Honda’s new adventure scooter is powered by a 149cc liquid-cooled FI engine good for 14.3bhp and 13.8Nm
Honda Motorcycle USA a.k.a. Honda Powersports has launched the new ADV150 premium adventure scooter at a starting price of $ 4,299 (roughly Rs 3.28 lakh) ex-showroom. Calling it an ‘adventure scooter’ might be a stretch but the ADV150 does have some impressive dual-sport characteristics to justify its high price tag. In most parts of the world, scooters are usually seen as an easier-to-live-with alternative to motorcycles with the advantage of not having to change gears. For the same reason, products such as the Honda ADV150 stand apart from the rest.
Meanwhile, India’s scooter market has evolved over the years. While popular names such as the Honda Activa continue to be strong sellers, performance-focused CVT scooters are slowly picking up. As of now, the Aprilia SR150 and TVS Ntorq 125 are the only notable names in this particular category. They have showcased that there is a market potential for higher displacement scooters, including the 2020MY Suzuki Burgman 200 which was introduced in Japan a few days ago.
The new-gen Honda ADV150 made its initial debut in Indonesia around mid-2019. In terms of styling, it takes a marked shift from the usuals. The design combines a maxi-scooter with modern aesthetic elements. It takes inspiration from the bigger Honda X-ADV — a full-on off-road scooter which the Japanese automaker refers to as a ‘Crossover Adventure Bike’.
The Honda ADV150 may not be the most sensible purchase at this price point but it boasts of a host of features. This includes full-LED lighting, adjustable windscreen, digital instrument console, keyless ignition, 27-litre under-seat storage, two-litre storage compart at the front, USB charging, etc.
Furthermore, the ADV150 delivers a unique riding experience thanks to its design. The ‘crossover scooter’ rides on 14-inch and 13-inch alloy wheels at the front and rear, respectively. Suspension duties are handled by premium Showa telescopic front forks and gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. However, it gets only a front disc brake and hence; single-channel ABS.
The 2020MY Honda ADV150 comes with a 149cc liquid-cooled FI single-cylinder engine. The power plant generates 14.3bhp and 13.8Nm of torque. The scooter is offered in just one colour option, Matte Black Metallic. As mentioned before, the ADV150 will not reach our market in the foreseeable future. However, the growing trends in the scooter market could demand the introduction of premium or higher-displacement products.
