The Tool Desk
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But the “adventure” label needs context. The ADV160 is not a small dual-sport and not a serious long-distance touring machine. Its 157cc engine, small 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels, front-only ABS, rear drum brake, and limited suspension adjustment make it best on pavement and light-duty unpaved surfaces. The current U.S. model is the 2027 Honda ADV160, and the facts below apply primarily to that version unless a used-model year is identified.
Honda ADV160: quick facts
| Item | 2027 U.S.-market specification |
|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $4,499 |
| Destination charge | $600 |
| Engine | 157cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, four-stroke |
| Transmission | Automatic V-Matic belt drive |
| Seat height | 30.7 inches |
| Curb weight | 294 pounds with fuel and required fluids |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 gallons |
| Underseat storage | 27 liters |
| Front storage | 2 liters, with a charging port |
| Front suspension | 31mm Showa fork; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Showa twin shocks; 4.0 inches of travel |
| Brakes | 240mm front disc with ABS; 130mm rear drum |
| Wheels and tires | 110/80-14 front; 130/70-13 rear |
| Warranty | One-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty |
| Current listed color | Matte Black Metallic |
Adding Honda’s listed destination charge puts the advertised price at approximately $5,099 before tax, title, registration, licensing, dealer fees, and accessories. Honda notes that dealer pricing can vary. See the official 2027 Honda ADV160 specifications and pricing for the current U.S. equipment list.
How we evaluated it: The ten positives below combine Honda’s current specifications and feature information with independent road-test observations and the practical trade-offs that matter when buying a scooter. Measurable claims are identified as such; subjective impressions are presented as use-case judgments rather than universal facts.
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1. It adds real rough-road versatility without giving up scooter convenience
The ADV160’s strongest appeal is its combination of two normally separate ideas: a step-through scooter that is easy to operate in town, and a chassis that is more comfortable with poor pavement than a typical low-slung commuter scooter.
Its adventure-oriented bodywork is not merely cosmetic. The ADV160 has relatively generous suspension travel, motorcycle-style tires, 6.5 inches of ground clearance according to independent road-test specifications, and a riding position intended to cope with broken roads. You still get a compact wheelbase, automatic transmission, underseat storage, and easy low-speed operation.
Why it matters: potholes, patched asphalt, speed humps, rough entrances, and gravel roads are less intimidating when the scooter has some suspension and ground-clearance margin. It is a useful choice for a commuter whose route includes neglected city streets or a maintained dirt road to a campsite, cabin, or trailhead.
What it does not do: this is light-duty unpaved capability, not dual-sport performance. Small wheels are more easily deflected by rocks, ruts, and large holes. The scooter layout gives the rider no fuel tank to grip with the knees, and the limited-power engine and non-adjustable rear suspension become liabilities as terrain gets rougher or speeds rise. A detailed independent ADV160 road test reached the same basic conclusion: it is capable on urban roads and friendly unpaved surfaces, but not intended for aggressive trails, deep sand, mud, jumps, or rocky terrain.
Best for: urban commuters, suburban riders, and scooter buyers who want occasional gravel or maintained dirt-road ability without moving to a motorcycle.
2. The automatic 157cc powertrain is smooth and unintimidating
The liquid-cooled 157cc single-cylinder engine uses Honda’s fully automatic V-Matic belt drive. There is no clutch lever and no gear selection to manage: start it, twist the throttle, and let the continuously variable transmission handle the ratio changes.
That simplicity is more than a beginner-friendly talking point. In stop-and-go traffic, the ADV160 asks less of the rider than a manual motorcycle. The independent test found the acceleration linear and easy to control in city riding, while Honda describes the V-Matic system as delivering smooth power.
Why it matters: the ADV160 has enough response for ordinary urban traffic, intersections, errands, and suburban roads without feeling intimidating to a new rider. Experienced riders may also appreciate not having to work a clutch during a congested commute.
