THE YAMAHA NMAX YECVT RIDE EXPERIENCE TO KAYBIANG TUNNEL

The Yamaha YECVT NMAX on the scenic roads to Kaybiang Tunnel is a knowledgeable experience, unlocking the technology behind optimal performance and riding modes.

November brought a much-needed escape with an immersive experience courtesy of Yamaha Philippines. This is more than just a ride. It was a journey combining great food, stunning locations, and a deep dive into technology. With the Yamaha NMAX Tech Max, the ride is a powerful, modern motorcycling journey.

An Evening Start Towards Cavite

The call time on November 22nd was a late afternoon set, kicking off the adventure. Our destination? The cool, refreshing climate of Silang, Cavite. The evening started with a delightful dinner at Salakot Al Fresco Dining and Events Place in Silang, Cavite. The warm setting is a communal tone for the trip ahead.

The ambiance and theme are centered around a nipa hut village concept. Its treehouse-like structure provides a cool, relaxing, and Instagrammable environment. It is located along the Aguinaldo Highway, easily accessible for travelers coming from Manila, and a great tummy stopover on the way to Tagaytay. The food? A wide selection of delicious traditional Filipino dishes. It also features ample parking space for both cars and motorcycles so that motorists can enjoy the perfect blend of hearty Filipino food and a refreshing open-air setting.

Following dinner, we checked in for the night at one of Silang’s finest accommodations: Microtel by Wyndham Eagle Ridge. This hotel is well-regarded and primarily serves guests who use the extensive golf facilities in the area. It also provides comfortable accommodation for tourists exploring Cavite and Tagaytay. The property is immediately adjacent to Silang and the Tagaytay ridge area. Its nature and relaxing frills are an ideal comfort for a restful night that is essential, as the next day promised an early start and plenty of action.

Pico de Loro Beckons & A Sumptuous Welcome

The alarm clock was set for the early morning of November 23rd. With bags packed and engines revving, it was time to head to the picturesque Pico de Loro. Upon arrival, the team ensured we were properly fueled up. A truly sumptuous meal greeted us, providing the energy needed for the technical sessions and test rides scheduled for the day.

Deciphering the Technology: YECVT Deep Dive

The core of the morning was the educational session with the Yamaha PH Team. This wasn’t just a brief presentation; it was a highly knowledgeable time of inputs dedicated to understanding the intricacies of the Yamaha Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (YECVT), particularly as integrated into the new Yamaha NMAX Tech Max.

The team highlighted three key features that are essential for both daily commuting and touring:

Smart Navigation System: The rider interface is powered by a new TFT screen that provides onboard smart navigation control, putting connectivity and direction right on the dash.
The YECVT Itself: This is a Continuously Variable Transmission that introduces electronic control to offer riders better safety and automatic shifting with optimized performance. Crucially, the team clarified the term “Optimized.” This does not mean it adds a power boost compared to a “Turbo,” but rather, the system that controls the transmission deeper to deliver precisely what is expected in various riding conditions.
Riding Modes and Control: The system created a buzz with the switchable S (Sport) and T (Touring) modes. Combining these riding modes with the navigation and the YECVT created a new level of convenience and set a new benchmark in its class. This enhanced control is further executed through a 3-level downshift control (a vital point emphasized by the team: 3-Level, not 3-Speed), which allows the rider to manually trigger engine braking and immediate torque response.

The Moment of Truth: Test Ride Time!

All the learning led to this: the test ride. The anticipation was palpable. The Yamaha team had scheduled at least 10 batches of eager riders throughout the day, all keen to test out the technology we had just learned about.

We were allotted a spot in one of the 2 batches of test rides specifically for the KOLs and Moto-Media. This was the moment to apply the theoretical knowledge, to feel the responsive performance of the YECVT for ourselves, and to truly test what we have learned.

The ride was structured as a technical approach to further grasp and experience the modes and the purpose of the YECVT:

Leg 1 (Staging Area to Pico de Loro Main Gate): This recommended 3-km ride was specifically advised to use the S-Mode (Sport Mode). This short blast allowed us to immediately feel the aggressive responsiveness of the CVT’s high-performance setting.
Leg 2 (Main Gate of Pico de Loro to Kaybiang Tunnel): Shifting gears (or modes, in this case), the 16-km ride was advised to use the Touring Mode or T-Mode. This showcased the relaxed, efficient character of the transmission over a longer stretch.
Leg 3 (Ride Back to Pico de Loro): The return trip was dedicated to full S-Mode, allowing us to enjoy the thrilling nature of the CVT and the beautiful winding roads back to the starting point.

It was a fantastic day connecting with the Yamaha community, getting hands-on experience, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the engineering excellence that goes into every ride.