Yamaha has been flirting with the idea of bringing the Nmax 155 maxi-scooter to India for quite some time and it even showcased the scooter at the 2024 Auto Expo. However, it seems that this wait is finally at an end for our sister publication, Autocar Professional, has now learnt that this scooter is likely to be launched by next year.
- NMax weighs 136kg, has a low 770mm seat height
- Uses 13-inch wheels, has dual-channel ABS, TFT display
- Expected to be priced above Aerox (Rs 1.43 lakh - Rs 1.46 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Nmax 155 looks very different to the Aerox but underneath the expansive bodywork, both scooters are rather similar. For instance, the 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 15hp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of torque at 6,500rpm is shared between both. Considering both scooters use the same engine and the Aerox is already E20 compatible, expect the NMax to follow suit too.
Like the Aerox, the NMax too uses an underbone frame with a prominent spine section so there will be no storage space on the floorboard. At 25 litres, the NMax’s underseat storage is ever so slightly larger than the Aerox’s 24.5 litre boot and is larger than even the Hero Xoom 160’s 22 litre unit.
Also like the Aerox, the NMax too uses a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers (F/R) for suspension duties with 100mm/91mm (F/R) of travel available. The rear shocks on the NMax are gas-charged and aren’t shared with the Aerox. Hopefully, one way the NMax differs from its sporty sibling is that it offers better ride comfort but we’ll have to wait and watch before commenting on that.
Also unlike the Aerox which uses 14-inch wheels at both ends, the NMax uses smaller 13-inch units. The NMax’s specifications are also quite different to the Aerox and both are likely to differ quite a bit in terms of size. The NMax has a lower 770mm seat height (790mm perch on the Aerox), a shorter 1340mm wheelbase (compared to the Aerox’s 1350mm) and Yamaha’s EU website lists its minimum ground clearance at 125mm (whereas the Aerox has a higher 145mm available).
Do not be alarmed by reading the ground clearance number as this is likely to be a laden measurement. A similar number was quoted by Yamaha officials at the XSR155’s launch but that bike has no issues tackling poor road conditions. With its 7.1 litre fuel tank brimmed, the NMax weighs 135kg, which makes it nearly 10 kg heavier than the Aerox, although it has a smaller 5.5 litre tank.
Another area where the NMax differs from the India-spec Aerox is that it uses a rear disc brake and also comes with dual-channel ABS in export markets. The NMax is a feature-rich machine and comes with a Bluetooth-compatible 4.2-inch colour TFT display, keyless ignition, all-LED lighting, a quick-on-its-feet fuel-saving start/stop tech and two cubbies on the front apron - an open one on the left and an enclosed one on the right. It remains to be seen if Yamaha makes certain omissions for the Indian market to keep costs in check.
We have learnt that Yamaha Motor India is actively working to bring the NMax 155 to our market by next year and when it does, expect it to cost more than the Aerox (Rs 1.43 lakh - Rs 1.46 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) considering the added equipment, features and space on offer.
When Yamaha brought the Aerox 155 to India five years ago, this sporty maxi-scooter went against the odds and carved out its niche in the market. Even today, it continues to sell in good numbers, despite some obvious shortcomings in the Indian context. Considering that on paper the NMax 155 seems like a better fit for our market, you can expect it to find a similar number of takers. Whether it eats into the sales numbers of its sporty sibling is something only time will tell.
With inputs from KETAN THAKKAR
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
