2026 Yamaha NMAX 155 TechMAX Scooter Review

Smaller capacity scooters are rarely revolutionary, but that’s exactly the case with the new Yamaha NMAX 155 TechMAX – even if, at first glance, it doesn’t look like it.

Introduced for 2026, it’s a new variant of Yamaha’s hugely successful and popular NMAX 125 but looks virtually identical.

First, it’s in the top spec ‘TechMAX’ trim, which basically means fancy colours, a TFT, not an LCD, dash and premium seat. Second, and probably equally obvious, its capacity has been increased from 124 to 155 cc. But it’s the third difference that’s the most compelling and interesting. 

The new NMAX 155 TechMAX also sees the introduction of Yamaha’s new YECVT (Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission), which both provides two riding modes, Sport or Town, at the push of a button AND has a new ‘Downshift’ function, activated by an extra thumb-operated lever on the left switchpod which then activates two levels of stronger acceleration (or deceleration) when applied.

We took a half-day ride on the new bike, as loaned by Yamaha UK’s press department, around Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, to see how it measures up…

The machine the new NMAX 155 Tech MAX is based on, ie the NMAX 125, is completely familiar.

First launched in 2014, it was then improved in 2021, became the UK’s best-selling powered two-wheeler in 2024 for its combination of commuter efficiency, smart style and value, and for 2025 gained a sporty re-style and became Euro5+ compliant. That year also saw a new, more premium ‘TechMax’ version, with TFT screen etc, for £300 extra.

The new NMAX 155 Tech MAX is based on the latter, gains 31cc and, crucially, the new YECVT transmission to be a high-specification, stronger-performing machine aimed at riders who want to step up from a 125 but retain all the benefits of the lightweight category.

As such, it has two riding modes available at the press of a button, Town and Sport, the latter with increased throttle sharpness and acceleration, while it also gains a new ‘Shift’ button which delivers stronger acceleration when pressed and can also be used to increase engine braking during deceleration.

The new NMAX 155 TechMAX costs £4152 at launch compared to the £3951 of the NMAX 125 TechMAX.

That’s an increase of just £201, which is pretty good value considering the extra performance and fun factor it delivers. For context, the base NMAX 125 is currently £3701 while the most popular rival, Honda’s PCX125, is £3549.

There’s no directly comparable 155cc scooter available in the UK, although it’s probably worth noting that Yamaha’s A2 XMAX 300 starts at £6,502. 

As with all current Yamahas, the NMAX 155 TechMAX is currently available now from Yamaha’s extensive UK-wide range of dealers, which numbers around 170, ranging from standard authorized service and parts agents to elite Premier and GYTR Pro Shops.

You can search for the closest official shop by using the Yamaha Motor Europe Dealer Locator.

For full info, go to the Yamaha UK website.

The base engine used in the NMAX 125 TechMax was already one of the most advanced in the category, being a liquid-cooled 124cc four-valve single with variable valve actuation and stop-start technology to not only be one of the best performing in the class but also one of the most frugal.

Apart from the boost in capacity to 155cc, the key difference with the new 155 is the YECVT (Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission) system, which, without going into too much detail, uses a couple of servo (electrical) motors to reconfigure the transmission according to the mode selected.

This also further reconfigures with use of the Shift button.

It works, too. Although when riding at first in Town mode all seems familiar and a little different to the premium NMAX 125 TechMAX (for that we’d have to do a true back-to-back test), with better-than-typical 125-class performance and ease, shifting into Sport with a prod of the button followed by a ‘throttle off’ unleashes a significant, notable increase in acceleration. It’s truly entertaining and does remind me of riding modes on a motorcycle.

In Sport, the transmission ratio is reduced significantly in order to achieve higher rpm for faster acceleration – while in Town the rpm is lower for a more laid-back ride.

For example, when running at 40mph while accelerating, the rpm in Sport mode is 6,000 rpm, while in Town mode it is 5,000 rpm.

