Honda ADV 160: The Everyday Adventure Bike for Filipinos

This is a long overdue article about the Honda ADV 160 that I should’ve released back in January. Back then, all I knew was that there was the Honda ADV 150 but then they released news that there’s a 160 ready.

My bandmate, also has a Honda ADV 150 so that’s another reason why I wanted to release a review about this awesome scooter.

So, after procrastinating for way too long, here’s my take on the Honda ADV 160. Bottomline, it’s an awesome scooter that I look forward to owning one day (unless they come out with something better).

Heck, who am I kidding? I’ll probably get this one just for nostalgia alone.

Anyway, here’s the Honda ADV 160.

The Honda ADV 160 is Perfect for Davao’s Urban and Rural Settings

Davao is a great place to live in.

It’s a perfect blend of rural and urban areas melding into one. It’s so green despite it being so progressive.

The perfect type of vehicle that you would need in a place like this is something that can easily switch back and forth between city driving and tackling light off-road situations. The first thing that comes into mind would be something as rugged as a pickup truck.

We have that.

We have a Mitsubishi Strada L200 Endeavor.

But it’s not enough.

Because sometimes there will be instances where you will need something smaller to squeeze into tight spots or at least something that won’t tear up the ground too much with its tires and massve weight.

That’s where the Honda ADV 160 comes in.

And I would say its appearance in the market is a timely one.

There’s just this sense of a re-emergence of innovative motorcycles coming out in the past few years. The Honda ADV 160 with all its tech improvements and other features seens to stand out among the rest.

That’s why I’m so intrigued about this scooter.

Intrigued enough to want to buy one.

Honda ADV 160: Specs and Features

At a glance, the Honda ADV 160 comes equipped with a 157cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled eSP+ engine, delivering 15.8 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque.

It also offers a fuel efficiency of up to 45 km/L, making it both a powerful and economical scooter for work or for play.

Key Features:

• Transmission: CVT automatic
• Bore x Stroke: 60.mm x 55.5 mm
• Engine Type: 4-Stroke, SOHC, Liquid-Cooled, eSP+
• Displacement: 157 cc
• Maximum Power: 11.8 hp @8500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 14.7 Nm @ 6500rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 8.1 liters
• Fuel System: PGM-FI
• Starting System: Electric (ACG Starter)

On paper, the Honda ADV 160 looks like it has everything you need. Power, convenience, and fuel-efficiency.

This makes it a really good scooter for people who just need a scooter for going to work, school, hanging out, or for someone like me, as a sensible but aesthetically pleasing farm vehicle.

But is it too big or is it just the right size for Filipinos?

Dimensions and Weight

Specification	Details
Overall Length	1,950 mm
Overall Width	763 mm
Overall Height	1,196 mm
Seat Height	780 mm
Ground Clearance	165 mm
Wheelbase	1,324 mm
Curb Weight	133 kg

The first time I saw an ADV 160 was outside of Mercury Calinan (the one near the public market). It was all white and the light from the lamp post just seemed to hit it right. Under such conditions, the scooter looked massive to me.

So I stuck around and admired the scooter from a few feet and waited for the owner to come back to his vehicle.

He was about my size, probably an inch shorter. I’m around 5’9” – 5’10” on a good day.

What surprised me was that the scooter, although it looked massive, wasn’t really that big. Sure, it was wide in some places but not too much to be cumbersome.

So, even though medyo malaki tingnan, the ADV 160 should still feel like a smaller scooter and be nimble enough for weaving through traffic (not recommended), tight corners or tackling rough terrain.

The size and weight makes it seem and feel like the perfect adventure bike minus the bulk. It might not be for those who are far shorter in stature. Still it’s a great scooter and I know the ground clearance won’t deter some very determined buyers.

Suspension, Tires, and Brakes

Specification	Front	Rear
Suspension	Telescopic fork	Twin subtank shock absorbers
Brake Type	Hydraulic disc with ABS	Hydraulic disc
Tire Size	110/80-14 M/C (53P)	130/70-13 M/C (57P)

The ADV 160’s suspension system seems adequate for absorbing most of the bumps you’d encounter on and off-road.

