Honda PCX 160 vs Yamaha NMAX 155 for Chiang Mai

Best choice for most travelers

Verdict	Choice
Old City / Nimman base, errands, comfort	PCX 160
Mountain routes, hill loops, two-up touring	NMAX 155
Beginner-friendly	PCX 160

Specifications

Spec	Honda PCX 160	Yamaha NMAX 155
Engine	156.93cc, liquid-cooled, eSP+	155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC VVA
Power	11.8 kW (15.8 hp) @ 8,500 rpm	11.3 kW (15.4 hp) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	14.7–15 Nm @ 6,500 rpm	13.9–14.4 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Kerb weight	132 kg	131 kg
Seat height	764mm	765mm
Fuel tank	8.1L	7.1L
Under-seat storage	30L U-Box	~23–25L
Front brake	Disc	Disc (230mm)
Rear brake	Disc / Drum (Thai market varies)	Disc (230mm)
ABS	Single-channel (front only)	Dual-channel (front + rear)
Traction control	HSTC	Yes (newer models)
Fuel consumption	~45 km/L real world	~30–35 km/L real world
Estimated range	~360 km	~250–280 km
Keyless ignition	Yes	Yes
USB charger	USB-C	USB + 12V socket
Rental/day (Chiang Mai)	฿400–฿600	฿400–฿600

Side-by-side comparison

Factor	Honda PCX 160	Yamaha NMAX 155
City nimble feel	Comfortable, slightly planted	Good, slightly wider turning radius
Mountain / hill margin	Excellent — handles Doi Suthep solo easily	Excellent — VVA engine breathes on climbs
Two-up riding	Very comfortable seat, stable under load	Comfortable — good torque margin two-up
Storage	30L — fits two standard helmets	~25L — full-face may need top box
Wet road confidence	Good — ABS front, TCS	Class-leading — dual-channel ABS both wheels
Cornering / stability	Good planted feel	Superior — stiffer chassis, twin rear shocks
Suspension quality	Soft, plush — great for city	Firmer, sportier — better on mountain roads
Fuel efficiency	~45 km/L (more efficient)	~30–35 km/L (real world)
Beginner feel	Forgiving, comfortable seat	ABS helps beginners, heavier at low speed

What the bikes actually feel like on the road

PCX 160 — on Chiang Mai roads

At low speeds in Old City traffic, the PCX feels balanced but substantial. The 132 kg weight sits low, making it manageable to paddle through stalled traffic at the Maya Mall intersection. The throttle response is linear and forgiving — there’s no sudden jerk off the line, which inspires confidence when navigating tight gaps.

On the open road to Doi Inthanon or the Samoeng Loop, the PCX shines as a cruiser. The plush suspension absorbs the patched tarmac and minor potholes effortlessly, offering a relaxed ride. However, that soft suspension means it feels less planted if you try to push hard into tight mountain corners. The wide, comfortable seat is a blessing for both rider and passenger after an hour in the saddle.

Braking is adequate, but many rental units in Thailand are the standard CBS model (rear drum). While fine for the city, on steep, wet mountain descents, you’ll miss the reassurance of ABS on the rear wheel.

NMAX 155 — on Chiang Mai roads

The NMAX feels sportier the moment you sit on it. At walking pace, the center tunnel and 131 kg weight require slightly more deliberate input than a flat-floor scooter, but it’s not intimidating.

The magic happens when the road opens up and starts to climb. Above 6,000 RPM, the VVA engine kicks in, providing a noticeable surge in torque. On the steep gradients of Doi Suthep, the NMAX pulls confidently, even with a passenger, where other scooters might start to gasp. The chassis is stiffer than the PCX, making it incredibly stable and precise when carving through mountain switchbacks.

The dual-channel ABS is the standout feature. Descending a wet mountain road or encountering an unexpected stop on a dusty Nimman soi, the ability to brake hard without fear of locking the rear wheel is a massive safety advantage. The trade-off is a firmer ride; you will feel the bumps of the Old City more acutely than you would on a PCX.

Source: ASEAN Now PCX & NMAX owner reviews (2024); BikeReview.com.au NMAX test; r/scooters PCX 160 real-world feedback.

The real difference

These bikes are close in weight, engine output, and price. The real differences are in the chassis and safety electronics.

PCX 160 is the comfort cruiser. The 30L U-Box under-seat storage is the largest in class — it genuinely fits two standard helmets, which matters for full-day rides or multi-stop routes. The suspension is softer and more forgiving on broken city roads, and the seat is wider and plusher for long days in the saddle. Fuel efficiency is significantly better at ~45 km/L, giving a ~360 km range from the 8.1L tank. For a traveler based in Nimman who wants to do temple runs, mall stops, and occasional out-of-town day trips without focusing on the bike, PCX is the right choice.

NMAX 155 is the mountain athlete. The dual-channel ABS is in a different safety class — it works on both wheels, meaning the rear stays stable under hard braking on wet descents. The VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) engine delivers a surge of torque past 6,000 RPM that the PCX’s linear delivery can’t match on steep climbs. The chassis is stiffer, the cornering more precise, and the feet-forward footwell layout reduces fatigue on longer highway stretches. Real-world fuel consumption is noticeably worse (~30–35 km/L) but the 7.1L tank still delivers ~250–280 km range. If your Chiang Mai itinerary is Doi Suthep + Samoeng Loop + Chiang Dao, NMAX is the better tool. If you’re based in Nimman and spending most of your time in the city, PCX is the right default.

Storage is the dealbreaker — if you need to carry gear, groceries, or a passenger’s helmet, PCX wins hands down. If you’re going light and focusing on mountain riding dynamics, NMAX wins.

Rental notes

• PCX 160: ฿400–฿600/day across Chiang Mai rental shops; CityGlide and Big Dog list ABS at ฿600/day for 2025/2026
• NMAX 155: ฿400–฿600/day; Cat Motors (฿500–฿700), Mango Bikes (฿450–฿500), Big Dog (฿600)
• Deposit typically 3,000 THB for both bikes
• Both require a standard driving license; IDP recommended
• Battery drain on NMAX has been reported if left sitting for days — ask rental shop to confirm battery condition before a multi-day rental