Yamaha NMAX 125 Test 2025

Within Yamaha, there's a real upgrade for the NMAX. Previously positioned among the entry-level models of Urban Mobility, it will ascend to the Sport Scooters category in 2025 - placing it on the same level as its siblings, the XMAX and TMAX.

The Yamaha NMAX 125 and the new premium variant NMAX 125 Tech MAX are set to debut in 2025 with revamped design, enhanced features, and modern technologies. Both models boast a EURO5+ engine with Yamaha's Blue Core technology, a start-stop system for fuel savings, and comprehensive safety features such as ABS, traction control, and 230-mm disc brakes. A new 4.2-inch LCD display in the base model shows smartphone notifications, while the Tech MAX comes equipped with a colored TFT display, Garmin navigation, Bluetooth functions, and a seat with leather-look and suede accents. Improved ergonomics, practical storage space, and a Yamaha Smart Key system complete the package. The NMAX 125 will be available in Austria from February 2025 starting at 3,599 Euros, with the Tech MAX following in May for 3,899 Euros.

In our test, however, everything revolves around the standard model NMAX. Unfortunately, the Tech MAX was not available in sufficient quantities at the time of testing.

In the lineage of the MAX family, the NMAX has always been the affordable entry point, which will not change at least in terms of the price tag. Only its Urban Mobility cousins, the D'elight and RayZR, are available for even less money, but they do not belong to the prestigious Yamaha Sport Scooters.

The shy appearance of the NMAX is a thing of the past, as in 2025, the turtleneck sweater was swapped for a leather jacket. The new front with LED signature and central headlight echoes the design language of Yamaha motorcycles, while the rear, also featuring new LED components and separately integrated LED indicators, brings a fresh breeze to the Yamaha scooter category. This makes the scooter appear significantly more modern and premium than before. The previously refreshed 2021 model was starting to look somewhat outdated and cheap. In fact, the new NMAX visually poses a real threat to its bigger and more expensive sibling, the XMAX 125...

The danger dissipates, however, when you look under the seat. The storage space, which is roughly on par with the competition, reveals the more compact vehicle class. A full-face helmet fits under the seat, although it's recommended to test during a test ride whether your own helmet really fits underneath. Additionally, the leg shield features two glove compartments - one open with a USB-C connection and one closed. For urban everyday life, the NMAX 125 proves to be practical enough, especially since a keyless-go system is installed as standard, and the accessories offer further luggage solutions like a top case and comfort components such as a high windshield.

If you want the MAX-imum in features, you have to go for the Tech MAX variant. Unfortunately, it was not yet available in sufficient numbers for us to test. Therefore, our test ride took place on the standard model. This one stands out with its connectivity-enabled LC display, which is more readable than that of its predecessor. Nevertheless, the display could be brighter to allow for stronger contrasts and thus better legibility. The view to the rear could also be improved. The rearview mirrors are a tad too small and mounted too low - so you mostly get to look at your own arms.

Yamaha knows its target audience: beginners and delivery services. Therefore, the NMAX must remain easy to operate. It certainly achieves this goal. The seat height of 770 mm is now 5 mm higher than its predecessor, resulting from the extension of the rear suspension travel - aimed at providing more comfort. Nevertheless, most riders should find a secure footing without any issues. Additionally, the new Yamaha NMAX weighs only 132 kilograms, which contributes to easy handling when stationary. Only riders with long legs should check the space conditions during a test ride. With the handlebars fully turned, they might potentially touch the legs.

As a classic city scooter, the morning rush hour in Barcelona proved to be the perfect testing ground. More than half the time, you're weaving between cars and trucks, penetrating the congested traffic. Thanks to its low center of gravity and a very upright and commanding seating position, you can place the NMAX exactly where you want it. Its slim design turns even the tightest gaps into a path to your destination, spreading a strong sense of superiority. The ABS-supported brakes also provide just the right feedback to avoid any unwanted contact. The Yamaha NMAX thus conveys ease and makes it the perfect tool for urban traffic.

Yamaha's NMAX is a true global scooter. Sold in over 60 countries, every fourth Yamaha scooter sold is an NMAX, and in the last nine years (since its market launch in 2015), over 160,000 units have been registered. One reason for its success is the drive. The Japanese manufacturer is aware that the technology must be robust so that the NMAX can be taken hard in a 24/7 rhythm.

Thus, the 125 cc esP+ engine has been revised, reinforced, and naturally adapted to the Euro5+ standard for 2025. It offers 12.2 hp and 11.2 Nm of torque, which, according to official data, accelerates the scooter to 99 km/h. However, during our test, we were able to achieve low triple-digit values - absolutely sufficient for everyday urban use. Yamaha promises a consumption of 2.2 l/100km. Unfortunately, we couldn't verify this value during the test, but under normal riding conditions, the stated value seems realistic.

As a sport scooter, the NMAX features a high-mounted frame, resulting in a tall and relatively uncomfortable step-through. While this compromises comfort and practicality, it enhances stability, which is particularly advantageous when commuting on twisty country roads. Here, the NMAX truly delivers riding pleasure, as the components have been appropriately tuned. The revised fork and the manually adjustable preload shocks ensure that the scooter remains firmly planted on the road, despite its small 13-inch tires, with the Dunlop ScootSmart tires contributing their share.

The already praised brakes can also convince with good feedback and sufficient delay even at a brisk pace - even though we're "only" talking about a 230 mm disc at the front and rear. Of course, the NMAX is not aimed at offering uncompromising sportiness, but it doesn't feel completely out of place on twisty roads. Only when it comes to overtaking maneuvers over 70 km/h does the 125cc scooter run out of steam. However, this fate is shared by the entire A1 scooter class.

The range of accessories has been expanded for 2025, allowing you to perfectly equip your NMAX to suit your own needs. If you prefer an easier option, you can choose from one of the four pre-configured packages: Winter, Urban, Sport, or Essential. The online configurator provides the best overview of the packages.

In February 2025, the new Yamaha NMAX will celebrate its market launch and will be available in Austria at a price of €3,599. Prices for Germany and Switzerland are yet to be announced.