Which One Should You Get as Your Next Ride?
“A good motorcycle isn’t just a ride—it’s freedom on two wheels.”
If you’re in Davao, looking for a reliable daily driver, two Honda models stand out: the Honda Click 125i and the Honda ADV160.
Both are built for efficiency, but they serve very different riders. One’s an urban commuter’s dream, the other’s a rugged road warrior. So, which one should you get as your next ride?
The Battle of Two Honda Scooters: Which One Suits You Best?
“A good ride changes your day. A great ride changes your life.”
Ever since November 2024, I’ve been looking at scooters and salivating over them. For those who don’t know, I sold my old trusty YTX to pay for some farm expenses. And ever since becoming a dad, I also reasoned with myself that motorcycles are too dangerous.
But…
You can’t really totally kill that desire to be atop a motorcycle and feeling the wind blow in your face as you speed form one point to the next.
So…
Ever since November, my top searches have been for scooters. To be specific, I’m looking for an efficient scooter that fits my lifestyle.
And two models consistently pop up in my online discussions and searches: the Honda Click 125i and the Honda ADV 160.
Both are solid choices. But which one can I consider as swak na swak?
Which of these two is the perfect scooter considering these factors:
- you’re a freelancer like me who needs a reliable ride around Davao.
- a daily commuter who just wants to end the constant struggle to secure a ride and save your fare money.
- You’re a parent shuttling kids to school looking for a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle
Why a Scooter is a Daily Essential
Ok, lately I’ve been heavily into checking scooters, and EVs over appliances and other home improvement stuff like power gates and prefab homes.
I’ll eventually get back to those topics, just indulge me until I come around to my senses once I finally find a good set of wheels.
Ok, so why is it that I seem to be obsessed with scooters all of a sudden?
Here’s why:
In the Philippines, getting from point A to B is no joke. The traffic here is insane!
Whether you’re navigating through city roads for work or driving your kid to school, you’re bound to run into some traffic.
Although Davao traffic isn’t as bad as let’s say Zamboanga, Cebu, or Manila, it can still get quite annoying at times.
This is why a scooter in the Philippines is a game-changer.
Why?
Here’s Why:
A Scooter Helps You Save Time from Being Stuck in Traffic
No more getting stuck for hours in traffic. A scooter, although I don’t really recommend it, lets you slip through congested streets like a pro. The reason why I don’t recommend it is because it can cause an accident.
Personally, I don’t like slipping in and out of cars but then again, I’m more of a leisure driver than one who needs it for work and other things.
Five Times the Fuel-Efficiency Found in Four Wheeled Vehicles
With gas prices soaring, a scooter saves you thousands of pesos in fuel costs. Scooters these days can have a mileage of around 40 kilometers to the liter. Compare that with a car’s 8 to 10 and you’re looking at massive savings.
In fact, you get 5 times more distance out of a scooter than with a regular vehicle. And I’m being generous here.
Easier Parking
Unlike cars, scooters fit into small spaces. No more stress looking for parking!
Davao has a lot of Idiot Drivers who think their Toyota Wigo deserves two parking slots in SM Ecoland. Now, to be fair, I don’t really know why they took up two parking slots, maybe it was an emergency? But still.
In Manila, if you do that, you’re looking for a fight.
To be fair to four wheelers, motorcycle drivers in Davao are just as bad on the road and while parking. The smaller size just allows for more maneuverability and space so there’s more leeway for patience.
It’s official: I’m an equal opportunity disser.
Budget-Friendly
Compared to a car, maintenance and fuel expenses are significantly lower with a scooter. Save for getting a Suzuki Multicab, there are very few four-wheeled vehicles that come close to the price tag attached to a scooter.
A scooter is more or less a fifth of the price of a car. In the case of the Honda Click 125, at Php 81, 400, is about a sixth of the price of a small car like let’s say the Toyota Wigo which is priced at Php 615,000.
You’ll still conveniently get to where you’re going but at a significantly lesser price.
Now, between the Honda Click 125i and the Honda ADV160, which one fits your daily grind better?