Good luck sa lubak.

But I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it will handle the toughest terrains. This is where a little caution comes in because although it has the making of a great trail bike, it’s still not a dirt bike.

Think of it as something you can take a little bit off the beaten path while still having a comfortable seat to plant your butt in.

Other Noteworthy Features

• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Helps prevent wheel slippage — super useful sa putikan or slippery roads.
• Adjustable Windshield: deflects adequate amounds of wind from hitting you if you go for long rides down the highway or rocks and small amount of debris from landing on you when you’re out on the trail with your buddies.
• Smart Key System: Push-start and has remote key functions!
• Digital LCD Display: Shows speed, fuel level, trip meter, and more.
• USB Charging Port: Charge while riding. No more fear of going low-batt when you next go on an adventure.
• LED Lights: Headlamp, tail lamp, and turn signals — all LED for better visibility.
• Large Underseat Storage: 30L storage that can even fit a full-face helmet!

Pros and Cons of the Honda ADV 160 – On-Road vs Off-Road Use

Okay, so now you know the tech specs of the Honda ADV 160, it’s now time to determine if this is the right bike for you depending on how you intend to use it on-road or off-road.

On-Road Use – Smooth Like Butter (Usually)

Pros:

• Excellent Comfort for Long Rides: The upright seating and wide handlebars make it easy on your back and shoulders. Hindi siya sakit sa katawan even after hours of riding.
• Fuel-Efficient: Thanks to the PGM-FI system and 157cc engine, tipid pa rin siya. Perfect for city commuting or provincial roads where gas stations are few and far between.
• Great Suspension for Bumpy City Roads: we all know how bad our streets are. Kalsada natin? More like lubak na may kaunting daanan para sa mga sasakyan. Minsan parang lunar surface. But the ADV handles it well.
• ABS + HSTC = Peace of Mind: Kahit biglang liko or ulan, may konting safety net ka na built-in.
• Lots of Storage is Love: Kaya niya magbitbit ng grocery, helmet, raincoat, o kaya isang supot ng lanzones.

Cons:

• Medyo Malapad for Heavy Traffic: If you’re coming from smaller scooters like the Click 125, you’ll notice it’s bulkier when squeezing between tight lanes.
• Price Point is Higher Than Regular Scooters: Hindi siya tipong bibili ka on a whim. It’s a commitment — pero sulit kung alam mong gagamitin mo talaga. Okay… I need to keep convincing myself that…

Off-Road Use – Game Pero Hindi Pang-Enduro

Pros:

• Can Tackle Light Trails: Kung rough gravel or farm roads lang, game na game siya. You don’t need to buy a dedicated dirt bike just to check on your durian trees.
• Suspension is Soft Enough for Farm Paths: Yep. Good enough. But try not to tackle too much rough terrain.
• Ground Clearance is Decent: It’s enough to keep the underside of your scooter’s engine from banging on rocks on the ground. Remember, it’s just enough to clear the ground.

Cons:

• Not a True Trail Bike: No knobby tires (you can add those later, if you really want) or high-clearance chassis like dedicated adventure bikes. Pang-light adventure bike lang siya talaga. Wag natin siya pilitin mag-enduro kung ayaw mong magbayad ng towing.
• Suspension Travel is Limited: Okay siya sa konting lubak, adjust the suspension as needed but don’t abuse it.

Why It’s Still a Great Buy

If you’re a practical rider, have enough money in the bank and want to look like you’r ready for TEOTWAWKI, the Honda ADV 160 is one of the best semi-premium scooters you can buy right now.

Here’s why:

Versatile

It’s the scooter you can use for your daily commute, going on long rides, doing farm errands, or even for going on a date. I mean it looks good enough for taking a girl out on a night.

This is one of those very fewscooters that fits urban and rural settings without seeming odd or out of place.

Built for Filipino Roads and Lifestyles

When Honda came up with the ADV 160, they must have had the Filipino rider n mind. And they should because a vast majority of us own a bike or use a bike.

