Okay so I know this sounds weird coming from someone who wrote about the FKM Ranger 150 and the Kymco Dollar 150 (which I still love, by the way) but… I think my priorities are shifting a little.
It started when I saw that Honda Gyro on the way to Binondo (wrote about that here) and something clicked.
I’ve been thinking more and more about bikes that actually help me do things.
Not bikes that look cool parked outside the mall.
Bikes that can carry stuff, sip on fuel, and handle both the short tricycle-style errands and the occasional longer ride on a weekend.
I also used to own a Yamaha YTX 125… which was honestly one of my favourite rides I’ve ever had.
Not because it was fast or flashy.
Because it was just so nice to ride and the fuel economy was something else. It made every errand feel effortless.
I still think about that bike sometimes.
So I put together this list.
Ten scooters and small bikes that I think deserve way more attention than they usually get. Some of these are for budget riders, some are for people who want to look good while being practical, and one of them is just wildly interesting and I had to include it.
1. Honda Beat (₱72,400–₱74,400)
Let me start with the one that’s probably the most common scooter you’ll see on any Davao road.
The Beat.
It’s everywhere.
And I used to overlook it because of that… but that’s actually the point.
The Honda Beat is powered by a 110cc engine, uses a variable speed CVT gearbox, has a seating height of 742mm, and weighs only 89kg.
That’s really light.
Like, lift-it-with-one-arm light (almost).
The low seat height means it’s also perfect for shorter riders.
For short errands around Davao, going to and picking up stuff from the market, or doing a quick run to SM… the Beat is honestly hard to er… beat.
It’s small, it parks anywhere, and Honda’s fuel injection on this thing is known to be very efficient.
At this price, it’s one of the most practical things you can buy.
Pros
- Extremely light at 89kg
- Low seat height, great for beginners and shorter riders
- Fuel efficient and easy to maintain
- Wide dealership and parts network
Cons
- 110cc limits highway confidence
- Small storage compartment
- Not exactly exciting to talk about at a bike meetup
Verdict: The most sensible scooter on this list for pure city use. Boring? Yes. Practical? Absolutely.
2. Yamaha Mio Gravis (₱84,900)
Now this one… this one I actually find genuinely attractive. Which is surprising because I don’t usually think of Yamaha’s Mio lineup as “exciting.”
But the Gravis looks different.
The Yamaha Mio Gravis is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine, has a seating height of 780mm, weighs 102kg, comes with disc front brakes, and features a 25-litre under-seat storage compartment. That 25-liter storage space is genuinely huge for a scooter this size. You can fit a full-face helmet in there. Or groceries. Or both, if you’re careful.
It also comes with a wide LED headlamp with positioning lights, turning signals, rear taillamp, hazard lamp switch, full-digital speedometer, a 12V power socket, and runs on 12-inch wheels.
A 12V socket on a scooter. For charging your phone while you ride. That’s a small thing but… it’s actually really useful when you’re out all day.
Pros
- 25-liter underseat storage (best in class)
- Sporty looks without the sporty price
- LED headlamp and digital meter standard
- 12V charging socket onboard
Cons
- Only available in 2 colors at this price
- 135mm ground clearance is a bit low for rough roads
- 102kg feels heavier than competitors at this price
Verdict: If you want a practical scooter, this is a solid pick.
3. Honda Click 125i (₱81,900)
The Click 125i is the middle ground between the Beat (too small) and the Click 160 (too expensive for some). It’s been around for a while and it’s earned its reputation as one of the most dependable daily riders you can buy in the Philippines.
Honda’s PGM-Fi fuel injection makes it efficient and easy to start even on cold mornings. It’s got proper underseat storage, smart key on some variants, and that Honda reliability that… well, Honda owners know what I mean. You just don’t worry about it.
For someone in Davao who needs something for the daily school run, the grocery run, or the commute through Matina traffic… the Click 125i is still one of the best answers at this price.
Pros
- Honda reliability and wide service network
- PGM-Fi fuel injection for efficiency
- Decent storage and practical layout
- Proven track record in Philippine conditions
Cons
- Design is showing its age compared to newer competitors
- 125cc might feel underpowered on longer uphill roads
- Not as exciting as some newer options
Verdict: The safe, reliable choice. Never wrong.
