★ 2021 HONDA X-ADV REVIEW ★ 

Absolutely love the x-adv.. I'm going to be buying one this year, there's nothing else that grabs my imagination after 46 years of biking. I've done sports bikes, sport tourers, adventure bikes and retro's.. x-adv is something different that's equally capable of being a tourer and a weekend country lane blaster.. and I'm really into automatics, plus it's Honda, so high build quality and reliability. Scooter type bikes aren't common over here, but on the continent they are huge. The x-adv is Honda's 2nd best selling bike world wide. Good review Mark, there aren't many reviews in English on RU-vid for this bike.

I had the XADV gen 1. Alongside my BMW F900XR. I sold it as I thought I would focus the BMW and didn't want the XADV to sit in the garage. After a few months I had "sellers remorse"! I missed it much more than I thought I would. Got spoiled by the DCT. So,,,, I just ordered the new gen XADV again. Delivery is planned for Q1 2022. I rarely buy the same model bike twice but the XADV is in a league of its own. I will not make the same mistake and expect the new XADV will have a space in my garage for a very long time. Fortunately I can still keep the F900XR but I think the XADV will get much more play time. It's really good.

Thanks Mark for a well constructed review on a very interesting bike. I’m seriously considering buying an XADV after 22years on BMW 1150/1200GS bikes. I’ve had a test ride, and like you was most impressed with the performance which really surprised me, The feet forward riding position was excellent for an old timer with worn out knees after years of dirt biking. The bike fitted me very well too (6ft2in tall). I think this bike would be a pretty good tourer with the addition of rack, full size top box , tank/tunnel bag and heated grips Roll on summer, I want one,XADV here I come.

Finally a proper review covering pretty much everything 💯

Saludos desde Colombia. Thanks so much by the review!! Hace un tiempo que encargué la mia, un par de meses atras y cada vez tengo más ganas de tenerla en mis manos y poderla sentir ronroneando con su potente motor 😊

I ride an 06 Concours 1000, but always find I'm taking my wife's PGO Big Max 50 scooter to work. I like it's riding position, the twist and go, especially it's weight. It's simply less work to ride in town. They ever bring these Honda's X-ADV's to Canada and my C10 may be for sale. I like the looks of this Honda, a lot, and it looks like it's got plenty of power. At 53 years of age, I wonder for how long I'll be able to manage the weight of the Concours. This new Honda is now on my radar. Great job as usual Mark. Cheers.

As soon as I hired ADV 750 in Madeira Portugal for five days I wanted to buy it. But I wanted style so went for the Forza 750. Traded in my BMW R1200RT. What I like about the manual mode is that you’ve changed down then want auto you’ve slowed down auto will change so it won’t labour the engine. Also ordered the central locking top box. I absolutely Love it.

Great report. So good in fact i have decided to buy one to go along side my DCT Wing.

Excellent review and comments. Thank You.

That’s a machine I would buy. Can’t get one in the USA though, pity. Great review, Mark. I always enjoy your thorough, non biased approach.

i thought you already reviewed this one, forgot that one was the forza... as always, you don't disappoint. keep it coming, cheers.

Took one out last week I loved it

Test rode one at the weekend...........the exact model you are riding too. Still got the Powerbronze screen on too. It's strange seeing your local roads as well. Still looks fresh for a demo model, so that's a good endorsement. Amazing bikes, love the DCT. Seat height is fine at 5ft8 Only managed 65MPG, but I think that is more to the noise from the exhaust causing more fun than the NC, which I got 74 from. Can't make my mind up yet, but it ticks the right boxes

I've been looking forward to this review. Thanks Mark.

Excellent review, thank you.

Just watched this again. Not sure if I commented on it first time. If I had one of these, I'd have to buy the accessory motorcycle pegs. That would give a real choice of riding position - motorcycle style or scooter. These bikes are a little expensive for a glorified NC. Nice, though. Excellent review.

Seems like a very accomplished bike, great review Mark.

Awesome review mate! New Subscriber here! Got no motorcycle just watching reviews of my dream bike. Happy watching it! Very good review.

Nice review sir, particularly as it is on my local roads! Will be definitely going down to Crescent to try it out.

Hi Mark, Another very extensive Review covered everything 👏👏👏 looks a lovely Bike, but I think I prefer the Forza , as you say Great fir Touring, one up. Look forward to your next review 👍👍👍🏍🏍

I have 22 plate and it’s brilliant I use it everyday. Had my RT1200 stolen glad I replaced it with the x-adv off to the Isle of Man for a ride.

