EXCLUSIVE: Honda Latest Patents Hint At Onslaught In Indian Premium Scooter Segment

Honda has filed patents for the Vario 160 and the ADV350 in India. The scooters are already on sale in quite a few foreign markets, but their debut in India is a bit surprising. So, is Honda really planning to enter the premium scooter segment in the country?

As much as we’d love to see an alternative to the Yamaha Aerox 155 or even the Keeway Vieste 300, knowing Honda, it might have just filed the patents to safeguard the products for future. Previously, we have also seen the Japanese marque file patents for the CBR150R and even the CRF190L ADV. 

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Even though these scooters have a slim chance of debuting in India, they have serious potential to disrupt the Indian market. The Yamaha Aerox 155 is one of the most powerful scooters available in our market right now, and virtually goes unchallenged. With the Vario producing 15.3PS and 13.8Nm, it is certainly an interesting alternative to the Aerox that makes 15PS and 13.9Nm.

The Honda ADV350 too could be an interesting proposition in our market. This ADV-style scooter made its debut at the EICMA 2021 and uses the same engine from the Forza 350 that dishes out 29PS and 31.9Nm. And the ‘ADV’ moniker brings it rugged styling and hardware like a 37mm USD fork and twin rear shocks, a 15/14-inch wheel setup and disc brakes at both ends.

If Honda intends to bring the Vario 160 and the ADV350 to our market, they have to be priced very competitively to make an impact. Until then, your only options in the premium scooter remain the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the new Keeway Sixties 300i or the Vieste 300.