What is a 155cc motorcycle? It’s similar to a 125cc moped, but it actually has many differences and advantages!

Introducing a popular bike in Asia to Japan

155cc motorcycles were a class that was almost unseen in Japan about 20 years ago. However, they are actually quite popular across Asia. In particular, in countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, where motorcycle sales have grown significantly in recent years, it is a common engine size, and Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are introducing a variety of models.

In recent years, these bikes have also been introduced to the Japanese market as global models, resulting in the current lineup.

So, what specific models are available? As of the end of July 2025, the 155cc bikes being sold by various domestic manufacturers are as follows:

[HONDA]

PCX160 (156cc displacement)

ADV160 (156cc displacement)

[Yamaha]

NMAX155 (155cc displacement)

, X-Force (155cc displacement)

, Tricity 155 (155cc displacement)

, YZF-R15 (155cc displacement)

Suzuki

Gixxer 150 (154cc)

Most of the models are scooters, with the exception of two: Yamaha’s YZF-R15 and Suzuki’s Gixxer 150. Yamaha, in particular, has a wide range of models, including the Tricity 155, which has two front wheels and one rear wheel.

Another key point is that they are part of a series, with 125cc siblings such as the “PCX” for Honda’s PCX160 and the “NMAX” for Yamaha’s NMAX155.

What license can you drive?

To drive these 155cc class bikes, you need a regular motorcycle license or higher for the manual transmission YZF-R15 and Gixxer 150, but since the others are scooter models, you can drive them with an automatic transmission-only regular motorcycle license.

On the other hand, a 125cc Class 2 moped can be driven with a small-sized regular motorcycle license, and a scooter model with a small-sized automatic transmission regular motorcycle license. In terms of the hurdles to obtaining a license, a 155cc motorcycle is slightly higher than a Class 2 moped.

Can be driven on expressways and motorways

However, the 155cc class actually has many advantages that Class 2 mopeds do not have, so let’s introduce some representative examples.

First of all, 155cc bikes are legally classified as light motorcycles, the same as 250cc bikes, so they can be ridden on expressways and motorways. This makes them easy to use for short trips and other outings.

On the other hand, 125cc bikes are classified as Class 2 mopeds, so they cannot be used on highways, etc. If you want to go on a long trip, you have no choice but to use regular roads.

There are also places on public roads where 125cc motorcycles cannot be ridden. For example, there are roads such as bypasses that have signs saying “No entry for motorcycles under 125cc.” We often hear of cases where Class 2 moped riders accidentally enter these restricted roads and end up receiving a ticket.

However, with the 155cc model, there is no need to worry about that. As long as the road is not designated as a “no-motorcycle” road, which means that all motorcycles cannot pass through, you can ride it freely.

The agility of city riding is comparable to that of a 125cc

Depending on the model, 155cc and 125cc bikes are similar or almost the same size, so both can be ridden easily in urban areas.

For example, there are two Yamaha scooter models, the 155cc NMAX155 and the 125cc NMAX.

The body dimensions of both models are 1935mm long, 740mm wide, and 1200mm high . The seat height is also the same at 770mm , so the size and foot reach are roughly the same.

The vehicle weight of the NMAX is 132kg , while the NMAX155 is 135kg , making it about 3kg heavier. However, with a difference of this magnitude, it can be said that they are almost equally light. In other words, a 155cc bike is just as convenient for everyday use as a 125cc moped for commuting to work or school, shopping, etc. It is also easy to maneuver in parking lots and narrow alleys, making it a bike that is easy to handle for riders of a wide range of builds.

Considering this, it can be said that a 155cc bike has a body that can be ridden in urban areas in almost the same way as a 125cc bike.

It has plenty of power and good fuel economy

In terms of engine power, the 155cc model tends to have a little more power. For example, if we compare the Yamaha NMAX155 and the NMAX, we get the following.

