2021 Honda X-ADV First Look: Motorcycle/Scooter ADV Hybrid

November 11, 2020

Although not yet a model offered in the United States, the 2021 Honda X-ADV is popular enough since its 2017 introduction to get serious upgrades for the coming European model year. Keep in mind that what happens in Europe is often a preview of what is coming in the United States.

The 2021 Honda X-ADV is a scooter-style adventure motorcycle with a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. This gives the rider the convenience of a fully automatic transmission that scooters enjoy, but with a six-speed gearbox that is also manually shiftable with an automatic clutch.

The powerplant is based on the Honda NC750X engine, which we are familiar with. The parallel-twin forward-canted motor gets a four-horsepower boost for 2021, along with a redline that is 600 rpm higher. The gear ratios are reworked to match the additional power production, and the DCT has been updated. With ride-by-wire technology, the 2021 Honda X-ADV has power modes that include adjustable engine compression braking.

Honda has updated the frame, with the overall weight on the new X-ADV dropping over six pounds to 520 pounds at the curb with the 3.5-gallon fuel tank filled.

The styling has been updated to better reflect its ADV inspiration, with a new windscreen, more underseat storage (now 22 liters with a USB charging port), a new 1.2-liter glovebox, an LED DRLs.

Technology updates include a new five-inch TFT dash, plus Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This feature debuted on the Honda Forza 750, and it allows the rider to interface with a smartphone via buttons and voice via a Honda app.

We don’t yet have a price for the 2021 Honda X-ADV in Europe, or an arrival date in the United States. However, the adventure-scooter market is wide open, and the six-speed DCT makes the X-ADV an intriguing two-wheeler that we look forward to riding.

2021 Honda X-ADV Specs

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