The NMAX TURBO, which was launched in Indonesia in June, is currently only available in a 155cc model, but based on the preview video released by YAMAHA Europe, it looks like a 125cc version will be announced at EICMA (Milan Show). If that happens, there is a high possibility that both the 155cc and 125cc versions will be launched in Japan.
The NMAX will evolve as a global model
The NMAX, which debuted in 2016, has been introduced in Indonesia, Japan, Europe, and other countries and is extremely popular. Only the 155cc model is available in Indonesia, two grades, 125cc and 155cc, are available in Japan, and only the 125cc model is available in Europe. It was fully remodeled once in 2021, and a new model that includes the sportier, higher-end model "NMAX TURBO" was introduced in Indonesia in June 2024. The new "NMAX" and "NMAX TURBO" have not yet been introduced in Japan, and are likely to be introduced in Japan along with the debut of the 125cc version.
A scene from the teaser video released by Yamaha in Europe. It is shaped like the NMAX Turbo's headlights, but is this really the case?
The top-of-the-line model, the NMAX TURBO TECH MAX ULTIMATE, is equipped with a performance damper and an exclusive cover exhaust system.
The NMAX TURBO TECH MAX is equipped with a TFT navigation display and dual-channel ABS.
Equipped with "Turbo Lighting Mode" and "Turbo Y-Shift," the "NMAX TURBO" delivers acceleration power like a sports bike.
The base model is the "NMAX NEO." The "NMAX NEO S" is equipped with a smart key.
The first-generation NMAX debuted in 2016. The NMAX155, capable of highway driving, was added the following year, ushering in a new era of sports scooters.
The current model in Japan debuted in 2021. It is equipped with traction control, idling stop, smart key system, etc.
"Turbo Lighting Mode" and "Turbo Y-Shift" create a "TURBO" feeling
Although the "NMAX TURBO" is named "TURBO", it is not equipped with a turbocharger. The engine is the latest generation improved Blue Core, a 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder 155.09cc. By adopting VVA (variable valve actuation), it is said that optimal combustion efficiency and torque can be obtained for each rotation range.
The engine is a 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder 155.09cc, latest generation improved Blue Core.
The "NMAX TURBO" incorporates an electronically controlled CVT called "YECVT (Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission)" to control the acceleration feeling. The right switch box is equipped with a "Turbo Lighting Mode" switch, which allows you to switch between "T Mode" suitable for city riding and "S Mode" for sporty riding with emphasis on acceleration. You might think, "I see, it's called Turbo because it increases the acceleration feeling in S Mode," but the left switch box is also equipped with a switch called "Turbo Y Shift." This is a system that allows you to adjust the acceleration level to three levels: low, medium, and high. By pressing the switch when you want acceleration power or when you want to apply engine brakes during deceleration, you can get a shift-down effect. By equipping it with these two switches, it has obtained power performance worthy of the name "TURBO."
"Turbo Riding Mode" has two riding modes, T mode and S mode. "Turbo Y-Shift" provides three levels of acceleration, low, medium, and high, by pressing the "Y-Shift" button.
Competing against rival PCXs on the world stage
Looking at the lineup in Indonesia, there are five types of NMAX. The most basic is the "NMAX NEO", followed by the "NMAX NEO S" with the addition of a smart key system. Next is the "NMAX TURBO", which is additionally equipped with "Turbo Lighting Mode" and "Turbo Y-Shift". Above that is the "NMAX TURBO TECH MAX", a high-end version equipped with a TFT navigation display, dual channel ABS, and stitched seats. And the top model, the "NMAX TURBO TECH MAX ULTIMATE", is also equipped with a performance damper and an exclusive cover exhaust system.
The NMAX TURBO TECH MAX and above grades are equipped with dual channel ABS. Traction control is standard equipment on all grades.
Grades above the "NMAX TURBO TECH MAX" are equipped with a TFT navigation display. All grades are equipped with the Y-connect connectivity function, which provides message and phone notifications.
A USB socket for charging smartphones, etc. is standard equipment. The NMAX NEO S and above models are equipped with a smart key.
The headlights and taillights use LEDs, and the headlights are of the dual projector type.
The seats provide a comfortable seating experience. The grades above the "NMAX TURBO TECH MAX" use a special material with gold stitching on the surface. There is a 25L luggage space under the seat.
The NMAX TURBO is currently only available in a 155cc model, but as mentioned above, it is highly likely that a 125cc model will be added at EICMA. In Japan, the lineup includes the "NMAX125" and "NMAX155," which is the equivalent grade to the "NMAX NEO S" in the new model. Given that, the 155 is likely to be introduced in three grades: the basic "NMAX NEO S," "NMAX TURBO," and the top model "NMAX TURBO TECH MAX ULTIMATE." As for the 125, it is likely that there will be two grades available: one equivalent to the "NMAX NEO S" and one equivalent to the "NMAX TURBO."
There are rumors that a new model of Honda's PCX series will debut at this year's EICMA, so if a 125cc version of the NMAX TURBO makes its debut, it will be an exciting development in the compact sports scooter scene.
NMAX TURBO Main Specifications (2024, Indonesia Specs.)
Overall Length x Width x Height: 1935 x 740 x 1200 mm
Wheelbase: 1340mm
Seat Height: 770mm
Vehicle
Weight: 135kg (Turbo Tech MAX)/133kg (Turbo)/130kg (Neo)
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 155.09cc
Maximum Output: 15.37ps/8000rpm
Max. Torque: 1.44kg/6500rpm
Transmission: V-belt type continuously variable transmission
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire Size: F=110/70-13 R=130/70-13
Price: $2,081.67～$2,876.91 (Indonesia Price)
