New Delhi: In the South-East Asian markets, Honda is a well-known brand in the maxi-scooter market. The Japanese brand has however not ruled out the possibility of launching a proper maxi-scooter line in India.
The business registered the name "X-ADV" as a trademark on OurEarth last year, but it has yet to announce a launch date. India has one of the world's largest scooter markets, but most scooters sold there are standard, commuter models.
Due to the low public interest in maxi-scooters in the past, most bike manufacturers have been reluctant to investigate this body type. However, premium bodies are slowly gaining acceptance in India due to rapidly changing consumer needs.
The maxi-scooter market has been slowly gaining traction in recent years, with the introduction of the Suzuki Burgman Street, Yamaha Aerox 155, and the Aprilia SXR range.
However, the Kinetic Blaze really invented the niche market in 2006. The 165cc behemoth, which easily reached speeds of up to 100 km/h, was a revelation in its time. Poor sales forced its end.
With the introduction of the Aprilia SXR line and the Yamaha Aerox 155, things started to change. College students and young professionals are abandoning traditional commuter-style options in favor of performance-focused maxi-scooters.
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This shift in the mindset of young consumers has resulted in the BMW C 400 GT and capable models like Keyway's Viest 300 and Sixties 300i officially arriving on our shores.
The riding position of the maxi scooter is comfortable for both the rider and the passenger. These scooters are generally made to cover large distances without tiring the rider.
Additionally, they offer relatively larger under-seat storage and better stability at highway speeds due to their longer wheelbase. Also, maxi-scooters usually have large fuel tanks for long distance riding.
Maxi-scooters tend to be more comfortable on long highway trips, but due to their larger size and heavier weight compared to traditional commuter-style scooters, they often feel bulky in congested urban areas.
The latter also benefits from a flat footboard as it makes it easier for the rider to carry extra luggage around town. Maxi-scooters are less frugal as they are performance-oriented.
In recent years, Honda has trademarked several models from the "ADV" maxi-scooter line in India. The automaker is yet to announce plans to introduce them in our country.
Given the generally favorable reception of the Aerox 155, we feel it is imperative that Honda introduces the increasingly popular ADV 160 model to our market.
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The 2023 Honda ADV 160 gets a spine-mounted fuel tank, apron-mounted dual-pod LED headlights, wider handlebar, step-up seat and stylish LED taillight.
It has a typical maxi-scooter silhouette. It has dual rear shock absorbers, telescopic front forks and disc brakes on both the wheels along with combined braking system for the safety of the rider. Its 157cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine produces 15.8 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque.