[NMAX155 engine]

155cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder

, maximum power output 11kW (15PS) / 8000rpm

, maximum torque 14N・m (1.4kgf・m) / 6500rpm

NMAX engine:

124cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder

, maximum power output 9.0kW (12PS) / 8000rpm

, maximum torque 11N・m (1.1kgf・m) / 6000rpm

In the case of these two models, there is not much difference in power, but the NMAX155 is slightly more powerful. When starting from a traffic light, it is easier to keep up with the flow of traffic.

Incidentally, the fuel economy is also almost equal. Here is a comparison of the Yamaha NMAX155 and NMAX:

・NMAX155 fuel economy: WMTC mode value 46.4km/L

・NMAX fuel economy: WMTC mode value 49.1km/L

In terms of catalog figures, the 125cc NMAX is slightly better, but this difference in fuel economy is likely to be small. Both models also have a fuel tank capacity of 7.1L, so if you’re driving in the same urban areas, there’s likely to be little difference in the cruising distance you can travel on a single tank.

The base price is cheaper than the same 250cc light motorcycle

Another appealing feature of 155cc bikes is that they are significantly cheaper than their 250cc counterparts.

For example, if you compare the prices (including tax) of Honda models, the 250cc scooter “Forza” is priced at 781,000 yen, while the PCX160 is priced at 462,000 yen, making it 319,000 yen cheaper.

The price of the 125cc PCX, a Class 2 moped model, is 379,500 yen (tax included), which is 82,500 yen more than the PCX160.

In terms of affordability, mopeds still win out, but when it comes to the same light motorcycle category, 155cc bikes are far cheaper to buy than 250cc bikes. In terms of price range, it can be said that they are a category that can be purchased with a budget that is relatively close to that of the 125cc class.

Taxes are relatively low

In terms of maintenance costs, 155cc bikes tend to be slightly higher than Class 2 mopeds, but the difference is not that great.

First of all, 155cc motorcycles do not have to undergo vehicle inspections. This is also true for Class 2 mopeds, but it can be said that this is a significant benefit in terms of the cost of maintaining a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, what about the tax aspect?

First, the light vehicle tax (category tax) paid annually is as follows:

・155cc (light motorcycle): 3,600 yen/year

・125cc (moped type 2): 2,400 yen/year

A 155cc motorcycle is about 1,200 yen/year more expensive than a Class 2 moped, but it is about half the 6,000 yen/year for a small motorcycle over 250cc. It can be said to be quite reasonable.

The automobile weight tax is as follows :

・155cc (light motorcycle): 4,900 yen (first time registration only)

・125cc (moped type 2): None

155cc bikes require a fee of 4,900 yen only upon initial registration, while 125cc bikes are tax-free.

However, this point is also much more reasonable compared to small motorcycles over 250cc, which are subject to vehicle inspections. Small motorcycles are subject to automobile weight tax at each inspection, with 5,700 yen for the first three years after initial registration, and 3,800 yen every two years thereafter (if it has been less than 13 years since initial registration). Considering this, one of the advantages of 155cc motorcycles, which do not require vehicle inspections, is that you only have to pay the tax once.

Insurance premiums are cheaper for Class 2 mopeds

Next, insurance. First, the rates for compulsory automobile liability insurance are as follows:

・155cc (light motorcycle): 7,100 yen/year

・125cc (class 2 moped): 6,910 yen/year

*All prices apply to areas other than remote islands (excluding Okinawa Prefecture)

Here too, the 155cc model is slightly more expensive.

Also, with regard to optional insurance, the family bike special clause that can be used for 125cc mopeds of the second class does not apply to 155cc light motorcycles, so you will need to take out a new policy.

As such, while the maintenance costs of a 155cc bike are slightly higher than those of a Class 2 moped, they are far cheaper than bikes over 250cc that are subject to vehicle inspections.

As mentioned above, there are also various benefits, such as the ability to drive on highways, the ability to use it on a daily basis in the same way as a Class 2 moped, and the vehicle price not being as high as a 250cc bike.

In particular, this class is ideal for riders who want a bike that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday transportation to touring, and who want to keep purchase and maintenance costs down.