Honda X-ADV (2018) Back With The X (ADV)

Honda’s hybrid-adventurer has been a sales success across Europe. We tested the 2018 model to see what makes it so popular.

- Roland Brown

On its launch a year ago the X-ADV seemed – to many motorcyclists, at least – like another entry on a list of bizarre Honda models that few people understood or would buy. A scooter with off-road styling? A feet-forward, small-wheeled adventure bike? Surely it was just another crazy Honda creation that made little sense and would follow the DN-01 and Vultus by selling in tiny numbers before being quietly dropped and forgotten about.

But that’s not what happened at all. Instead, the X-ADV’s blend of chunky looks and maxi-scooter performance and practicality struck a chord with plenty of people. This was motorcycling’s first Sport Utility Vehicle – stylish, rugged, versatile and desirable. It ended up as Europe’s seventh best selling model last year, doubtless to the delight of Honda Europe’s Italian-based R&D team, who had come up with the concept and persuaded their Japanese bosses to put it into production.

That success still seems slightly strange, but also makes some sort of sense as I aim this year’s mildly updated X-ADV along a winding road in southern Spain. I’ve just finished a short dirt-road diversion, where the Honda’s flexible, 745cc parallel-twin engine and long-travel suspension made it easily controllable when standing on the pegs, despite its weight, big-scooter-like geometry and ever so slightly eccentric combination of cycle parts.

Now I’m back on tarmac and sitting on the seat, my bag stashed under the seat, my feet on the footboards, and the X-ADV’s fairing, adjustable screen and hand-guards combining to keep me reasonably comfortable on a cold day. With the DCT transmission set to Sport mode the torquey, 54bhp engine is making the Honda both quick and easy to ride, and it’s handling sufficiently good to be fun.

SMALL ADJUSTMENTS