Yamaha NMAX 125 2023 — Specifications

Four thousand euros for a 125cc scooter — that's an entry ticket that's starting to sting. So what does the 2023 Yamaha NMAX 125 bring to the table to justify its new price against competition that never sleeps, with the Honda PCX 125 leading the pack? The answer comes down to one word: equipment. Where others settle for the bare minimum, Yamaha stacks the arguments with Bluetooth connectivity via its CCU communication hub, dual-channel ABS, and a level of finish that sets it apart from the run-of-the-mill urban scooters. The design is sharp, angular, almost aggressive for the category. You either love it or you don't, but you won't mistake the NMAX for anything else in a parking lot.

Under the bodywork, the 125cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine puts out 12.2 horsepower at 8,000 rpm with 11.2 Nm of torque peaking at 6,000 rpm. Nothing earth-shattering on paper, but it's the engine character that makes the difference. The four-valve head and 11.2:1 compression ratio deliver a crisp throttle response, enough to pull away from traffic lights without dawdling. The automatic CVT belt transmission does its job discreetly, and the claimed fuel consumption of 2.2 liters per hundred kilometers gives the 7.1-liter tank a very decent range for daily use. Around town, it does exactly what you ask of it: hassle-free efficiency.

The underbone-type chassis features a telescopic fork up front and a single rear shock on a swingarm at the back. The combination works honestly on urban tarmac, soaking up road joints without harshness, even if long stretches of cobblestones quickly remind you of the limits of suspension travel calibrated for city riding. The 13-inch wheels, fitted with 110/70 tires at the front and 130/70 at the rear, bring a welcome boost in stability compared to the 12-inch wheels on some rivals. Braking is handled by two discs with hydraulic ABS, and it inspires confidence: bite is progressive, lever feel well-judged. For a scooter weighing 131 kg wet, the NMAX proves nimble through tight traffic sequences, with a 765 mm seat height that suits most rider builds.

When it comes to the inevitable Yamaha NMAX 125 vs Honda PCX 125 showdown, the choice often boils down to a matter of temperament. The PCX plays the plush comfort and silence card; the NMAX favors dynamism and connectivity. Both are equally reliable, but the Yamaha appeals more to riders who want a bit of character in their daily commute. The used market is packed with 2021 or 2019 NMAX 125 models at attractive prices, proof that the model sells well and holds its value. For those buying new, the Yamaha NMAX 125 accessories catalog lets you customize the machine to your needs: a windscreen or tall screen for rainy days, a passenger backrest for weekend rides as a duo, or a sport exhaust for those who want to bring out the little engine's personality.

The 2023 Yamaha NMAX 125 doesn't revolutionize the segment, but it ticks every box with conviction. It's the scooter for the demanding urban rider, the one who refuses to sacrifice riding pleasure at the altar of rock-bottom pricing. At 3,999 euros, it sits at the top end of the 125cc automatic transmission range, and user reviews broadly confirm this impression of above-average quality. If your budget is tighter, a used 2021 NMAX 125 remains an excellent choice. But bought new, it's hard to fault it for much — except perhaps the lack of a top speed indicator to satisfy the curiosity of the more playful riders.