Honda ADV350: the most practical and accessible two-wheeled SUV [ROAD TEST]

To the general amazement, at Eicma 2016 Honda presented theX-ADV. We still remember that day: it seemed like an extreme concept, a stylistic gamble. Amazement then became skepticism: many branded the launch of that model as a pure marketing gimmick, whose sales would have been almost nil. Fast forward to 2021, that part of skeptics had to change their minds, given that the X-ADV was able to conquer a large share of the market, always remaining at the top of the best-selling models in Italy. Indeed, the X-ADV is the best-selling Honda vehicle in Europe in 2021.
The same philosophy that combines the adventure soul with a vehicle dedicated to urban commuting is now proposed in theADV350, more accessible and cheaper than its 750 cc bigger sister.
The family feeling compared to the latter is immediate: the superstructures are evidently similar, as are the double full LED headlights, the original equipment knobby tires and hand guards (standard) in perfect offroad style. Finally, typically on motorbikes - and not on scooters - the indicators are in a raised position, separate from the headlight unit.
The declared challenge is to repeat the sales success of the X-ADV and, if possible, do even better. The more compact dimensions, the lighter weight and the significantly lower price can attract that part of users "intimidated" by the excesses of the X-ADV.

Motor

The ADV350 is equipped with the well-established unit eSP+ da 330 cc, liquid cooled, four valves. To be clear, the same as the best-selling SH350i and the Forza 350.
The single-cylinder delivers a maximum power of 29,2 CV at 7.500 rpm, while the highest torque value stands at 31,5 Nm at 5,250 rpm
The strong point of the engine is the presence of the balancing countershaft, which eliminates inertia forces, thus reducing vibrations and maximizing driving comfort.
Under safety we find the two-channel ABS and the HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) system, adjustable on two levels as well as completely disengageable. This choice reflects the adventure soul of the ADV350, as it allows you to tackle dirt roads without power cuts that would make the driving experience on dirt roads irritating.
And let's face it, no one is denied a good drift, not even scooters.

Like the LCD display, complete and clearly visible in all light conditions. We find it much more pleasant than that of the SH350i, which with its two-part layout is far too distracting and chaotic. The handlebar controls are also simple, with the buttons well positioned and easily operated even with winter gloves. In this case the rule "less is more" applies, given that useless additions have been avoided which, in a scooter without riding mode and mapping, would have been excessive and of little use to the urban user.

Ignition occurs via Smart key, which is activated two meters away from the vehicle.
The nightmare of those who use a vehicle with a keyless system is to leave and forget the key in the garage. In this case the danger is partly averted, given that a special warning light on the dashboard warns if the key is out of reach.
The Honda Smartphone Voice Control connectivity system is also standard (which however we did not use during our test). By downloading the appropriate application - and using a Bluetooth intercom system - you connect your mobile phone to the vehicle, viewing the information directly on the LCD display. Phone calls, music, navigation, volume and messages can be managed from the block on the handlebar. Currently, however, the system is only compatible with Android (8.0 or higher and BLE 4.2 or higher)

The declared consumption is a reference point, equal to 29,4 km/l, close to that of the SH350i. Compared to the latter, however, the capacity of the tank increases, rising to 11,7 L (compared to 9,1 for the SH). Numbers in hand, therefore, the autonomy reaches up to 340 km on a full tank.

cycling

The frame is a tubular steel, which works with a monobloc aluminum swingarm. However, the jewel in the crown of the chassis is the inverted Showa fork 37 mm with double plate, clearly derived from motorcycles. The front thus benefits from rigidity and feeling unknown to conventional scooters.

The 6-spoke aluminum rims, however, are purely scooter-style, with a 15 at the front and a 14 at the rear. The "real motorbike" equipment present in the

Seen in infrared, the ADV350 amazes with the extreme concentration of the masses. In particular, we note the lowered position of the battery, tank and radiator - almost close to the ground - with the clear aim of keeping the center of gravity low.

Guide

Once you get on the saddle you immediately realize how well the ergonomics are, but, at the same time, different from that of any other traditional scooter. The credit should be given above all to the very wide and open handlebar, similar (also in appearance) to that of an adventure bike.

Once in motion, the single-cylinder immediately makes you feel at ease, without jerks and with a consistent but always sweet torque curve. More than the power, we appreciate the fluidity and uniformity of delivery. In this way, even at high speeds, the mental effort required by the ADV350 is very minimal, making it easy even for those who are new to riding a two-wheeled vehicle.
Speaking of fast paces, when the rhythms become a little too lively, the intervention of the rear ABS is felt to be rather excessive.
Driving comfort is excellent. At the end of our test we didn't feel the slightest bit of fatigue. Thanks to the spot-on ergonomics, the very few vibrations and the good protection from the air. Special mention also goes to the lumbar support provided by the saddle, which excellently supports the driver's back.
The latter is precisely welcoming, it is not excessively soft - on the contrary, it is relatively hard - and for this reason it offers excellent support, almost inviting you to always ride as a "motorcyclist" rather than a scooter rider. The seat height is 795 mm from the ground (15 more than the Forza 350), so even those who are less than 1.70 m can rest their feet well.

Both in the city and on narrow mixed roads, the absolute ease of driving reigns supreme.
Far away are the "excesses" of its older sister X-ADV, which with its wheelbase of 1590 mm, the weight of 236 kg and its torque of 69 Nm, could understandably prove too extreme for city use.
Well, while the bulky X-ADV is not exactly a vehicle within everyone's reach, the ADV350 certainly is. We would have no hesitation in recommending it even to a new driver.

The original equipment Metzeler Karoo Street estate has been promoted. During the test we encountered all the worst possible conditions: cold and wet asphalt, rain, even hail; Despite this, we never felt the front really go into crisis, while the traction control kept a good watch on the rear.
Good air protection, with the windscreen adjustable to 4 levels, with a maximum excursion of 133 mm, although not very comfortable to operate.

And off-road? The question is legitimate: are the off-road ambitions of the ADV350 concrete or is it just aesthetic? The truth lies in the middle.
It is certainly less close to an off-road bike than its bigger sister, given that the spoked rims are missing, the wheels are small and the fork travel is shorter. Yet, during our test we traveled along dirt roads and paths without any worries. Nothing extreme - let's be clear - but the fact remains that the ADV 350 allowed us to tackle routes that, for example, we would never have tackled riding a Forza 350.

Price, accessories and availability

The ADV350 is already on sale, with standard 50 L Smart Top Box roof rack and top box, at the price of 6.990 euros fc
Accessories include heated grips, anti-theft device and specific motorcycle cover.
Three colors available: red, light grey, dark grey

Benefits

Aesthetics: you may like it or not, but it certainly stands out from any other scooter on the market
Ride comfort: not afraid of long journeys
Consumption: the 29 km/l are real, as long as the pace is within code

Defects

Windshield height adjustment cumbersome
Button for opening the under-seat compartment

Technical clothing used during the test:

Helmet: Caberg XTrace
Jacket: Alpinestars Missile V2
Thermal shirt: SIXS TS6
Gloves: Dainese Hi-Jack

Photo: Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italy