Honda ADV125 Brings Adventure Styling to A1 Riders

Honda has introduced the ADV125 as the most accessible member of its ADV scooter family for 27YM, bringing rugged SUV-inspired styling, a tall riding position and a comprehensive specification to A1 licence holders and urban commuters. Positioned alongside the X-ADV and ADV350, it opens up Honda's 'City Adventure' concept to a wider audience – and lands at your Vertu Motorcycles Honda dealership with a package designed to stand out in the 125cc class. 

Honda's own strapline for the model, 'Beyond Boundaries: An Exclusive Urban Explorer' captures the pitch neatly: everyday scooter practicality dressed up with the look and feel of a bigger adventure machine.

Styling that stands apart from conventional scooters 

The ADV125's design draws directly on its larger X-ADV and ADV350 siblings. Sharp bodywork, strong horizontal lines and tough SUV-inspired proportions give it a visual identity rarely seen in the 125cc scooter segment. Wide block-pattern tyres, substantial suspension components and an elevated stance underline the adventure character, while the two-position windscreen – adjustable through 75mm using Honda's slide-lock mechanism – lets riders switch between airflow for town riding and extra weather protection for longer trips. 

An upright riding position, narrow seat profile and 780mm seat height help build rider confidence at low speeds and when manoeuvring in tight spaces – an important consideration for A1 licence holders who are often newer to powered two-wheel transport.

Proven eSP+ engine and real-world efficiency 

Power comes from the same proven liquid-cooled, four-valve enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) engine used in the PCX125. It produces 9.2kW at 8,750rpm and 11.7Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm, with a compression ratio of 11.5:1 and PGM-FI electronic fuel injection through a 28mm throttle body. V-max is 97km/h, and the ADV125 is comfortable cruising at around 90km/h. 

Fuel efficiency is where the numbers get interesting. WMTC-mode consumption of approximately 47.6km/l – or 2.1 litres per 100km – paired with the 8.1-litre fuel tank gives a potential range of around 385km between fill-ups. For a daily commuter, that works out at well over a week of typical urban use. Idling Stop technology shuts the engine down after three seconds of stationary idling with the brakes applied, restarting instantly when the throttle is twisted. 

A chassis built for town streets and rougher roads 

A duplex steel cradle frame underpins the ADV125, with long-travel suspension providing 116mm of front wheel travel and 103mm at the rear. Showa handles damping duties, with external-reservoir rear shock absorbers adding a layer of consistency usually reserved for larger machines. Ground clearance is 165mm, giving genuine ability over poor road surfaces and urban obstacles – kerbs, potholes and uneven inner-city paving included. 

Block-pattern Pirelli tubeless tyres – 110/80-14 at the front and 130/70-13 at the rear – have been chosen to work across variable city surfaces as well as unpaved sections, delivering the SUV aesthetic alongside linear handling. Braking is handled by a 240mm front wavy disc and a 220mm rear wavy disc, both using Nissin calipers, with one-channel ABS fitted as standard. 

Technology, storage and everyday practicality 

A five-inch TFT display sits at the heart of the cockpit, with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity for music control, navigation and messaging alerts while the rider keeps their attention on the road. Honda SMART Key operates the ignition, seat and fuel filler system, with built-in anti-theft and answer-back functions, and a USB-C charging socket keeps phones topped up on the move. 

Practicality is where the ADV125 really earns its place in the segment. The 29-litre under-seat compartment is large enough for a full-face helmet, with an additional 2-litre glovebox for everyday essentials. Full LED lighting is standard, Honda Selectable Torque Control helps manage rear-wheel traction in the wet, and Emergency Stop Signal technology flashes the indicators automatically under heavy braking to alert following road users. 

Who the ADV125 is for 

This is a scooter for commuters who want something more characterful than a conventional 125, and for A1 licence holders who want adventure-bike styling without needing a full A licence. If you have been looking at a PCX125 but want more presence on the road – and the practical reassurance of 165mm of ground clearance over broken urban surfaces – the ADV125 is the obvious shortlist candidate. 

The 27YM Honda ADV125 arrives in Pearl Falcon Gray, Pearl Cool White, Mat Cynos Gray Metallic and Mat Pearl Diaspro Red. It can be seen at your nearest Vertu Motorcycles Honda dealership, with the wider Honda line-up available through our new and used motorcycles range. 

Headline specifications 

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