Quick Highlights:
Honda's ADV160 maxi-scooter patented in India
Could get a 157cc liquid-cooled engine
Lighter than the Hero Xoom 160, but heavier than the Yamaha Aerox 155
Honda seems to be expanding its premium scooter plans for India. After patenting the Airblade maxi-scooter, the Japanese manufacturer has now patented the ADV160 here as well. While a patent filing does not guarantee a launch, it certainly hints that Honda is evaluating more interesting products for the Indian market.
A Rugged Looking Maxi-Scooter
Unlike the Honda Airblade 160, which is designed as a sporty urban commuter, the ADV160 takes a more adventure-focused approach. It features a rugged design with a tall stance, chunkier bodywork and a touring-friendly character aimed at handling rough roads with greater confidence.
Powering the scooter is the same 157cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine seen on the Airblade. However, the motor has been tuned differently here and produces 16PS and 14.7Nm. The engine is expected to offer a good balance between everyday usability and highway performance, making it suitable for both city rides and longer journeys.
Bigger Wheels And Wider Tyres
The ADV160 is built around an underbone frame and uses a conventional telescopic fork, along with twin rear shock absorbers from Showa. One of its standout features is the wheel setup. It runs on a 14-inch front wheel and a 13-inch rear wheel, a layout inspired by Honda's larger adventure scooter family.
The scooter also gets significantly wider tyres than the Airblade. While the Airblade uses relatively slim 90-section tyres, the ADV160 comes with a 110-section front and 130-section rear tyre setup. This should provide better grip and stability, especially on uneven road surfaces.
Quite Light-Weight
For braking duties there is a 240mm front disc brake setup with single channel ABS, along with a 130mm rear drum brake. The ADV160 has a seat height of 780mm, which should make it accessible for a wide range of riders. At 133kg kerb weight, the scooter sits neatly between its potential rivals. It is around 9kg lighter than the Hero Xoom 160, which could make it easier to manoeuvre in traffic. At the same time, it is approximately 7kg heavier than the Yamaha Aerox 155.
Enough Tech And Convenience
The Honda ADV160 gets all LED lights, along with a TFT console, with smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/call alerts and music controls. The ADV160 also gets keyless ignition, same as we get on the Honda Activa. There is also a 27-litre underseat storage that is decently big.
Will Honda Launch It In India?
The Indian maxi-scooter segment is still relatively small, with the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 being the primary options in the 150cc-plus liquid-cooled category. The ADV160 could slot right between these two products by offering a blend of adventure styling, touring ability and everyday practicality.
That said, it is important to remember that manufacturers often file patents simply to protect intellectual property rights. Honda follows this practice regularly, so the patent alone should not be taken as confirmation of an India launch. However, if Honda decides to bring the ADV160 here, it could become an interesting alternative for buyers looking for something more versatile than a conventional scooter.