Yamaha Aerox began to be marketed in January and has already displaced the renowned NMax in the ranking of national registrations
The Yamaha Aerox arrived in the Brazilian market as the latest scooter option (the brand’s affordable value) and has already beaten the numbers of NMax, also from Yamaha, with only four months of sales. Similar engine, sportier footprint and lower price are the ingredients that have made the difference.
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The Yamaha Aerox was announced in Brazil at the end of 2025 and, at the beginning of 2026, its commercialization began. The model had immediate acceptance and quickly dethroned the consecrated NMax, largely due to its starting price of R$ 18.990.
But not only for the value: Aerox appealed to the “novelty”. This small scooter arrived sportier and more modern, at a time when Yamaha has not presented so many changes in its range.
In the technical parts, the scooter can be summarized as a small efficient in urban commuting and with an aesthetic that rejuvenated the perspective of the Japanese customers.
The model uses a 160 cm³ single-cylinder engine, the same as its sister NMax, with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology, and is capable of delivering 15,1 hp of power at 8,000 rpm and torque of 1,4 kgfm at 6,500 rpm. The automatic transmission is of the CVT type, which makes driving easier and simpler.
To help with savings, Yamaha has adopted a tactic that it has been using for a long time in its models: the Stop & Start system. It turns off the engine at quick stops and restarts it as soon as the throttle is applied. For a vehicle with a small tank (5.5 liters, plus 1.1 l of reserve), any ml of fuel saved makes a difference in range.
The Aerox ABS Connected also bets on a sportier riding proposal. According to the manufacturer, the model weighs 127 kg and has a ground clearance of 145 mm. The chassis has a reinforced chassis, front suspension with a telescopic fork with 100 mm of travel and rear suspension with a double subtank and 86 mm of travel.
In the brakes, the scooter has discs on the wheels and an ABS system at the front, a set considered important and currently fundamental for safety. Another highlight is the 140/70-14 rear tire, pointed out by Yamaha as the widest in the category, seeking to improve grip and stability in curves.
Visually, Aerox follows the sporty identity of the Japanese brand, but with the new product, it brought an air of sportiness with angular lines and elements inspired by the R-Series family. The model uses full LED lighting, including a headlight with projectors, position lights, integrated turn signals and a taillight in a format similar to that of the manufacturer’s sports bikes.
Among the equipment, the scooter has a Smart Key (face-to-face key), Answer Back system for locating the vehicle, USB Type-C socket and space under the seat to accommodate a closed helmet.
On the technological side, Aerox ABS Connected offers integration with the Yamaha Motor On application, through the Yamaha Motorcycle Connect system. The feature allows you to track average consumption, trip history, service schedule and location of the motorcycle’s last stop. The information appears on a 100% digital blackout-style panel, which also displays ABS, VVA, engine temperature and ECO function indicators.
Aerox has arrived to fill the gap between the small Fluo 125 and the NMax 160. The little one is still available, but only with an electrified motor.
Technological advancement has considerably raised the price of the model, which now costs R$ 16.790, a high value for a 125, which ended up directing the consumer to the Aerox, which is a little more expensive, but delivers the same performance as the NMax, without weighing so much on the pocket.
The aesthetics and style of the model could not be left behind. In addition to being cheaper than the NMax (R$ 23.290), it is also more modern. The brand itself recognizes these attributes and highlights them in product promotions.
Driving teacher and influencer Rafael Togni considered that the price was one of the brand’s best investments in this model.
Everyone who saw me at Aerox and came to talk — friends, mechanics and pilots — had the same surprise: the price. They imagined Aerox costing their R$ 30 thousand. When I said that it cost about R$ 20 thousand with shipping already included, people went ‘crazy’. And, in reality, that’s it: deliver more for less. I think that defines Aerox’s success. It is already a nice scooter, with comfort, good engine, economical and that pleases in the visual, in addition to delivering more than it costs.”
The expert also gave his opinion on the driving impressions on the model. Rafael says he was surprised, because she really delivers sportiness.
“The R15 and NMax engine fit very well with the VVA, as it works very well at lower revs and also at higher revs, having a very good top speed and very good acceleration. The suspension also pleased me, both when riding alone and with pillion. It is comfortable and, at the same time, does not get soft: it has firmness, which helps with sportiness. Its headlight also illuminates very well and makes riding at night much safer.”
“The only ‘negative’ point I found in her was the space under the seat. I thought it was small for the size of the motorcycle. My backpack with the cameras almost didn’t fit, I believe because of the shape of the side fins”, concluded Rafael.
Even with good internal results, Yamaha will have to “sweat the shirt” to get close to its rival Honda. The countrywoman has three of her models leading the category of scooters and cubs in Brazil.
The real concern of Yamaha Aerox should be the third place, the Honda PCX 160, a direct competitor of the new scooter on the block and which sells twice as much, according to data from Fenabrave.
