Honda ADV 160 vs Honda PCX 160 in Bali: which scooter to rent

At a glance

Under the bodywork these two are close relatives: the same 157cc single-cylinder engine family, the same 16 HP, an automatic CVT gearbox, ABS, 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels, a tank of about 8 litres and about 30 litres under the seat. The ADV weighs about 133 kg and has a seat at about 780 mm; the PCX weighs about 130 kg with a seat at about 765 mm. The ADV also has longer-travel suspension and more ground clearance. We also have the older Honda ADV 150 in the fleet; the table shows the 2026 ADV 160.

Riding in Bali traffic

In Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta both are easy twist-and-go scooters: no clutch, no gears, and light enough to push into a parking spot. Neither is as narrow as a Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Fazzio, so on the tightest shortcuts you filter a little less.

The everyday difference is the seat. On the PCX most riders put both feet down flat at a red light, and that makes stop-and-go traffic relaxed. The ADV sits higher; shorter riders will feel it at every light and when manoeuvring on a sloping driveway. In return, the ADV's longer suspension takes potholes, speed bumps and broken patches with less of a jolt, and the extra clearance means fewer scraped undersides on steep ramps and rough entrances. The PCX is softer and quieter on smooth roads, which suits daily rides between home, the beach and cafés. Both have ABS, which matters on wet painted lines and sand near the beaches.

Two-up and luggage

Both seats take two adults, and both scooters come with two helmets and a phone holder. Storage is about the same: roughly 30 litres under the seat, enough for a full-face helmet plus a small bag or rain gear.

With a passenger the PCX is the calmer town bike: the lower seat makes it easier to hold steady when your passenger climbs on and off. On bad roads the ADV is kinder, because the longer suspension does not bottom out as easily with two people aboard. Whichever you take, brake earlier, take speed bumps slowly and keep heavy bags away from the controls.

Hills, Kintamani and long rides

With the same engine, neither is faster up a hill. Solo, both handle the climbs to Bedugul, Munduk or the Kintamani rim without trouble; two-up the power is enough but the pace is steady and unhurried. Where the ADV earns its place is the road surface: village roads to waterfalls, patched tarmac in the north and steep, broken access roads are where its clearance and suspension travel help.

Going down, use both brakes gently and let the engine help; long descents in heat or rain are where scooter brakes work hardest. If you want noticeably more power for regular mountain trips two-up, look at the Yamaha XMAX 250.

Who should rent which

• Rent the Honda ADV 160 if you plan to explore: waterfall runs, trips north, rougher roads, solo or two-up travelling light, and you are comfortable with a taller seat.
• Rent the Honda PCX 160 if you stay mostly in the south, ride daily in town traffic, or want a lower seat and a softer, quieter ride.
• Shorter riders who are unsure should try the PCX first; the ADV seat is the one thing people notice straight away.

To rent you only need a passport. To ride legally in Indonesia you need a national licence with the motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit; we can help arrange the IDP through our partner International Drivers Association. Delivery and pickup are free within 20 km of our Kerobokan office on rentals of 3 days or more. If you change your mind mid-rental, a swap costs 100,000 IDR for washing and preparing the bike; moving to a pricier bike means paying the difference.

Fuel and running

Both engines are in the 150–250cc class, so they need at least Pertamax 92. Pertalite is not allowed on any of our bikes. Fill up at Pertamina stations rather than roadside bottles, especially before heading into the mountains or the north, where stations are further apart.

Tank size is the same, about 8 litres, so range between stops is similar; with normal riding around the south you will refuel every few days. Servicing during the rental is done in our own workshop in Kerobokan; message us on WhatsApp if a warning light comes on or something feels wrong.

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