People of a certain age group will probably recall when owner-type jeeps dominated the streets. Every other household seemed to have one of these cute little galvanized machines in the garage.

Also, for some reason, every other person you see behind the wheel of these “owners” is a Mamang Pulis.

Fast forward to the present day, the only owner-type jeeps on the road are those used by fish dealers from Malabon and Navotas, particularly those with huge basins (banyera) attached at the rear.

Is it just me, or does every other Yamaha NMAX that plies the road these days is being ridden by a police officer?  Our uniformed personnel have moved on to a more nimble and mobile mode of transportation; it would seem.

So, my curiosity got the better of me, and one day I decided to ask some officers manning one of those random (motorcycle-only) road checkpoints.

Out of the nine I have talked to, all but one ride a Yamaha NMAX, with the “odd man out” already contemplating joining the bandwagon. Based on their responses, I have narrowed down a few key reasons why they prefer the NMAX over other scooters in the market.

Comfort

A police officer’s job is already physically demanding; they want to go home on a comfy ride at the end of the day.

The Yamaha NMAX’s ride ergonomics allow a neutral, upright posture. The grips are positioned closer to the rider, so the arms rest in a relaxed, slightly-bent position. You can also rest your feet on the front step boards to stretch out your legs after hours spent standing on each shift.

Cargo Space

The Yamaha NMAX has a 23.3-liter capacity under the seat. It will fit most full-face helmets; you just have to place it upside down. Also, police officers need all the cargo space they can get because they carry a lot of gear when on duty.  

Ample Grunt

Our boys (and gals) in the force can squeeze out 11.3 kW and 13.9 Nm from the relatively modest 155 cc engine. The secret is Yamaha’s Blue Core technology and Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), which enables the NMAX to give excellent throttle response at different rev ranges, even when having a buddy riding bitch.

Elegant Styling

The NMAX has no cartoonish decals, and color options are conservative. It has a commanding presence befitting the uniform of its rider.

Just to let you know, the Yamaha NMAX is not an official motorcycle of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the units the officers use are their personal motorcycles.

I suppose one doesn’t have to be in law enforcement to appreciate the NMAX, and it is also quite popular in the motorcycle taxi industry.

The NMAX is one of the top 5 motorcycle models Angkas bikers use. Maybe I should also ask them about their Yamaha NMAX scooters.