Is "Moped 2" the strongest city commuter? Ride and compare scooters from 3 major manufacturers

Two types of mopeds, from over 50cc to 125cc or less, are popular.

Maintenance costs are low, there are no restrictions as much as a moped type 1 (50cc or less), and there are advantages in terms of convenience. There are small super sports, off-road models and dual-purpose models that can be played on the dirt, and there are a considerable number of variations not only of domestic manufacturers but also of imported vehicles. The range is surprisingly wide.

However, the main force will still be commuters with scooters at the top. Not only in Japan, but also in Asia, India, and Europe, it is indispensable as a means of transportation, and there is fierce competition for market share. It is also attracting attention as a private space where you can avoid crowds during the corona wreck.

Address 110 is also an optimal solution as a city commuter

Two of the strongest city commuter mopeds! In order to ride and compare the scooters of the three major manufacturers, this time I tried to compare and test drive the main models of the two types of mopeds that are lined up by the three domestic manufacturers. Honda "PCX", Yamaha "NMAX", and Suzuki "Address 110" (hereafter Address).

People who are a little familiar with displacement and equipment may feel a bit like a dog at address. This is because the displacement of the PCX and NMAX is 124cc, while the address 110 is 112cc. It is clearly inferior, and in fact, the price is also cheaper than 130,000 yen.

The cameraman who was looking through the viewfinder for shooting commented on Address 110, saying, "It's a normal scooter." That's right. Efforts to improve texture and comfort are kept to a minimum, and it is devoted to being a tool for movement.

Although it is the Suzuki "Address 110", I think this is one of the best solutions for a city commuter. Therefore, as a buyer's guide conclusion, I would like to recommend the address. Suzuki used to have a model called "Swoosh" next to PCX and NMAX, but production has been discontinued recently. It seems that it is a blank period until models compatible with exhaust gas regulations and ABS appear. In that sense, even though Address was originally a secondary character, it was an unexpected presence.

While feeling the lingering scent of the HY war, the NMAX has the best grounding performance

Let's look at the driving environment of the Yamaha "NMAX" first. This is where you can get a glimpse of the head-to-head competition between Honda and Yamaha. The blatant seat height is 764mm for PCX against NMAX of 765mm. Although the level of error is limitless, it looks like Honda has taken the mount. It has been more than 40 years since the so-called HY war, when fierce spec battles unfolded, such as 0.1ps and 1km/h. It's kind of heartwarming to be able to find that lingering scent in a completely different form.

However, in terms of actual grounding, NMAX wins. Since the front end of the seat is narrowed, it is easier to step on than the PCX, and it is easier to put your feet in and out. As for the steering wheel, the PCX has a fairly protruding bar end, and there was a scene where it was a little worrisome in narrow places (it is not recommended to pass through).

Suzuki “Address 110” On the other hand, the address with a seat height of 755mm is not only overwhelmingly low, but also stands out for its slimness. The grounding of the feet is outstanding, and the unique flat floor structure (= nothing between the crotch) also contributes to ease of getting on and off. It is convenient because there is nothing to interfere with loading small items (legal regulations require that items be fixed, not simply placed). Also, compared to the other two, the width of the steering wheel is about 50mm narrower, and the weight of the car is over 30kg lighter (Address: 100kg/PCX: 132kg/NMAX: 131kg), which is an advantage, but there are no disadvantages.

What surprised me was the handling. The address wheels are thin, and the tires installed are not special ones that emphasize cost and life, but the grip and grounding feel were the most obvious. Although it looks unreliable and seems to be strongly affected by unevenness, it traces the line without any problems. PCX and NMAX are the winners when it comes to ride comfort and when the bank angle deepens, but I don't mind it in the city.

Suzuki “Address 110” However, there is a decisive minus point in the address, and that is the absence of ABS. The PCX has ABS on the front, and the NMAX has ABS on both the front and rear. What's more, all models are equipped with traction control as standard, and follow the rider's skill. The difference in the price of the car body is the part that appears in Moro, and the choice will change depending on whether or not you accept this.

PCX has the largest under-seat storage

What is the storage capacity of the Honda "PCX"? There must be many users who are concerned about the part that greatly affects the convenience of the scooter.

The storage space under the seat is 30 liters for PCX, 23 liters for NMAX, and 20.6 liters for Address. The opening is wide open, and the maximum load capacity is 10kg, which is roomy, but the NMAX is 5kg, which is rather small. The opening was narrow, and I was worried about the lack of rigidity in the hinge part.

Suzuki, knowing that the address is disadvantageous, is currently conducting a "top case set purchase campaign". New car buyers will receive a discount coupon for a top case with a capacity of 30 liters and an adapter plate, covering weak points through after-sales service.

So, is there anything in particular that makes NMAX stand out? That is “Yamaha Motorcycle Connect”, which is linked with a smartphone by a dedicated application. With this, you can check incoming calls and their history, SNS notifications, final parking position, etc., as well as information such as remaining battery power, engine speed, and throttle opening.

Yamaha "NMAX" It is a little classic that the power socket is a cigar type, but the paint and cowl texture are the highest. PCX, which uses a lot of plating and illumination, is best for young people, and at worst it's charlatan.

On that point, the address has no sex appeal at all, but the body color is set to 6 colors, which is the most. It is also possible to choose glittering colors such as candy orange and gold metallic.

For city use, the cost performance and agility of the Address 110 cannot be ignored

Two of the strongest city commuter mopeds! After comparing the scooters from the three major manufacturers, how about picking up some of the parts you care about and comparing them? It was found that the PCX has the advantage in storage capacity, the NMAX in advancedness and safety (front and rear ABS, etc.), and the address in mobility.

For models over 125cc, cruising performance, comfort, and stability will greatly affect the evaluation, but for models under 125cc, short-distance travel should be the main focus. Based on that, the cost performance and agility of the address cannot be ignored. Coincidentally, this time, I was able to test ride in the same situation as a higher-grade model, but the displacement and power did not work against me at all. As with the 4-wheeler, Suzuki's image of being a ally of the common people is alive and well in the two types of mopeds.

Two types of strongest city commuter mopeds! Ride and compare scooters from 3 major manufacturers

■5-star rating ・Honda PCX power source:★★★★Footwork:★★★★Comfort:★★★★Standing:★★★Recommendation:★★★★

・Yamaha NMAX Power Source:★★★★★Footwork:★★★★Comfort:★★★★Standing:★★★★Recommendation:★★★★

・Suzuki Address 110 Power Source:★★★★Footwork:★★★★Comfort:★★★★Standing:★★★★★Recommendation:★★★★★

Takahiro Itami｜Motorcycle Journalist Born in Kyoto in 1971. He joined Neko Publishing in 1998. In 2005, he became editor-in-chief of the motorcycle magazine “Clubman” published by the same company, and left the company in 2007. Since then, as a freelance writer, I have been writing mainly for two-wheeled and four-wheeled media. Also active as a racing rider, he has participated in domestic and international races such as the Isle of Man TT, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. He also serves as an instructor at circuit driving events and test drive events.