2021 Honda X-ADV Unveiled Overseas

The latest iteration further blurs the line between a scooter and an ADV 

• The Euro5-compliant engine produces 4PS more than the outgoing model.
• Gets ride-by-wire and improved electronics.
• The updated DCT boosts economy and improves acceleration.

When Honda unveiled its ‘City Adventure’ concept five years ago, no one would have thought the Japanese brand would actually launch a 745cc contraption that blurred the lines between a scooter and an adventure motorcycle. Honda did it anyway and it turned out to be a popular model overseas. Now, the X-ADV has received its first major update.

The 745cc, parallel-twin engine shared with the NC750X and Forza 750 now receives lighter camshafts, different valve durations, and improvements to the exhaust. The result is peak power of 58.5PS, which is 4PS more than the previous model. The torque is marginally improved and now stands at 69Nm.

Changes have been made to the DCT as well. The gear ratios have been altered to eke out the maximum economy from the engine without compromising on performance. The first three gears are shorter in a bid to improve acceleration while the fourth, fifth and sixth gears are on the taller side to boost fuel economy.

With the updated engine and transmission, the X-ADV also gets ride-by-wire tech that gives the scooter the ability to have riding modes and more traction control settings than before. Riders can now choose from Rain, Standard, Sport, Gravel and User modes. The first four modes have throttle response, ABS and traction control unique to those modes while the User mode allows customised settings for throttle response and traction control. Gravel is the most aggressive mode that reduces the level of slip as the gearbox switches between the two clutches.

That’s not all. Honda has improved the diamond steel tube frame, which is now 3kg lighter than before. The underseat storage is now at a respectable 22 litres, a litre more than the outgoing model.

The X-ADV has received a major cosmetic overhaul with sharper styling complemented by mean-looking LED headlight and DRL that change intensity depending on the ambient light. It also comes with a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and optional voice-assisted controls.

The list of updates doesn’t end there. Honda has worked on making the X-ADV as convenient as possible, with the addition of a 5-step adjustable windscreen, a new USB charging socket, self-cancelling indicators, and an updated smart key.

Needless to say, the Honda X-ADV is not going to come to India in the near future. We are, however, curious to see what BigWing India has in store for us.