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What it does not do: Honda’s current U.S. specifications do not publish horsepower or torque figures, so claims based on overseas specifications should not be imported into a U.S. buying guide. Nor should the ADV160 be described as fast. Its performance is adequate for its intended environment, but a heavily loaded scooter, a larger rider, a steep hill, or a headwind will expose the limits of a 157cc engine.
Best for: riders who prioritize smooth, low-effort transportation over manual shifting or maximum acceleration.
3. Fuel economy and the 2.1-gallon tank reduce daily hassle
Small scooters are appealing partly because they make fuel stops and fuel bills less consequential, and the ADV160 fits that pattern. Honda gives it a 2.1-gallon fuel tank, while an independent 2026 test reported approximately 75 mpg under that tester’s conditions.
At 75 mpg, a simple 2.1-gallon calculation suggests approximately 158 theoretical miles of fuel range. That is not a guaranteed range figure, an official EPA rating, or a recommendation to run the tank completely dry. Actual results will depend on speed, traffic, temperature, hills, tire pressure, rider weight, cargo, and how much fuel a rider chooses to retain as a reserve.
Why it matters: for a daily commute or an errands-focused scooter, refueling can be infrequent. The low fuel consumption also makes short trips less financially painful than they would be in a larger motorcycle or car.
What it does not do: the ADV160 is not a long-range touring bike simply because it can travel many miles between fuel stops. Wind protection, power reserve, seat comfort over many hours, and freeway performance matter just as much as fuel capacity.
Best for: commuters and practical owners who value low operating friction. Treat 75 mpg as useful independent-test context, not a promise for every rider.
4. The suspension is unusually serious for a small scooter
For the current U.S. model, Honda specifies a 31mm Showa fork with 5.1 inches of front travel and Showa twin rear shocks with 4.0 inches of rear travel. Honda’s materials also highlight remote-reservoir rear shocks. Those are substantial hardware choices for a compact scooter.
Why it matters: extra travel gives the wheels more room to follow broken pavement. On potholes, uneven asphalt, speed bumps, and gravel entrances, the ADV160 has a clear conceptual advantage over a street scooter designed primarily for smooth roads. The independent road test found that the suspension was helpful on deteriorated urban streets.
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What it does not do: more travel does not automatically mean plush or fully adjustable suspension. The rear suspension is not fully adjustable, and the test rider found that it could be overwhelmed by harder off-road impacts. The ADV160’s suspension is better described as better than average for a small scooter, not equivalent to the suspension of a dual-sport motorcycle.
Best for: riders whose roads are rough, patched, or occasionally unpaved. If your route is entirely smooth pavement, the ADV’s suspension advantage may not justify its premium over a more street-focused scooter.
5. Front-wheel ABS provides useful braking confidence
The ADV160 uses a 240mm front disc brake with ABS. The rear wheel uses a 130mm drum brake. That front ABS system is a meaningful safety feature, particularly when braking on imperfect or wet pavement.
An independent test described the front braking as strong, with reassuring initial response. The rear drum is simple and durable in normal use, and it contributes to the scooter’s manageable purchase price.
Why it matters: the front wheel carries much of a motorcycle or scooter’s braking load, so front ABS can help prevent a front-wheel lockup during a panic stop. The scooter’s predictable controls are also approachable for newer riders.
What it does not do: the current U.S. ADV160 does not have dual-channel ABS according to Honda’s listed specifications. Front ABS should not be described as “ABS brakes” without explaining that the rear brake is a non-ABS drum. Riders who frequently carry passengers, ride in wet conditions, or simply insist on front-and-rear ABS may prefer a competing scooter with dual-channel equipment.
Best for: buyers who want some modern braking assistance but can accept a simpler rear brake. Inspecters should confirm the exact equipment on any non-U.S. or used example.
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6. The storage is genuinely useful rather than merely present
Honda lists a 27-liter weatherproof underseat compartment and a separate 2-liter front compartment with a charging port. That is approximately 29 liters of nominal combined capacity, although Honda identifies the compartments separately rather than calling the total 30 liters.
The independent road test found the underseat cavity well shaped and able to accept a helmet or tote. In daily use, the space can be more valuable than the raw number suggests because it is built into the scooter: there is no top case to buy, mount, or remove before parking.
