The Yamaha NMAX 125 may at first glance look much like many other scooters, but the launch of this significantly updated version for 2025 is big news. First launched in 2014 and most recently updated in 2021, the NMAX was the UK’s best-selling 125cc scooter – a category, also contested by Honda’s equally successful PCX125, which is hugely popular for its combination of licence accessibility (over-17s qualify with merely a CBT certificate), affordability and practicality. As well as topping the 125cc scooter category it was also the UK’s best-selling powered two-wheeler.
So, this seriously updated 2025 version is a big deal. It gets a sporty re-style more aligned with the rest of Yamaha’s ‘MAX’ scooter family, which includes the XMAX 125 and 300 and TMAX 560, becomes Euro5+ compliant and is actually cheaper than before. And, if all that’s not enough, there’s also now a more upmarket ‘Tech Max’ version, with TFT dash and extra quality touches, for just £300 more.
The NMAX’s liquid-cooled, four-stroke single was already extremely efficient and economical, and that hasn’t changed with the slight modifications it’s now received to comply with Euro5+ (an extra O2 sensor) plus minor revisions to the crank and elsewhere to aid longevity. Power and torque are unchanged at 12 bhp and 8.2lb-ft respectively which, while not quite up to the 15bhp allowed under the A1 class regulation, is certainly adequate. There’s enough oomph to keep up with dual carriageway traffic; it’s nippy and effective at town speeds, while the useful ‘stop-start’ function helps return fuel economy of well over 100mpg. Its braking is unchanged, too, with a 230mm disc and single-piston caliper front and rear which, independently, seem a little weak but used together are more than adequate.
Chassis changes are few, too – but then, as there wasn’t much wrong with the old one, there probably didn’t need to be. The forks get new springs along with a tweak to the oil ways, while at the rear, the twin rear shocks are now 5mm longer for a plusher ride. The right-hand shock now also boasts a hand-adjustable preload adjuster and locking sleeve, where before a C-spanner was required. In reality, those changes are barely noticeable, the NMAX’s ride and handling is comfortable and reasonably nimble without being particularly sophisticated or sporty and, unless you ride really hard, you’ll have few complaints.
Despite the sporty restyle, the NMAX 125 retains a cute sit up and beg riding position with footboards, fairly narrow flat handlebars and a small screen which is typical of this breed. For its intended use as a commuter and round town runabout it’s fine, if a little ‘dinky’ for taller riders. It’s very easy to get on with, comfy and nimble and light (although 1kg heavier than before) and ridiculously manageable. Its seat height, at 770mm, is actually 5mm taller than before thanks to those slightly longer rear shocks, but you’ll struggle to notice. And if the stubby sport screen is insufficient, a taller touring version is available as an optional extra.
If you’re after an affordable, economical, easy-to-use commuter that can be ridden on an A1 licence (ie, you only need a CBT certificate to be able to ride one for two years), they don’t come much more practical than a 125cc scooter, and with the old NMAX 125 already proving a best seller, that’s probably the best validation you can get for it being practical. This new version has lost nothing, but gained appeal. It’s easy to ride, cheap to run, manageable, has sufficient performance, can carry luggage and, as economical, effective transport, they probably don’t come any better.
A key element of the old NMAX’s appeal was not only its role as an affordable and practical 125 scooter with a desirable badge, but the fact it came with a few premium touches such as ‘stop-start’ and keyless ignition. This new version may, essentially, still be fairly basic, but its premium appeal, mostly thanks to the new styling, is ramped up even more. But Yamaha’s real masterstroke for 2025 is its decision to supplement the ‘base’ NMAX alongside a higher spec ‘Tech Max’ variant (as already offered with Yamaha’s XMAX and TMAX models), which gets a dual TFT/LCD dash in place of the base bike’s smaller LCD, built in sat-nav, more luxurious seat with contrasting stitching and posher paint finishes – and all for just £300 more. It’s a strategy, interestingly, which Honda is also taking with its perennially popular PCX’s 2025 update as well. Despite being more expensive, Yamaha UK expect the posher NMAX to be more popular than the base version, in a ratio of 70/30, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised…
Talking of costs, it’s usual for new models or updates to be priced at a premium compared to the outgoing version, so the simple fact that the new NMAX 125 is not only fresher and better than the old, yet is also actually cheaper, by £170, makes it something of a ‘no brainer’. Nor does it end there. With Yamaha now also offering the ‘Tech Max’ variant there is now also the option of bagging a smarter, more luxurious version for just £300 more.
In basic terms, the NMAX 125 was already one of the best, most appealing, most practical 125cc scooters available. It’s stylish, easy to ride, versatile, has good manners and enjoys decent practicality by way of its underseat storage and so on. None of that’s changed and yet all of it was validated by the simple fact that the old version was already a UK best seller. This new version loses none of that, adds extra style, a few more practical touches (for example the manually adjustable rear shocks) and, as we’ve mentioned several times, actually costs less. Along with the PCX, it will undoubtedly remain a huge seller in 2025.
2025 Yamaha NMAX 125 Specification
Price: From £3600
Engine: 125cc single, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 12bhp (9kW) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 11.2Nm (8.2lb-ft) @ 6000rpm
Transmission: V-belt automatic
Frame: Tubular steel
Suspension: (F) Telescopic forks, (R) preload adjustable twin shocks.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 13”/13”
Tyres: (F) 110/70 x 13, (R) 130/70 x 13
Brakes: (F) 230mm disc, single-piston caliper, (R) 230mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS as standard equipment
Weight: 132kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,340mm
Seat height: 770mm
Fuel tank: 7.1 litres
Fuel consumption: 128mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 3500 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/home/
Words: Phil West
Photos: Yamaha
