First ride: Yamaha NMax Tech Max

Recently, Yamaha Motor Philippines (YMPH) launched the third-generation Nmax in the Philippines. Such an initiative awakened the nameplate's followers in the country — with the first 155 owners who pre-ordered online getting dibs on the maxi-scooter’s initial units.

While being amazed with the vehicle during the product unveiling, I remained a skeptic — thinking that it could just be all hype. 

But after riding it for more than 200 kilometers and going up to Baguio City from Cabanatuan, I can confidently say that Yamaha will get to keep the nameplate’s fans and earn more with the automatic transmission motorcycle’s latest version.

How? Here’s what we learned about the vehicle during the ride — particularly the Tech Max option.

Design

It was only during this immersion with the product that I got to appreciate its aesthetics. The new look resembles that of the latest XMax (which has quietly entered the local market; to be reported in a separate article).

I find the full LED lighting system with dual projectors appealing. The tail lights also have a new layout — looking a little slimmer than the previous generation’s.

Finer details like the gold-colored cast wheels and seat color stitches gave the all-new Yamaha Nmax Tech Max a more elegant flair.

However, those who are more than six feet tall (and wear shoe sizes bigger than 12US) might find the two-level seat and footboards a little cramped.

Performance

The all-new Yamaha NMax Tech Max still comes with a four-stroke, Die-casting Aluminum-Silicon (DIASIL) cylinder, single overhead cam, 155 cubic-centimeter (cc) mill. On paper, the engine can dish out virtually dish out the same amount output:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	15
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	14.2

However, the manner of how the power is sent is now different, thanks to its Yamaha Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (YECVT). This technology (which acts similar to auto-blip and “Manu-matic” gearboxes) eliminates the use of flyballs— giving more rider control and less worries on moving parts.

To use this function, riders only need to tap the “Swift” switch (up to three levels) to downshift. During the ride, participants were able to make better use of the function when there is a need to get more instantaneous output or deceleration when approaching tight corners. All we need to do is to give the button a few taps.

Disengaging the function is easy as riders can just close the throttle or hit the switch (for the fourth time).

Aside from the YECVT, the all-new Yamaha NMax Tech Max has two ride modes:

• Sport
• Touring

In Sport mode, the motorcycle has a more aggressive output — contrary to Touring, which is relaxed. This can be utilized by flipping the lever at the right side of the handle (a portion commonly used for passing light).

In terms of fuel efficiency, the motorcycle did well.

Riding aggressively for more than 200 kilometers going up to Baguio Country Club (and playing with two ride modes and YECVT), the all-new Yamaha NMax Tech Max managed to do 33.7 kilometers per liter.

Other usable features

Although riders that joined the event were kept in small groups, YMPH allowed us to use other features available in the all-new Yamaha NMax — accessible on the new digital cluster with YConnect feature.

The motorcycle’s infotainment system has access to the Garmin StreetCross app that allows you to navigate to the destination.

The cluster also shows speedometer, fuel gauge, and tripmeter/odometer reading, average fuel economy, and time.

Verdict

Given all the new technologies that the maxi-scooter can provide, this motorcycle might pave the way for (at least the brand’s) scooters in the future.

In terms of design, the two-wheeler has improved a lot, but the marque might want to tinker more with ergonomics.

Is the all-new Yamaha NMax Tech Max’s P175,900-price tag worth it? I can definitely answer that with a resounding yes.

Also read:

Yamaha Motor PH starts advance access period for 'updated' Nmax

Yamaha launches Nmax Turbo

Yamaha NMax up for grabs in PUBG Mobile's latest raffle draw