With More Powerful Engine and Big Bike Suspension, the New Honda Motorcycle Takes on the City, but Its Price and a Safety Detail Spark Debate
The new Honda motorcycle ADV 160 has arrived in the Brazilian market for the 2025 model year with a clear promise: to be the definitive “SUV on two wheels” for those facing poor asphalt in cities. With robust suspension from the Showa brand, a more powerful engine, and a design inspired by its larger siblings, it positions itself as a premium vehicle. The suggested retail price at launch was R$ 23,060.
This second generation of Honda’s adventure scooter brings significant evolutions compared to the previous model, the ADV 150. The engine is now the same as the PCX 160, stronger and more efficient, and the motorcycle has gained traction control. However, the brand’s decision to maintain an ABS braking system that only acts on the front wheel, combined with its high price, puts it in a tight competition with its main competitor, the Yamaha NMAX.
What Changed in the New Honda Motorcycle ADV 160?
The most significant change in the ADV 160 is its engine. The 2025 model comes equipped with the eSP+ (enhanced Smart Power Plus) single-cylinder engine of 156.9 cc, which features four valves. This update resulted in a power increase to 16 hp and 1.46 kgf.m of torque. In practice, the motorcycle became noticeably more agile, with better responses in accelerations and pick-ups in urban traffic.
-
The Brazilian colonial city that stopped in time and shares territory with a rocket launch base.
-
79-year-old woman challenges limits, visits 193 countries in the world after 56 years of planning and reveals the behind-the-scenes of a global journey that few have managed to accomplish.
-
These are the drivers who may stop paying tolls on highways in a project that promises to reduce costs for those who live from transportation in Brazil.
-
(Video): Italian pilot lands plane on moving train at 120 km/h and achieves unprecedented feat in aviation, even with a narrow runway and without direct visual contact.
Another important safety update is the inclusion of traction control (HSTC) as a standard item. The system monitors wheel speed and prevents the rear tire from slipping during accelerations on slippery surfaces. Despite the power gain, efficiency is a strong point: tests by specialized media recorded an excellent fuel consumption of up to 48.1 km/l.
Big Bike Suspension

What truly defines the ADV 160 as an “SUV on two wheels” is its suspension. The setup, signed by the renowned Showa brand, has a much longer travel than conventional scooters: 130 mm in the front and 110 mm in the rear. The rear shock absorbers also feature an external gas reservoir, a technology that helps maintain performance even under intense use.
This system, combined with the good ground clearance of 165 mm, allows the scooter to navigate potholes, ditches, and speed bumps with impressive comfort. Owner reports confirm that the suspension is the main point of satisfaction, as it absorbs the irregularities of the asphalt smoothly, increasing the rider’s confidence and safety.
More Technology and Practicality for Daily Life
Honda has also refined the rider experience in the 2025 model. The new Honda motorcycle features a larger, fully digital instrument panel that now includes a tachometer, a much-requested feature by owners of the previous model.
Practicality has also been improved. The storage space under the seat has increased to 29 liters, enough to store a full-face helmet and other items. In the glove compartment, the old 12V socket has been replaced with a modern USB-C port. The Smart Key proximity key system, which allows the motorcycle to be started and the seat opened without removing the key from the pocket, has been maintained.
The High Price and the ABS Brake with Only One Channel
Despite its many qualities, the ADV 160 has a controversial point that generates a lot of debate: the braking system. Although it has discs on both wheels, the ABS system only acts on the front wheel. This means the rear wheel can lock during sudden braking, a design decision that puts it at a direct disadvantage compared to its main competitor.
The Yamaha NMAX 160, in addition to having a lower suggested price (R$ 21,790 for the 2025 model), offers a two-channel ABS, acting on both wheels. Honda’s choice creates a dilemma for the consumer, who needs to weigh the superior comfort of the ADV’s suspension against the additional safety and lower cost of the NMAX. The final decision depends on each individual’s priorities.


Comprei a primeira geração e gostei muito. Comprei essa nova e me arrependi totalmente. Suspensão péssima, ringido na carenagem, conforto comprometido. Não recomendo pra ninguém.
Ruim demais, arrependido ao extremo, suspensão chicoteado sempre, zero conforto, barulho na bolha e desgaste excessivo de pneus!!!
Agora até moto estão chamando de SUV. Daqui a pouco vão lançar patinetes e skates SUV também.