Why it matters: the underseat compartment can carry rain gear, groceries, a small work bag, tools, or other commuting necessities. The front cubby provides a convenient place for smaller items and charging equipment.
What it does not do: 27 liters does not guarantee that every full-face helmet will fit. Helmet shell shape, spoiler size, chin-bar position, and orientation all matter. Take your actual helmet to a dealer and test it in the compartment before purchasing. Also confirm the charging-port type and operation on the exact scooter, particularly when comparing different model years or markets.
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7. The two-position windscreen is a small feature with daily value
The ADV160’s windscreen adjusts between two positions without tools. The lower position allows more airflow, while the raised position directs more wind and weather away from the rider.
Why it matters: many small scooters force a single compromise between ventilation and protection. The ADV160 lets a rider choose more airflow in hot weather or more wind deflection on cooler mornings and faster roads. The independent test found the lower setting useful in warm conditions and the raised setting better at directing wind over the rider’s helmet.
What it does not do: a two-position screen is not the same as a large touring windshield. Wind buffeting depends heavily on rider height, helmet shape, seating position, and weather conditions. A taller rider may find the screen’s airflow different from what a shorter rider experiences.
Best for: commuters who ride in changing temperatures and buyers who want some weather flexibility without adding aftermarket hardware.
8. Its low center of gravity and compact dimensions help in traffic
Honda says the engine, drivetrain, and fuel tank are mounted low to promote a low center of gravity. The bodywork narrows where the rider sits, and the 52.1-inch wheelbase and 294-pound fueled-and-ready curb weight give the ADV160 a useful balance between stability and maneuverability.
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The independent test found it agile in traffic and manageable in parking situations. The step-through layout also makes mounting and dismounting less awkward than on many motorcycles, particularly when carrying a bag or wearing restrictive clothing.
Why it matters: a scooter that feels manageable at walking pace is easier to park, turn around, filter through tight urban spaces where legal, and recover from a less-than-perfect stop. The low center of gravity can make the ADV160 feel less top-heavy than its adventure styling suggests.
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Fit warning: Honda’s current U.S. seat-height specification is 30.7 inches. Some secondary sources list 30.1 inches, but the current Honda specification sheet and 2027 brochure should take priority for a current U.S. purchase. Seat height alone does not determine fit; the seat width, floorboard position, rider inseam, and weight at a stop all matter. Sit on the actual scooter with both feet positioned as you would use them in traffic.
Best for: new riders, urban commuters, and anyone who values easy low-speed control. Very short riders should not assume the scooter will be comfortable without a test sit.
9. Smart Key, LED lighting, and easy parking remove everyday annoyances
The ADV160 includes Honda SMART Key operation, all-LED lighting, a sidestand, and a centerstand. With the Smart Key, the rider can leave the fob in a pocket rather than repeatedly inserting a conventional key. Honda identifies LED lighting for the major lighting and instrumentation package, including the turn signals.
The centerstand is especially useful for maintenance, tight parking spaces, and keeping the scooter upright on uneven surfaces. Independent road-test coverage also noted electronic seat release and a locking fuel-cap cover, along with a mechanical seat-release provision. Because control details can vary by year and market, verify the emergency-release procedure in the owner’s manual for the specific scooter.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhy it matters: these are not headline performance features, but they improve every interaction with the machine. Keyless operation, bright lighting, convenient seat access, and a centerstand make commuting and ownership less fussy.
What it does not do: a centerstand is not an anti-theft device. The Smart Key also does not eliminate the need to secure the scooter in a high-theft area.
Best for: daily riders who care as much about parking, loading, starting, and maintaining the scooter as they do about its engine.
10. The utility-to-price balance is compelling when you will use the ADV features
Honda lists the 2027 ADV160 at $4,499 before its $600 destination charge. That makes it approximately $150 more expensive at MSRP than Honda’s currently listed 2026 PCX, which starts at $4,349 before destination charges.
