Yamaha NMax first ride - MOTOR GERR

Yamaha's new NMax is the newest to sign up for the 'Max' circle of relatives of scooters, however it is not a sporty activity just like the T-Max or X-Max. It does have variable valve timing (a primary for a scooter) however in point of fact it is a extra good/sensible tackle 125cc city delivery, with the added bonus of same old ABS. Again, that is a primary for a 125 scooter.

VVA (variable valve actuation) does not right away make this a cut-price Ducati Testastretta DVT. The NMax makes use of a easy two cam lobe machine that switches between high and low engine pace lobes at 6000rpm.

But it does seem to paintings, giving punchy acceleration from low speeds, the facility steadily development with pace. It's definitely fast sufficient for the city streets this scooter is designed for. Yamaha declare a best pace of 100km/h (62mph) which is lovely modest for a 12bhp 125. We did not get the risk to test that, however would not be shocked it proves just a little quicker.

But to be fair, the USP of this scooter, for this type of first-time consumers Yamaha is aiming at, is the anti-lock brakes. They're now not connected, however labored smartly at the dry however cobbled backstreets of Lisbon, the place Yamaha introduced the scooter. They upload a component of safety, which any amateur commuter will welcome.

The NMax handles lovely smartly too – the suspension is not anything particular, however 13-inch wheels and a longish wheelbase make it nippy sufficient with out being twitchy. It can slip thru gaps and spherical corners comfortably, simply what you wish to have from two-wheeled town delivery.

It will have to be affordable to run too – Yamaha declare 107mpg (we controlled 108) with servicing at 4000 miles – and at £2599 it undercuts the best-selling Honda PCX via 100 quid. The Honda has forestall/get started and makes use of much less gasoline, however does not have ABS or variable valve timing. The NMax can be in Yamaha sellers on the finish of this month.

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