Don't get me wrong I really love my 2023 ADV 160. However from day one it's always been a rougher ride than I expected it to be. Now sitting at over 11,000 km I was on the verge of buying new tires, upgrading the suspension.

However, Recently I took a trip to Koh Phangan and rented a newer(2025/2026) ADV 160(2,400km) and its shocking how smooth and refined it is compared to my 23 model.

Honda has definitely made some improvements, and they're not small it's a huge Quantum Leap.

It's just a no brainer to me, time to upgrade!

Edited June 7Jun 7 by Furioso

I have not heard any upgrade or changes from ADV 160 model 2023 to 2026, only new colours as usual...!

Can you reference any announcement or details about changes that Honda may have done...?

Could it be that they just adjusted the shocks preload and put less air in tires etc. in the one you rented...!

24 minutes ago, Agusts said:

I have not heard any upgrade or changes from ADV 160 model 2023 to 2026, only new colours as usual...!

Can you reference any announcement or details about changes that Honda may have done...?

Could it be that they just adjusted the shocks preload and put less air in tires etc. in the one you rented...!

I've looked online for something official but no mention of changing ride characteristics. I just checked with the owner of the bike I'm running right now here on the island. Just bought it 4 months ago and made no modifications everything is factory. There is always the possibility I could change the tires on and shocks on my 2023 ADV to improve it but I just get the feeling that whatever changes they've made, and it really does look like they made changes, it's just worth it to buy a new bike because I've always hated the rough ride on my 2023.

One foolproof way to find out is to go to a dealer and test drive the new model, if they will let you

Id keep it all this nonsense about shocks and tyres...42 years and 107,000 kms my Suzuki RC still feels great..don't waste your money

Unless Honda have changed the geometry of the suspension, which is unlikely, the difference is likely to be shocks and tyres, as you mentioned.

Maybe they changed supplier for the rear shocks, and that's why you feel such a difference.

So upgrading the rear springs and dampers, plus new tyres, should give you the ride you're looking for.

Just an honest opinion, why don't you upgrade to a newer Honda cb500x?

Seems you drive a bit more than just down to 7/11 and back again?

2 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

Unless Honda have changed the geometry of the suspension, which is unlikely, the difference is likely to be shocks and tyres, as you mentioned.

Maybe they changed supplier for the rear shocks, and that's why you feel such a difference.

So upgrading the rear springs and dampers, plus new tyres, should give you the ride you're looking for.

Ok, I replace the tires and shocks I'm at over 11,000 km so I got to change the tires anyway

9 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Just an honest opinion, why don't you upgrade to a newer Honda cb500x?

Seems you drive a bit more than just down to 7/11 and back again?

Yes there are definitely some great alternatives out there. However, I've moved two times in the last year and it's just easier for me to now have a twist and go I would hate to have a more expensive bike to be parked out of the sun all the time.

I have been looking at some houses in Rayong, if I end up buying a house there I would have a twist and go and a proper motorcycle(Honda or Triumph).

31 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Id keep it all this nonsense about shocks and tyres...42 years and 107,000 kms my Suzuki RC still feels great..don't waste your money

I recently purchased 2026 Click 160.. suspension was ok but good friend is a manager at Ohlin's.

New rear shock and springs in the front forks absolutely transformed the bike.

1 hour ago, Agusts said:

I have not heard any upgrade or changes from ADV 160 model 2023 to 2026, only new colours as usual...!

Can you reference any announcement or details about changes that Honda may have done...?

Could it be that they just adjusted the shocks preload and put less air in tires etc. in the one you rented...!

The Adv 160 is designed for riders weighing between 68 and 86 kg. If a heavier Western rider uses it, the ride will feel harsh, and steering may be vague. Good shocks and proper spring rates will improve the ride quality.

8 minutes ago, Effective altruism said:

The Adv 160 is designed for riders weighing between 68 and 86 kg. If a heavier Western rider uses it, the ride will feel harsh, and steering may be vague. Good shocks and proper spring rates will improve the ride quality.

I'm right at the upper limit at 86.5 kg and yeah I have the stock tires and I've never really had faith in those I should have replaced them a long time ago. But I'm riding this rental in Koh Phangan and it's got stock tires and it's riding super smooth.

Edited June 8Jun 8 by Furioso

11 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I recently purchased 2026 Click 160.. suspension was ok but good friend is a manager at Ohlin's.

New rear shock and springs in the front forks absolutely transformed the bike.

On my 2023 Click I changed the rear shock on the back, did nothing, only placebo, tyres little change, i now avoid drains and potholes, bit slower, avoid short cuts, now no problem. I also see Forzas and Xmax bouncing around over humps so they aren't exactly smooth

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

On my 2023 Click I changed the rear shock on the back, did nothing, only placebo, tyres little change, i now avoid drains and potholes, bit slower, avoid short cuts, now no problem. I also see Forzas and Xmax bouncing around over humps so they aren't exactly smooth

Just changing shocks doesn't do much if not the right shocks for you and your weight.

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Just changing shocks doesn't do much if not the right shocks for you and your weight.

They were recommended on here, people always banging on on here about changing shocks, does little, bit like the guys banging on about tyres, as if it makes a difference riding normally around town

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

They were recommended on here, people always banging on on here about changing shocks, does little, bit like the guys banging on about tyres, as if it makes a difference riding normally around town

Are they correctly set for your weight though ?

Mine are.

