Honda has expanded its ADV family with the ADV125, bringing the larger range’s rugged styling to a scooter aimed at A1 and CBT riders. Honda calls it an urban explorer, with design cues borrowed from the SUV world. It follows the X-ADV750 introduced in 2017 and the ADV350 from 2022, but its role is more grounded: everyday urban travel, country lanes and roads where a little extra clearance is useful.

The ADV125 uses Honda’s Euro 5+ eSP+ engine, producing just over 12 bhp at 8,750 rpm. Peak torque is 11.7 lb.ft at 6,500 rpm, and Honda quotes a 3 lb.ft advantage over the corresponding PCX125 engine. Stop-start is fitted alongside Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which the rider can switch off. Fuel consumption is stated as 134.4 mpg under test conditions, with a quoted 239-mile range from the 8.1-litre tank.

Honda has also focused on the engine’s efficiency and cooling. The eSP+ unit uses an offset cylinder, a spiny cast-iron cylinder sleeve and a hydraulic cam-chain tensioner to reduce friction and vibration. Oil jets in the crankcase follow the same approach used on the CRF450R, while a larger 28mm throttle body is intended to support combustion and cooling performance.

The chassis uses a duplex steel tubular underbone frame and Showa suspension, with 116mm of travel at the front and 103mm at the rear. The rear units have external reservoirs. Fourteen-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels carry tubeless Pirelli Tourance tyres, and ground clearance is 165mm. Wavy discs measuring 240mm at the front and 220mm at the rear provide the braking hardware.

A 780mm seat, 133kg weight and 1,324mm wheelbase help define the ADV125’s compact urban footprint. The windscreen adjusts through 75mm, while storage consists of 29 litres beneath the seat and a 2-litre glovebox. A USB-C socket and smart key are standard equipment. The key’s answer-back function can trigger the scooter’s buzzer and indicators, and optional equipment includes a 40-litre top box, heated grips and a security buzzer. A five-inch colour TFT display connects to Honda Roadsync for music control, navigation and messages, giving the ADV125 a useful mix of commuter practicality and tougher styling without disguising its city-focused purpose.