Honda is readying as many as 3 scooters for launch starting from 2023 which includes an adventure scooter and an EV.
For 2023, Honda is up for a major onslaught with as many as 3 scooters lined up for launch. The Activa maker has also patented the upcoming 3 scooters namely ADV350, Vario 160, and U-go. All the 3 target Honda’s uncharted territory in India.
First up is the ADV350. It’s a huge maxi adventure scooter with long wheelbase, comfortable seats, full fairing, and adjustable windshield. For a sure-footed handling off-road, the scooter gets knobby tires and USDs upfront.
To further up its adventure characteristics, it features a comfortable flat handlebar with hand guards and optional rear top box. Power comes from a 330 cc SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected single cylinder engine that exerts 29 HP and 31.5 Nm mated to a CVT transmission.
These figures neck-to-neck with that of the BMW G 310 GS and much higher than KTM 250 Adventure and Suzuki V-Strom 250SX. The adventure scooter tips the sale at 186 kg while seat height is quite low at 795 mm making it a perfect recipe for touring enthusiasts.
Next up, Honda will target Suzuki Burgman Street, Yamaha Aerox 155, and Aprilia SXR 160 and 125 with its Vario 160. It’s powered by a 156.9 cc nearly square liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine that produces 15 HP and 13.8 Nm mated to a CVT transmission.
The highlight of the scooter is its top speed. Sources claim an impressive top whack of 125 km/hr which makes it faster than some 160 cc motorcycles too let alone the scooters. The Vario is also lighter than the Aerox 155 by 9 kg at 115 kg.
The seat height is a super low 778 mm which makes it a tempting option for short riders. The scooter also comes packed with modern features like all-round LEDs and connected tech. Unlike the Aerox 155, there’s also a practical floor board for keeping stuff on the move.
The last of the list is the U-go which might be Honda’s first electric scooter for India. It’s powered by a 1.2 kW continuous-rated hub motor with a peak power output of 2.4 HP. The scooter can achieve a top speed of 53 km/hr and gets a 1.44 kWh removable battery pack.
It tips the scale at 83 kg and the claimed range is 65 km. The compact EV rides on 12-inch wheels at both ends with a disc brake upfront. There are telescopic shocks upfront and dual rear suspension. The seat height is 680 mm which should make it suitable even for kids.
As far as design goes, the scooter gets minimalistic body panels for maximum weight reduction. It gets a long flat floor board for maximising utility. Even the under seat has a 26-litre storage space. The U-go features all-round LEDs and a digital instrument cluster.
When launched, the U-go will compete against the likes of the Chinese rebadged scooters in India. Honda is expected to launch all the 3 models starting from next year. But expect premium pricing as all the 3 scooters have unique aspects that set them apart from the competition.
