NMAX 155 (MY2020)

The NMAX 155 is Yamaha's answer to a plain question: what does a city rider actually need every day? At its heart is a 155 cc liquid-cooled single with Variable Valve Actuation to strengthen the midrange. It makes 15 hp and 10 lb-ft, enough to get clear of the cars when the light goes green. A CVT and belt final drive make it pure twist-and-go. What lifts this generation above the basic commuter scooter is its equipment. ABS, traction control, keyless ignition, smartphone connectivity and an LED headlight all come standard, on a scooter that weighs just 289 lb (131 kg) wet.

It ages well if you look after it. It returns 98 mpg, so the 1.9 gal (7.1 L) tank barely touches your budget, and the one maintenance job you can't skip is the CVT. Inspect the belt every 5,000–6,200 mi (8,000–10,000 km) and plan to replace it somewhere between 12,000 and 16,000 mi (20,000–25,000 km). It's built for commuters, errand runners and anyone whose riding is measured in city blocks rather than state lines. The honest caveat is speed. With a 78 mph (125 km/h) top end, long freeway stints are a strain, and neither the fork nor the shock offers any adjustment.