2027 Honda ADV125 brings adventure scooter attitude to the 125cc class
Honda's new 2027 ADV125 brings rugged adventure scooter styling to the A1 class, with a 12.3bhp engine, long-travel suspension, TFT display and 385km claimed range.
Honda is expanding its adventure scooter family for 2027 with the arrival of the ADV125, a new entry-level model that brings the rugged styling and practical approach of its larger ADV350 and X-ADV stablemates to the 125cc class.
The ADV concept began in 2017 with the arrival of the X-ADV, which combined the convenience of a scooter with the styling and riding position of an adventure motorcycle.
The ADV350 followed, offering a more accessible price and performance point. The new ADV125 brings the formula down to A1 licence level, offering a more rugged alternative to the conventional urban scooter.
As with its bigger siblings, the ADV125 is designed primarily for road use, but Honda has given it the appearance and hardware to deal with less-than-perfect surfaces, handy for a pothole-riddled commute to work. Long-travel suspension, 165mm of ground clearance and block-pattern tyres are all part of the package, alongside an upright riding position intended to make it comfortable and easy to manage in town.
Engine and performance
Power comes from Honda's liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder eSP+ engine, the same basic unit used by the PCX125. It produces 9.2kW (12.3bhp) at 8,750rpm and 11.7Nm (8.6lb-ft) of torque at 6,500rpm, with fuel injection handled by a 28mm throttle body.
Honda claims the ADV125 will cruise at around 56mph, with a top speed of 60mph. Fuel consumption is quoted at 47.6km/l in WMTC testing, which, combined with the 8.1-litre fuel tank, gives a potential range of approximately 240mph between fill-ups.
The engine also features Honda's Idling Stop technology, which automatically shuts it down after three seconds when stationary, provided the brakes are applied. It restarts as soon as the throttle is opened, helping to reduce fuel consumption in stop-start traffic. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is also fitted as standard, monitoring rear-wheel traction and intervening to limit wheelspin when required. The system can be switched off.
Chassis and suspension
The ADV125 uses a duplex steel cradle frame, with suspension travel of 116mm at the front and 103mm at the rear. The rear shocks feature external reservoirs, while ground clearance is set at 165mm, giving the scooter a little more room to deal with potholes, broken tarmac and unpaved roads than a conventional urban machine.
Its 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels are fitted with block-pattern tubeless tyres, sized 110/80-14 and 130/70-13 respectively. Honda says the tyres have been selected to provide predictable handling and comfort on normal roads, while offering some additional ability when the surface deteriorates.
Braking is handled by 240mm front and 220mm rear wavy discs, with the design intended to help clear dirt and water from the pads.
Equipment and practicality
The ADV125's specification includes a five-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, allowing access to selected functions including navigation, music control and messaging. A USB Type-C charging socket is also included, while full LED lighting and Honda SMART Key operation add to the equipment list.
The windscreen can be adjusted through 75mm using a slide-lock mechanism, allowing riders to choose between increased airflow around town and greater weather protection on longer journeys. The riding position is upright, with a seat height of 780mm and a narrow seat profile intended to make it easier to get a foot down when stopped.
Storage is another important part of the ADV125's appeal. There's 29 litres of space beneath the seat, enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, alongside a two-litre front glovebox. Emergency Stop Signal technology is also fitted, flashing the indicators under heavy braking to warn following traffic.
Honda will offer the 27YM ADV125 in four colours: Pearl Falcon Gray, Pearl Cool White, Mat Cynos Gray Metallic and Mat Pearl Diaspro Red.
A range of optional accessories will also be available, including heated grips, a security buzzer, a body cover and a rear carrier with a 40-litre Smart Top Box that integrates with the scooter's keyless system.
The ADV125 brings Honda's adventure scooter styling and equipment to the A1 category, but its real appeal is likely to be as a more practical and distinctive urban commuter, with a little extra ability if and when the asphalt stops.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
