Indonesia was the first to receive the
updated 2020 Yamaha NMax last December, and it is now Thailand’s turn. Both
countries are the two largest markets for two-wheelers in Southeast Asia, and
the release of the Yamaha NMax in both countries gives us a chance to compare
specifications and differences.
While outwardly resembling the outgoing
model, this year’s NMax comes with all new body panels as well as headlight
that now feature LED DRLs. Up front the windshield is slightly more curved
while the turn signals are now smaller, matched with the rear LED split tail
lights in the style of the bigger XMax 250.
What is attractive about the NMax in the
small displacement scooter category is the riding coveniences. For the Indonesia
version, the Nmax comes with idle start-stop, smart motor generator, traction
control, keyless start, along with smartphone connectivity and the Yamaha
Y-Connect app that offers call and message functionalities, as well as GPS
navigation.
ABS is also added to the mix for the
Indonesia NMax, although the Yamaha catalogue in our ASEAN neighbour also
offers a base version that omits all these features. As for Thailand, only one
version offered in the Land of Smiles, equipped with ABS and priced at 85,900
baht (US$ 2,635).
While ABS is included, the Thai-bound NMax
deletes traction control, keyless start and Y-Connect functionality in the
interest of keeping costs down. Aside from that, the rear shock absorbers omit
the gas reservoir, which is the same specification as the non-ABS Indonesia
model.
The engine for the 2020 Yamaha NMax is
carried over from the previous model, a single-cylinder SOHC, VVA unti
displacing 155 cc. Power output is claimed to be 14.9 hp at 8,000 rpm and there
is 14.4 Nm of torque available at 6,000 rpm with fuel carried in a 6.6 litre
tank.
