Assessment: 2026 Yamaha NVX 155 SP scooter, RM11,998

Launched in Malaysia in September the earlier yr, the Yamaha NVX 155 scooter, priced at RM11,998, is going through some stiff competitors within the native market, notably from the China manufacturers. Scooters have gotten ever extra fashionable with many taking a look at two-wheel transport to get previous the visitors jams.

Scooters are a no brainer alternative for the every day commute and the Malaysian scooter market is booming, helped by these wanting to deal with the rising value of residing and to save lots of time commuting. The Yamaha NVX, often known as the Aerox in some ASEAN markets, has been a well-liked alternative for practically twenty years, since its introduction in 1997.

The components for the NVX 155 is straightforward. Take Yamaha’s Bluecore VVA engine, additionally used within the Yamaha NMax, and slip it into sporty bodywork. Throw in options discovered on the bigger bikes and scooters in Yamaha’s lineup, and also you get the NVX 155 SP.

To be truthful, the NVX 155 SP is one thing of an acquired style, standing because it does between the standard step-through scooter and the everyday underbone motorbike. Styling is o the sporty facet of issues, with a truncated rear finish and a considerably extensive entrance cowl.

Factor is, the 2017 NVX 155 was a scooter we discovered fetching sufficient to make our Prime 5 Bike listing of the yr. However, how does the newest iteration of Yamaha’s tremendous scooter measure up?

That the NVX has obtained some severe upgrades and updates is apparent, motorbike know-how having marched on within the intervening 9 years. First, and most blatant is the instrument panel, now an LCD unit with graphics mimicking the Yamaha R1.

Surprisingly sufficient, there’s a lap timer, one thing I assume will add to the “race bike” type a lot beloved of the youthful riders. One other space of enchancment is within the braking and dealing with departments.

The model of the VX offered to paultan.org by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) is the ‘SP”, which comes with twin shock absorbers with distant reservoirs and adjustable for spring preload. Damping price for the entrance forks has additionally been revised, with the entrance a lot firmer now whereas the yo-yo movement from the rear throughout arduous cornering is gone, or on the excessive, very a lot minimised.

What this offers the NVX is a nimble, fast steering really feel, making it very appropriate for fast work by metropolis visitors. That is helped by the quick wheelbase, permitting for fast modifications of path.

The disadvantage, after all, is freeway stability is considerably missing, this being the trade-off. It could or is probably not doable to put in a steering damper, however that will probably be left to the aftermarket. Ridden at “regular” speeds, the NVX is completely positive, and taking corners at freeway speeds will not be a difficulty, exhibiting stability in quick sweepers if the physique weight is positioned accurately.

Weighing in at 130 kg, the NVX 155 SP is about middling so far as scooters go by way of weight, and at freeway speeds, in all fairness secure in a straight line. Twisting the throttle open slightly extra although, exhibits a slight tendency to weave and a few vagueness within the steering which requires a deft contact on the bars to maintain issues on the straight and slim.

When it comes to styling, the NVX has at all times adopted the “sporty” college of styling. The truncated rear finish makes the VX look shortened, virtually like a “chibi” character. The entrance cowl is broad, and does present some wind safety for the decrease physique whereas these wanting to cover from the wind might want to search for a taller windshield.

Seating is redesigned, with a produced “hump” between rider and pillion. Seat consolation was acceptable for a scooter, with the minimize of the rider seat permitting shorter riders to get toes on the bottom slightly extra comfortably.

Attain to the handlebars was shut, shut sufficient to make this rider really feel cramped. Attempting to achieve slightly distance to the bars by sitting slightly additional again was defeated by the seat hump, making discovering a “good” place slightly troublesome.

When you’re near the six-foot (1.86 metres) mark in top, pay attention to this. Discovering a snug place on your toes may additionally be a difficulty on the floorboards when you’re a giraffe.

The NVX being a step-over design somewhat than a step-through – the 5.5-litre gas tank is positioned within the “hump” – there actually will not be loads of place to place the rider’s toes. Thus, although of you with measurement 12 footwear ought to have a look at presumably the X-Max or T-Max is you actually desire a Yamaha scooter.

Braking has additionally seen an enchancment over the earlier technology, with the entrance brake nnow slowing the NVX to a assured cease with agency strain on the lever, and a rear disc brake is normal gear, changing the earlier mechanical drum brake mannequin we first rode in 2017. As per the earlier technology NVX we rode, this scooter may be very delicate to tyre strain.

We would have liked to lift and decrease the tyre pressures slightly till we discovered the candy spot for our using type. In any case, a suggestion we’d make could be to swap the OEM tyres out for one thing extra upmarket with higher efficiency, as we discovered the inventory rubber slightly sketchy within the moist.

Coming to the LCD show, Bluetooth connectivity is offered utilizing the Yamaha Y-Join app is offered, giving the rider with a rage of capabilities together with service intervals and bike locater, whereas the show itself has three choices, together with a “Race” show with lap timer.

The important thing promoting level of the 2026 NVX 155 SP is, after all, the Y-ECVT gearbox. Known as “Turbo” in different markets, the Y-ECVT capabilities as an digital step down for the gearbox, known as Y-Shift together with two experience modes – City advert Sport.

A push of the button on the left handlebar pod prompts a solenoid that brings the shift drum right down to a decrease ratio, permitting the rider to achieve acceleration going uphill or expertise engine braking whereas downhill. The mode is held whereas the throttle is fixed, and twisting the throttle returns the Y-ECVT to regular operation.

There are three modes to the Y-Shift, Low, Medium and Excessive, giving corresponding modifications in gearbox efficiency. We discovered the Y-ECVT most helpful going uphill, permitting the VX to “maintain” a gear and keep pace, particularly when the scooter is loaded with a passenger.

So, who wants a NVX 155 ABS? This scooter will enchantment most to the youthful rider, with its compact dimensions and nimble dealing with.