2021 Honda ADV150 Review - First Ride

Adventure riding and adventure motorcycles are all the rage right now worldwide. While the idea of blending some of the off-road styling into scooters isn’t an entirely new idea, Honda has taken this approach to an entirely new level with the X-ADV, a 750cc Parallel Twin scooter with a dual-clutch transmission. Sadly, we won’t be seeing that model stateside any time soon thanks to US regulation of what constitutes a scooter versus a motorcycle (Honda says the X-ADV can’t be considered a scooter and without foot controls, it cannot be considered a motorcycle).

Well, why not? With the adventure market booming, it makes sense to throw some of that adventure styling onto an accessible worldwide model such as a 150cc scooter. The story of how the ADV150 came to fruition is a bit more interesting than simply why not, though. The concept came from an internal design competition among Honda’s global design offices. Ultimately, the Thai X-ADV themed concept won out and was put into production.

“I followed the image of X-ADV because I wanted to add tough and adventure elements,” says Kim, a manager at the Thai design studio. “In order to deliver a new lifestyle that will inspire the adventurous spirit of customers all over the world, we held a design competition in four countries, including Japan and Europe in addition to Thailand and Indonesia, and the Thai design proposal was adopted.”

Although the ADV150 looks the part of its X-ADV and Africa Twin family members, the machine is little more than a restyled PCX150 – a scoot John B recently lauded as “too much fun.” Aside from styling, the ADV150 differs from the existing PCX with longer travel Showa suspension; just over five inches up front and 4.7 in the rear. A slightly larger single 240mm disc with ABS slows the front wheel while a drum brake without ABS works the rear. The ADV150 uses Honda’s smart fob system:

“Honda’s Smart Key system, the scooter’s main knob is automatically activated as the owner approaches, and the engine can be started without inserting the key. (An on/off switch prevents a third party from using the scooter even when the owner is in the vicinity.) The system incorporates an “answer-back” switch that flashes the turn signals to help the owner locate the scooter, as well as an anti-theft mechanism whereby the handlebar remains locked when an attempt is made to start the scooter by force. The fuel lid and seat are unlocked via a rocker switch adjacent to the main knob.”

Honda says the ADV150 is, “A lightweight, compact scooter with adventure-ready features, a crossover model that embraces Honda’s ‘City Adventure’ concept and is positioned for both daily commuting and recreation.” And it’s not trying to be anything more. The styling, the extra suspension travel, the ADV moniker, they’ll do little more than the preceding PCX when the pavement runs out. That’s not to say it’s not a blast – like most scooters are – to rip around on.

The 149cc Single with its automatic V-matic belt-drive tranny has enough oomph around town and was capable of easily cruising at 55 mph during our ride. On flat ground 65 mph wasn’t out of reach and downhill, whilst fully tucked, the speedo flashed between 67 and 68. The LCD screen indicated an average of 79 mpg on my scoot, while other testers came in slightly above and below that number during our ride (which was spent at full throttle whenever possible). That number, considering the 2.1-gallon fuel tank, should allow for a 166(ish)-mile range.

As mature as we’ve shown ourselves to be here at MO, visions of adventurous grandeur played itself out in my head as we wrapped up our day’s ride. What kind of adventure are these things really capable of? Sure, they’re amply equipped for daily use in cities around the world, but if we’re careful, and keep the airtime minimal, how far could we venture? I’ll be back; I’ve got to call Troy. Stay tuned!

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