Honda ADV 160 (2025) – Stiff Suspension: Should I Upgrade?

[vento]

I just got a new ADV 160 and was expecting a smoother ride, but I find the suspension a bit stiff. I can feel every little bump and change in the road.
 

I haven’t ridden a bike in nearly 25 years, so I don’t have much experience with these newer scooters. Maybe I’m expecting too much?
 

I'm considering upgrading to YSS rear suspension and a front suspension kit (around 15k plus installation). For those who’ve done it, is it worth the investment—not just for comfort, but also for safety improvement?
 

Driver weight is around 93-97kg and not a very experienced rider.
 

Any advice?

[scubascuba3]

Interesting, i wondered if the ADV would be better than other scooters, seems not.

 

I replaced my Click rear suspension to YSS, little to no change, maybe placebo only.

 

What helped me is going slower, avoiding short cuts which are the worst for potholes, just remembering where all the drains, humps, potholes are

[properperson]

have you tried checking the tyre pressures ?

 

not unknown for the shops to super over inflate them...

 

in my experience (with correctly inflated tyres), the ADV 160's suspension is pretty good ....

[Hummin]

2 minutes ago, properperson said:

have you tried checking the tyre pressures ?

 

not unknown for the shops to super over inflate them...

 

in my experience (with correctly inflated tyres), the ADV 160's suspension is pretty good ....

That depends on your body weight how the suspension feels, and not Tyre pressure. Off road you use in general 15-20 psi and street bike 33 front and 36 back for lighter bikes, and 36- 38, 36 -42 all depends on riding style and tyre type. 

 

I'm not sure about 160adv but I was told once, the standard averave weight setting for Thai motorcycles is 75kg. 

 

Is the ADV suspension adjustable? I'm pretty sure the front is adjustable, and if so, I would try to do that first. 

[Mavideol]

On 10/6/2024 at 3:18 PM, scubascuba3 said:

Interesting, i wondered if the ADV would be better than other scooters, seems not.

 

I replaced my Click rear suspension to YSS, little to no change, maybe placebo only.

 

What helped me is going slower, avoiding short cuts which are the worst for potholes, just remembering where all the drains, humps, potholes are

am with you, was thinking about changing my click 160 to the ADV for a so called "good/soft" ride but this is another poster  complaining about the ride, will keep my click for now, as you I did change the suspension as u did unfortunately didn't felt any difference, only get better over some bumps with slightly deflating the tires

[Hummin]

10 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

am with you, was thinking about changing my click 160 to the ADV for a so called "good/soft" ride but this is another poster  complaining about the ride, will keep my click for now, as you I did change the suspension as u did unfortunately didn't felt any difference, only get better over some bumps with slightly deflating the tires

If you want better riding comfort, you need bikes with bigger tires than scooter size 14" and 15" rims  tires. Find a bike model  with 17" 

Edited October 7 by Hummin

[scubascuba3]

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

If you want better riding comfort, you need bikes with bigger tires than scooter size 14" and 15" rims  tires. Find a bike model  with 17" 

I don't know who i believe, people say change the shocks that's all you need, some say lower pressure that's all you need, so far rubbish, so I'm not convinced bigger tyres will necessarily help. Maybe a different type of bike, big bike rather than a scooter, anyway the solution is to change riding style

[richard_smith237]

I've ridden the ADV 160 for a two weeks as a rental (Sand Boxing in Phuket) - I didn't find the ride particularly harsh, its a very decent scooter. 

 

Thus: As others have said, check the tyre pressure.

Beyond that, I suspect the the issue is simply your expectations - there's no need to change the shocks etc on any normal scooters... 

I see guys putting Ohlins on their Vespas etc - its just fashion and won't make any notable difference. 

 

Did you ride other bikes ? Aerox etc - did they feel the same ?

 

 

 

 

Edited October 7 by richard_smith237

[Hummin]

1 minute ago, scubascuba3 said:

I don't know who i believe, people say change the shocks that's all you need, some say lower pressure that's all you need, so far rubbish, so I'm not convinced bigger tyres will necessarily help. Maybe a different type of bike, big bike rather than a scooter, anyway the solution is to change riding style

Bigger wheels is self explained when it comes to riding comfort if standard suspension. Small scooters with 14" rims will never be a smooth ride unless perfect road  surface 

[Tropicalevo]

I do not have an ADV but whenever I put my PCX in for a service, it is quite 'bouncy' afterwards.

The guys there definitely over-inflate the tyres.

After a while, it settles down....

                         .........until the next service of course.

The bike is two up more often than solo.

The passenger feels it more than I do.

[Caiman]

ADV 160 Tire pressures should be 29 psi front 33 psi rear cold.

I replaced the tires with Michelin's and the ride home was rock hard, 45 psi in both tires!

[alanrchase]

If tire pressures are correct try adjusting the suspension settings.

[Hummin]

13 hours ago, Caiman said:

ADV 160 Tire pressures should be 29 psi front 33 psi rear cold.

I replaced the tires with Michelin's and the ride home was rock hard, 45 psi in both tires!

Buy a portable Xiami pump with pressure gage, so you are in controll. 

 

If you using those back yard garages for service and change of tires you get what you pay for.

 

Only one time I experinced to high pressure coming out from an emergency fix after a puncture.

 

I always carry a emergency pump and gaugh  while riding, and checking the tire pressure regularly.

 

xiami 

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.JTr0o

 

Air pressure gage

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.JTrsK

[itsari]

23 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Buy a portable Xiami pump with pressure gage, so you are in controll. 

 

If you using those back yard garages for service and change of tires you get what you pay for.

 

Only one time I experinced to high pressure coming out from an emergency fix after a puncture.

 

I always carry a emergency pump and gaugh  while riding, and checking the tire pressure regularly.

 

xiami 

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.JTr0o

 

Air pressure gage

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.JTrsK

I have been looking for a pressure pump and gauge for some time, thank you.

I asked my Thai motorcycle mechanic to check the tyre pressure and he pressed the top of the tyre with his thumb and nodded his approval.

[Hummin]

8 minutes ago, itsari said:

I have been looking for a pressure pump and gauge for some time, thank you.

I asked my Thai motorcycle mechanic to check the tyre pressure and he pressed the top of the tyre with his thumb and nodded his approval.

I was at the Honda Big Wing safety class when I bought my new Honda 8 years ago, they teached them to use a pen to check tire pressure. 

[shdmn]

On 10/6/2024 at 1:07 AM, vento said:

I just got a new ADV 160 and was expecting a smoother ride, but I find the suspension a bit stiff. I can feel every little bump and change in the road.
 

I haven’t ridden a bike in nearly 25 years, so I don’t have much experience with these newer scooters. Maybe I’m expecting too much?
 

I'm considering upgrading to YSS rear suspension and a front suspension kit (around 15k plus installation). For those who’ve done it, is it worth the investment—not just for comfort, but also for safety improvement?
 

Driver weight is around 93-97kg and not a very experienced rider.
 

Any advice?

I think it's a smoother ride than a Click imo.  ADV is designed for all terrain, hence the ADV which is short for "adventure".  It will handle rougher roads and potholes better than a lot of other bikes. 

Edited October 8 by shdmn

[shdmn]

14 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I don't know who i believe, people say change the shocks that's all you need, some say lower pressure that's all you need, so far rubbish, so I'm not convinced bigger tyres will necessarily help. Maybe a different type of bike, big bike rather than a scooter, anyway the solution is to change riding style

Bigger diameter wheels are less maneuverable.  Makes a big difference in town weaving around in traffic.  I find scooters with smaller diameter tires are a lot more fun to drive around town.  I think wider tires probably help make the ride smoother than larger diameter.

Edited October 8 by shdmn

[itsari]

15 hours ago, Mavideol said:

am with you, was thinking about changing my click 160 to the ADV for a so called "good/soft" ride but this is another poster  complaining about the ride, will keep my click for now, as you I did change the suspension as u did unfortunately didn't felt any difference, only get better over some bumps with slightly deflating the tires

We have the 160 click and the 160 ADV at home and I can assure you the ADV is a far better ride .

I far prefer the click for maneuverability in the city traffic .

[itsari]

Since you are discussing the 160 ADV i would like to ask if any other ADV owners have had a problem with the oil pump ?

The engine was refitted on our ADV after an oil pump failure .

Total cost was around 6000 baht paid for by Honda 

[Hummin]

34 minutes ago, shdmn said:

Bigger diameter wheels are less maneuverable.  Makes a big difference in town weaving around in traffic.  I find scooters with smaller diameter tires are a lot more fun to drive around town.  I think wider tires probably help make the ride smoother than larger diameter.

