Short answer
Pick the Yamaha NMAX 155 if you ride mostly in the south, want something light and easy in tight lanes and only head to the mountains now and then. Pick the Yamaha XMAX 250 if you plan long trips two-up with luggage, regular climbs to Bedugul or Kintamani, and want motorcycle-like calm at speed without a clutch. The XMAX is clearly stronger and roomier, but it is bigger and heavier in town.
- Updated: 10 October 2026.
- Written by Iron Rent, renting motorcycles in Bali since 2019 from our office in Kerobokan.
- Weights, seat heights, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | 155cc | 15 HP | Yes | Automatic maxi-scooter | from 83K IDR/day |
| Yamaha XMAX 250 | 250cc | 23 HP | Yes | Automatic maxi-scooter, 250 class | from 167K IDR/day |
This is not a pair of twins but two sizes of the same idea. The NMAX weighs about 130 kg, has a seat at about 765 mm, 13-inch wheels, a tank of about 7 litres and about 25 litres under the seat. The XMAX weighs about 180 kg, has a seat at about 795 mm, a 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel, a tank of about 13 litres and an under-seat compartment that takes two helmets. Both are automatic (CVT), single-cylinder and have ABS.
Riding in Bali traffic
In the queues of Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta the NMAX is the easier scooter. It is about 50 kg lighter, lower and narrower, so you slip through gaps, turn around in a narrow gang and push it into a parking spot without effort. It is still a full maxi-scooter, comfortable for daily rides between home, the beach and cafés.
The XMAX feels like a different class. The big seat and the screen make it relaxed once you are moving, and the larger wheels ride over broken patches more calmly. But in the narrow lanes of Canggu its bulk and weight get in the way: filtering is slower, U-turns need more space, and parking on a slope takes a firm grip. Beginners can manage it, but give yourself a day to get used to the size. Both have ABS, which matters on wet painted lines and sand near the beaches.
Two-up and luggage
Both take two adults, and both come with two helmets and a phone holder. The NMAX carries a couple well around town and on runs to Ubud or Uluwatu; its under-seat space takes one helmet or a day's shopping.
The XMAX is built for this job. The seat is longer and more generous for the passenger, the extra weight and bigger wheels keep it steady with two aboard, and the under-seat compartment swallows both helmets when you park. If you travel as a couple with bags for a few days around the island, that difference is real. With a passenger on either bike: brake earlier, take speed bumps slowly and keep heavy bags away from the controls.
Hills, Kintamani and long rides
Here the gap is widest. Solo, the NMAX climbs to Bedugul, Munduk or the Kintamani rim without trouble; two-up on a long climb the power is marginal and you will hold a slow, steady pace. For most riding in Bali that is enough.
The XMAX, with about 23 HP against 15, holds speed on the way up to Bedugul calmly, even with a passenger and luggage, and stays relaxed on longer runs east or north. The bigger tank also means fewer fuel stops on a full-day loop. Going down, on either bike, use both brakes gently and let the engine help; long descents in heat or rain are where scooter brakes work hardest.
Who should rent which
- Rent the Yamaha NMAX 155 if you want one easy scooter for everything: town, beach, a run to Ubud, solo or as a couple with light bags, and you value easy parking and tight-lane agility.
- Rent the Yamaha XMAX 250 if you plan regular long trips two-up, mountain loops or several days around the island with luggage, and want highway comfort without a clutch.
- Not sure? Start on the NMAX. If after a few days you find yourself riding further than planned, you can move up to the XMAX.
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. A swap mid-rental costs 100,000 IDR for washing and preparing the bike; moving to a pricier bike means paying the difference.
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 XMAX's tank of about 13 litres gives a much longer range than the NMAX's tank of about 7 litres; on the NMAX plan a fill-up before any mountain day. 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
Is the Yamaha XMAX 250 much more powerful than the NMAX 155?
Yes. The XMAX has about 23 HP against 15 HP on the NMAX, and you feel it most on long climbs and with a passenger.
Is the XMAX 250 too big for Canggu?
It is manageable, but its size and weight of about 180 kg make narrow lanes, U-turns and parking slower than on the NMAX. If you mostly ride in Canggu, the NMAX is easier.
Which is better for two people going to Kintamani?
The Yamaha XMAX 250. It holds speed on the climb with a passenger and luggage; the NMAX 155 can do it, but the power is marginal and the pace slow.
Can a beginner ride the XMAX 250?
Yes, it is automatic with no gears and has ABS. Give yourself time to get used to its size and weight before riding in tight traffic or two-up.
What fuel do the NMAX 155 and XMAX 250 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.