Honda ADV125 2027: Adventure scooter for the A1 class

In 2017, Honda kicked off the blend of maxi-scooter and adventure bike with the X-ADV, later followed by the ADV350. For 2027, the idea now moves down into the 125 cc class: the new ADV125 is aimed at A1 licence holders and beginners who don't want to give up either storage space or a striking look on their commute. Adventure between the office and the ice cream parlour? Visually, at least, the little Honda brings all the right ingredients. Technically, it pairs a familiar powertrain with a chassis designed for city traffic and the occasional detour onto unpaved tracks.

For the engine, Honda draws on the powertrain also used in the PCX125. According to the manufacturer, the liquid-cooled eSP+ 125 cc single with four valves and an overhead camshaft delivers 12.5 hp at 8,750 rpm and 11.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Bore and stroke are 53.5 x 55.5 mm, with a compression ratio of 11.5:1. An automatic centrifugal clutch, the V-Matic transmission and belt drive handle power transmission. Honda quotes a top speed of 97 km/h and describes around 90 km/h as a relaxed cruising speed.

The spec sheet lists fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres according to WMTC. Combined with the 8.1-litre tank, Honda says this results in a range of around 385 kilometres. The figures come from standardised tests with one rider and no additional equipment. Riding style, load, weather and vehicle condition all affect real-world consumption.

There's plenty of detail work behind the eSP+ label. The PGM-FI fuel injection feeds a compact combustion chamber, and according to the press kit the intake port grows by 2 mm to 28 mm in diameter. An oil pump integrated into the crankcase and the offset cylinder are designed to increase efficiency. The enlarged, irregular outer surface of the cylinder sleeve is intended to transfer heat more effectively to the coolant, reducing wear and oil consumption. An oil jet cools the piston crown, following the same principle used on the CRF450R. This is meant to allow more favourable ignition timing and prevent uncontrolled combustion.

A hydraulic cam chain tensioner is designed to reduce vibrations. The radiator, mounted on the right-hand side, works with a lightweight fan, while three low-friction main bearings reduce losses in the transmission unit. On top of that come an optimised clutch and pulleys. The electronically controlled alternator mounted on the crankshaft doubles as the starter. Its brushless, double-wound rotor eliminates the usual gear engagement of a separate starter motor. Honda promises a particularly smooth start-up as a result.

At traffic lights, the start-stop system shuts off the engine after three seconds at idle. A twist of the throttle is all it takes to get going again. An automatic decompression mechanism assists the restart. The electronics monitor the battery charge level and suspend the shut-off function when it's low, so the alternator can keep charging. The standard HSTC traction control monitors rear-wheel spin, signals an intervention via a flashing T symbol and can be fully deactivated.

Beneath the fairing sits a steel frame, which Honda says weighs 14.4 kg. Fuelled up, the ADV125 is said to weigh 133 kg, with a maximum payload of 180 kg. Up front, a Showa fork with 31 mm stanchions provides 116 mm of travel. At the rear, Honda combines an aluminium swingarm with twin Showa shocks featuring external reservoirs and 103 mm of travel. Add to that 165 mm of ground clearance. This combination is meant to offer comfort on poor roads and allow light excursions off the tarmac. So the adventure theme isn't just down to the fairing.

The cast aluminium wheels wear tubeless block-pattern tyres, 110/80-14 at the front and 130/70-13 at the rear. The rims measure 2.50 x 14 and 3.50 x 13 inches respectively. Braking is handled by drilled wave discs: 240 mm at the front with a Nissin two-piston caliper, and 220 mm at the rear with a single-piston caliper. Honda lists single-channel ABS. The disc shape is intended to reduce unsprung weight and help shed water and dirt. Under sudden hard braking, the ESS emergency stop signal flashes the indicators to warn following traffic.

Wide tyres, an angular fairing and rugged proportions carry the design language of the X-ADV and ADV350 over to the small scooter. The rider sits upright, with a seat height of 780 mm. The seat is designed for two. Honda promises good visibility and less fatigue on longer journeys thanks to the ergonomics. The windscreen can be adjusted by 75 mm via a slide-lock mechanism. The low position is meant to let more air through in city traffic, while the high position should offer better weather protection on longer stretches.

How much everyday life fits under the seat? Honda quotes 29 litres of storage space, enough for a full-face helmet. Up front, a 2-litre glovebox with a USB-C socket rounds things off. The ADV125 is 1,950 mm long and 763 mm wide, with a 1,324 mm wheelbase. With the windscreen raised, overall height is 1,270 mm; lowered, it's 1,196 mm. Handlebar height is 1,033 mm. For the chassis geometry, Honda quotes a 26.5-degree rake and 85 mm of trail, while the press kit puts the turning circle at 2.0 metres.

The cockpit houses the colour TFT display, described in the press kit text as 5 inches. Via Bluetooth and Honda RoadSync, selected smartphone functions for navigation, music and messages can be integrated. LED lighting is used all round, and a centre stand is also part of the features. The Smartkey system allows keyless operation of the ignition, seat and fuel cap. There's also an anti-theft system and an Answer-Back function. For commuters, these are tangible comfort details that add practical functionality to the adventure outfit.

Honda offers the ADV125 in Pearl Falcon Gray, Pearl Cool White, Mat Cynos Gray Metallic and Mat Pearl Diaspro Red. Anyone wanting to carry more or expand the features will find a rear carrier with a 40-litre Smart Top Box, heated grips, an alarm system and an outdoor folding garage among the genuine accessories. This lets the little adventure scooter be geared more towards luggage, comfort or outdoor parking, depending on everyday needs.

Who is the Honda ADV125 aimed at? Honda is targeting the new 125 at A1 licence holders and beginners. The focus is on daily city traffic and trips into the surrounding countryside.

How much power and range does the ADV125 offer? Honda quotes 12.5 hp and 11.7 Nm. With an 8.1-litre tank and WMTC consumption of 2.1 l/100 km, the manufacturer claims a range of around 385 kilometres.

What comes as standard? Among other things, HSTC traction control, start-stop system, single-channel ABS, ESS emergency stop signal, TFT display with RoadSync, USB-C, Smartkey, LED lighting, centre stand and a height-adjustable windscreen.

How much luggage can the ADV125 carry? There are 29 litres available under the seat, plus another 2 litres in the front glovebox. Optionally, Honda offers a 40-litre Smart Top Box including rear carrier.