18 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

They were recommended on here, people always banging on on here about changing shocks, does little, bit like the guys banging on about tyres, as if it makes a difference riding normally around town

Shocks and tyres are a personal choice based on weight and riding style, so nobody else can really know what you need or want except give you decent brand names.

Tyres are more like a mind thing if you only ride normally around town, but not suspension and shocks.

Of course, you will gain less on a small scooter with small tyres, short shock length, and limited suspension travel than on a bike with bigger wheels and longer-travel shocks.

And not forget : as we age, our bodies become less elastic, so we feel impacts more than when we were younger. 😉

9 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I recently purchased 2026 Click 160.. suspension was ok but good friend is a manager at Ohlin's.

New rear shock and springs in the front forks absolutely transformed the bike.

I was riding the 2026 rental last night and really bouncing up and down checking out the suspension, to see what the difference is compared to my 2023 ADV. The answer is just so much better LOL. Lots of movement, easy to bounce up and down, soft suspension versus the super hard suspension of my bike.

26 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Are they correctly set for your weight though ?

Mine are.

The garage is one of the best in Pattaya, hopefully when fitting they thought, he's not a fat farang so adjust accordingly

8 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Shocks and tyres are a personal choice based on weight and riding style, so nobody else can really know what you need or want except give you decent brand names.

Tyres are more like a mind thing if you only ride normally around town, but not suspension and shocks.

Of course, you will gain less on a small scooter with small tyres, short shock length, and limited suspension travel than on a bike with bigger wheels and longer-travel shocks.

Like i say i see Forzas bouncing around, it's not as if they are great, Friend also said he still feels the bumps, so you have to ignore the noise on here about shocks being the answer

28 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Like i say i see Forzas bouncing around, it's not as if they are great, Friend also said he still feels the bumps, so you have to ignore the noise on here about shocks being the answer

Still, if you buy decent quality shocks adjusted to your weight and riding style, it will improve the bike. But it will not change your life. ;-)

And who are willing to invests 20 - 40k to improve their scooter for high end like YSS and Ohlins ?

I've ridden both ADV 160 and 350, and Forza 350 and PCX 150 etc. ..., the ADV models have slightly stronger shocks and forks, very little, but this helps with absorbing impact of big potholes a little better...

On the other hand it generally gives a little rougher ride, same as Aerox R model with gas shocks..., you can feel every little small bumps in the road...

The solution is simple, lower tyre pressure a little, go 26 front 28 back... Or even -1 less, it makes a big difference on that rough ride...! Cost nothing to try ...🤗

Forza, PCX, Nmax smoother ride but on big potholes can feel it heavily on handlebar and seat..., my personal experience.

Edited June 9Jun 9 by Agusts

1 hour ago, Agusts said:

I've ridden both ADV 160 and 350, and Forza 350 and PCX 150 etc. ..., the ADV models have slightly stronger shocks and forks, very little, but this helps with absorbing impact of big potholes a little better...

On the other hand it generally gives a little rougher ride, same as Aerox R model with gas shocks..., you can feel every little small bumps in the road...

The solution is simple, lower tyre pressure a little, go 26 front 28 back... Or even -1 less, it makes a big difference on that rough ride...! Cost nothing to try ...🤗

Forza, PCX, Nmax smoother ride but on big potholes can feel it heavily on handlebar and seat..., my personal experience.

I've messed around with the tire pressure and it doesn't make the suspension much softer. When I get back home I'm going to release some of the tension on the rear shocks (can't do this on the front shocks). To see how much difference it makes. From past experience and intuition I don't think there's much I can do even with new shocks.

I've been riding this newer ADV for about 5 days and trust me there is considerable refinement compared to the 2023 version. Yes I think some new tires and new shocks will improve the ride but I don't think I can match what the new one offers.

12 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

The garage is one of the best in Pattaya, hopefully when fitting they thought, he's not a fat farang so adjust accordingly

did they ask you to stand on some scales ?

11 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

did they ask you to stand on some scales ?

Not a chance in that garage, no floor space for scales

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Not a chance in that garage, no floor space for scales

jeez how big are you ?

A normal set of bathroom scales take up very little room !

6 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

jeez how big are you ?

A normal set of bathroom scales take up very little room !

that motorbike garage is full of bike stuff all over the floor, they won't be buying scales

On 6/7/2026 at 9:12 PM, Furioso said:

Don't get me wrong I really love my 2023 ADV 160. However from day one it's always been a rougher ride than I expected

Something wrong with my bike to, rough over the bumps, loses grip around corners. I might try a new shock absorber.

On 6/9/2026 at 2:18 AM, scubascuba3 said:

On my 2023 Click I changed the rear shock on the back, did nothing, only placebo, tyres little change, i now avoid drains and potholes, bit slower, avoid short cuts, now no problem. I also see Forzas and Xmax bouncing around over humps so they aren't exactly smooth

If you want to improve the ride on your Click you don't need new shocks (as you found out). Just move away from Pattaya. Everywhere else in Thailand you will have mostly smooth roads. Problem in Pattaya is, that most money for roads goes into the pockets of corrupt politicians instead of quality roads. Only good bikes for Pattaya pothole roads are dirt bikes.

25 minutes ago, Cenovis said:

If you want to improve the ride on your Click you don't need new shocks (as you found out). Just move away from Pattaya. Everywhere else in Thailand you will have mostly smooth roads. Problem in Pattaya is, that most money for roads goes into the pockets of corrupt politicians instead of quality roads. Only good bikes for Pattaya pothole roads are dirt bikes.

I agree, 2nd road and 3rd road for example full of pot holes and humps