing the throttle abruptly did not have the bike slowing abruptly or on the other end of the spectrum, freewheeling forward as if you mistakenly grabbed neutral on a bike with manual transmission. This showed that Yamaha did a great job of balancing the roller weights to the engine’s torque characteristics.

With that mentioned, the engine did deliver plenty of oomph when pushed at highway speeds. It pulled and pulled (albeit smoothly) all the way to its top speed of nearly 130 km/h without feeling as if it will explode. Similarly, opening the throttle from 80 km/h saw it accelerate briskly without running out of breath – courtesy of VVA.

Small scooters such as this are blighted by short suspension travel. It is not unique to the NMAX but a given for any such scooter. As such, the rear suspension felt hard when hitting sharp bumps, but the front felt so much better now. Yamaha said that they had revised its damping rates thus it did not feel clunky or overly harsh when hitting bumps and potholes. The update also gave a lot better feel of the front tyre and what it was doing, thereby elevating our confidence in corners. Its front end was also stable without wagging back and forth in corners like it used to. Nice!

Of course, the bike is not meant to be pushed to 10/10 of its limits, what with the small-diametre tyres. Doing so is not the point of having this bike. Instead, it is meant for easy riding with the extra kick for overtaking other vehicles.

Depending on your skill level, those stock tyres provided plenty of grip both in the dry and rain. We had no qualms about hooning the bike through damp corners, what more when it was sunny.

Riding through traffic was where the NMAX truly excelled. Its dimunitive size and steering angle worked together to see off traffic and tight spaces like they did not exist, hence proving that it is a lot more fun to ride a small bike in the city.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor loaned us the 2025 Yamaha NMAX for 7 days and we loved every moment we rode it. We commuted to work on it, we ran errands on it, we sent our children to school on it. Hey, forgot to buy something from the supermarket? Just wheel the bike out and go.

And as a plus point, we did not manage to burn through even one tank of gas despite racking on the mileage, and turning the idle stop function OFF throughout our test.

One thing we need to mention is about the bike’s build quality, which was good, as usual. There was no misaligned panels or wayward wires and cables hanging about anywhere. The headlight was also quite bright for a motorcycle of this size.

Conclusion

It was great to see that the 2025 Yamaha NMAX carries on the tradition of the first NMAX by providing an easy-riding and convenient platform, while retaining its comforts and conveniences.

Still, although costing much more than most scooters of its class these days, the 2025 Yamaha NMAX represents good value. You get an established engine, with plenty of original, OEM, and aftermarket parts support for a complete peace of mind.