Upgrade from Yamaha Grand Filano to NMAX worth it?

couple things nobody's touched on yet. the NMAX has a bigger rear tire so when you're going over those metal grate bridges on the expressway near Thong Lo exit it doesn't feel like the bike is trying to slide out from under you. the Filano's skinny tire gets caught in the grooves and you have to consciously relax your grip

also the mirrors on the NMAX are actually usable. on the Filano I always had to tuck my elbows in to see past them, especially when wearing a thicker jacket. the NMAX mirrors sit wider so you can actually see the lane behind you without doing yoga

for 40k it's worth it but only if you actually ride outside your local soi regularly. if you mostly stay within 2-3km of home the Filano is lighter and easier for quick trips to 7-11 or the market. the NMAX shines when you're actually covering distance

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tbh the handling difference is the biggest thing nobody's really nailed here. the NMAX has that Yamaha Blue Core engine which keeps the weight lower, so when you're leaning into a turn on a wet soi like those ones off Ekkamai, it feels planted instead of vague. the Filano's got that top-heavy wobble that makes you second guess yourself

one thing i haven't seen mentioned is the ABS. the NMAX has it, the Filano doesn't. on a rainy evening heading down Ratchaprarop where the taxis suddenly stop for no reason, that's a real difference. you can brake harder without worrying about the front washing out on painted lines

but for 40k, test ride one first. go to a dealer on Rama IX and take it around the block. the trade-in value on your Filano might actually be negotiable too, they usually have some wiggle room if you push

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For 40k baht I'd say go for it, but test ride first at a dealer on Rama IX. The NMAX handles way better on those bumpy sois and the ABS is a lifesaver in the rain. You will lose some storage and it feels heavier in traffic, but it is a solid upgrade for Bangkok roads.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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