/ Featured Article

Yamaha NMAX vs Honda ADV 150 - Head to head

Two popular players in the premium commuter scooter game.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Apr 19, 2021
Yamaha NMAX vs Honda ADV 150 - Head to head

When it comes to the premium commuter scooter segment in the Philippine market, no other motorcycle has come close to what Yamaha has achieved with the NMAX. Ever since making its debut several years ago, this scooter has captured the hearts of many Filipino motorcycle enthusiasts thanks to its  impressive performance, fuel efficiency, and affordable price tag. Last year however, Honda introduced a new scooter in the market. A scooter that could redefine the very essence of the daily commuter scooter.

The Honda ADV 150 is fast becoming a fan favorite thanks to its burly looks, equally impressive performance, and unique styling. With Honda stirring the pot in the premium commuter segment, could the ADV 150 hold its own against the industry-leading Yamaha NMAX? Read on to see how these two scooters stack up against each other, as well as which one is best fit for your lifestyle.

Related:
Is a scooter the right motorcycle for you?

Performance

Yamaha NMAX

Of course, when looking at a scooter similar to the NMAX and ADV 150, it’s important to take overall performance and efficiency figures into account. Leading the charge, we have the Yamaha NMAX and its well-loved 155cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single cylinder engine. Pumping out around 15 horsepower, the NMAX is no supersport, but it is however, plenty capable for Manila’s congested city streets, and the occasional stretch on undulating provincial roads. As far as fuel efficiency goes, the NMAX is a stellar performer, boasting an average of around 40 kilometers per liter. 

On the other hand, the new kid on the block—the ADV 150, comes with a very slightly more docile power plant. In contrast to its sharp and aggressive appearance, the ADV 150 churns out just 14.5 horsepower out of its 149.3cc SOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor. It does, however, boast slightly higher fuel efficiency with an average of around 48 kilometres per liter. 

Related:
Honda PCX 150 vs Yamaha NMAX 155 - Beyond the Ride

Features

On the feature front, we’re all well acquainted with the Yamaha NMAX. If you’re not, then let’s run down the scooter’s features real quick. The Yamaha NMAX comes equipped with simple yet effective underpinnings which consist of a standard front telescopic fork, and preload-adjustable rear shocks. The local model also gets ABS as standard, as well as pretty impressive under-seat storage. The latest model even gets its own smartphone app, and can be connected to your mobile device via Bluetooth. 

Honda isn’t one to let tech pass itself by, either. In fact, the Japanese manufacturer has equipped the ADV 150 with some premium tech consisting of Showa suspension components front and back. Specifically, it gets long travel 5.1-inch Showa telescopic forks, as well as a pair of adjustable rear shocks with external piggyback reservoirs, and a generous 4.7 inches of travel. Of course, the scooter also gets ABS as standard. Additional creature comforts come in the form of an adjustable windscreen, and a handy charging port for your mobile devices. 

Related:
4 reasons why scooters are the best choice for commuting in the Philippines

Price

Honda ADV 150

As far as pricing is concerned, both these scooters occupy the premium entry-level segment. As such, they aren’t the cheapest scooters out there. However, the aforementioned performance and tech features more than makeup for their premium price tag. All that being said, the Yamaha NMAX starts with a sticker price of P119,900 for the base model, while the range-topping model with Yamaha’s Y-Connect technology fetches P144,500. 

Honda has always been known for its premium bikes, as well as its impeccable fit and finish. The ADV 150 is no exception with its high-end suspension, head-turning styling, and impressive build quality. This adventure-ready scooter comes with a price tag of P149,000. This premium price gives you the benefit of added comfort thanks to chunkier tired and longer suspension, as well as some light off-road capability brought about by this machine’s adventure-ready design. 

Latest Features