Honda X-ADV (2025 - ) review

Designs don’t get much bolder – or as brilliantly executed – than Honda’s X-ADV. Forza 750 scooter underpinnings combined with foundations from the hugely popular NC750X adventure/commuter and Honda’s neat semi-auto DCT transmission is arguably the perfect blend of seemingly diametrically opposed breeds. As a scooter, the X-ADV ticks the boxes in being (semi) automatic, a (sort of) step thru’ and having useful underseat storage and plenty of practical touches. As an ‘adventure’ bike there’s a big 17-inch wire front wheel, semi-knobbly tyres, extended suspension and decent ground clearance to make it passable in the dirt. It’s all rounded off with typically impressive Honda detailing and, for 2025, has been updated with sharper styling, new LED lights, an improved TFT dash, backlit switchgear, DCT refinements and an increased used of recycled materials for its body panels. Design doesn’t get much cleverer.

Yes, the X-ADV ultimately should be considered as a familiar – if large – scooter, with the upright ‘sit up and beg’ riding position that goes with it. While also unlike any other scooter you’ve ever seen. For the size it is, on the whole, unintimidating and manageable. But the off-road suspension means it has a more awkward 820mm seat height and it’s also slightly heavier, so this isn’t a conventional scooter by any means. By comparison ADV350 little brother has a far more manageable 795mm seat and is also 50kg lighter. On the move, of course, most of the bulk disappears and it’s relatively natural and easy but its adventure overtones also mean there’s less leg and wind protection than the Forza, too. The X-ADV’s smaller screen is manual, not electrically-adjustable and you do get the impression of being on an adventure bike – albeit one without a fat fuel tank between your knees.

Depending on your personal perspective the X-ADV could be argued to be the most versatile two-wheeler on the planet or a Jack of all trades and master of none. Which partly explains its huge popularity in scooter-mad Europe and minimal success in the UK, where big scooters remain a niche proposition. So, yes, it’s a decent commuter, is capable of motorway cruising, taking a pillion and can even be equipped with panniers and more for full-on touring. On top of that it’s easy to ride, has an ‘urban cool’ few bikes can match, is decent fun on twisty roads and can even take in dirt tracks. The other way of looking at that, of course, is it’s not as good a commuter (or tourer) as its sister Forza 750, isn’t as genuinely sporty as the Yamaha TMAX and its off-road dimension has little genuine value.

Bikes like this never used to be about performance and braking power, but that was before the rise of ‘super’ scooters like Yamaha’s pioneering TMAX 500. Originally part of the NC700S, NC700X and Integra scooter trio sharing the same combination of a low-revving twin and DCT semi-auto transmission the X prevailed where the S and Integra faltered and has been updated along the way since. Still no powerhouse, the now 745cc twin produces a gentle but sufficient 59 horsepower, is extremely frugal, has Sport/Standard/Rain/Gravel rider modes and gets more exciting when you switch from Drive on the DCT gearbox to the livelier Manual where you select the gears yourself via switches on the left side of the bars. While it can hit reasonably serious speeds a bit more power wouldn’t go amiss though braking is more than sufficient thanks to paired Nissin four-pot calipers up front, cornering ABS and a rear brake on the left lever where the clutch would be on a conventional bike.

A maxi-scooter with extended suspension doesn’t sound the ideal recipe for controlled handling but, being a Honda, the X-ADV is surprisingly capable and sorted. The big front wheel and decent quality Showa 41mm inverted forks give almost bike-like steering precision up to the limits of the semi-knobbly tyres and the ride is reasonably plush. Sure, it’s no sports bike and the X-ADV’s over-riding weirdness ensures it remains something apart, but it’s also capable of being hustled and can be decent fun.

Again, an area where the X-ADV is something of a mixed bag. From the outset, Honda’s adventure scooter is something of a premium purchase. While significantly less than the Yamaha TMAX the starting price is a chunk more than the Forza 750 and also more expensive than the NC750X DCT. That said it will easily match their 75mpg economy and the nature of the performance means it won’t get through tyres, chains, brake pads and suchlike too greedily. If running costs are a priority the similarly styled ADV350 will be far cheaper to buy and run, though.

The latest X-ADV is a refinement of the machine first introduced in 2019, itself based on a much earlier design dating back a lot further. We’re unaware of any significant reliability issues with any of them. The DCT system is now well-established, and the latest updates have also already been proven on earlier machines. Add to that Honda’s generally excellent reputation for quality and reliability and we’ve no major concerns.

Like most new Hondas, the X-ADV comes with a standard two-year, unlimited mileage, manufacturer-backed warranty covering all parts and labour. Servicing-wise, as it’s based on the established, proven NC750X powertrain so has the same ‘break-in’ service at 600 miles followed by checks annually or every 8,000 miles after that, which is better than most.

You’ll want for little on the X-ADV, but it’s also not quite perfect. The 5.0-inch TFT dash is improved, the new back-lit switchgear is welcome, there’s a USB-C charger point, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, four modes (with two extra user modes), a 22-litre under-seat storage space complete with interior light, keyless operation, new LED lights all round, a manually adjustable screen and even a main stand. Less favourably the screen is smaller than that on a conventional scooter and, although the adjustment mechanism can now be operated by one hand, it’s not powered like the Forza’s. The under-seat storage also isn’t as big as some, while optional extras include heated grips and luggage.

If you like the oddball adventure/scooter style of the X-ADV, want a big maxi-scooter and can stomach the price you won’t be disappointed by Honda’s latest update given its sense of fun and fact it looks like nothing else. But the Forza 750 is more comfortable and cheaper and its ADV350 little brother does much of the same thing for almost half the price. But as a statement there’s nothing quite like it, which is why Honda has sold over 76,000 of them, even if the vast majority were to scooter-mad markets in southern Europe.