Honda X-ADV – specifications and review

There are few genuinely interesting motorbikes for sale at the moment. That is unfortunate as I have developed an interest in odd ball motorbikes. Namely those that are unpopular in terms of sales but have something special about them.

The Honda X-ADV is one such motorcycle that crosses over the Scooter and Adventure motorcycle class. This is the sort of motorbike I would buy without any in-depth consideration apart from it’s price – off course.  This is the only Adventure Scooter in the class and hence in the world.

In terms of design the Honda X-ADV much like the my old bike, the Honda DN-01 in concept a cross over between different classes of motorcycle. It’s got the ground clearance of a Adventure motorcycle yet the body of a scooter. Sure it is based on the Honda Interga (NC750) scooter not the car range from the 80’s and 90’s but there is enough difference to not even compare the two. Sure there are elements of the Honda Africa Twin but that’s not a bad thing. The X-ADV looks like a motorcycle from the movies, it looks great no question.

In terms of engine and technical specifications the Honda X-ADV is the same as a NC750 so it’s powerful but not exactly high tech. All the state of the art features are there including keyless start, LED, ABS and linked brakes, digital instrument panel that looks like a setup from a DAKAR rally bike. The DCT gearbox is a geared version of the automatic gearbox found in the DN-01 and it’s successors, so it’s smooth, allows red lining, push button gear changes and multiple performance modes. Let’s face it Honda’s  DCT is literally a car gearbox designed for a motorcycle. Spoked wheels, USD front forks and chain drive set it apart a scooter and the same as a Adventure motorcycle.

Yes, I love the Honda X-ADV concept and it would be a perfect replacement for the DN-01. Since the X-ADV has got the ground clearance, raised suspension and dual purpose tyres I can also go off road. However like the DN-01 it comes with a high price tag. In Europe the X-ADV costs around the 11,000 Euros which is expensive. The Honda Africa Twin starting price for example costs around 14,000 Euros. If the X-ADV ever becomes available in Australia which is probably never, the X-ADV will cost around $18,000 which is unsellable to 99% of the Australian motorcycling buyers. The X-ADV will probably never be sold in the US either due to pricing and arguably the history of slow selling very niche motorcycles like the model.