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Why it matters: the ADV160 puts a broad set of useful features into a compact, sub-300-pound package. It can serve as a commuter, errand vehicle, beginner-friendly automatic, and occasional gravel-road machine without requiring the cost or physical size of a larger adventure motorcycle.
What it does not do: it is not a substitute for a 250cc–400cc scooter when regular freeway riding, long-distance travel, or frequent two-up use is the priority. Nor does its price include tax, title, registration, licensing, dealer charges, or accessories.
Best for: buyers who have a mixed urban/suburban route and will genuinely benefit from the ADV160’s suspension and utility rather than choosing it solely for its rugged appearance.
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It is not a true adventure motorcycle
The ADV160 is best described as an urban-adventure scooter. It is comfortable on pavement, potholes, gravel lanes, and maintained dirt roads. It is not designed for rocks, deep sand, mud, large ruts, jumps, or aggressive trail riding. Its small wheels and scooter ergonomics become increasingly limiting as obstacles get larger.
It is not an effortless freeway tourer
An independent test rider reached approximately 70 mph, but that figure should not be interpreted as effortless or sustained cruising ability. Wind, hills, rider weight, cargo, temperature, traffic, and mechanical condition can materially change performance. The ADV160 is better suited to short freeway runs and roads around 55 mph than to routine high-speed touring.
Whether a scooter may legally use a freeway depends on the laws and road classifications in the rider’s state or jurisdiction. Check local law separately from the performance question. If freeway travel is a regular part of your plan, a larger 250cc–400cc scooter is the more sensible starting point.
Rank #4
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- COMPREHENSIVE WEATHER PROTECTION – This cover shields your scooter from rain, sun, and wind. With taped seams for the best rain protection and hi-vis reflective stripes for night safety, it ensures your scooter or ruckus stays in top condition. The cover’s secure fit and smart features save you time and hassle, keeping your scooter maintenance low and extending its lifespan. Ideal for piaggio vespa scooters, for honda super cub, and for yamaha zuma 125.
- EXTEND YOUR SCOOTER’S LIFE – By protecting your scooter from harsh weather, the Badass Moto Ultimate Scooter Cover helps you avoid costly repairs and frequent cleanings. This means you spend less time worrying about the condition of your scooter and more time enjoying the ride. It's a cost-effective way to keep your scooter looking and running like new. Great for honda scooter, moped cover waterproof outdoor, and outdoor motorcycle cover.
- SMART AND DURABLE FEATURES – Made from heavy-duty materials, this cover includes a double vent system to prevent moisture buildup, a strong elastic hem, and adjustable straps for a secure fit even in high winds. Exhaust heat shields allow you to cover your scooter sooner after a ride, and hidden pockets with grommets let you add a lock or alarm for extra security. Suitable for motorcycle covers, for yamaha scooter, and for vespa scooter cover waterproof outdoor.
- EXACT SIZE AND VERSATILE FIT – Unlike other brands, our cover is specifically sized for small scooters, mopeds, and mini bikes. It fits models like the honda super cub, vespa 150, and fits yamaha zuma. This precise fit ensures maximum protection and convenience, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of scooter brands and models. This small motorcycle cover is great for motorcycle rain cover, moped covers 50cc waterproof, and scooter waterproof cover.
Do not assume it has traction control
Some international ADV160 materials and secondary articles mention Honda Selectable Torque Control, or HSTC. However, Honda’s current U.S. 2027 ADV160 specification page, brochure, and feature information do not list HSTC as current U.S. equipment. The 2025 U.S. brochure also does not list it.
Therefore, do not state that a current U.S. ADV160 has traction control unless the specific unit, VIN, owner’s manual, or Honda dealer confirms it. Imported and international-market ADV160s may have different brakes, displays, connectivity, colors, or electronic equipment.
Front ABS is not dual-channel ABS
The current U.S. configuration is a front disc with ABS and a rear drum. That is useful equipment, but it does not provide ABS assistance at the rear wheel. Buyers who consider dual-channel ABS essential should make that a deciding criterion rather than assuming the ADV badge guarantees it.
