Honda ADV150 test ride.

Scooters are one of the easiest to ride motorized two-wheeler, user-friendly, versatile mode of transport in the city. It is easy to ride, even for those who have never operated a motorcycle before. A twist to the throttle, and you are off! It is easy to enjoy the simple pleasure of a ride.

The 2021 ADV150 is Boon Siew Honda Malaysia latest scooter in its stable. Fitted with a 149cc single-cylinder engine, it has enough gumption to put 100 km/h on the LCD instrument panel relatively quickly, but roll-on power is a bit disappointing. It is fuel-efficient, averaging upwards of 36 km per litre.

Display Dash. Behind the clear windscreen is a single LCD screen and a series of lights that form the entirety of the instrumentation that is simple and clean. Convenient features are displayed plainly on the white-on-blue backlight LCD. It shows speedometer, fuel meter, date, clock, odometer, two tripmeters, instantaneous fuel mileage (with tiny, hard-to-read numbering underneath), average fuel consumption, battery voltage, and air temperature.

Keyless feature. Honda’s Smart Key system, the scooter’s main knob on the right is automatically activated as the owner approaches, and the engine can be started without inserting a key. You begin by turning a small dial that illuminates in blue. The first click allows you to open the seat storage and open the fuel cover (situated below the handlebars). With one more click, you are in the start position. Pull either one of the brake levers in and push the start button located on the right handle below the hazard light switch.

Riding position. The riding position is pretty relaxing, and the rear seat is comfortable. The rear passenger also gets a “full-sized” footrest. But in terms of riding comfort, the ADV 150 is let down by Its wide, padded seat that although comfortable, has a second cover which gets a bit loose and causes pain to the bum during long hours of riding.

Windscreen. There is a two-position windshield that lets you dial in for comfort. It is adjustable by pulling out two small knobs for dual positions—higher or lower. No tools are required, and you cannot or rather not make any adjustment while riding.

Weight and Handling. The ADV150 is light and agile, and the claimed curb weight of 133 kg plus is hidden by its ultra-low center of gravity. The ADV150 provides lots of confidence in corners with its long travel Showa suspension; just over five inches up front and 4.7 in the rear and there is plenty of cornering clearance. It whips around mountain curves and tight parking lots intuitively, and its 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels with off-road pattern tread design does well in maintaining traction when the road switches from slick gravel-covered pavement to undulating dirt dips. Traction is also adequate in the soft sand of the washed-out dirt portions.

Stopping the ADV150. The brakes are a mixed bag with a nice, big, 240 mm disc and ABS-protected hydraulic calliper up front, and a quaint, 130 mm, mechanical drum out back.

Storage compartment. There are two locations to stash your personal items: Under the seat and on the front left of the cockpit. Under the seat is a 27-liter weather-resistant compartment that is claimed to hold most full-sized helmets but unfortunately not a full-face helmet. The 2-liter storage on the left side of the cockpit easily holds a smartphone with enough room for a wallet and other smaller items.

Performance. On the road, the ADV150 with its 149cc single pulls off the line smoothly, but tapers when speeds increase to the 90-km/h range. Riding on bustling city streets highlights the purposeful and accommodating torque that is put to the rear wheel via the V-matic automatic transmission. Taking to the outskirts, along the canyon roads, the little engine does struggle, on some of the steepest parts I managed a 90 km/h max, but on the straights and downhill declines, it tops at 116 km/h.

Although admittedly the thought of an adventure-styled scooter was a bit perplexing, after riding it through the city and down some dirt roads I can appreciate a practical use for such a machine. It allows for a bit more freedom to run errands and if you see that the shortest path getting to your errands is a dirt road, take it.

Credits : Content by Nicholas Hah.

Photos by LKF