4. Suzuki Skydrive Sport (₱72,900)
The Suzuki Skydrive Sport is priced at ₱72,900. That makes it one of the most affordable automatic scooters available brand-new in the Philippines right now.
And for that price, it looks… actually kind of aggressive?
The Sport variant has sharper styling than the standard Skydrive, and Suzuki’s 113cc engine is known for decent fuel economy.
If you need a budget scooter that won’t embarrass you at the gasoline station and doesn’t look like the cheapest option on the lot… the Skydrive Sport is worth a look. Especially for students or first-time riders in Davao who just need something to get around.
Pros
- Lowest price on this list for a new scooter
- Sportier look than you’d expect at this price
- Suzuki reliability
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- 113cc is really just for city use
- Storage is limited
- Less features compared to more premium options
Verdict: Best budget entry. If money is tight but you need something reliable, this is it.
5. Suzuki Access (₱84,900–₱93,900)
The Access doesn’t get enough credit. It’s Suzuki’s bigger commuter scooter and it’s actually quite comfortable to ride, especially for taller riders who find the smaller scoots a bit cramped.
The Suzuki Access is priced between ₱84,900 and ₱93,900. It uses a 124cc engine, and the upright riding position is really noticeable if you’re used to crouching over smaller bikes. For someone doing a longer daily commute… say from Buhangin going to Bajada, or anywhere that takes more than 20 minutes… the Access’s comfort level is genuinely appreciated.
Pros
- More comfortable riding position for taller riders
- Good fuel efficiency for the class
- Solid Suzuki build quality
- Affordable price range
Cons
- Not the most stylish scooter on the market
- Limited color options
- Less sporty feel compared to Yamaha or Honda equivalents
Verdict: Underrated comfort scooter. Great for taller riders or long daily commutes.
6. Honda Click 160 (₱116,900)
Now we’re getting into what I’d call the “slightly more serious” scooter territory. I actually wrote a bit about the Honda Click 160 before and my thoughts are the same… it’s a really solid upgrade from the 125.
The Honda Click 160 is powered by a 157cc engine, has a seating height of 778mm, weighs 116kg, comes with disc front brakes and drum rear brakes, and is priced at ₱116,900.
The 157cc engine means it’s actually comfortable on longer stretches. Davao to the airport, Davao going towards Digos on the national highway… the Click 160 handles those without feeling like it’s struggling. It’s smooth, it’s quiet, and it looks clean and modern.
At ₱116,900 it’s not cheap, but for what you get… I think it justifies the price.
Pros
- 157cc handles highway stretches comfortably
- Smooth and refined ride quality
- Honda reliability at a higher displacement
- Smart key feature (on some variants)
Cons
- ₱116,900 is a significant jump from the 125cc options
- Only one variant available
- 138mm ground clearance is still a bit low
Verdict: The right upgrade if you want more confidence on longer routes without going full maxi-scooter.
7. Yamaha NMAX (₱155,900)
The NMAX… okay this one is in a different leagueb ut I’m putting it here because if you’re reading this and thinking “I want something practical but I also want people to look at it”… the NMAX is the answer.
The Yamaha NMAX is priced at ₱155,900 in the Philippines. It runs a 155cc engine with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), which means it’s actually responsive at both low and high speeds. It’s got ABS on the top variant, a proper maxi-scooter look, and underseat storage that can fit two full-face helmets.
For Davao riders who want something that works as a daily scooter Monday to Friday and also looks good enough for a weekend ride to Samal… the NMAX is genuinely one of the best options.
Pros
- 155cc VVA engine gives strong performance at all speeds
- Premium maxi-scooter look
- Large underseat storage (two helmet capacity)
- Available with ABS
Cons
- ₱155,900 is a big investment
- Heavier than smaller scooters (harder to maneuver in tight spots)
- Fuel consumption is higher than 125cc class
Verdict: The best “practical but also cool” scooter on this list.
8. Honda ADV 160 (₱166,900)
This one is for riders who occasionally have to deal with rough roads, light off-road, or those places in Davao where the asphalt just… stops. The ADV 160 is an adventure scooter, which is a category I honestly find fascinating.
