HONDA 750 X-ADV
by Andrew Booth
The X-ADV has a desire to cut loose and enjoy new experiences, this
bike really captures the essence of freedom in an exciting new form.
It’s one of the newest bikes Honda have introduced to the market
and could be defined as a Scooter, Super Moto or an Adventure
Bike. As I found out, its a new hybrid of them all.
I collected the bike on a typical British day, raining as usual. I was
initially cautious in the wet for obvious reasons, but to my surprise,
it was so easy to just jump on, select drive, rev and go with big time
confidence, I thought wow, can really I like something this much,
this quickly?
Engine & Transmission:
The X-ADV is powered by a parallel twin 745cc chain drive using Honda’s
notable dual clutch transmission system (DCT) producing 53 bhp and 50 ft-
lb max torque. The engine delivery is smooth and assured which ever mode
you’re in. The selectable drive modes are ‘normal’, ‘sport 1-3’ and ‘manual’.
I took the bike for a blast into North Wales, where the roads had mostly dried
so I could put it through its paces and found myself mainly using sports
mode 2 (which holds the revs longer before gear change). The average fuel
consumption displayed was 60.1 mpg which is impressive. The engine is
really lively and responsive and instils serious confidence, especially when
overtaking on the motorway.
Handling and Brakes:
The suspension set up is quite firm and gives you great feedback from the
road surface. The X-ADV is sure and light for fast corning, even though it
weighs 238 kg. Front suspension is upside forks and the brakes are twin radial
4 pot calliper’s, which offer brilliant progressive stopping power. High speed
stability is excellent and it delivers a solid big bike feel. Most of my personal
bikes are Super Sports, so trust me, confidence and stability at high speeds are
of paramount importance, this really delivers.
Equipment Instruments & Controls:
The dash board is big and bold, very easy to read, offering plenty of
information in LCD format. The X-ADV is equipped with traction control
with different levels of adjustment and ABS. Under the seat there is room for a
full-face helmet. Hand guards are fitted, brilliant for winter riding. The quality
of all the switch gear and controls is typically Honda - excellent, as one would
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expect. Keyless fob works great, once in range you can select what mode to
put the bike in, whether it be steering lock, fuel cap/seat release or start.
As you walk away from the bike with the fob in your pocket, the bike locks
and arms itself, genius.
Grin factor:
Most people’s first impression are unsure and I did get feedback from a group
of bikers at the Pondarosa, Horse shoe pass, Llangollen, as they where tucking
into their sausage and egg baps. Words like funky, unique, modern, different,
One thing is for sure, it’s definitely quirky.
When you are riding the bike, it does draw attention from pedestrians and
motorists alike, you can see them thinking ‘what is that?’ This made me smile,
along with fact that when you overtake people they do a double take, thinking
I am being overtaken by a scooter? Or is it?
Verdict:
I have ridden sports bikes for most of my life on the road, regularly meeting
up with a big group to go for a ‘Sunday morning blast’. And yes I would be
more than happy to take the X-ADV out for the Sunday morning blast as it’s
very quick. If you are commuting to work, or the shops, or just around town,
this bike is a great all rounder, not forgetting - a cheeky bit of off road-roading.
A rare combo indeed.
Available in 3 colours: Dakar Red, Pearl Glare White and Matt Bullet Silver.
You can pick one up from Smiths Honda in Chester for £9,959
or from as little as £139 a month - on the road.
Smiths Honda
Whitchurch Road
Christleton
Chester
CH3 6AE
www.smithshonda.co.uk
Tel: 01244 336565