Yamaha NMAX 125 and NMAX 155 Exhaust Guide

by Euro Motards

Exhaust Upgrades for the Yamaha NMAX

The Yamaha NMAX 125 and NMAX 155 have established themselves as sharp, sporty commuter scooters with a loyal following in the UK. The NMAX's underseat design and connected braking system make it practical for daily use, and upgrading the exhaust is one of the first modifications most owners consider — improving both sound and feel without affecting everyday usability.

Slip-On Exhausts: The Practical Choice

A slip-on exhaust is the recommended starting point for NMAX upgrades. It replaces only the silencer unit, leaving the OEM headers and mid-pipe in place. On the NMAX 125, installation typically takes under an hour and requires no ECU changes. The result is a more purposeful exhaust note and a small weight saving over the factory unit.

For the NMAX 155, the same approach applies — the larger engine benefits slightly more from the improved exhaust flow, and the deeper note suits the bike's sporty character well.

GPR for the NMAX Range

At Euro Motards, GPR is our go-to brand for NMAX exhausts. GPR offer model-year specific fitments for both the NMAX 125 and NMAX 155, with options in stainless steel and carbon fibre finishes. Their slip-on systems are designed to bolt directly to the OEM mid-pipe without modification, making them a clean and reliable choice for commuters.

Year and Model Fitment Guide

  • NMAX 125 (2015–2019) — first generation; confirm fitment for this early model
  • NMAX 125 (2020–present) — updated frame and bodywork; requires second-gen specific exhausts
  • NMAX 155 (2015–2019) — South-East Asian spec model widely imported; check inlet compatibility
  • NMAX 155 (2020–present) — revised model with updated catalytic converter position

UK Road Legality

As with all aftermarket exhausts used on UK public roads, the NMAX's replacement silencer must meet noise regulations. The easiest way to stay legal is to choose an exhaust supplied with a db killer or one that carries an e2 type approval mark. This ensures you can pass your annual MOT without issues.

Commuters who use their NMAX every day should not remove the db killer — the sound improvement over stock is already significant with it in place, and legal compliance protects against MOT failure and roadside enforcement.

Why Upgrade?

Beyond sound, the key benefits of an aftermarket exhaust on the NMAX are a cleaner look (many OEM silencers are quite bulky), a modest weight reduction, and improved throttle feel. For a scooter used in stop-start urban traffic, even small improvements in feel make the daily commute more enjoyable.

Shop exhaust systems: Yamaha Exhaust Systems | All Exhaust Systems

Back to News