It looks great a very modern looking bike and a great review 👍

Had a go on one of these when they first came out, when I was having my bike serviced, thought it was great. However, looking at the price in the UK, I’d say Honda need to up spec it, with cruise control, heated grips, heated seat and Apple carplay connection for the TFT. That would make it a far more interesting proposition. I do still find myself at odds with the scooter looks, if only Honda would do one with 17” front and rear wheels, then I think I’d be up for having an X-ADV in my garage.

really makes you think about these bikes as an alternative, to the faster models, very, very pratical.

Great, info-packed review ! I wish this was available with lower footboards as, with my long legs, my knees end up too high and get in the way of the handlebars. Excellent engine and I can recommend it to everyone (NC750X owner).

I like it.. It seems very practical and easy to wash clean compared to my R1200GSA.

Great review and another great bike from Honda.

Another great review Mark nice Honda and nice quality as usual.

Nice review Mark I have thought about getting one of these strange concept bit of a bike dressed up as a scooter but not quite one or the other👍

Great review thanks! Still not in the US. :-( Yes, Mr. Honda, cruise control and US availability please.

Cinsidering this from my current Multistrada 1200...I love it

Hi Mark, I had the previous model and its worth knowing that when in "manual" it will not let the engine stall, so it will change down (not up), and if coming to a complete stop will change down to 1st gear (NOT Neutral), so you have to be aware, that when (or if) pulling away say from a quick stop, you will still be in "manual" and therefore it will not change up from that 1st gear (which you soon find out because you will very quickly hit the limiter), BTW, the easiest way to mount/dismount is by standing on the foot-board(s) and swinging your leg OVER in the usual way ( I bought a side stand extender, which makes it a bit safer and slightly makes the bike more upright). I don't know why they fitted that after-market screen as the original is perfectly adequate, I didn't get ant turbulence with my Arai Tour-X4 helmet , even it it's lowest setting. I now have a Tiger 900 GT PRO, if I had the room, I would have kept the X-ADV, but the Tiger is much more exciting. Cheers, Gordon

Thinking of getting one of these.

Coming off a St 1300.....Literally ! 😂..This is my new purchase next spring. Impressive. Great review Mark.

Just p- exed my t7 for one of these. time for something different, i,ve not looked forward to a bike as much in years. Delivery next week 👍

Good review, it is a good all rounder, good for the city, open roads, can carry a lots of stuff and i believe is very comfy. So who know, maybe one days it will appear in my garage :)

I'm riding a T7 at the moment, love it, but I'd have one of those if I was shorter, it's a great idea other than far too expensive for what it is (to my mind at least) Well thought out and clear review as we've come to expect. 10/10

great review...would be good metalic blue,or in red.aswell.if you could order anycolour.

Nice comprehensive review mark.

Positive review of the 750 twin, so my NC750X should be a nice relaxed ride. They are coming into the States very slowly. As always Mark “Top Marks” from Wisconsin ( Go Bucks)

Very detailed review. Very much a rider's review. Thumbs up

great video, thanks...looks EURO 5 gear ratio doesn't affect overtaking ability dramatically...longer 456 gear....very likely my next bike!...yep, absence of cruise control for that money is a shame

Thanks Mark for the review 🙌🏾

Finally! Great review as always. Do you think this will be underpowered with 2 up and some stuff for touring? My wife have not seen this in person but she thinks that the touring bikes like versys or tracer is more suitable for us? To me, I like the looks and its automatic transmission for more convenience. What you guys think? 🍻 My brothers plan to buy a versys 650 and 1000. So also considering this if we go touring with xadv if can keep up. 🙄

Thanks Mark. This is a very interesting bike. But I can see that it needs more refinements. A lower seat that is easier to negotiate and cruise control for starters. I higher windscreen option is secondary. I realize that lowering the seat means not enough room for a full size helmet in the storage area. But motorcycle ergonomics are supposed to be made for the rider and not the helmet. Again, Honda sets certain goals and they seem to get written in stone before a complete study is made of all the pluses and minuses. Set the goals, design the bike, roll it of the assembly line... wham bam, thank you ma'am. I will say that the hand guards were a nice added touch for this kind of bike. Of course, everything else was very good standard quality Honda fair. Gord

If I had a 9-5 job that involved a commute with motorway plus town I cannot think of a better machine than this

Thanks great review

X-CELLENT presentation, Mark. Cheers

Hi Mark which did you like best the Forza750 or this?

