2021 Honda ADV150 | First Ride Review

2021 Honda ADV150 Review
Photography by Joseph McKimmy.

The Adventure segment has been on a tear, and Honda felt the time was right to extend its ADV tendrils into the scooter scene with the 2021 Honda ADV150. A concept contest among Honda’s various global motorcycle design teams spawned the ADV150. Each market’s needs were reflected in their designs, and the Thai team’s off-road themed scooter won the day.

Honda’s latest ADV-styled scooter is exactly that — a Honda PCX150 with longer travel Showa suspension, 5.1-inches up front, and 4.7-inches in the rear. It also features a larger ABS-equipped 240mm disc brake at the bow and a drum brake without ABS in the stern. The brakes lack feeling, and power is biased to the rear, but there’s no issue of getting you stopped in a hurry. Plus, it has Honda X-ADV (not sold here) and Africa Twin-inspired dress to spice it up.

Big Red sees the ADV150 as an urban dicing, dirt-road capable scooter. But if the developing world has taught us anything, it’s that scooters don’t need an ADV moniker to tackle the dusty trail, and a lot of their pilots do it while wearing sandals, too.

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The ADV150’s 149cc single-cylinder engine has enough gumption to put 55 mph on the LCD instrument panel relatively quickly. I even saw 65 mph displayed, but roll-on power has waned by then. With a centrifugal clutch, all you need to do is twist the grip and go. It’s fuel-efficient, too, averaging upward of 75-plus mpg.  

2021 Honda ADV150 Review

Balance and handling are more than grin educing, and the claimed curb weight of 294 pounds is hidden by its ultra-low center of gravity. The ADV150 whips around mountain curves and tight parking lots intuitively, and the suspension can manage a relatively groomed dirt road easily. Big hits are felt through the stiffer rear end. 

Block patterned, model-specific tubeless tires grip well on tarmac and keep it together off the pavement, though they aren’t thrilled with sand. A comfy 31.3-inch seat height and backswept handlebar keep you in an upright, comfortable, and commanding riding position, and the toolless two-position windscreen deflects a noticeable amount of air in the up position. 

Meanwhile, a 2-liter storage compartment with a 12-volt charging port can hold your phone and other items. There’s 27-liters of storage under the seat, but most full-face helmets won’t fit. Three-quarter and half-face helmets shouldn’t be an issue. The scoot also uses Honda’s Smart Key fob to activate the main knob, letting you start it, unlock the seat compartment, or release the fuel lid.

Save for a little less under-seat storage than I’d like, the ADV150 checks all the boxes for a commuter scooter. Not to mention the opportunity to leave some Africa Twin riders scratching their heads on a dirt road. 

2021 Honda ADV150 Specs:

Website: powersports.honda.com 
Base Price: $4,299 
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, single, OHC, 2 valves
per cyl. 
Bore x Stroke: 57.3 x 57.9 mm
Displacement: 149cc 
Transmission: V-matic, automatic centrifugal dry
type clutch
Final Drive: Belt 
Wheelbase: 52.1 in.
Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/3.4 in. 
Seat Height: 31.3 in. 
Claimed Wet Weight: 294 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gals., last 0.34 gal. warning light on 
MPG: 86 AKI min (avg) NA

2021 Honda ADV150 Photo Gallery:

9 COMMENTS

    • Yep, me too. Actually though at my age (almost 75) I’d rather they came out with a trike like Harley’s, only maybe a 750-1000cc. That will probably be my next ride when I am forced to give up 2 wheels.

  1. I really like the idea of the Honda 150 ADV. I would be more inclined to go this route if they only made it a bit more highway-worthy (speed-wise). Perhaps something in a 200cc to 500cc edition?

    • I agree that they need to produce at least a 350cc model. A 350 could do highway speeds. The big win on this as it is, is price. A 500cc would be at least 6 to 7k dollars and weight would need to not climb past 340 pounds or so, otherwise it would not be much fun.

  2. This scooter is tons of fun. I’ve even taken it along the freeway on long distance day trips. It takes intestinal fortitude, but long distance traveling can be done.

  3. I once had the Honda Elix 250 scoot and it was parked next to my Gl1500. I loved that little bike for a runabout. But did ride it a couple times on all dayers. Was going to do the 4-corners tour with it. But traded for a Suzy 650 Bandit for my 16 year old son at the time. Now that I’m 72 I’m thinking of getting something smaller, too.

  4. THIS SCOOTER WILL DO 70 MPH ALL DAY …. i have 1 and it handles so well took it on a long trip ..750 miles …90 mpg …love it in yellow yea well ….usa won,t handle this color …real shame …the yemaha 300xmax is also a great ride …does 105 mph …at 85 mpg ….more money but love the power …guess thats why iam 70 and still ride my bmw 1200gs ….but i do love the scooter ,,fun times in the country side …all day long ,,,pa area

  5. A SMALL SWISS ARMY KNIFE WITH WHEELS… .i wanted an addition for the small class b van/rv and this easily qualified to park itself on the m/c carrier weighing under 300 pounds.

    ala carte

    What it won’t do is the interstate or any roadway in conjunction with haulers of interstate commerce or traffic in excess of 70 mph.

    What it will do is remarkable in town and back country roads and still handle a bag of groceries under the seat. Add panniers and a top box and a scenic backcountry tour is possible for a week or two. Also added a higher windscreen and mirror mount extenders for bigger grins…

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