Fuel economy and storage figures need context
Approximately 75 mpg came from one independent test, not a universal official rating. Similarly, Honda’s current U.S. storage figures are 27 liters under the seat plus 2 liters in the front compartment. Some secondary coverage rounds the total to approximately 30 liters, but usable capacity depends on the shape of the space and the item being carried.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which model year and market do these facts apply to?
This article is written for the U.S. market as of August 9, 2026. Honda’s current U.S. website lists the 2027 ADV160, not a 2026 model, as the current model. The 2027 version retains the core package documented for the 2025 and 2026 U.S. models: a 157cc engine, V-Matic transmission, 27-liter underseat storage, two-position windscreen, Showa suspension, front ABS, 30.7-inch seat height, and 294-pound curb weight.
That does not mean every detail is identical across years or countries. Pricing, colors, displays, connectivity, brakes, and traction-control equipment can differ. Always compare the VIN-specific equipment and the U.S. brochure for the model being purchased rather than relying on an international review or an old specification table.
Before you buy: ADV160 inspection and test-ride checklist
- Confirm the fit. Sit on the 30.7-inch seat with both feet placed as you would use them at a stop. Check whether the seat width, floorboards, and handlebar position work for your inseam and body size.
- Bring your actual helmet. Test it in the 27-liter underseat compartment in more than one orientation. Do not accept a seller’s general claim that a full-face helmet fits.
- Try both windscreen positions. Check airflow at your normal speed and with your normal helmet. A screen that works well for one rider’s height may create buffeting for another.
- Confirm the exact charging port. Inspect the actual scooter and its manual rather than assuming that every model year or market uses the same port or accessory arrangement.
- Test the automatic powertrain. The engine should start cleanly, engage drive smoothly, and accelerate without abnormal vibration, hesitation, warning lights, or noises.
- Inspect the suspension. Look for oil leaks around the fork tubes and rear shocks. Push the suspension through its travel and check for unusual knocking, binding, or excessive sag.
- Check the wheels and tires. Inspect tread, age, cracking, puncture repairs, uneven wear, and wheel damage. Small scooter wheels are particularly important to examine if the scooter has been used on rough roads.
- Test both brakes separately and together. Confirm that the front ABS warning light behaves normally during startup and that the front disc and rear drum provide predictable braking. Remember that the rear brake is not ABS-equipped on the current U.S. model.
- Verify the Smart Key, seat release, fuel-door operation, lights, stands, and storage locks. Confirm that both the normal controls and any emergency-release procedure are understood for that model year.
- Check the VIN on a used 2024–2025 example. Obtain the 17-character VIN and use Honda’s Powersports recall lookup. Do not rely on the model year or a seller’s verbal assurance.
Important recall for used 2024–2025 ADV160s
NHTSA recall 25V-195 covers certain 2024–2025 Honda ADV160 scooters. The oil-pump-driven gear may fail, potentially causing loss of drive power. NHTSA identified 3,316 potentially affected U.S. units. Honda’s recall code is KR9, and the remedy is replacement of the oil-pump-driven gear at no charge.
For a used purchase, use this process:
- Get the scooter’s complete 17-character VIN.
- Enter it into Honda Powersports’ recall lookup.
- Confirm whether the recall is open or completed.
- Ask the seller for dealer repair documentation if the record shows completion.
- Do not buy on the assumption that every 2024–2025 scooter received the repair.
Honda says its lookup returns safety recalls specific to the vehicle that have not yet been completed. If the result is unclear, contact an authorized Honda dealer before completing the transaction. A recall repair should be performed at no charge, but that does not remove the need to verify the individual scooter’s status.
Honda ADV160 alternatives worth considering
Honda PCX
The PCX is the closest in-house alternative. It has a 157cc engine, V-Matic transmission, underseat storage, and front-wheel ABS, but it is more street-oriented. Honda’s current U.S. listing gives the 2026 PCX a lower $4,349 MSRP than the 2027 ADV160’s $4,499. Choose the PCX if your riding is almost entirely paved and you prefer a lower, smoother street-scooter approach. Choose the ADV160 if potholes, poor pavement, gravel, and its more rugged chassis are central to your use.
