YAMAHA NMAX 125 (2015 - 2021) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
Power: 12 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.1 in / 765 mm)
Weight: Low (280 lbs / 127 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

While the Nmax looks relatively ordinary, it has a couple of tricks its sleeves with the variable valve timing and ABS as standard which help set it apart from the competition. It's a stylish (yes, scooters can look good) commuter that goes as good as it looks and doesn't scimp on any practicalities you'd expect from a scooter.

In 2021 this bike was replaced by the 2021-on Yamaha NMax 125.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Nmax is quite a physically small bike, and as such feels quite nimble without feeling too skittish over bumps. It's a well balanced machine which provides plenty of confidence to lean it all the way over until the bodywork touches down. It does crash a little over larger bumps, but most bikes and scooters of this weight struggle to cope with bumps as well as their hevaier cousins.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The NMax is the first scooter to come with variable valve timing, which shifts between two different intake cam lobes depending on the engine speed. This results in good performance away from the lights, and when the system chimes in at 6000rpm, a gradual, smooth increase in performance. Yamaha claim a top speed of 62mph, although we saw 67 on the speedo sat bolt upright.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Quality-wise the NMax feels as you'd expect, there's no cheapness anywhere on the bike and it's one of the most stylish scooters on the market.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

At £2,599 the Yamaha isn't the cheapest scooter out there, but it is £100 cheaper than the best-selling Honda PCX125 and it performs better, too.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Variable valve timing is a first on a 125cc scooter, as is ABS as standard. That's about your lot when it comes to toys, but you can fit a full face helmet under the seat and there are two pockets on the inside of the leg shield for small items.

Specs

Engine size 125cc
Engine type single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valves
Frame type Tubular steel spine
Fuel capacity 6.6 litres
Seat height 765mm
Bike weight 127kg
Front suspension 100mm, telescopic forks
Rear suspension 90mm dual shocks
Front brake 230mm single disc
Rear brake 230mm single disc
Front tyre size 110/70-13
Rear tyre size 130/70-13

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 97 mpg
Annual road tax £25
Annual service cost £170
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term -

Top speed & performance

Max power 12 bhp
Max torque 8 ft-lb
Top speed 68 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 145 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA NMAX 125 (2015 - 2021)

5 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA NMAX 125 (2015 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA NMAX 125 (2015 - 2021)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.4 out of 5 (3.4/5)
Equipment: 3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
5 out of 5
01 July 2024 by Sam

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

This scooter is the best I've ever had. It is powerful for a 125cc. Nearly 70mph ! Fuel economy is excellent 120 mpg !! Brakes work well and the abs is a huge advantage on this! Everything about this bike is near perfect , however I do have 2 negatives about this bike . 1 is the mirrors I think are a little bit too small and 2nd is the suspension is a bit harsh , when you go over a bump you will deffo feel it but If owned for a while you will get used to it . But apart from that this bike is fantastic would deffo recommend this bike to anyone .

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is overall very good light agile very good on bends however suspension a little harsh so try to avoid potholes ! Brakes are excellent especially the rear brake as rear brake seems to be stronger than the front brake .

Engine 5 out of 5

Best engine ever !!! Owned an nmax for 5 years and not 1 problem.mpg fuel 120mpg if ridden steady performance excellent very strong acceleration with vvt which helps a lot

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The nmax is very reliable . I have had an nmax for 5 years and not had a single problem with it seems to be immortal . 1 negative though it can easily rust over time so try not to get it too wet !

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Very reasonable priced considering there very reliabl e . Annual service cost about £200 which is the average cost of a 125 scooter

Equipment 3 out of 5

Can fit 1 full face helmet in underseat storage but have to put it in upside down which shouldn't be a problem does have a small pocket underneath at the front of the bike enough for a drink bottle in it .

5 out of 5
19 March 2017 by Charlie Parkes

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £150

Great little bike, fast of the mark for a 125, build quality is good and it is very cheap to run and insure. less than £7 to fill up and will easily do 125 miles with me being heavy handed.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is a decent all round bike. I have gone on motorways to heavy city traffic in London, to country roads.Sitting on it all day it does eventually get a little uncomfortable, but this is normal when you have been riding all day. Brakes are sharp and with ABS in the rain this will be a big help if wheels lock.

Engine 5 out of 5

For a 125 is has all the power you need. It is faster than the PCX off the mark. It has a decent sound to it as well for a 125.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never had a problem, and it still looks like new almost 3 years after purchase. Time can only tell, but from what it is now, I think it will last.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

As I have said day to day running cost are very low, however the services are going to be a little expensive as they do a lot of time consuming things.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Only 125 I know that comes with ABS as standard, the under seat storage fits a full face helmet (upside down, which is a little tight) but there is room around your helmet for other things as well.

