Apparently the market is yearning for something different from the conventional scooter we've known for years.

Yasuo Shinde, project manager of the ADV 350, asked his team to design a concept that is between a maxi-scooter and the X-ADV.

You may be wondering why the X has disappeared from the name of this model?

The X represents all-terrain and adventure, which does not quite correspond to the ADV 350. Coming from a mixture between the Forza 350 and the X-ADV, this mid-range version is intended mainly for urban use on terrain that can be slightly rutted: a bit like on our entire road network, in fact...

Great debates

Honda has seen things big on this ADV 350, from its 22.2 mm diameter handlebars to the capacity of its 48-litre storage bin located under the saddle, enough to place two helmets there.

With its optional top case (50L), there will be room for all your little things.

The levers are not adjustable but there is a USB port on the left side of the apron in a small ad-hoc space.

The LCD screen offers all the functions desired by the rider with Bluetooth connection and the Honda RoadSync application.

The headlight optics and its elegant LED lights show similarities with the X-ADV 750. The 37 mm inverted Showa front fork inherits a suspension travel of 125 mm, the largest in its category!

In the rear, Honda placed 130mm Showa shocks, resulting in a seat height of 795mm.

Safe on the highway

Like the X-ADV, the ADV 350 is Keyless.

The single-cylinder snorts silently without producing the slightest vibration, even when the handle is turned enthusiastically.

This grip takes place in Sicily and begins with a section of highway during which we immediately appreciate the protection granted to the legs and head.

The windshield is adjustable to 4 positions but manually.

We limit ourselves to a reasonable 130 km/h, which with 29 horses turns out to be of good quality.

A further descent will allow you to exceed 150 km/h.

Is that quite reasonable?

Our ADV 350 was equipped with Metzeler Karoo Street tires which provide the necessary grip even if fitting Bridgestone SC2 or Michelin City grip would have been desirable.

In the mountains

When it climbs, the single-cylinder gives everything it has with response despite its limited power.

When it goes down, it's the brakes' turn to show their effectiveness.

Thanks to its engine brake and its reasonable weight of 185 kg, the ADV 350 has never been faulted during the braking phases that are a little too hard.

The ABS system does not activate too suddenly on the two-piston Nissin brake caliper whose two 256 mm and 240 mm discs stop this maxi-scooter effortlessly.

The Traction Control, with 2 positions, intervenes only when it is really necessary.

As for the suspensions, a softer damping would have been appreciated as, unfortunately, it is always the case with scooters.

After this (too) short trial run, we are a little unsatisfied.

We would have liked to test it longer in town and on the roads of Walloon Brabant.

We will therefore resume this trial in the coming months.

Still, the concept is well thought out and the driving qualities are of a good standard.

Consumption is around 3.5 l/1000 km, which suggests a range of more than 300 kilometers.

Honda markets the ADV 350 at a price of €6,299, cheaper than a Forza 350, certainly better equipped.

Is the ADV 350 an alternative to the X-ADV 750?

No, because the latter is in a completely different segment and price range.

But that doesn't mean the 350 is any less fun.

On the contrary, the 350 pleasantly surprises in all respects and has a large X factor, even if it does not show it in its name!

Automotive

Honda joins forces with… Sony, to manufacture cars!

Automotive

Kawasaki Z650RS test: The idol of the youngest

The Honda ADV 350 in a few figures:

  • Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke SOHC, 4 valves, liquid cooled

  • Displacement: 330cc

  • Maximum power: 29 hp (21.5 kW) at 7,500 rpm

  • Maximum torque: 31.5 Nm at 5,250 rpm

  • Transmission: belt drive

  • Frame: steel

  • Front suspension: Showa 37 mm inverted fork, travel.

    125mm

  • Rear suspension: combined shock absorbers, deb.

    130mm

  • Front brake: 256mm disc, Nissin 2-piston calipers, ABS

  • Rear brake: 240 mm disc, Nissin single piston caliper, ABS

  • Seat height: 795mm

  • Weight: 186 kg (TPF)

  • Tank: 11.7 liters

  • Price: €6,299 including tax

  • Mobility

  • Motorbike

  • Automotive

  • Honda

  • Scooter

  • 0 comment

  • 0 share

    • Share on Messenger

    • Share on Facebook

    • Share on Twitter

    • Share on Flipboard

    • Share on Pinterest

    • Share on Linkedin

    • Send by Mail

  • To safeguard

  • A fault ?

  • To print