Short answer
Pick the Honda PCX 160 if you want the softer, quieter ride, a bigger under-seat compartment and a slightly larger front wheel — it is the calmer choice for two people. Pick the Yamaha NMAX 155 if you prefer a firmer, livelier feel when you open the throttle. Both are automatic 155–160cc scooters with ABS, both cope with Bali traffic, a passenger and a day trip to Ubud, and the gap between them is small.
- Updated: 10 October 2026.
- Written by Iron Rent, renting motorcycles in Bali since 2019 from our office in Kerobokan.
- Weights, tank sizes and storage are approximate manufacturer figures; prices in the table are per day on a monthly rental and follow our current rates.
- Price: scooters from 200,000 IDR per day; the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate, and a month never costs more than the monthly rate.
- Included: two helmets, a phone holder, servicing in our own workshop.
- Delivery: free within 20 km of the Kerobokan office on rentals of 3+ days; the airport costs 200,000 IDR.
- Deposit: refundable, returned in the currency it was paid in.
- Documents: a passport is enough to rent; to ride legally you need your national licence with the motorcycle category plus an IDP.
- Protection: optional damage protection for the rented bike (levels MAX and MIN).
At a glance
| Model | Engine | Power | ABS | Type | Monthly rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda PCX 160 | 157cc | 16 HP | Yes | Automatic maxi-scooter | from 67K IDR/day |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | 155cc | 15 HP | Yes | Automatic maxi-scooter | from 83K IDR/day |
On paper the two are almost twins: single-cylinder engines of 155–160cc, a continuously variable automatic gearbox, ABS, a seat height of about 765 mm and a weight of about 130 kg. The differences are in the details: the PCX has a 14-inch front wheel (13-inch rear), about 30 litres under the seat and a tank of about 8 litres; the NMAX runs 13-inch wheels front and rear, has about 25 litres of storage and a tank of about 7 litres.
Riding in Bali traffic
In the queues of Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta both scooters are easy: no clutch, no gears, light enough to push into a parking spot. Neither is as narrow as a Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Fazzio, so on the tightest shortcuts between Berawa and Batu Bolong you will filter a little less.
The PCX feels softer. The suspension takes the edge off the speed bumps and broken patches that are everywhere in the south, the engine is quiet, and the slightly larger front wheel helps over potholes. The NMAX feels firmer and a touch more eager when you pull away from a light; some riders like that, others find it busier over rough tarmac. Both have ABS, which matters on wet painted lines and sand on the road near the beaches.
Two-up and luggage
Both seats take two adults, and both scooters come with two helmets and a phone holder. For couples the PCX has two small advantages: the softer ride is kinder to the passenger on long stretches, and the bigger under-seat compartment swallows a full-face helmet plus a bag or rain gear. On the NMAX you can still store a helmet or a day's shopping, but there is less room for both.
With a passenger, plan the same way on either bike: brake earlier, take speed bumps slowly and keep heavy bags between your feet only if they do not touch the controls.
Hills, Kintamani and long rides
Both scooters handle the run to Ubud, Uluwatu or Tanah Lot without effort. On long climbs — up to Bedugul, Munduk or the Kintamani rim — solo riders are fine on either, but with two people aboard the power is just enough and you will hold a steady, unhurried pace. The difference of one horsepower between them is not something you feel on a mountain road.
Going down, use both brakes gently and let the engine help; long descents in heat or rain are where scooter brakes work hardest. If you plan regular mountain trips two-up, look at the Honda ADV 160 or the Yamaha XMAX 250 instead.
Who should rent which
- Rent the Honda PCX 160 if comfort is the priority: couples, long rentals with daily rides, anyone who wants a quiet scooter that soaks up bad roads and stores a helmet with room to spare.
- Rent the Yamaha NMAX 155 if you want a firmer, slightly sportier feel, or if you already know and like the NMAX from home.
- Either is fine for a first scooter in Bali if you have ridden an automatic before; both are easier with two people than a 110–125cc scooter.
To rent you only need a passport. To ride legally in Indonesia you need a national licence with the motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit; we can help arrange the IDP through our partner International Drivers Association. Delivery and pickup are free within 20 km of our Kerobokan office on rentals of 3 days or more. If you change your mind mid-rental, a swap costs 100,000 IDR for washing and preparing the bike.
Fuel and running
Both engines are in the 150–250cc class, so they need at least Pertamax 92. Pertalite is not allowed on any of our bikes. Fill up at Pertamina stations rather than roadside bottles, especially before heading into the mountains, where stations are further apart.
The PCX's slightly larger tank gives a bit more range between stops, but on both you will refuel every few days of normal riding around the south. Servicing during the rental is done in our own workshop in Kerobokan; message us on WhatsApp if a warning light comes on or something feels wrong.
FAQ
Which is more comfortable, the PCX 160 or the NMAX 155?
The Honda PCX 160 has the softer suspension and quieter engine, so most riders and passengers find it more comfortable on Bali's broken roads. The Yamaha NMAX 155 feels firmer and a little livelier.
Which has more storage under the seat?
The PCX 160, with about 30 litres, enough for a full-face helmet and a small bag. The NMAX 155 has about 25 litres.
Can I ride the PCX or NMAX with a passenger to Kintamani?
Yes, both can do it, but two-up on the long climbs the power is just enough and the pace is slow. For regular mountain trips with a passenger, the Honda ADV 160 or Yamaha XMAX 250 is more relaxed.
Do both have ABS?
Yes. The Honda PCX 160 and Yamaha NMAX 155 in our fleet both have ABS.
What fuel do the PCX 160 and NMAX 155 need?
At least Pertamax 92. Pertalite is not allowed on any of our bikes.
Need help choosing?
Send your dates, Bali area and riding style. We will suggest the right scooter, sport bike or big bike.