4 out of 5 Yamaha NMax 125cc (2015) You won't be disappointed
21 September 2016 by Simon G

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £150

This commuter scooter is pretty good for the price. You get a decent bike, it's nippy at the lights and its small profile makes it a breeze to filter in traffic. However, the under seat storage is tight for a full face helmet and it could do with a bigger fuel tank. The auto shut-off when you put the kick stand down is a good feature

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The ride quality is absolutely fine for commuting where you are on the bike for an hour and generally not going over 40 mph. It's very manoeuvrable. After that, the standard seat can start to be a bit uncomfortable if you're on the bike for 2 hours or more, especially when it's a hot day. At speed you start to feel the bumps, especially if you manage to find a pothole! The low centre of gravity makes cornering fine, though it's my first bike and I haven't had the confidence to lean it right over in the wet. The ABS is astounding and has definitely saved my bacon a couple of times when the odd pedestrian has decided to sprint across between parked cars and I've had to slap on the anchors.

Engine 5 out of 5

For a 125cc the Nmax is quite punchy and at the traffic lights and junctions you soon leave most vehicles standing. The Nmax powers quite smoothly up to 50 and there is a satisfying grunt from the exhaust. I've taken the bike to 65mph but sat in the bolt upright position it's not comfortable, though the bike doesn't seem to struggle at this speed. It's a lovely ride if you take it out on country roads on a Sunday afternoon in the summer. My biggest niggle is the size of the fuel tank. It only takes 7 litres of unleaded and you soon find yourself glancing at the digital fuel gauge thinking that you may have to fill up soon. I commute 20 miles a day into and out of London and a full tank lasts almost exactly 5 days with heavy commuter traffic. I'd prefer an 11 litre tank. After a year of biking on the NMax and being regularly overtaken by proper motorcycles I'm upgrading to the TMax 530cc. Stay tuned for another riveting review.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I've driven this for a year and it's started every time except once when it was particularly cold and wet - and it had been in the garage over night so that was a pain. I left it for 5 mins and tried again and it was fine. I have not seen any corrosion and nothing has failed yet.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Servicing in the first year is more expensive as you have to have an oil change after the first 600 miles but after that it's average. Next oil change is around 3500 miles (which comes around very quickly).

Equipment 4 out of 5

The NMax has a front side pocket that's quite deep and you can put your phone in there without worrying about it jumping out over a bump. But I've left my phone in there so many times now I don't use it any more. The under seat storage is tight and will fit one full face helmet and that's about it. If you want to store rain gear then you'll have to get a top box. Yamaha's OEM stuff is very pricey and I ended up getting a Givi 35ltr and fitting kit online for £50 and spent 30 mins fitting it myself. The digital readout is fine and is permanently lit so if you go in a dark tunnel you'll notice it already on. To change anything using the buttons e.g. from Kmh to Mph or the time is a bit of a performance but do-able. the fuel gauge can have a mind of it's own. It starts with 5 or 6 bars and works it's way down as you run out of fuel. When you get down to 2 bars it starts to get variable readings, it will have 2 bars then go up to 3 and stay there for a day. The next time you start it it will be on one bar.

Buying experience: I bought the bike for £2700 from a Yamaha dealer in Harlow and he was a top chap. I managed to get finance quite easily and he threw in a helmet and some protective gear for less than half price. There was no pressure to buy. Also, the Yamaha's really seem to hold their re-sale value.

4 out of 5 Quick 125cc with a few niggles
22 March 2016 by Khan

Version: Uk

Year: 2015

Good speed and bad suspension.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brakes are solid and abs is good. Suspension is basic and you feel jolts when you go over a pothole. Small tires don't help either.

Engine 5 out of 5

Good solid engine, top speed around 66mph. I saw 75mph going downhill. wind does have an effect on the speed.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Side panels cracked easily when dropped off side stand.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Achieving between 96mpg and 106mpg. First service is £50 but after that it goes very expensive due to high Labour costs because of intensive work needing to be done properly to keep the warranty intact.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Full face helmet fits under the seat. open compartment below brake lever but not lockable.

Buying experience: Good customer service from Yamaha dealer. Paid £2499

2 out of 5 beware of service costs
13 March 2016 by alex

Year: 2015

Everything fine until is time for service! Yamaha made it in a clever way... they want this little scooter to be serviced at 3500 miles intervals and valve clearances checked/adjusted on every service interval along many other time consuming checks... What's all this about? I understand that Yamaha want to maintain their bikes and i like the build quality, but this is extreme . All internet is full with good comments and reviews about this scooter, and everything is made to beat the little PCX but no one read the service booklet probably. If taken to Yamaha dealers will they really do all this checks? I run a small motorcycle workshop in London and have a customer with one of these bikes who wants to service his scooter with me but if i do everything as Yamaha states in the service/owner manual this customer will never come back to us due to higher labour costs and probably will service his scooter in other places which will charge less, but not do all the work stated by Yamaha and obviously he will loose warranty. Absolutely not a good way to sell a vehicle! Build quality ok but no customer after care. From this point of view Honda will beat this little scoot big time!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 2 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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