Honda X-ADV (2018) in the driving report

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Honda X-ADV (2018) in the driving report

Africa Twin meets Integra

Most Hondas can be clearly seen in their category. They are travel enduros, scooters, naked bikes, super athletes or whatever. And usually pretty well adapted to the requirements at hand. The Honda X-ADV is the big exception. Is it more both-and or neither-nor? Well, it is not a “me-too”, a copycat product.

At the moment the term “me-too” is permanently present in the media for an unrewarding cause. But in another meaning he simply means copycat products. Free riders who prefer to leave the high development effort to others and only venture out of cover when courageous pioneers have prepared the ground. Well, Honda’s unconventional vehicle concept took the well-trodden path X-ADV has never been one of the style-defining spoke wheels. On the contrary: Almost 240 kilos of combat weight, powered by "only" 55 hp or the indicated step-through are cornerstones that place the Honda X-ADV in the scooter corner.

Enduro is different

For its part, Honda sees the angular X-ADV, which is pronounced ÄXX-ÄJ-DII-WII, and not cross-adventure, as is often claimed, not a scooter. But the first two-wheeler SUV, an "Adventure Bike". As such, the (or is it the?) 750 must at least pretend that it can tear something off-road. In view of the above-mentioned key points, one should not raise expectations too high in this regard. Enduro is different. Regardless of this, the Honda X-ADV of the 2018 vintage has, in addition to the two-stage and completely disengageable traction control, a "G mode" for the DCT dual clutch transmission. According to the press release, this should bring more traction in off-road operation. What exactly happened and whether it would bring anything could not be determined during the first drive in the hinterland of Málaga, which is dominated by olive groves.

Honda

In the 2018 model year, Honda is giving the X-ADV the new color Candy Chromosphere Red.

However, it was to be determined that the Honda X-ADV has its justification as a vehicle beyond all "what-is-this-and-what-should-that?" It starts with the comfortable sitting position, continues with the windshield, which can be adjusted in five stages without tools, and doesn’t stop with the long running boards for feet (which are dry even in the rain). During the joint trip with the Africa-Twin, which was about the same weight, but almost twice as strong, it did not seriously outrun the X-ADV. Sure, the 1000s accelerate better out of the corners, period. But with well-controlled brakes, the X-ADV holds up bravely. Long, well-damped suspension travel means that there is no need for lean angles and stable road holding. The in-line twin is more agile than before: the maximum speed increased by 900 to 7,500 rpm has an invigorating effect.

X-ADV can also be cozy

All in all, the result is a brisk driving style with speeds that are consistently loosely above the permitted. Tip for a brisk ride: DCT into sport mode, before cornering, shift down by pressing the left thumb and thus keeping the twin at speed. There’s something going on. Of course, the Honda X-ADV won’t turn into an athlete. But it can also be cozy. Cruising gently through the area in D mode without noticeable gear changes, enjoying the landscape, that’s something.

Honda

Except for the display of the traction control setting, the LCD cockpit is as before.

And if the loved one is not too big, also in pairs. Praiseworthy: luggage hook on the passenger grab handle. Basically, the scooter is just as functional as it is emotional and unmistakable everyday vehicle for solvent, lateral thinkers: 11,385 euros (with an additional 300 euros for the colors white and CRF red) is no stick. Nevertheless, over 7,500 buyers, especially in southern Europe, said “Yes!” To the Honda X-ADV in 2017.

Model year 2018 – what’s new?

  • Maximum engine speed increased from 6,600 rpm to 7,500 rpm
  • Also available as a 35 kW (48 hp) version
  • New color Candy Chromosphere Red
  • Two-stage traction control that can be switched off
  • G-mode for DCT gearbox Shifting behavior of the gearbox now tailored to off-road requirements

Technical data – Honda X-ADV (model year 2018)

Engine:

Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, two balance shafts, an overhead, chain-driven camshaft, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, injection, Ø 36 mm, regulated catalytic converter, alternator 420 W, battery 12 V / 11.2 Ah, six-speed dual clutch transmission, O-ring chain.

Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 80.0 mm
Displacement: 745 cm³
Compression ratio: 10.7: 1
Rated output: 40.3 kW (55 hp) at 6,250 rpm
Max. Torque: 68 Nm at 4,750 rpm

Landing gear:

Bridge frame made of steel, upside-down fork, Ø 41 mm, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base, double disc brake at the front, Ø 296 mm, four-piston fixed calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 240 mm, single-piston Floating saddle, ABS.

Spoked wheels with aluminum rims: 3.50 x 17; 4.50 x 15
Tires: 120/70 R 17; 160/60 R 15

Mass and weight:

Wheelbase 1,590 mm, steering head angle 63.0 degrees, caster 104 mm, spring travel front / rear 154/150 mm, seat height 820 mm, empty weight 238 kg, permissible total weight 415 kg, tank capacity 13.1 liters.

Warranty: two years
Colors: silver, silver gray, white, red
Price: from 11,385 euros
Additional costs: 305 euros

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