125 scooter: NMAX, PCX, XMAX or Forza, which one should you choose?
We compare the four 125 cc scooters we sell most using official Yamaha and Honda data, and tell you which one fits the way you ride.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- For the city
- PCX 125 or NMAX 125: the lightest (133 and 132 kg) and the most economical according to their makers (2.1 and 2.2 l/100 km).
- For ring roads and longer trips
- XMAX 125 or Forza 125: bigger, with larger tanks (13.2 and 11.7 litres) and room for two helmets under the seat.
- Licence
- All four can be ridden with an A1 licence or a car licence held for more than 3 years (Spain only).
- At Spartan
- These are the scooters we sell most: inspected, with at least a 1-year warranty and financing.
The four, in one sentence
Yamaha NMAX 125
Yamaha's compact one: light, economical and easy to park. It is the model we have sold most.
Honda PCX 125
Honda's urban scooter: the most economical of the four according to official data, with a standard Smart Key.
Yamaha XMAX 125
Yamaha's big one: more comfort and space, with ABS, traction control and Smart Key.
Honda Forza 125
Honda's GT: the best equipped, with an electric windscreen and around 500 km of range according to Honda.
Comparison with official data
Figures for the latest model according to each manufacturer. All sources are linked at the end.
| Model | Power | Consumption | Fuel tank | Weight | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha NMAX 125 | 9.0 kW (12.2 PS) at 8,000 rpm | 2.2 l/100 km | 7.1 litres | 132 kg | 770 mm |
| Honda PCX 125 | 9.2 kW at 8,750 rpm | 2.1 l/100 km | 8.1 litres (around 385 km range) | 133 kg (DX: 134 kg) | 763 mm |
| Yamaha XMAX 125 | 9.0 kW at 8,000 rpm | 2.3 l/100 km with Start & Stop (2.4 without) | 13.2 litres | 167 kg | 800 mm |
| Honda Forza 125 | 10.7 kW at 8,750 rpm | 2.4 l/100 km | 11.7 litres (around 500 km range) | 164 kg | 780 mm |
Official Yamaha and Honda data (2025 model). Each manufacturer measures consumption with its own approved method. Units from earlier years may differ slightly.
Which one suits you?
Choose how you will use the scooter and we will tell you where to start.
What do you mainly want it for?
City and short trips
PCX 125 or NMAX 125
They are the lightest and most compact (133 and 132 kg, seats at 763 and 770 mm): easy to filter through traffic and park. The PCX has a standard Smart Key; the 2025 NMAX has connected instruments.
Ring road, motorway or 20+ km a day
XMAX 125 or Forza 125
They are bigger and more stable, with 13.2 and 11.7-litre tanks. The XMAX has 15 and 14-inch wheels; the Forza, an electric windscreen adjustable over 180 mm.
I need a big under-seat space
XMAX 125 or Forza 125
According to their makers, two helmets fit under the seat: two full-face helmets in the Forza; two in the XMAX depending on size and shape. The PCX fits one full-face helmet (30.4 litres).
Spend as little as possible
PCX 125, then NMAX 125
According to official data, the PCX uses 2.1 l/100 km and the NMAX 2.2. The XMAX (2.3 with Start & Stop) and the Forza (2.4) use a little more, in exchange for more size and equipment.
Buying second-hand? Check this
The year
Manufacturers update these models every few years: an older unit may not have the same equipment as the current model. Check each bike's page.
Maintenance
Ask for the service history and check it follows the manufacturer's schedule.
Tyres and brakes
They are wear parts: check their condition, as the warranty does not cover them.
Paperwork
Valid ITV (MOT) and no liens on the bike: without that, the DGT will not allow the change of ownership.
Full guide to each model
Official specs, licence, fuel consumption and the units we have right now.
Frequently asked questions
According to official 2025 model data, the Honda PCX 125 (2.1 l/100 km), followed by the Yamaha NMAX 125 (2.2), the Yamaha XMAX 125 (2.3 with Start & Stop) and the Honda Forza 125 (2.4).
They are very similar in size and weight (132 and 133 kg). According to official data, the PCX uses slightly less fuel and has a standard Smart Key; the 2025 NMAX has connected instruments and a USB-C charger. Best to try both: the riding position differs.
The Forza is slightly more powerful (10.7 kW vs 9.0) and better equipped, with an electric windscreen and a 5-inch TFT screen. The XMAX has a bigger tank (13.2 litres vs 11.7). They weigh about the same: 167 and 164 kg.
Yes, in Spain: with a B licence held for more than 3 years you can ride bikes up to 125 cc and 11 kW, and all four are within that limit. Outside Spain this equivalence does not apply.
Yes. All our bikes come with at least a 1-year warranty covering engine and electrical faults; some also keep the manufacturer's official warranty.
Find your 125 scooter
At Spartan Motors we sell used NMAX, PCX, XMAX and Forza, inspected and with warranty. And if the one you want is not in stock right now, we will let you know when it arrives.
Sources and last update
Figures checked in September 2026 against official Yamaha Motor Spain data and Honda's press room. They may change with each new model; always check the manufacturer's source.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice.