2020 Yamaha NMax 155 Maxi-scooter Launched In Thailand

The Thai-spec model gives a fair indication of what the India-bound scooter will be like

• The model sold in Thailand lacks a couple of features compared to its Indonesian counterpart.
• It misses out on traction control, smartphone connectivity and gas-charged rear suspension.
• The scooter is priced at an equivalent of around Rs 2 lakh. 

Yamaha Thailand has launched the 2020 NMax 155 maxi-scooter in the country at THB 85,900. This translates to around Rs 2 lakh. Interestingly, compared to the Indonesian-spec version, the model sold in Thailand misses some important features, likely in a bid to keep costs in check. 

The Thailand-spec model is available only in one variant (ABS) whereas the one sold in Indonesia is available in both ABS and non-ABS versions. Apart from dual-channel ABS, the top-end model in Indonesia gets smartphone connectivity, traction control and Smart Key System (keyless ignition). On the other hand, the maxi-scooter sold in Thailand lacks traction control system and smartphone connectivity. It also misses out on gas-charged dual rear shock absorbers and features a traditional set of springs instead. However, the Smart Key System is present and so is the dual-channel ABS. 

The rest of the features have been carried over. This includes an apron-mounted USB port, Start Stop System with Smart Motor Generator (used to ensure the engine starts silently and quickly), all-LED lighting system and a fully digital instrument cluster.

The scooter employs the same telescopic front forks as the Indonesian model. Brakes include disc on both ends and the 13-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with 110-section front and 130-section rear tubeless tyres. The 155cc single-cylinder SOHC liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) produces the same output as the Indonesian-spec scooter: 15.3PS at 8000rpm and 13.9Nm at 6500rpm. It works alongside an automatic transmission. To give you a perspective, its sibling, the India-spec Yamaha R15 V3.0 BS6 produces 18.6PS at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 8500rpm.

Yamaha initially had plans to launch the NMax 155 in India last year. But due to stricter emission norms and other fast-changing developments, the plan was put on the backburner. The Japanese brand is likely to launch the 2020 NMax 155 in India, but expect it to happen only after the market stabilises once the coronavirus pandemic dials down and things are somewhat back to normal. It is likely to be the same Thailand-spec model so that the pricing is competitive enough for our cost-conscious market. When launched, it will be the most powerful 150cc scooter in India.