The release of the X-ADV 750 in 2017 set Honda a part with this adventure-maxi-scooter, and it quickly became Honda’s most successful model to date, achieving record sales of over 45,000. So, it came as no surprise that Honda would release a smaller, more compact version to compete with the likes of the Yamaha X-Max and Suzuki Burgman. Since the UK announcement of the Honda ADV-350, our phones have not stopped ringing here at North West Honda Super Centre to get a closer look and book a test ride.
We are very pleased to announce that we now have the demo ADV-350 available to test ride, and Charley didn’t waste anytime in getting a turn!
Spoilt with the 20-degree heat and dry roads, the perfect maiden voyage for the ADV350 was to head to the last Classic Bike Night meet at Wray, Lancaster. Straights, twisties, small towns and villages and some motorway time meant the bike was going to get a fair-run.
Charley said, “On first impressions, it’s not the typical taste for the British palette. Unlike our European neighbours where the GT-Scooter is very much a way of life, we seem to have taken a little longer to warm-up. However, one thing we all seem to agree on is our need for storage and space on our bikes. Whether a commuter, a tourer or sole vehicle, we can’t get enough of it. This is where the ADV-350 makes its mark; and our demo spent most of the time at the bike-night parked up with the seat lifted! With 48 litres to go at, there is room for a two helmets, as well as your essentials.
As the ride-out set off from our showroom, the X-ADV 750 and ADV-350 led the way. Incredibly, off the line, our bikes were side by side. Nimble and agile, the 330cc liquid cooled, 4v, single cylinder engine ensured I kept my colleague Steve on the pace! At only 186KG, plus my 60(something) KG on board, I could already feel my smiling cheeks pressing on the insides of my lid. The light and easy handling however is not compromised in build quality. The tubular steel frame coupled with the CVT ‘twist-and-go’ gearbox means this bike is a solid built, grounded machine but with the ping of a full-automatic. (Bonus for me as chain maintenance is not my friend!)
As standard, the ADV-350 includes 37mm Showa upside down forks and twin piggy-back shocks with dual rate springs which gives a comfortable ride, and tackles the lumps and bumps of British roads with a firm steadiness. Nissin front brake caliper that felt like I could stop dead on a 10 pence piece, a wonderful four-way adjustable screen that made immeasurable difference on the motorway ride home. Wide ‘adventure’ bike style handlebars with hand-guards, LED lights throughout, keyless ignition, two USB chargers, along with ABS and two-stage traction control.
The roads through to Wray can be a little unforgiving, but the ‘adventure’ nature of this bike inspires confidence, especially on the Metzeler Karroo Street dual-purpose wellies that it comes equipped with! Filling the tank saw a drop over £17.00 fill the tank, and with the 83mpg range from its 11.7 litre capacity, it’s easy to see how it would reach over 200 miles from full.
And that’s not even the best part! With a clear, multi-function LCD dash for your phone connectivity, Bluetooth, music/calls etc. as standard, along with the accessories you can load this bike up with; including a 50-litre top box with smart key technology, rear rack, heated grips, U-lock and bike cover, you can turn this GT-Scooter into the ultimate all-weather weapon.
Comfortably cruising around 85mph on the motorway, it came to me how effortless this bike would make a two-up ride. The pillion rear seat and grab rails are so comfortable and generous. If I wasn’t the one in chargel, I would be more than happy to take a back seat for a weekend leisurely on the ADV-350.
The excitement over this bike was clear and echoed throughout those that I spoke to at the ride out. Firstly, the initial ‘Marmite’ looks seemed to be a lot tastier to the general British public, and most of them Northerners! With three colour options, black, silver or red it gives a real ‘urban-chic’ finish to the styling. The space and capacity are unrivalled, along with the price tag – cheaper than that of the Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha X-Max 300 and even Kymco’s latest XCITING S model! From those looking to upgrade from the traditional 125cc commuter bike, to those who are looking for a side-chick to their larger tourers to keep the miles down, this bike is an absolute winner!
Supply is still an industry wide challenge, but I can honestly say, the Honda ADV-350 is worth the wait.”