Our roads, potholes, loose gravel, and all are a nightmare to traverse. And there are also floods and everything else in between that makes daily commutes challenging.

The ADV 160 is one of the few scooters na kayang sumabay sa daloy without compromising comfort.

Looks That Will Last

Even after a few years, this thing will still look badass. Hindi siya madaling maluma or ma-out of style. Whether you’re parked outside an SM mall or sari-sari store in the middle of nowhere, it will still turns heads.

Customization Possibilities

From off-road-style tires, upgraded suspension, to extra pannier racks and lights, the Honda ADV 160 is a canvas you can tweak to fit your lifestyle — urban, rural, or anything in between.

There’s so many things you can do to it. I would suggest upgrading the shocks and installing a crashguard if you’re really planning on more off-road activities. Side panniers and a topbox should be next on your list for more storage capabilities.

Lastly, lights and knobby tires.

The Honda ADV 160 is a money pit but only because it’s so good that you’ll want to keep throwing money at it to continually upgrade it.

Honda ADV 160 vs. Honda Click 160 vs. Yamaha NMAX – Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Honda ADV 160	Honda Click 160	Yamaha NMAX
Engine	157cc, 4-stroke	157cc, 4-stroke	155cc, 4-stroke
Cooling	Liquid-cooled	Liquid-cooled	Liquid-cooled
Suspension (Front/Rear)	Telescopic / Twin Shocks	Telescopic / Unit Swing	Telescopic / Unit Swing
Ground Clearance	165mm	138mm	125mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	8.1L	5.5L	7.1L
Weight	133kg	116kg	131kg
ABS / Traction Control	ABS + HSTC	ABS only	ABS only
Best Use Case	City + Light Trail / Farm	City & Daily Commute	City & Long Road Trips
Price Range (2024)	₱165,000–₱180,000	₱125,000–₱135,000	₱150,000–₱170,000

The Honda ADV 160 is like a wild man who showers and wears cologne. Reliable, practical, and willing to roll in the mud when needed.

Gear You Should Buy if You’re Riding the Honda ADV 160

Let’s be real. Owning a Honda ADV 160 is half about the bike, and half about how you show up with it. So if you’re serious, don’t skimp on these:

Helmet – Non-Negotiable

Even within your own property, wear a helmet. Always. Accidents don’t announce themselves and they happen quite a lot.

Recommended:

• Full-face or dual-sport helmets
• Something with an internal sun visor for those moments when you just want to go on a long ride at the drop of a hat.
• Good brands: LS2, KYT, HNJ, Zeus

Price range: ₱2,500 – ₱8,000 (depends on your budget)

Riding Gloves

They protect your hands, keep them from blistering, and actually help with throttle control, or maybe that’s just me. But the most important reason why I wear gloves is to protect my hands.

I play guitar and I don’t ever want to ruin my hands while doing something I also love like being on a motorcycle.

Pro tip: Choose breathable ones with hard knuckles. Always go for functionality before looks.

Riding Jacket

Although you’ll probably not need a ₱20,000 armored jacket, even a decent mesh jacket with padding can make a big difference. A riding jacket also helps against rain, sun, and abrasions if and when you fall because of gravel or other road conditions.

You don’t need to buy this brand new if you’re not a competitive biker. You can scour the Internet for used riding jackets or suits and get a good bargain.

Boots or Riding Shoes

Let’s normalize not riding with flip-flops. Even rubber shoes are better than slippers — pero kung may budget, invest in mid-cut riding shoes or light ADV boots. A pair of slippers will not protect your toes if you ever encounter an accident.

Crocs are also not protective shoes.

Get a proper pair of shoes or riding boots. And always wear them whenever you get on your bike even if you’re only going a short distance.

Motorcycle Cover + Anti-theft Gear

You spent ₱165K+ on your bike. Protect it. Get a waterproof cover and a simple disc lock or alarm lock combo for peace of mind.

That’s it for now! Tata!

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