Last updated July 19, 2026
Quick verdict
The Honda ADV 160 is the better all-round Chiang Mai rental for riders who expect mountain roads, imperfect surfaces, and longer days. The Yamaha NMAX 155 is the better pick for riders who like a sportier scooter with confident braking and mostly ride city plus nearby hills.
Neither is a bad choice. The decision is about road character.
| Use case | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Samoeng Loop, Mae Rim, mixed hills | Honda ADV 160 |
| Old City, Nimman, Doi Suthep morning | Yamaha NMAX 155 |
| Rougher shoulder-season roads | Honda ADV 160 |
| Sportier braking feel | Yamaha NMAX 155 |
| Taller rider ergonomics | Honda ADV 160 |
Specs side by side
| Spec | Yamaha NMAX 155 | Honda ADV 160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 155cc liquid-cooled VVA | 156.93cc liquid-cooled eSP+ |
| Power | Around 15 hp class | Around 15.8 hp |
| Kerb weight | About 131 kg | About 133 kg |
| Seat height | About 765 mm | 780 mm |
| Ground clearance | About 125 mm | 165 mm |
| Fuel tank | 7.1 L | 8.1 L |
| Best trait | Braking and sporty feel | Clearance and road comfort |
Where the ADV 160 wins
The ADV 160 makes more sense once the road gets imperfect. Its higher clearance, more upright body position, and adventure-scooter ergonomics feel calmer on patched mountain roads, wet shoulders, and broken approach lanes near viewpoints.
For Samoeng Loop or Mae Rim, this matters more than outright speed. The ADV gives you a little more room for bad surfaces and tired posture.
Where the NMAX wins
The NMAX feels tighter and more direct in city traffic. It is a good fit if most of your riding is Old City, Nimman, Doi Suthep, and short hill runs where dual-channel ABS availability and braking feel matter more than ground clearance.
It is also easier to park and thread through denser city sections than a taller adventure-style scooter.
Renting one in Chiang Mai?
Before choosing the scooter, compare the shop terms. A well-maintained NMAX from a clear shop is better than a tired ADV 160 with vague damage terms.
Start with our Chiang Mai scooter rental shop comparison and the best scooter rental guide.
Renting one of these in Chiang Mai?
Once you've settled on a scooter class, the next decision is where to rent it. Our independent scooter rental guide walks through deposits, insurance, and documents, and our shop comparison scores every rental option we've reviewed on the same published rubric.
Bikago Chiang Mai
A curated synthesis of public information about Bikago Chiang Mai. 5.0/5 across 60 Chiang Mai Google reviews, published motorbike-damage insurance with a USD 95 excess, 24/7 English-speaking helpdesk, roadside assistance, true online booking, and no passport requirement. The main caveat is premium pricing and a smaller local review count than long-established local shops.
91.7 / 100
Common questions
Is NMAX or ADV 160 better for Samoeng Loop?
ADV 160 is the safer default for Samoeng because its 165mm ground clearance and upright suspension feel calmer on rougher hill sections. NMAX is still capable, especially for riders who value sharper braking.
Which scooter is easier for city riding?
NMAX 155 feels sportier and compact in city traffic. ADV 160 is taller and wider, but the upright position is more comfortable once the ride leaves Nimman or the Old City.
Can both scooters handle Doi Suthep?
Yes. Both are strong enough for Doi Suthep solo in dry conditions. Two-up riders should prioritise bike condition, brake feel, and rider confidence over the badge.
"Choose the ADV 160 for rougher roads, higher clearance, and relaxed mountain touring. Choose the NMAX 155 if you prefer sharper braking feel and a sportier city-to-hill scooter."
By Kai Mercer · Updated July 19, 2026