Yamaha NMAX 155 Review – The Best Urban Scooter in Australia?
Looking for a fuel-efficient, feature-packed, and reliable scooter that’s perfect for Aussie city streets and light highways? The Yamaha NMAX 155 might be your answer.
We spent six months testing the NMAX 155 on urban commutes, highway trips, and daily errands—this is the real-world review you need before buying.
Why the Yamaha NMAX 155 Is a Popular Choice in Australia
The Yamaha NMAX 155 combines big-scooter comfort with a compact footprint, making it an ideal choice for:
- Daily commuters in city traffic
- New riders or returning riders
- Light touring with solid highway performance
- Anyone wanting a low-cost, low-maintenance runaround
Yamaha NMAX 155: Key Australian Specs
Specification | Detail |
Engine | 155cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, VVA |
Power Output | 11.1kW @ 8000rpm |
Torque | 14.4Nm @ 6000rpm |
Transmission | V-Belt Automatic (CVT) |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.1L |
Fuel Consumption | 2L/100km (urban), up to 6L/100km (highway) |
Brakes | 230mm discs front and rear, ABS |
Tyres | 110/70-13 front, 130/70-13 rear |
Wheels | 13-inch alloy |
Wet Weight | 127kg |
Seat Height | 765mm |
Electronics | LCD dash, ABS, Traction Control, Smart Key |
Price (AUD) | $6,249 Ride Away |
Warranty | 12-month, unlimited kilometre |
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What We Loved About the Yamaha NMAX 155
- Surprisingly Strong Performance
- Comfortably sits at 100–110km/h
- Handles inclines with moderate slowdown (~95km/h on steep hills)
- Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) gives solid mid-range power.
- Outstanding City Convenience
- Fits into tight parking spaces with ease
- Effortless low-speed handling
- Underseat storage fits a full-face helmet and bag.g
- Practical Tech for Everyday USA e
- 12V outlet is handy for phone charging
- Intelligent Key system makes start-up seamless.
- Digital dash with Yamaha Communication Control Unit (YCCU)
- Traction Control System for extra peace of mind
Long-Term Riding Experience in Australia
Over six months and 1,000 km++ of varied riding, the NMAX proved its worth:
- Great for short trips (1–5km) around town
- Easy storage at the station, plus helmet + laptop under the seat
- Took a passenger comfortably on occasion
- Braking improved with aftermarket SBS brake pads—a worthy upgrade
Even on longer trips (100 km+), the NMAX didn’t feel out of its depth. It maintained 110km/h on flats and felt stable and secure, though wind protection could be better.
The Truth: Where the Yamaha NMAX 155 Falls Short
No scooter is perfect, and here’s where the NMAX could improve:
- Highway Efficiency Drops Quickly
- Full throttle highway use pushed fuel usage to 6L/100km
It’s a big jump compared to 2L/100km in the city. - Not ideal for daily long-distance freeway use
- Wind Protection is Limited
- At highway speeds, buffeting is noticeable.
- Consider an aftermarket screen if you do longer rides
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- Price is Higher Than Some Rivals
- At AUD 6,249, it’s about $850 more than the Honda PCX160
- You do get more tech (ABS front and rear, TCS), but it may not suit tight budgets
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Comparison: Yamaha NMAX 155 vs Honda PCX160
Feature | Yamaha NMAX 155 | Honda PCX160 |
Price (AUD) | $6,249 Ride Away | ~$5,399 Ride Away |
Rear Brake | Disc with ABS | Drum |
Top Speed | ~115km/h | ~110km/h |
Fuel Efficiency | ~2L/100km city | ~2.2L/100km city |
Fuel Use Highway | Up to 6L/100km | ~4–5L/100km |
Storage | Excellent | Excellent |
Tech Features | ABS x2, TCS, Smart Key | USB, Smart Key |
Final Verdict – Is the Yamaha NMAX 155 Worth Buying in Australia?
If you’re after a premium, commuter-focused scooter that’s easy to ride, reliable, and packed with innovative features, the Yamaha NMAX 155 is a top-tier choice.
It’s:
- Fast enough for light highway use
- Comfortable and safe for daily city riding
- Packed with features that most competitors don’t offer at this price
It’s not the cheapest, and if you plan to do a lot of open road travel, you’ll need to accept the fuel penalty. But for anyone living in or around an Australian city, the NMAX 155 offers unmatched performance and value in the small-capacity scooter category.
Q&A – Yamaha Nmax155
Is the Yamaha NMAX 155 good for Australian roads?
Yes, it’s ideal for city commuting and can handle highway speeds.
What is the top speed of the Yamaha NMAX 155?
Around 115km/h, enough for light highway use in Australia.
How fuel-efficient is the NMAX 155?
Around 2L/100km in the city, up to 6L/100km on full-throttle highways.
How much is the Yamaha NMAX 155 in Australia?
Approximately $6,249 AUD Ride Away with a 12-month warranty.