The ADV 160 marks Honda’s entry into India’s rapidly growing maxi-scooter segment, but it has one key differentiator that sets it apart from the liquid-cooled maxi-scooters already on sale – E85 flex-fuel compatibility. Here are a few things you need to know before buying India’s first flex-fuel-compatible scooter.
1. How much does the Honda ADV 160 cost?
The Honda ADV 160 is priced at Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), making it one of the more premium scooters on sale in India.
2. Is the Honda ADV 160 E85 compatible?
Yes. The ADV 160 is Honda’s first two-wheeler in India to be compatible with E85 fuel. Its engine can run on petrol containing anywhere between 0 and 85 percent ethanol, without the rider having to make any changes.
3. What engine does the Honda ADV 160 get?
Power comes from a 156.93cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 16.3hp and 14.9Nm. It is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox.
4. How heavy is the Honda ADV 160?
The ADV 160 tips the scales at 133kg kerb, which is noticeably heavier than a conventional 125cc scooter, although it also packs in a higher-displacement engine that puts out more power than a conventional air-cooled mill powering regular scooters.
5. How much ground clearance does the Honda ADV 160 have?
The ADV 160 has 165mm of ground clearance, which, along with its larger wheels, should make it better suited to broken roads and speed breakers than most conventional scooters.
What community is saying on the ADV160?
6. What are its wheel sizes?
It gets a 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel, both larger than those on most mainstream Indian scooters and in line with some of its compatriots.
7. Does the ADV 160 get ABS?
Yes, but only single-channel ABS, operating on the front wheel with a rear disc brake.
8. Does it get traction control?
Yes. Honda’s HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) is standard, helping reduce rear-wheel slip on low-grip surfaces.
9. How practical is the ADV 160?
It gets 27 litres of underseat storage, along with a USB Type-C charging port. While adding to the premium appeal, the 5-inch TFT instrument cluster also offers smartphone connectivity through Honda RoadSync.
10. Is the ADV 160 actually an adventure scooter?
Not in the traditional sense. Despite its styling, ground clearance and larger wheels, the ADV 160 is primarily a road-going scooter. Its hardware is better suited to dealing with poor roads and occasional rough surfaces than serious off-road riding.
Vishal Venugopal
Stephen Raj Antony
Autocar India Team 
