Adventure Scooters
The best all-round scooter class for Chiang Mai day rides, hills, and couples. Compare ADV 160, NMAX 155, PCX 160, and Click 160.
The Chiang Mai “Goldilocks” Choice
Choose an Adventure scooter (150cc–160cc) if your Chiang Mai riding plan involves anything more than short city hops. If you plan to ride to Doi Suthep, Mae Rim, or Samoeng—especially with a passenger—this is the minimum class I recommend for a relaxed, safe experience.
This class represents the highest value for money in the Thai rental market. For a slight premium over a basic 125cc city scooter, you gain approximately 40% more torque, significantly better braking systems (including ABS), and ergonomic designs that prevent back fatigue on longer mountain loops.
Which 160cc bike is right for you?
The 150-160cc class contains four distinct personalities. Don’t just pick based on looks—match the bike to your height, passenger load, and route plans. Safety features (ABS and Traction Control) are the primary differentiators in this class.
| FEATURE | Honda ADV 160 | Yamaha NMAX 155 | Honda PCX 160 | Honda Click 160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torque (Pull) | 14.7 Nm (Highest) | 14.4 Nm (VVA) | 14.7 Nm | 13.8 Nm (Lowest) |
| ABS System | Front-channel only | Dual-channel ✅ | Front-channel only | Front-channel only |
| Traction Control | Yes (HSTC) | Yes (TCS) | Yes (HSTC) | None ❌ |
| Seat Height | 780 mm ⚠️ (Tall) | 795 mm (Tallest) | 764 mm (Lowest) | 778 mm |
| Daily Rate | ฿480–฿700 | ฿450–฿600 | ฿450–฿600 | ฿300–฿450 |
| Safety Flag | ⚠️ Oil pump recall | ⚠️ Overheating risk | None flagged | ⚠️ No TCS |
| Best For | Mountain + rough roads | Tall riders + distance | Comfort + two-up | City-first budget |
Class Breakdown
We rate the 160cc Adventure class as the highest “Utility” category for Chiang Mai. It bridges the gap between City ease and Mountain capability.
The “Showstopper” Features
SAFETY
Anti-lock Braking (ABS)
In the city, ABS is a nice-to-have. In the mountains, it is life-saving. Road conditions can change from dry tarmac to wet leaves mid-corner. ABS prevents your front wheel from locking and sliding out on technical descents. (NMAX leads here with dual-channel ABS).
CHASSIS
Upsized Suspension
The Adventure class features upsized shocks (ADV 160 uses Showa with remote reservoirs). This isn’t just for looks; the longer travel means the bike stays stable when you hit a pothole or a section of broken pavement mid-corner.
GRIP
Tire Profile
Unlike thin city tires, Adventure bikes use wider, blockier tires for a larger contact patch. When you are leaning into one of the 762 curves to Pai, that extra rubber keeps the ride feeling relaxed and planted.
TOUR
Wind Protection
Adjustable windshields (on the ADV 160) significantly reduce wind fatigue on long stretches of highway toward Chiang Dao or Inthanon. Staying sharp in the final hour of a day ride is a safety requirement.
I’ve taken the ADV 160 up Doi Suthep more times than I can count. The 157cc engine never feels breathless, and the Showa shocks just swallow the potholes. It gives you a massive margin for error on unpredictable Thai roads. But if you have a short inseam, take the PCX 160 instead—you need to be able to put both feet down flat.
The Rankings
Honda ADV 160
Best torque (14.7Nm), longest suspension travel (130mm), highest ground clearance (165mm), and block tires for loose surfaces. If your route includes steep, broken, or gravel-covered mountain roads—this is the definitive Chiang Mai scooter.
Yamaha NMAX 155
The only bike in this group with dual-channel ABS, offering the best braking safety on wet descents. The VVA engine is fantastic for sustained highway runs. However, the 795mm seat makes it strictly for taller riders.
Honda PCX 160
Shares the same 15.8hp engine as the winning ADV, but wrapped in a comfort-first package. The significantly lower seat (764mm) makes it the top pick for shorter riders, and the plush seat is superior for pillion comfort on paved roads.
"Specs help, but condition matters more. Before you head to the hills, check the tires, squeeze the brakes, and make sure the bike feels manageable at a stop. Safety in Chiang Mai isn't found in a brochure."
By Kai Mercer · Updated April 26, 2026