The Honda ADV 160 is priced at ₱166,900. It uses the same 157cc engine as the Click 160, but the ADV adds higher ground clearance, knobby-ish dual-purpose tires, a more upright riding position, and a tank bag mount. It looks like a proper adventure bike but rides like a comfortable automatic scooter. AutoIndustriya
I also wrote about possibly getting an e-bike or something similar to the Honda Gyro for errands… and honestly the ADV 160 fills that niche much better if you’re willing to spend more.
Pros
- Higher ground clearance for rough roads and light off-road
- Adventure styling looks fantastic
- Dual-purpose tires for mixed terrain
- 157cc gives good highway confidence
Cons
- Most expensive scooter on this list
- Heavier than average
- Full off-road capability is limited (it’s still a scooter)
Verdict: The one for riders who want to go a bit beyond the city roads. Unique and very capable.
9. TVS XL100 Heavy Duty (Gray Market / Import)
The TVS XL100 Heavy Duty is powered by a 99.7cc, 4-stroke single cylinder engine producing 3.20kW (4.3bhp) at 6000rpm and 6.5Nm of torque at 3500rpm, with a kerb weight of 88kg, payload capacity of 150kg, and comes with a detachable seat, large floorboard, Synchronized Braking Technology, and a roll-over sensor that automatically cuts the engine within 3 seconds if the vehicle falls.
A 150kg payload.
On a tiny 100cc moped.
That means it can carry more than its own weight in cargo.
Which is exactly what makes it so interesting to me as an errand bike. The detachable seat means you can remove the pillion seat and strap cargo directly to the back. Like a mini habal-habal for packages.
It’s not fast.
It’s not cool.
But for someone who needs a pure utility bike for short cargo runs… I don’t think there’s anything quite like it in this category.
Plus my youngest brother has one and I really think it’s a cool moped, I wonder if he’ll sell it to me if he ever gets tired of it.
Pros
- 150kg payload capacity is exceptional for its class
- Detachable seat for cargo loading flexibility
- Roll-over safety sensor
- Synchronized braking for safety
- Very light at 88kg
Cons
- Not officially sold in the Philippines (gray market only)
- 99.7cc means very slow on anything beyond flat city roads
- Parts and service availability is uncertain locally
- No official warranty
Verdict: For pure errand use.
10. Kymco Dollar 150
And finally… the one I’ve actually written about before. The Kymco Dollar 150 is an underrated little bike and I still think it doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
I’ve talked about it in detail before but the short version is… it’s a 149cc scooter from a Taiwanese brand with a reputation for solid build quality.
It’s practical, it’s comfortable for a daily rider, and the price puts it in a range where it genuinely competes with the more popular Honda and Yamaha options.
For someone in Davao who wants something slightly different from the usual brands but still wants reliability and serviceability… the Dollar 150 is worth a serious look.
Pros
- 149cc for better highway capability than 125cc class
- Good build quality from a reputable brand
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Less common on the road (for people who like that)
Cons
- Kymco service centers are fewer than Honda or Yamaha in Davao
- Brand recognition is lower locally
- Resale value is less predictable
Verdict: The one for riders who’ve done their research and want something a bit different. I like it.
So Which One Should You Get?
Honestly, it depends on how you use it…
- Pure errands, tight budget: Honda Beat or Suzuki Skydrive Sport
- Errands but want storage: Yamaha Mio Gravis
- Reliable daily, don’t want to think about it: Honda Click 125i
- Comfortable commutes, taller rider: Suzuki Access
- Upgrade with highway confidence: Honda Click 160
- Daily + weekend rider that looks good: Yamaha NMAX
- Mixed roads and light adventure: Honda ADV 160
- Pure cargo utility: TVS XL100 (if you can source it)
- Something different that works: Kymco Dollar 150
For me personally… I think I’d still go for the Kymco Dollar 150 or the Yamaha Mio Gravis depending on budget.
But I keep looking at the TVS XL100. Something about that moped just speaks to the practical side of my brain that wants a proper errand machine.
And yeah… that’s where my head is at these days.
