Honda X-ADV test - Road test
With Integra Honda have created the perfect balance between motorcycles and scooters, bringing the two worlds together and taking the best of both.
Today, in 2017, the Japanese brand is reaffirming its vision for the future, perhaps more than any other brand, by launchingX-ADV, "A brilliant synthesis of style SUV, the practicality of a maxi-scooter and the dynamic qualities of a motorcycle.” In fact, he has no competitors, because there are no equivalent means: he, in fact, created a new segment. "The development concept for X-ADV was simple: 'Fun!' ".
We wanted to create a bike that felt the innate spirit of adventure. We also knew that it had to be really practical for everyday commuting and have all the features that make life easier for the rider. Finally, on the weekends, it had to morph into the perfect bike to get away from the routine.
All this in a new, exclusive and exciting style,” stated Mr. Kenichi Misaki, Head of Major Projects (LPL) X-ADV. IN new Honda X-ADV arrives at dealerships in the next few days in four colors (Digital Silver Metallic, Matt Bullet Silver, Pearl Glare White and Victory Red) at prices from 11.490 euro, with a free set-top box (only until the end of February) and with the Tom Tom Vio navigator for free for the first thousand customers. I tried it on the roads of Sardinia, alternating asphalt and light off-road to discover advantages and disadvantages.
Honda X-ADV, how it's done
Il new Honda X-ADV was born on the basis of Integra. It features a new frame made of very strong steel tubes, designed to best combine the dynamic capabilities of all-terrain bikes with the practicality and comfort typical of maxi scooters.
Theoff road manifests itself in the presence of a sub-biconical aluminum handlebar, hand guards, rally-style vertical instruments and, above all, suspensions Long travel: 41mm inverted fork with 154mm travel, adjustable preload and hydraulics, while mono Pro-Link has 150mm travel and preload adjustable.
There is also me spoked wheels, 17” front and a 15-inch rear covered with on / off tires and there is a maxi-enduro braking system: in the front we find 310mm floating discs with 4-piston Nissin radial calipers with dual-channel ABS, with one 240mm disc in the rear.
La practicality typical of maxi scooters instead, it sits in a compartment under the saddle (21 liters) that can accommodate a closed helmet with a 12V socket to charge a smartphone, in adjustable windshield in five positions, in full LED headlights, in the parking brake, in a wide and comfortable seat (among the accessories - an upper cover with a backrest for the passenger) and on the B-pillar.
And especially in Smart Key Standard: An automotive manufacturing solution that allows you to turn on the vehicle and access the under-seat compartment without the need for a key, simply by leaving the remote in your pocket.
Instead, the engine is the already well-known parallel twin of 745 cc See Integra and NC750 Euro4 from 55 HP at 6.250 rpm and 68 Nm at 4.750 rpm, capable, also thanks to Honda PGM-FI electronic injection, to guarantee an average cycle consumption of 27,5 km / l.
It is combined with a gearbox dual clutch DCT (Dual-clutch gearbox), which on the X-ADV allows greater use of low gears also in D (Drive) mode, while the sport mode is always adjustable in three levels, and the manual mode, which can be controlled using the convenient paddle shifters on steering wheel.
The total weight with a full tank of gasoline (tank 13,1 l) is 238 kg, and the saddle height from the ground is 820 mm.
Honda X-ADV as driving down the road
It's as comfortable as a scooter, but rides as well as a motorcycle, and also allows for some off-road fun: it won't be a mule course, of course, but at least it will let you cross a beautiful road. - road trail - drift with enthusiasm like a child on the rides - which would be impossible for any scooter on the market.
The seat is comfortable, wide and soft, the saddle does not tire even after many kilometers. IN central tunnel it is impressive and makes you keep your legs apart. IN wide steering wheel (this is the Africa Twin model) gives a sense of impressive craftsmanship. The total 238 kg (with a full tank of gasoline) can only be felt while standing still, especially if you are short.
But as soon as first gear is engaged (with your right thumb) and the throttle is turned, the X-ADV startsdisarming dexterityit's balanced and incredibly simple. Roll up the scarf. IN engine he is immediately ready.
The thrust is strong, pleasant, linear and never intimidating: really, on how well you drive I wanted some more resumes repeatedly. IN change DCTinstalled with the first 5 gears shorter than 5%, every time it is confirmed that this is really a strong point (and exclusive) of the Honda brand. Has an impeccable logic of work.
In Drive mode, it supports shifting at medium or low speed, and in Sport mode (with three levels S1, S2 and S3) it allows the engine to exert its full power before shifting to the next gear, which also guarantees excellent engine braking.
And in any case, at any time, you can manually intervene via the steering wheel paddle shifters, while if you choose to drive only in manual mode, you can set DCT to MT, and only the left hand pointer and thumb will decide. when to change.
I was also positively surprised dynamic behavior. X-ADV is very round in driving, it goes down in a corner (even very hard) without ever "hitting a curve" and also allows you to make adjustments to the full curve without getting too frustrated. The furnishings are soft but not soft: perfect for the city, for cobblestones, for pits, for light off-road and at the same time for the most sporty driving outside the city walls.
Braking is also powerful and efficient. The protection offered adjustable windshield manual control (from standstill) is also suitable for the tallest riders and makes the X-ADV ideal for even long motorway journeys. The new equipment is beautiful and understandable.
findings
To be honest, I think that overall, given the modern design and the absolutely innovative and successful project in general, the 11.450 € purchase price is quite justified. We're talking about a vehicle with which you can truly do everything with ease, while remaining comfortable and enjoying a certain level of comfort. Plus, with a top case and two side bags (soon to be available as accessories) in perfect adventure style, the X-ADV becomes a motorcycle (or SUV, or off-road scooter, call it whatever you like) you can hike with, medium and long distances, without fear of turning off the road leading to the beach….
clothes
Helmet: Kabuto
Jacket: Dainese D-BLIZZARD D-DRY
Back Defender: Daines Manis
Jeans: Dainese Bonneville
Boots: Dainese Nighthawk
Gloves: Dainese Tempest
