Yamaha NMax scooter – PCX150 killer?

Yamaha strikes first blood with the styling of the NMAX, which looks way sharper than the Honda, especially as our test PCX came in the bland ‘Pearl Havana Brown’ option. To be fair, other options are available with the red and white colour schemes looking particularly classy.

Although Yamaha unashamedly have the Honda in their sights, the NMAX is no direct copy. These are mid-range scooters, priced to sell at around £2,700, although for 50% more, both manufacturers will sell you their flagship 125 twist and go.

While Honda’s £4k Forza features a new four-valve motor, the less expensive PCX, which was introduced in 2009 and updated this year, makes do with a cheaper two-valver, albeit with plenty of tech (known as Enhanced Smart Power, or eSP, in Honda-speak) to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Against this, Yamaha has developed a brand new four-valve unit with variable valve actuation for its NMAX. It’s the first time such technology has appeared on a 125 scooter and has created an engine that is strong throughout the rev range. Although only producing half a horsepower more than the PCX’s unit at the top end, the Yamaha motor feels so much more potent. Top speed is more or less the same for both. The PCX generally tops out at 65mph, with the Yamaha squeezing out a few more mph under favorable conditions, but away from the traffic lights the Honda rider will be reading the NMAX’s number plate every time. Two-nil to Yamaha.

I’m not convinced that performance is at the top of most commuters’ wish list, but economy almost certainly is. Both of these scooters are economical, with Honda claiming 133.9mpg to the Yamaha’s 129. While we always like to test bikes thoroughly in the real world, both machines are just too frugal to calculate really accurate figures in the two weeks we had the bikes. We doubt that it will be possible to match the claimed figures on real roads, however the few hundred miles we clocked up suggests that the Honda sips just a little bit less than the Yamaha. The PCX also has a slightly larger fuel tank, eight litres to 6.6 litres for the NMAX, giving more than 200 miles between fill-ups.

Yamaha’s other big claim to fame with the NMAX is the inclusion of anti-lock brakes as standard. Although available as an option in some markets, the PCX is not currently available with ABS in Britain.

That should be a big tick in the box for Yamaha, but unfortunately I found myself totally underwhelmed by the system, just as I did when we rode the scooter at the launch in Lisbon. On more forgiving British roads, I expected a more positive experience but unfortunately my opinion hasn’t changed. In normal operation it is absolutely fine, but hit the brakes hard and the system is very intrusive. As the wheels start to lock, the system kicks in. You can really feel the pressure build up in the levers as the ABS eases off the brakes. Not only is it an unpleasant feature, I am pretty sure that I would be able to stop in a shorter distance without assistance, something I wouldn’t say about my ABS-equipped car and motorcycle. By contrast, the non-ABS PCX stops with the minimum of fuss. If anything the brakes feel a little weak, but they bring the scooter to rest in a safe and progressive manner.

In general, the PCX delivers a plusher ride than the sporty Yamaha. Neither is uncomfortable but I found the Honda rode better over rough surfaces and had a slightly better appointed seat. As in the engine department, the Yamaha’s chassis does feel that little bit sharper, and the OE Dunlop ScootSmart tyres are a definite step up from the budget IRCs specced on the PCX. For the average city commuter it’s unlikely to be a priority, but for those planning to ride more on the open roads, the Yamaha again is the more exciting option.

BACA JUGA : OBAT PEMBERSIH KANDUNGAN

But the excitement is all relative, of course. They are, at the end of the day, 125cc scooters designed first and foremost for practicality. Sure, there are cheaper options out there but these are both classy and well appointed, with modern engine designs and the sort of build quality and dealer support you’d expect from such top notch brands. A look at the spec sheets suggest that these two are virtually identical, even down to the on-the-road prices (£2,699 for the Honda, £2,671 for the Yamaha).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

	HONDA PCX125	YAMAHA NMAX 125
Engine	Single-cylinder, liquid cooled, SOHC 4-stroke 2-valve	Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valves
Capacity	125cc	125cc
Maximum Power	8.6 kW @ 8,000 rpm	9.0 kW @ 7,500 rpm
Maximum Torque	12 Nm @ 6,000 rpm	11.7 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
Fuel System	PGM­FI electronic fuel injection	Fuel Injection
Starter system	Electric	Electric
Transmission	V-Matic	V-Belt Automatic
Suspension	Front: 31 mm telescopic fork, 100 mm stroke Rear: Twin suspension aluminium swingarm, 75 mm stroke	Front: Telescopic forks, 100mm travel Rear: Unit Swing, 90mm travel
Brakes	Front: 220 mm hydraulic discs combined 3-piston calliper Rear: 130 mm Combined leading / trailing drum	Front: Hydraulic single disc, Ø 230 mm Rear: Hydraulic single disc, Ø 230 mm
Tyres	Front: 90/90­14 Rear: 100/90­14	Front: 110/70-13 Rear: 130/70-13
Dimensions	Length: 1930mm Width: 740 mm Height: 1100 mm	Length: 1955 mm Width: 740 mm Height: 1115 mm
Seat Height	760mm	765 mm
Wheel Base	1315 mm	1,350 mm
Kerb Weight	130 kg	127 kg
Fuel Capacity	8.0 litres	6.6 litres
MPG (claimed)	133.9	129
Price	£2699	£2671
Colours	Pearl Nightstar Black Mat Carbonium Gray Metallic Pearl Siena Red Pearl Cool White Pearl Havana Brown	Power Red Frozen Titanium Midnight Black Milky White