For better and easier handling it is more about center of gravity and wheelbase, than tire size. 

 

Suspension do also have a purpose depending of how long travel the Suspension got to give a better feeling.

 

However, the smaller wheels, the shorter travel you got on the Suspension. 

[recom273]

You should speak to BMS - they will sell and setup an Olin’s setup for you. 

[scubascuba3]

2 hours ago, itsari said:

Since you are discussing the 160 ADV i would like to ask if any other ADV owners have had a problem with the oil pump ?

The engine was refitted on our ADV after an oil pump failure .

Total cost was around 6000 baht paid for by Honda 

There was a known oil pump fault with the 160 engines, i changed the cog in advance of an issue, looked ok though

[itsari]

24 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

There was a known oil pump fault with the 160 engines, i changed the cog in advance of an issue, looked ok though

Thank you for your reply.

Was it a major job to replace?

I have a 160 click and was thinking to change the pump if the cost is reasonable.

But from what you are showing me it is only needed to change the cog.

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, itsari said:

Thank you for your reply.

Was it a major job to replace?

I have a 160 click and was thinking to change the pump if the cost is reasonable.

But from what you are showing me it is only needed to change the cog.

The fault is just the cog, took about 40 mins to change, not a simple job, my independent garage was aware of it and knew what to do, 300 baht, a Honda garage should know and may be free. It was discussed in another Click thread Sept 23

[itsari]

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

The fault is just the cog, took about 40 mins to change, not a simple job, my independent garage was aware of it and knew what to do, 300 baht, a Honda garage should know and may be free. It was discussed in another Click thread Sept 23

I will ask the honda garage for a price to change the cog.

Thank you for your help 

[BarraMarra]

If your bikes new it will take a while for all brakes, tyres, pressures, suspension to bed in and settle most new bikes with Gas shocks on the rear can be adjusted in 2 mins the ride height is determined by the height of the spring on the shock. high setting will bounce more up n down lower will stiffen the ride comfort. lets be honest if your buzzing around town you don't need sporty suspension costing a bit of cash. Do not try to alter the spring height on the side stand take the weight off and put the bike on main stand keeping the rear wheel off the floor.

Easiest way is to take a tape measure and measure the distance from the top of the Spring to the Adjuster bolt near the bottom, turn it and the height of the spring will alter up higher lower stiffen. If the bike has double shocks do the same on the other side.

Edited October 8 by BarraMarra

[London Lowf]

OP - I think that you'll just have to get used to it!

 

If you wanted a plush ride then you should have got a PCX - the ADV was designed with a firm ride and excellent brakes and handling and I would strongly advise against trying to convert it into something that it was never meant to be.

 

As said, check the tyre pressures - in my experience most shops have a compressor set to 3 bar (42psi) and they don't use a gauge to check.

 

As I'm sure you have discovered, the ADV suspension has no adjustment.

 

[shdmn]

12 hours ago, Hummin said:

For better and easier handling it is more about center of gravity and wheelbase, than tire size. 

 

Suspension do also have a purpose depending of how long travel the Suspension got to give a better feeling.

 

However, the smaller wheels, the shorter travel you got on the Suspension. 

Smaller diameter wheels give a better turn radius and help lower the center of gravity.  Both of those make them better in town.  Larger diameter tires are better at highway speeds.

Edited October 8 by shdmn

[BarraMarra]

7 hours ago, London Lowf said:

OP - I think that you'll just have to get used to it!

 

If you wanted a plush ride then you should have got a PCX - the ADV was designed with a firm ride and excellent brakes and handling and I would strongly advise against trying to convert it into something that it was never meant to be.

 

As said, check the tyre pressures - in my experience most shops have a compressor set to 3 bar (42psi) and they don't use a gauge to check.

 

As I'm sure you have discovered, the ADV suspension has no adjustment.

 

All rear Shockers can be Adjusted some up market have a little Dial you turn.

[BarraMarra]

A simple answer to Tyre Pressures. Air is forced into the Tyre to the designed  pressure. Take into consideration Ambient temperature. Thailand is a hot country so as the tyre warms up, the air in the tyre will expand a little. The comfort will help reducing slightly by having a lower pressure on the front tyre because the vibration is firstly noticed through the bars on the bike as the forward motion moves on the rd.