Honda PCX 160 or Yamaha NMAX 155: which should you rent?
Phuket’s two most popular premium rental scooters cost about the same but ride very differently. Here are the differences point by point, so you pick for your style rather than at random.
If you decide to pay extra for a premium scooter in Phuket, the choice almost always comes down to two models: the Honda PCX 160 and the Yamaha NMAX 155. Both are reliable, frugal, carry two with confidence and climb any hill on the island. Rental prices are comparable too, typically 300–450 THB per day. The difference is not quality but character: the PCX is built for comfort, the NMAX for handling.
Riding position and comfort
The PCX is a sofa on wheels: soft suspension swallows seams and speed bumps, the long seat lets you shift position, the posture is relaxed. The NMAX seats you more upright and composed, and its suspension is noticeably stiffer – it jiggles on broken tarmac but the scooter feels planted in corners. Over a long day, say a full loop of the island, the PCX tires you less. Tall riders may find the NMAX tighter at the knees; the PCX is roomier.
Passenger and two-up riding
Here the PCX wins outright: the rear seat is longer and softer, the passenger sits lower and more securely, and the plush suspension spares their back on rough patches. The NMAX’s passenger section is shorter and firmer – fine for half an hour, tiring over a full day of viewpoints and beaches. If you ride two-up every day, this is the strongest argument for the PCX.
Storage, wind protection and the small stuff
- Underseat trunk: the PCX’s is bigger – a full-face helmet drops in with room left for a rain poncho. The NMAX takes a helmet, but snugly, with little space for anything else.
- Wind and rain: the PCX’s screen shields slightly better at road speed. Both are stable in rain, but newer NMAX units have ABS – a real plus on Phuket’s wet, slippery tarmac.
- Fuel: both are frugal, around 45–50 km per litre; the difference in petrol money over a holiday is trivial.
- Weight and parking: the PCX is heavier and longer; in a cramped parking lot or a tight U-turn, the NMAX is noticeably easier.
| Your situation | Better pick |
|---|---|
| Two-up every day, long routes | PCX 160 |
| Riding solo, enjoy an engaged ride | NMAX 155 |
| Frequent rain riding, ABS matters | A newer NMAX 155 |
| Need to carry a helmet and gear underseat | PCX 160 |
| Cramped parking, lots of tight turns | NMAX 155 |
Verdict
The PCX 160 is for couples, longer routes and anyone who values plushness: it is more comfortable two-up and more practical for storage. The NMAX 155 is for solo riders who want a composed, responsive scooter, plus ABS on newer units. You cannot go badly wrong: both are reliable and fully cover a Phuket holiday. Take the one whose character fits you, and if a shop offers both at the same price, decide by whether you ride alone or with a passenger.
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Do the PCX 160 and NMAX 155 rent for the same price?
Practically yes: both typically rent for around 300–450 THB per day depending on season, model year and condition. The gap between individual scooters at neighbouring shops is often bigger than the gap between the models, so compare actual offers, not just the badge.
Which is better for two people, PCX or NMAX?
The PCX 160. Its rear seat is longer and softer, the passenger sits more securely, and the soft suspension spares backs on rough roads. The NMAX carries two confidently as well, but the passenger feels noticeably more stiffness, especially over a full day.
Do rental NMAX scooters in Phuket have ABS?
Newer NMAX 155 units come with ABS as standard, but rental fleets also include older ones without it. Ask the shop about the year and spec of the specific scooter. Some PCX units have ABS too, though it is less consistently found in rentals.
Does a helmet fit under the seat of the PCX and NMAX?
Yes, in both, with a caveat: the PCX trunk is bigger – a helmet drops in easily with room left for a poncho or small bag. In the NMAX a helmet fits snugly and it depends on its shape. Test your actual helmet before riding away from the shop.
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Updated 2026-07-15