Will Honda Ever Bring The ADV 150 To India?

Nobody even dared to think about a 150cc off-road-biased scooter until Honda surprised the world with the unveiling of the ADV 150 in Indonesia back in July 2019. Now, the scooter has been launched in the US at USD 4,299 (ex-showroom). This translates to around Rs 3.28 lakh, making it just around Rs 4,000 less expensive than the 2018 Honda CB300F. Sounds a bit exorbitant for a scooter, right? Well, let’s take a look at what it packs.

The Indonesian-spec Honda ADV 150 is available in two variants: ABS and non-ABS. There are six colours to choose from in total. On the other hand, the US-spec model is only offered in Matte Black Metallic colour variant with single-channel ABS as standard. Other features like two-step adjustable windscreen, apron-mounted 2-litre storage compartment with USB charging port, full-LCD instrument cluster, keyless ignition, all-LED lighting system and a large 27-litre underseat storage remain unchanged.

The mechanicals are the same too. It is powered by a 149cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine churning out 14.5PS and 13.8Nm, linked to a variomatic transmission. Being an off-road-themed scooter, Honda has equipped the ADV 150 with 31mm Showa telescopic front fork offering 129.5mm travel and Showa twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear with 119.3mm travel. It’s not exactly a hardcore off-road adventure scooter as it rolls on 14-inch front and 13-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped with 110-section and 130-section block pattern tyres. The 240mm front petal disc features a single-channel ABS whereas the rear gets a 130mm drum.

We may not get the rugged-looking ADV 150 in our market but Honda has something better in store for us. In fact, it is planning to introduce the Forza 300 - a sporty maxi scooter - via the CKD route, likely by the end of 2020. You can read all about it here.