The Yamaha Nmax Turbo has become a hot topic due to the addition of the term “turbo”. However, the turbo system in the Yamaha Nmax is different from the typical turbo found in cars.
In cars, the turbo uses hot air from the engine exhaust to increase air pressure in the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas is directed to a turbo device with a turbine that spins a compressor, thereby compressing more air into the combustion chamber.
On the latest Nmax, the term ‘turbo’ signifies a more powerful and responsive motorcycle. This is thanks to an electronic system that controls the movement of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). An electric motor drives the front pulley for quick acceleration and better deceleration.
“Nmax Turbo uses a motor drive that replaces the conventional CVT system,” said Antonius Widiantoro, Asst. General Manager Marketing – Public Relations at Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM).
Unlike car turbochargers that use exhaust gases, the Nmax Turbo’s acceleration comes from Yamaha Electric CVT technology. This technology uses an electric motor in the transmission to drive the front pulley, replacing the traditional rollers.
“The primary pulley is driven by the motor drive based on commands from the Transmission Control Unit (TCU),” explained Antonius. “The TCU receives sensors from both the primary and secondary pulleys.”
The Nmax Turbo features Y-Shift, offering a unique riding experience with three levels of acceleration: Low (1), Medium (2), and High (3). This feature is especially useful for overtaking other vehicles, climbing hills, or riding with a passenger. Y-Shift also assists in deceleration when going downhill or cornering.
“There are several different components between the Nmax Turbo and other models, particularly in the transmission, crankshaft, and electric motor,” Antonius explained. “There are no rollers in the Yamaha Turbo, as YECVT replaces the traditional CVT mechanism that uses rollers and centrifugal force.”
In internal tests, the Turbo feature enables acceleration from zero to 100 meters in 7.2 seconds, faster than the previous Nmax version, which took 7.43 seconds. For a 200-meter distance, the Nmax Turbo is 9.2 meters faster.
In a test on a 10-degree incline over 150 meters, the Nmax Turbo clocked in at 11.73 seconds, compared to the previous Nmax’s 12.33 seconds.
“Nmax Turbo can climb 150 meters at a 10-degree angle faster, with a difference of 9.9 meters,” Antonius added.
This new engine can produce a maximum power of 11.3 kW at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm, slightly higher than the previous model’s maximum torque of 13.9 Nm. This engine is also used in the Yamaha Lexi LX 155.
“The YECVT is the key. The roller function in a conventional CVT is replaced by a motor drive, allowing for quicker and more controllable shifts without the need for roller replacement,” Antonius explained. “This improves acceleration and gives a turbo sensation.”
With this technology, the Nmax Turbo offers two riding modes: T-Mode (Town Commuting) and S-Mode (Sport Touring), which can be operated via the “Mode” button on the left handlebar. T-Mode is ideal for urban commuting, while S-Mode is suitable for touring, climbing hills, riding with a passenger, and overtaking other vehicles.
This ‘turbo’ feature is only available on the Nmax Turbo and Nmax Turbo Tech Max.
