To the NMAX

UPDATE WORTH THE WAIT, WRITES MATHIEU DAY, BRM

Yamaha has updated its NMAX 125cc scooter — and although, unlike the funky Tricity, you need a motorcycle licence to ride it, it’s worth sitting the test for.

Power for the NMAX comes courtesy of a new 125cc single cylinder motor into which Yamaha has put plenty of thought, adapting it with the efficient Blue Core technology.

That means the little 4- stroke is the company’s first scooter engine to feature a 4- valve cylinder head, along with a newly developed variable valve actuation that is essentially the same as variable valve timing on a car.

The little engine reputedly puts out only 8.9kW ( 12hp) but it still manages to push the lightweight scoot up to the highway limit.

Styling has received an update, with a sporty new aerodynamic look setting it apart from the faux- Vespas of the world.

It is available in Frozen Titanium or Power Red.

The headlights light up with a white glow instead of the old yellow tinge, giving off a sense of class.

In fact, the whole NMAX build exudes quality. The plastics don’t flex when you apply pressure, there are no rattles from the engine ( although my test bike had yet to get through its run- in period), and the simple gauge cluster has all the important info on display and is easy to read.

However, the biggest development for the wee scooter involves the braking. For once, we can thank the tough Euro emissions schemes for something useful, as from next year all Euro4 bikes will also have to have ABS standard. Yamaha is a big player in Europe and has fitted the NMAX with ABS.

The results are phenomenal for a scooter.

Gripping the rear brake