Honda X-ADV: Top Highlights

Honda took us by quite the surprise when it launched the absolutely extraordinary adventure scooter – the X-ADV. Priced at ₹11.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is the most expensive scooter from the Japanese manufacturer ever brought to our shores. To put the X-ADV’s pricing into perspective, it actually costs more than some brilliant middleweight adventure motorcycles like the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (₹10.30 lakh, ex-showroom) and Honda's very own XL750 Transalp (₹10.99 lakh, ex-showroom). But once you understand what this radical machine offers, the price tag begins to make perfect sense. Here’s how:

The Engine

The Honda X-ADV boasts the distinction of being the only scooter in India powered by a massive 750 cc parallel-twin engine. This isn't your typical scooter power plant, it produces 57.79 bhp and 69 Nm that is ideal to comfortably cruise at triple-digit speeds on the highway.

What makes this setup even more special is Honda's brilliant DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gearbox. This makes the X-ADV the only scooter in India to feature this sophisticated transmission technology, offering seamless gear changes whether you're navigating city traffic or tackling winding mountain roads.

Dripping With Features

Honda hasn't held back when it comes to loading the X-ADV with features. From full-LED headlight and tail light to a crisp 5-inch TFT console that supports Honda’s RoadSync Duo app for features like turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alert, music control, and even voice command.

Furthermore, there are four distinct ride modes on offer here – Standard, Sport, Rain, and Gravel. For those who want to explore more, there’s also a customisable User mode on offer that will allow riders to extract more characters out of that engine. Plus, you also have cruise control on offer which will help do long distance touring with ease. Fancy some off-road exploration? The traction control system has got your back when the going gets rough.

Top-Shelf Hardware

The Honda X-ADV is built around a diamond steel pipe frame that is suspended by a substantial 41 mm USD fork offering 153 mm of travel, and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock at providing 150 mm travel. This setup makes it ideal to soak up everything from city potholes to rough off-road terrain.

The wheel configuration is particularly interesting, featuring a 17-inch front and 15-inch rear setup which is remarkably similar to what you'd find on motorcycles and the best part is that these wheels are tubeless spoke wheels. These wheels are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres, emphasising the X-ADV’s genuine adventure credentials. Stopping power comes courtesy of a twin-disc setup at the front featuring 290 mm discs, complemented by a 220mm disc at the rear. This braking setup provides the confidence needed when you're exploring unknown territories or navigating busy urban environments.

That Design

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Honda X-ADV is its absolutely phenomenal design. This is one mean-looking scooter and that aggressive design grabs attention. Its athletic body design is also genuinely provocative, featuring sharp lines that make it look more like a futuristic adventure machine than a traditional scooter. So, every time you take the X-ADV out for a ride, expect it to turn heads and spark conversations. 

All in all, this isn't just a scooter – it's a statement piece that proves Honda's commitment to defy categorisation. The X-ADV isn't for everyone, but for those who appreciate innovation and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd, it might just be the perfect ride.