Bike Files: Yamaha NMAX 125

A firm favourite with delivery riders and commuters alike, the Yamaha NMAX 125 regularly appears at the top of the UK sales charts. Learner legal, mid-priced and pretty well specced, it’s no surprise really…

How long’s the NMAX been around?

Yamaha’s long been one of the major players in the 125cc scooter market and the NMAX first appeared in 2015 as an answer to Honda’s phenomenally successful PCX 125. The latest version arrived early in 2021 and proved an instant hit as Yamaha was able to take advantage of the huge rise in demand for scooters during the Covid pandemic while others struggled with supply issues. It’s continued to thrive since then, and rightly so. It’s a cracking machine.

What’s special about the NMAX?

It’s a learner legal scoot, meaning you can do a day’s CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course and ride it on public roads (albeit with a few restrictions). They’re accessible, affordable and much, much better than public transport for many. The NMAX looks great, is a lot of fun to ride and has the benefit of a trusted manufacturer behind it. 

Yamaha NMAX 125 engine details

The engine has what Yamaha calls its Blue Core technology, which is designed to make it clean and efficient. With 12bhp it’s learner legal, but with enough go to take it up to a 60mph top speed. For all it’s a relatively simple and inexpensive scoot, the motor’s got some interesting tech in it.

The main thing is VVA, which stands for variable valve actuation. It changes the profile of the camshaft as the revs change, which helps improve acceleration away from the lights without compromising top speed. It also has stop start technology, which cuts the engine out at standstill to improve fuel economy and to reduce emissions. You should easily get over 100 miles to the gallon, which makes it pretty cheap to run.

Chassis overview

Learner legal scoots are not known for having high-spec chassis but the NMAX is as good as any in the mid-range market. You get disc brakes front and rear, with ABS and good quality branded tyres as standard. The 13” wheels offer a good balance between agility and stability, but overall the focus is on great urban handling and user-friendliness.

Key specification points

The NMAX sits in the middle of Yamaha’s learner legal 125cc scooter range, between the entry-level RayZR and the upmarket XMAX. You get an easy-to-read LCD dashboard, 12v charging point in the glovebox, keyless ignition and a decent amount of underseat storage. You should be able to get a full-sized helmet under there (although some larger ones mightn’t fit) as well as a bag of shopping. There are a load of official accessories available, including a big top box and heated handlebar grips, making this one practical little scoot.

Yamaha NMAX 125 riding impressions

Riding the NMAX is really easy. It’s been designed for getting around town and feels light and agile. With a ‘twist and go’ transmission, there’s no clutch or gears to worry about. The acceleration is crisp and the handling nimble. Top speed is around 60mph, a little more when conditions are favourable but a bit less if you’re going uphill or into a headwind.

As a result, it’s capable of being ridden on dual carriageways but if you do want to ride a lot more on the open road you might want to think about getting a full licence and look at a more powerful 300cc scooter, which can cruise at motorway speeds.

Although still practical, the NMAX sits on the more sporting/fun side of the spectrum. It certainly feels a step up from the cheaper scooters on the market, and less bulky than the top end XMAX and Honda Forza. For many, it will be the perfect balance.

What are the alternatives to the NMAX?

Honda’s PCX 125 is the main rival to the NMAX. They’re similar in power, specification and price, although the Honda trades a little of Yamaha’s fun factor for some added practicality.

Most other alternatives fall into a different price bracket, being either cheaper or more expensive. Although not as well known a brand, KYMCO’s X-TOWN 125 is an interesting competitor. The Taiwanese scoot is well proven and offers more performance and a higher level of specification than the NMAX for around the same money.