Then it gets better still. By also pressing the left-hand ‘Shift’ button, the transmission is recalibrated through three further (but subtle) levels which have the effect of improving acceleration further (useful, for example when overtaking or going up an incline) or, conversely, by increasing engine braking, so aiding slowing down.

It’s all great fun, adding greatly to the appeal of what, otherwise, was a largely conventional ‘twist and go’ scoot.

Away from the engine and underneath the premium TechMAX bodywork, the new 155 is essentially the same as the NMAX 125.

There’s a backbone frame that connects conventional, non-adjustable telescopic forks at the front providing 100mm of travel, with, at the rear, twin remote reservoir rear shocks. Wheels are 13-inch cast alloy designs front and rear fitted with 110/70 and 130/70 tyres respectively with 230mm disc brakes.

Overall dimensions, meanwhile, are on the dinky side of middling, with a 1340mm wheelbase and easily manageable 135kg wet weight, 3kg more than the 125.

As a result, handling-wise, it all feels very familiar – and that’s a good thing.

My route took me from the village of Wansford in Cambridgeshire, down some country roads to Elton, back on a fast A-road to Peterborough, then some ring road dual carriageways before heading back – a mix of everything in fact. And from the outset the NMAX 155 TechMAX felt like a willing puppy of a travelling companion.

Like the 125, it has a typical, ‘cute’, sit-up-and-beg riding position with footboards, fairly narrow flat bars and a small screen. For its intended use as a commuter and round town runabout it’s fine, if a little ‘dinky’ for my 6’2”. It’s all comfy and nimble, light (although 3kg heavier than the 125) and ridiculously manageable. 

Braking is adequate rather than inspiring, too. Both front and rear disc set-ups are unchanged and grasped by a single-piston caliper with ABS assistance. They work OK, but sudden stops require both being employed to the max.

Fancy new transmission and switchgear tweaks to go with aside, the 155 is basically the same as the TechMAX version of the 125, too – and again, that’s no bad thing.

The dual TFT/LCD dash has an air of class, as does the more luxurious seat with contrasting stitching and posher paint finishes. There’s keyless ignition and LED lights and indicators all round, plus a suitably cavernous luggage compartment under the seat for your lid, groceries… or both.

But the star of the equipment show is undoubtedly the YECVT (I repeat: Yamaha Electric Continuously Variable Transmission, got that?), which adds a degree of lustre, performance and, perhaps most of all, bike-style fun that no other small scooter currently has. 

The vertically stacked LED projector headlights provide a decent low and high beam; there are an additional two front pockets on the fairing inner for your phone (one featuring a waterproof lid and USB-C charger) or things you may want to hand, and, colours-wise, the NMAX 155 TechMAX is available either in ‘Crystal Graphite’ or this ‘Midnight Black’.

As for warranty and servicing, the NMAX 155 TechMAX comes with Yamaha’s standard, manufacturer-backed warranty for two years over unlimited mileage from first registration, which covers all parts and labour.

While its recommended service intervals are unchanged, too, with a first ‘break-in’ service due at 500 miles when engine oil and filter are changed, followed by annual routine services or at every 3500 miles, whichever comes first.

We’ve become used to seeing clever automatic and semi-automatic transmissions being introduced on motorcycles, most recently from Yamaha and BMW, which give bikes some of the ‘twist and go’ ease usually associated with scooters.

This, however, is the other way round in being a scooter that has gained something of the modes and sports experience of a motorcycle – and it’s a great addition, especially for its meagre £200 premium.

As a result, the NMAX 125 TechMAX deserves to succeed – although I have my doubts that it will. I don’t criticize its performance at all – it’s a great addition.

But by being 155cc (it was developed primarily for overseas markets where this capacity is popular), it also no longer qualifies as an A1 machine that’s rideable at 17 on L-plates. As such, as a more expensive A2 machine in the UK, surely its appeal is limited, with many in this class surely going for a 300 instead.

Hopefully I’m wrong. Either way, I’m glad it’s here and that it’s introduced a new dimension and option to the category.

Thanks to Yamaha UK for the loan of the press bike. Check full specs and information at https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/home/

Pictures by Phil West/Yamaha