Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. recently launched its new smart phone enabled models, the NMax and Aerox with Y-Connect. With the new feature, the motorcycles can now connect to your phone. Through Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, riders can now get a glimpse of their motorcycle’s performance with more detailed data as well as be reminded of things like service or particular malfunctions.
For now, the first two models to include Y-Connect compatibility are the 2021 Mio Aerox and NMax. Of course, the best way to get to know this new feature is to test it out and Yamaha gave us the opportunity with a test ride at their facility in Batangas.
Yamaha’s Y-Connect app and motorcycle connectivity is designed to work with almost any phone. The only requirements are Apple iOS or Android Auto, Bluetooth capability, and an internet connection. The app can be downloaded from either the Apple App store or Google Play store. With these requirements fulfilled, connecting should be easy.
Connecting
To connect to the bike, it’s first necessary to install the app on your phone and register. Once registered, turn on bluetooth, open the app, log-on and select the option to pair with a bike. Don’t forget to turn on the motorcycle.
The Y-Connect module on these motorcycles is hidden under the underseat utility box casing. Once removed, you’ll see the module and the QR code printed on it. If you’re not keen on removing this, you can also scan the frame number (barcodde) on the rear fender. You can also manually enter the frame number on the underseat utility area.
Once done, the app will connect to the internet to verify the number. This process should be quick and will soon pair you with the motorcycle.
Once paired, your motorcycle will now communicate with your phone. Your phone will send notifications to your motorcycle. You can also set which kind of notifications you’d like to be alerted of, whether it’s basic text messages or calls, or even messages or calls from a particular app. You can even get calendar reminders.
With the app, you’ll also be able to connect with the motorcycle and get tachometer readings, fuel consumption, and even service reminders. There’s also a parking locator, though Yamaha says it’s not quite as precise yet and will only give you a general location, based on the last time the motorcycle was on and paired with the phone.
The best way to test these features is while riding. We did so with a short course prepared by Yamaha with out choice of Aerox or NMax.
Mio Aerox
As you can expect, much of the Aerox’s updates are primarily cosmetic. As such, the performance of the Aerox is still quite similar to the predecessor. We like the new instrument panel which now has a double rev indicator on either side.
When you get a call, a little icon on the instrument panel blinks to let you know. There’s a separate indicator for the message and the call.
The Aerox accelerates pretty smoothly thanks to its DiASil technology and VVA. What makes it stand out versus the NMax is really its handling. The Aerox turns and leans better thanks to its larger wheels and shorter wheelbase. They also pay dividends when it comes to rough roads or a little bit of off-road.
The new Mio Aerox is offered in two variants: standard and S, both with Y-Connect. It comes in a choice of Race Blu, Red, Dark Gray with an SRP of PhP112,900. The Mio Aerox S gets the additional exclusive color choice of Black Raven and is priced at PhP132,900.
NMax 155 ABS
The NMax is clearly the more mature choice of the two with much less eye-catching decals and more mature matte colors to choose from.
Like the Aerox, when you get a call, a little icon on the instrument panel (above the LCD screen) blinks to let you know. There’s a separate indicator for the message and the call.
In the past NMax had convenient buttons at the bottom of the instrument panel to go through and reset some menus and readouts. Now, they’ve been moved to the front of the left handlebar, possibly for safety reasons.
The NMax is a much smoother operator thanks to its longer wheelbase and smaller wheels. This certainly provides better straightline stability, however may not be as great when it comes to handling. We’ve noticed it takes more effort to turn or lean the NMax than the Aerox.
Still, the NMax makes up for it with its practicality, offering more storage spaces, a more comfortable footwell, and its keyless system.
As for the NMax, Y-Connect compatibility is exclusive to the NMax ABS model. Besides Y-Connect, it also comes with Traction Control and the Smart Key System. This time around, the NMax has more eye-catching colors to choose from that include Sword Gray, Icon Gray, and Power Gray at an SRP of PhP144,500.
The new Y-Connect enabled models are available at the YZone, all Yamaha RevZones, and 3S shops nationwide.
