When the Honda X-ADV was introduced globally at the EICMA show in Milan in 2015, everyone thought that off-roading communities were ready and raring to embrace the automatic-transmission technology fitted on the model for both city and extreme riding adventures.
It was the first time the motorcycle world had heard of the tag ‘adventure scooter.’ Honda marketed the X-ADV as an adventure-style, go-anywhere maxi-scooter powered by a 750cc twin-cylinder engine, promoted its advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission for both the tarmac and rugged terrain, and clothed it in the rally-themed scheme and graphics of the Africa Twin and the CRF450 off-road warriors.
Fast-forward to 2019. How has the X-ADV fared in the global market? Not that well, primarily because most off-road riders still prefer manual-shifting stallions whenever they need to tackle muddy situations, river crossings, and rugged mountain trails. Also, there’s the X-ADV’s prohibitive pricing. A 2019 model goes for P805,000.
Despite this, Honda Motor Company is not giving up on its motorcycle crossover, and is instead targeting another bike category using the same ‘City Adventure Concept.’
So, the smaller and road-biased 2019 ADV 150 scooter was born. Unveiled at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, the ADV 150 undoubtedly takes inspiration from the X-ADV. It’s close to its bigger scooter sibling, with styling cues such as a big front apron, twin LED headlamps, and an adjustable screen.
Before these photos deceive you as to the size of Honda’s latest masterpiece, let’s check the tale of the tape: The X-ADV 750 measures 2,245mm long, 910mm wide, and 1,375mm tall. The ADV 150 is smaller and shorter at 1,950mm long, 763mm wide, and 1,153mm tall.
The ADV 150 is powered by a 149.3cc SOHC four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that makes 14.7hp at 8,500rpm and 13.8Nm at 6,500rpm. Final drive, of course, is V-belt. The ADV 150’s suspension takes the conventional setup of telescopic fork up front and twin gas-charged dual shocks at the rear. Gone are the wire-spoke wheels that adorn the X-ADV; this baby version runs 14- and 13-inch alloy wheels for the front and rear, respectively.
The model launched in Indonesia is blessed with CBS and ABS as standard, along with an LCD instrument cluster with a large, legible screen.
At this point, we’re all itching to know if the ADV 150 will have the potential of gaining more traction than the X-ADV in the local market once it arrives on Philippine shores. Let us know your thoughts about Honda’s new creation.