Oh and I do understand that you can’t really ferry small children on scooters if they can’t reach the footpegs. So parents… this recommendation is only for those with older children. Or at least, long-limbed children (hehehe)
Honda Click 125i: The Smart and Efficient Choice
Compact and Efficient
The Honda Click 125i is known for being an efficient scooter, perfect for city commuting. It’s lightweight, fuel-efficient, and loaded with smart features.
The PGM-Fi fuel injection ensures optimal fuel consumption, making it a practical choice for daily riders who want to save on gas while navigating Davao’s busy streets. Every other scooter I seem to see on the road these days is a Honda Click 125.
That comes as no surprise since the Honda Click 125 is the top-selling motorcycle in the Philippines today.
Key Features
- 125cc liquid-cooled engine for smooth performance
- Smart Key System for added security
- LED lighting system for better visibility
- Underseat storage big enough for a helmet
- Transmission: V-Belt Automatic
- Curb Weight: 112kg
- Fuel System: Fuel Injection
- Combi Brake System (CBS) for safer stops
Best For?
If you’re a freelancer who needs an affordable scooter that won’t break the bank, the Honda Click 125i, at Php 81,400.00 is perfect. It’s reliable, easy to maneuver, stylish, and, most importantly, tipid sa gasolina!
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Fuel-efficient, saving you money on gas
- Stylish and sporty look
Cons:
- No ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- Not as powerful for long highway rides
And Now to Compare the Honda Click 125 to the Honda ADV 160.
Okay, on paper, there really is no way a Honda Click 125 is going to win over a Honda ADV160. There’s just no way. But this isn’t really about specs. This is more about choosing a scooter that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Still, let’s look at what the Honda ADV160 has to offer by listing out some of its notable tech specs.
Honda ADV160: The Rugged and Versatile Ride
Adventure-Ready Performance
The Honda ADV160 is built for those who want a little more power and versatility. There, I said it.
It’s not just an efficient scooter; it’s also designed to handle rougher roads and longer rides. Thanks to its enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) engine, the ADV160 delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.
Key Features
- 157cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine for extra power
- Showa twin rear shocks for better suspension
- Higher ground clearance for rough roads
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for safety
- Adjustable windscreen for comfort
Best For?
If your rides go beyond the city—whether it’s road trips to the mountains or weekend rides with friends—the Honda ADV160 is the better choice. It’s a perfect scooter for men and women who want adventure without compromising comfort.
The Honda ADV160 is designed for both city streets and rougher terrains, making it one of the best affordable scooters with adventure-ready capabilities.
But let’s not exaggerate its ability to handle rugged roads. Yes, it can go offroad but don’t go overboard. If you really want some extreme offroading experience, you’re better off with a proper dirtbike.
Pros:
- Powerful engine for longer rides
- ABS for better braking safety
- Rugged design with adventure-style aesthetics
- Higher ground clearance for rough roads
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy and less nimble in traffic
For riders who want to explore beyond city roads and hit some provincial adventures, the Honda ADV160 is your best bet!
Honda Click 125i vs. Honda ADV160: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Honda Click 125i | Honda ADV160 |
| Engine | 125cc liquid-cooled | 157cc liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Efficiency | Super Tipid! | Good but more powerful |
| Comfort | Light and agile | More comfy for long rides |
| Storage | Good (18L) | Bigger (30L) |
| Brakes | CBS | ABS for better control |
| Price | More affordable | Premium price |
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
Here’s the long and short of it:
Get the Honda Click 125i if:
You’re on a tight budget and want the best affordable scooter
You need a light, fuel-efficient ride for daily commuting
You want a stylish yet practical scooter
For city commuters and budget-conscious riders: The Honda Click 125i is your winner.
Get the Honda ADV160 if:
You want a more powerful ride for long trips
You need a rugged, adventure-ready scooter
You prefer better suspension and premium features
For adventure seekers and long-distance riders: The Honda ADV160 is worth the extra cost.
Either way, both scooters offer a solid balance of performance, reliability, and style.
For city riders and freelancers who need a reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly ride, the Honda Click 125i is the smarter choice. But if you want power, adventure, and premium features, the Honda ADV160 is worth the upgrade.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you ride. Do you want something practical or something built for adventure? Either way, Honda’s got you covered. Now, time to pick your ride and hit the streets of Davao like a boss!
And now, the final question: which one will you ride home? Comment below or send me an email as to which one you chose.