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Compare the current Honda PCX with the 2027 ADV160 using the current dealer and destination charges.
Kymco Like 150i ABS
The Kymco Like 150i ABS is a more road-focused alternative with a listed starting price of $3,299, claimed 13.5 horsepower, front and rear ABS, 12-inch wheels, and a two-year limited factory warranty. It gives up the ADV160’s longer-travel suspension concept and rough-road posture, but it offers a lower purchase price and dual-channel braking hardware. See Kymco’s current Like 150i ABS specifications for market and equipment details.
A larger 250cc–400cc scooter
If your priorities are regular freeway travel, sustained high-speed cruising, long-distance rides, or frequent two-up use, shop the larger 250cc–400cc scooter class. More displacement and larger wheels provide a better performance reserve than the ADV160 can offer. Buying the smaller scooter for occasional highway use may be economical, but it is not the right answer if highway riding is central to the plan.
Who should buy the Honda ADV160?
- Strong fit: urban commuters, automatic-transmission learners, errand riders, people dealing with poor pavement, and buyers who want occasional gravel or maintained dirt-road ability.
- Strong fit: riders who value built-in storage, easy parking, modest fuel consumption, and a compact machine weighing less than 300 pounds ready to ride.
- Weak fit: riders who regularly use high-speed freeways, carry a passenger for long distances, ride aggressive trails, require rear ABS, or need guaranteed full-face helmet storage.
- Weak fit: very short riders who cannot comfortably manage the 30.7-inch seat, or larger and heavily loaded riders expecting strong acceleration at highway speeds.
- Weak fit: buyers seeking cruise control, sophisticated connectivity, ride modes, or a large touring windscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda ADV160 a real adventure bike?
No. It is best described as an adventure-styled scooter with light-duty unpaved capability. It is well suited to pavement, potholes, gravel lanes, and maintained dirt roads, but its small wheels, scooter ergonomics, modest power, and limited suspension adjustment make it unsuitable for serious trail riding.
Can the Honda ADV160 ride on the freeway?
It may be suitable for short freeway runs where permitted by local law, but it does not have the reserve of a larger touring scooter. An independent test reached approximately 70 mph, while noting that roads around 55 mph and shorter freeway use were a better match. Wind, hills, rider weight, cargo, and temperature can reduce performance.
Does the U.S. Honda ADV160 have traction control?
Honda’s current U.S. 2027 ADV160 specifications, brochure, and feature page do not list Honda Selectable Torque Control. Some international versions and secondary articles may describe traction control, so verify the equipment on a specific imported or used scooter through its VIN, owner’s manual, or Honda dealer.
How much storage does the ADV160 have?
Honda lists 27 liters of weatherproof underseat storage and a separate 2-liter front compartment with a charging port. The nominal combined capacity is 29 liters. Whether a helmet fits depends on its shell shape, spoiler, size, and orientation, so test your actual helmet before buying.
What should I check on a used 2024 or 2025 ADV160?
Check the 17-character VIN through Honda Powersports’ recall lookup, paying particular attention to recall 25V-195, Honda code KR9. The recall concerns an oil-pump-driven gear that may fail and cause loss of drive power. Also inspect the tires, wheels, fork and shock seals, brakes, warning lights, Smart Key, storage, and service records.
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The Bottom Line
The Honda ADV160’s best qualities are practical rather than theatrical: automatic operation, useful storage, manageable size, modest fuel use, good front braking assistance, and suspension that is unusually capable on bad urban roads. Those strengths make it a particularly appealing commuter and errand scooter for riders who occasionally encounter gravel or maintained dirt.
Buy it with realistic expectations. It is not a dual-sport, a high-speed tourer, or a dual-channel-ABS machine. If your riding is mostly paved, compare the less expensive Honda PCX. If freeway travel, long-distance two-up riding, or serious off-road use is routine, move up to a larger scooter or a motorcycle better suited to that job.
Quick Recap
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