THIS Is The Next Yamaha Scooter We’d Like To See In India

The just-launched 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 in Japan gets a bevy of enticing features

• The 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 in Japan gets smartphone connectivity, a cleaner engine with stop-start system, and traction control.
• It costs an equivalent of Rs 7,360 more than the 2020 iteration.
• Also offers better mileage than its predecessor, at 46.9kmpl.

Yamaha has introduced the 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 in Japan. The 2021 iteration of the maxi-scooter is priced at JPY 3,68,500, around Rs 2.46 lakh, making it Rs 7,360 more expensive than the 2020 model. It will be available in the country from June 28, 2021, in four colour options.

For such a small premium, Yamaha has offered a variety of new features. The 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 is powered by a cleaner Euro5-compliant 124cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, churning out 12PS (same as before) and 11Nm (1Nm less than the 2020 model). While it is slightly less torquey, it makes up by being a little more fuel efficient. The 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 returns a claimed mileage of 46.9kmpl, 3.3kmpl more than the 2020 version.

This improvement in mileage could also be partly attributed to the new start-stop system. It even gets switchable traction control, which we think is a bit of an overkill. Like the Yamaha Fascino 125 sold in India, this one too gets a silent starter.

The underbone frame, telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers have been tuned for better comfort. The 2021 model gets two-stage adjustability for the rear suspension. The wheels are also lighter than before. But despite the weight-saving measures, the added tech and emission-restrictive components in the engine have increased the scooter’s kerb weight from 127kg to 131kg. The scooter now gets a new LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, remote key, apart from the already existing features like the large underseat storage and apron-mounted compartments.

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The 2021 Yamaha NMax 125 will be manufactured in Indonesia and exported to Japan. Interestingly, all these features of the maxi scooter are essentially the same as the ones sold in the European market. Instead of the NMax 125, Yamaha had initially planned to bring the bigger-engined NMax 155 to India. However, things have been put on hold due to various factors such as the changing emission norms, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We hope Yamaha brings the scooter in the future, once the market stabilises. But until then, you can drool over the upcoming Yamaha FZ-X, a retro bike based on the Yamaha FZ-S Fi. Here’s everything you need to know about this bike.