Hi Mark. Great review as always Love the Honda X ADV would you recommend buying one ? I've a Kymco AK 550 Scooter a fantastic machine but fancy a change but have arthritic ankles so I'm unable to ride most bikes so has to be a scooter (type) Look forward to more great reviews. Steve

Great review. I like that you go into a review open minded, judging a bike by its merits, whilst some seem to make up mind at the concept and stick a certain bias. Like the bike but not the price tag. I like that it looks futuristic. I can see more bikes looking like this (especially when we go electric)

Hi Mark, first time here, very impressed with your review and very impressed with this machine, only thing missing was cruise control. I did`nt know these bikes existed until I was passed by one on the open road (NZ) doing about 120 kmh ,with a pillion passenger. Totally blew me away, so now I want one. I rode the 150 cc in the Cook Islands and loved it. Your review has me convinced. Subd & belled ,cheers .

Love this bike, wish it built slimmer for easy manoeuvring through traffics

Very good video, I am going to buy this soon in Thailand, it retails here at 9000 pounds, I like the silver colour the best, thanks for the review

Very nice review. Looks like Honda is marketing this for those not wanting a scooter but don't want a full blown motorcycle.

greetings Mark...awesome review 👏

Thanks for your very nice content Mark. I'm looking for my 1st bike to make long journeys across Europe and be able to go on even on gravel roads. Would you recomend this or the Tenere 700 and why? Cheers

Ten years ago, I never thought I would see a scooter like this, but wondered why not. They took their time getting to this stage. No cruise control?

Hello mate. Thanks for tagging me in this. What a great bike this is. Love it. Think I'm going to start off on its baby brother though. The ADV 350. It'll have enough power for what I need it for & as you told me earlier, the 350 doesn't really loose any power with a pillion on board, which is great. I may step up to one of these in a few years.

Awesome 😎 Best wishes from 🇦🇺🥶

Yesterday i drove both of them; the Forza 750 and this X-ADV. The X is more fun than the Forza and i find it more easy to steer into corners. I could take roundabouts with a greater leaning angle and a bit faster than with the Forza and i am wondering if you experienced the same since you drove them both to. Thank you for your video’s.

Genuinely looked at getting one of these but yes no cruise control!! And at 5ft 8" I also wasn't flat footed either, maybe the model after this they may lower or slim the seat down and put the cruise control on and fit heated grips as standard. I know have a triumph 900 Gt Pro and very pleased with it. Jim

I don't know why I want one of these, but it's a big NO for the US. Maybe they'll send it over this way once they get cruise available :) Another great review by Mark.

Mark, good review and covers most of my need to knows. You mentioned cruise control which is a glaring omission but also heated grips. Not standard and massively expensive and a total rip-off costing several hundred pounds to buy and fit. This should be standard on a bike of this type and price. Oxfords are an alternative but look messy and tacked on. Which they are!

Great review, I’m looking at one of these great bikes, also looking at the Honda integra 700/750 have you reviewed either of these mark?

The 350 appears to have been announced for next year - that will be interesting to see

I don't know if i'd call it a scooter, but it's not quite a motorcycle either. They need to make a new category for these kinds of hybrids💖💖👏🏼👏🏼

Just tested it today to compare it against my NC750X DCT and found it much better in every way in my opinion. Just gotta find the cash now to make up the difference with my part-ex the NC.

Nice review..bike seems good but abit pricey compared to nc750x dct...

I test rode this on Saturday, it was the previous model though with LCD non backlit display. I'm sure the engine was the same. It's a Beast! I found the throttle was extremely sensitive from standing start. Didn't feel any heavier than my Forza 300. We don't have the Forza 750 here yet. Just wondering what the handling difference is as you've ridden them both? Please reply and I'll subscribe.

Mark loved the review I’m thinking of one of these as a second bike for my wife and I that way I can pull the rear pegs off my other motorcycle and it will be truly mine anyways I don’t believe I caught the price of this motorcycle but this is the Second review I’ve seen On it the first one was by lamb chop or Mr. Fish can’t remember and I do prefer to call it a motorcycle instead of a scooter. I guess the other question I have is the maintenance intervals that you stated are they in kilometers or miles and how much it costs keep up the good work I love watching yourChannel

Another great ride review Mark, thank you. In your opinion, bearing in mind a mix of roads, A286, A3 and central London riding, which would be best? This or the Forza or the NC for commuting? The only real constraint I have is a 31" inside leg.

