Words: Bill Hunter.
OK, normally I tend to end a review with the price of the bike/scooter I’ve just written about but, this time, I’m not. Rather, I’m going to notify you that this particular scooter, albeit a very sporty version, will drain your bank account to the value of R84,950, yes, read that again. Have you had lobotomy, I here you say, and rightfully so? How can a 155cc scooter possibly be worth that much when one can buy three, maybe four scooters of the same engine capacity for that sort of cash outlay?
Fair enough I suppose, except I’d like to reply with this statement; The NMAX 155 Tech MAX is one of the best forms of two-wheeled transport on the market, regardless of the outlandish price tag. You’re now probably thinking I’ve been paid to say that but I’ll defend those words ‘til the end of time…
Firstly the engine is an absolute marvel. The SOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 155cc, single cylinder engine produces 15hp@8,000rpm and 14Nm@6,500rpm of the torquey stuff. This super-smooth motor also has fancy variable valve activation, a bit like variable valve timing I presume. Yes, 15hp doesn’t sound a lot but it feels much stronger than that whilst riding. So I decided to have a drag race with my mate’s Yamaha BWS that’s been (predictably) modified, as they do with these things. It wasn’t even close, the NMAX literally romped away on both acceleration and top speed, where it really left the smoking two-stoke measurably behind on its way past 120km/h. And to bring everything to an abrupt halt the 230mm front disc and similar sized rear disc, with ABS, were terrific too!
A very impressive and class-leading engine for sure, to some extent justifying the price tag, right? But wait, the NMAX 155 Tech MAX well and truly destroys everything in this class with its tremendous YECVT (Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission). WTF, is that you say? Basically the front clutch, where it used to have the usual rollers inside and the like, is replaced with an electronic version. This remarkable device allows the rider to downshift, using the ‘Playstation’ type lever hanging under the left side switchgear. Three differing levels can be accessed to make the engine rev higher to provide better power for overtaking. And not only that, it has the most addictive attribute I’ve ever had the pleasure of fiddling with on any scooter, or bike, for that matter. When you shut off you can also jab the button to add additional braking, with three severity levels, and the electronic clutch makes a cool screech-like noise to tell you you’re doing so. This invented a new game of not using the brakes at all and, instead, using this unique feature to scrub off speed. It is a strange feeling to do so and requires a bit of bravado when using this fascinating method but highly entertaining all the same.
Right, now the price tag is becoming even more defensible, maybe? Coming from Yamaha’s flagship MAX range, like the mighty TMAX for example, you’d expect it to handle far better than anything from the ‘cheap’ options shall we say. And, you’d be correct. Again, the NMAX 155 Tech MAX sets new standards in this class. The strong backbone frame has zero flex issues at all, and the suspension is top-class from Yamaha on all counts. It also has twin rear shocks with adjustable pre-load that can be altered by just turning the fat collars placed on top of each shock, with enviable damping characteristics. Combine these parts with the very eye-catching 13-inch wheels and ‘proper’ sticky road tyres (110 front/130 rear) and you’ll soon revel in how well this scooter handles and, it’s uncannily stable too due to its 1,340mm wheelbase.
By now you must be starting to see where the R85k value comes from, if not, there’s more folks. The NMAX 155 Tech MAX has the best dash in the business, for it’s capacity. The charming 4.2-ich TFT display even has two screens. The top section relays speeds, fuel, etc, while bottom section accepts the Yamaha MyRide App for phone connectivity and GPS, oh, and more importantly, the current position for the three levels chosen from the YECVT clutch. Two power modes can be selected, Town or Sport. When in Town mode the Yamaha’s Blue-Core technology will help to reduce fuel consumption to a claimed 2.4l/100km. It does have a 7.1-litre fuel tank, so the predicted 270km range +-/ is admirable for such performance levels I’d say. There’s also a Stop/Start feature when at the lights, a Smart Key for the ignition and a USB-C charging port for your phone, or maybe to force voltage into your personal erotic electronic devices?
And finally on to the NMAX 155 Tech MAX build quality. Let’s just say it’s most certainly as well put together as any of Yamaha’s high-end motorcycles. From the distinct racy face, to the curvy lines of the fairing, to the 770mm tall leather-finished seat, to the midnight black paint with a crimson tint on the side panels l, good-looking is an understatement! At night it’s also well lit with full L.E.D. lighting all around.
The NMAX 155 Tech Max just oozes quality from every pore. It’s versatile with the 25-litre under-seat storage bin, exceedingly smooth, comfortable, handles superbly and feels like it has gears. Does it at least have any faults you ask, well, not that I can put my finger in. A fact enforced by a few riders, who own big bikes and initially laughed at the outlay. However, when I let them take it out for ride they ALL came back saying, “Oh, OK, I can now see why you’re so fizzy about it, and it does most certainly validate the asking price”. But is it really worth 85k? Oh yes indeed, go and ride one, which you can at Linex. The ultimate small capacity scooter that punches far bigger than its 155cc portrays. Do you have a house at the coast, live on a golf estate, or looking for one of the best ways to get around anywhere at any time? Either way the NMAX 155 Tech MAX is an absolute delight on all counts, say no more!
Go to www.yamaha.co.za for more information and to view Yamaha SA’s current range.
Also go to www.linex.co.za to book a test ride on this scooter.
