PRETTIER, SLEEKER NMAX
THE Yamaha NMax is the darling of the Malaysian scooter set. Perky and good-looking, it has always been a viable option when one is looking for a city scooter. Being a Yamaha, the extra confidence that spares and repair shops will be available throughout the country makes it a no-brainer.
With the current NMax getting a bit long in the tooth, Yamaha has updated the scooter to make it even more attractive to potential buyers.
As with other lines in the Yamaha stable, from sportsbikes and nakeds to scooters, the new NMax resembles its larger brethren and shares many features.
The Max DNA is seen in the cosmetics. Completely new from stem to stern, the new NMax has redesigned LED lights front and rear (although the signal lights are still boring old filamenttypes).
The front headlight features six LEDs (four for low beam and two for high). The taillight features four LED strips and are more reminiscent of the Max range to boot.
A new and larger rectangular LCD meter panel is now controlled via a toggle switch on the left switchgear.
The new NMAX is powered by a Blue Core liquid-cooled SOHC 155cc single that pushes out 15.1hp at 8,000rpm and 13.9Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm.
It shares a variable valve actuation system that switches cam lobes to alter the power curve. The extra poke is definitely noticeable and the little Max is a demon at the “traffic light grand prix”.
The new frame is designed around a larger 7.1-litre fuel tank. This means the NMax has a much longer range than its predecessor (6.6 litre).
It is also equipped with a stop and start system (via a starter generator control Unit) that shuts the engine off automatically when the scooter comes to a rest or is idling at a traffic light to save fuel.
A switch on the right switchgear allows the rider to switch off this feature.
The new frame is also stiffer, allowing the NMax to go nimbly while remaining stable at highway speeds (we saw 116kph, although we didn’t really try that hard).
Front suspension is regular telescopic forks and the rear still remains the twin shock system, which is only adjustable for preload.
The 13-inch wheels are also carried over, which means a 110 and 130 tyre combo. The update in this department is the rear 230mm disc brake. This relatively minor update gives the little Max superb braking power. The front wheel features the same setup.
The under-seat storage is 23.3 litres in size and can store a full-face helmet (a tip: it fits if you flip the helmet upside down). Other features are a 12V socket in the left side storage compartment that is a cigarette-lighter type and not USB-type.
The right side compartment is larger and has a lid but neither are lockable.
The NMax retails for RM8,998 without road tax and insurance and is available in two colour options; Anodised Red and Power Grey.