I see the 2022 version is a bit lower. Wonder if it's worth paying a bit more for that? I just saw the gray one in the flesh with top box and it looks fantastic. Better weather protection on Forza 750 though, but this would be more fun. Hmmmm.

Hello can you please make a video on the 2022 version

Can’t believe Honda omitted cruise control. Especially as the cost of the bike, is premium. It would then have been absolutely perfect.

Great review Mark. Have a Forza 350 on order but I’m still deciding on if I’ve made the right decision. I like these and the NC 750. Hmmm decisions decisions 😂

nice video sir keep it going. Q: x-adv's speedo indicates kph or mph? ty

Great review Mark.This bike sounds awesome, but i think they should be a bit smaller/lower to suit older riders. And the price Wow.

Thanks Mark 👍🇬🇧

mark been thinking about one and just like Hugh Gebbie said in his review its after many years on many differant bikes ... in the last few years iv had 2 tiger 800s one tiger 900 , that i did 300 miles on and didnt like it . tracer 900 and a 650 vstrom. I also have knee issues so this may be exactly whats needed ,, my biggest concern is how well they carry a passenger and i dont mean a 16 yer old girl thats 8st wet through :) no one ever takes a pillion on the reviews and for me its a must as my other half wants to be able to come out on the back from time to time

It's a shame that they won't be sold here in the US. I would have loved to own one. Instead I recently purchased a 2023 Honda NC-750XD pretty much the same thing just not as off road capable.

Im no Honda lover.... but got to admit they know how to make high quality stallions

Im 6' 4" & am looking for a city commute to work bike & thinking this would be a perfect bike

Being 5'8" would that make much difference? Can you get a manual version or only DCT?Cruise control? Overall I'm very impressed as I do most of my riding around town. Good for some gravel road travel with fishing gear. Cruise control would make it a perfect expressway bike for short out of town trips.

Looks difficult to get on without giving the bodywork a good kick. Don't like the rear chain, should have an enclosed belt. I'll keep my Honda Forza.

Another bike Honda deigns to not send stateside for fear of lackluster sales but scooter sales are significantly up in the US and Maxi Scooters are well on the rise also. It’s a mistake on Honda’s part

Hey Mark. The Facebook Honda Forza group is buzzing with news to expect a 350cc ADV. I will look forward to seeing your reviews when you get one to test ride. I'd be interested in it because I'm riding the Honda Forza 300cc but how will it do with old fart touring I wonder?

I wish we had that in the USA

So is this a Forza 750 underneath ? Seems very expensive compared to the Forza putting it in the T-MAX price range.

Between this and the Forza 750, which would you prefer (assuming you went for either)?

Does it have anti roll back? We ride 2-up in hilly country so that would be a huge benefit for us in stop and go traffic!

is there a lowering kit for the adv ? if there is then would be a perfect posture for smaller riders

Great video,, why is it we can get 100 ish miles to to gallon from these gr8 bikes .but we've in 2030 got to go to electric what will do maybe 50 to 80 miles a charge. Boris Yr a ...,.

You could put luggage on and carry a passenger

I did not like the chain drive and the gearbox with gears. One of the benefits of the classic scooter design is that belt + covered variator is your gearbox + drive. That design is cheap, easy to fix and free of regular maintenance. You don't have to clean, maintained, lube and adjust a motorcycle chain.

Great bike, but prefer the Forza 750 for looks 👍🏻

Hi Mark, Can't believe I'm considering this, but I'm thinking of trading in my Harley Davidson for a scooter.😮 I recently rode a Yamaha tech max and absolutely loved it.Automatic and loaded with technology.I recently asked your advice on preference between the Forza and the tmax and you preferred the tmax, by a small margin. Another bike has come forward and I know you have ridden it as well........Honda X adv. Would you spend your own money on that rather than a tmax? I was due to ride the X adv yesterday for comparison but decided to cancel due to poor weather. Another opinion from someone who has ridden all of them would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mark.

Mark as you have driven both, which you would choose Tmax or X Adv?

Is the wind protection for the legs and knees any good?

I can usually see what Honda are aiming for (I've got two) but I'm baffled here. Apart from a bit of storage what do you gain over an NC750x DCT for £2k less?