Honda’s Upgraded Two-Wheeled SUV Is What We Need in the U.S. Right Now

An average adventure-style motorcycle can get you almost anywhere. It offers an upright riding position and remarkable all-round usefulness. On the other hand, for daily commuting, a scooter is more efficient, practical, and easier to manage. But what if you can have the best of both worlds?

This is no longer an enigma, thanks to the folks at Honda who created the motorcycle equivalent of a compact SUV that can easily adapt to the urban jungle as well as deliver a thrilling experience when it leaves paved roads.

Power comes from a liquid-cooled, SOHC eight-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine that has been designed to provide punchy performance in the low-to-mid-range.

Its specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertia mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm.

Thanks to upgrades to the valvetrain, the addition of a throttle by wire (TBW) system, and improvements to the exhaust, the engine makes more power, which now stands at 43 kW (58 hp). It also revs harder for longer to an increased 7,000 rpm redline.

The new TBW system provides four selectable modes via the left-hand switchgear that cover all riding conditions. Standard offers a balanced performance, Sport makes power delivery more aggressive, Rain transmits low power delivery and increased engine braking, while Gravel combines high power and engine braking with low torque control and ABS.

Linked to the engine is Honda’s innovative dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Now in its eleventh year of production, it delivers seamless gear changes and is incredibly easy to use.

In terms of styling, the silhouette of the 2021 model remains deliberately upright, but each body panel has been redesigned to create a sharper, stronger look.

Even the LED headlights have been reshaped and now feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that automatically adjust to ambient light.

The rider benefits from increased ergonomics thanks to the seat height and wide handlebar. For the new model year, the seat features slimmer shoulder contours that make it easier to reach the ground.

To maximize or minimize airflow according to the riding style and weather conditions, the windshield can be adjusted without tools in five positions.

Convenience is at a high level when riding the new X-ADV, which features a 5-inch TFT display. It also comes with the new Honda Smartphone Voice Control system that links the rider to their smartphone and allows voice management of phone calls, email, music, and navigation.

The under-seat luggage compartment’s capacity has been increased to 22 liters (0.77 cu-ft) and is now lit by an integrated LED that delivers uniform illumination without glare. A USB charging port has also been added in place of the old car-type 12V ACC socket.

Overall, the 2021 Honda X-ADV is a capable machine for those who are looking for a motorcycle that offers an unparalled combination between performance, capability, and comfort.

Currently, it’s only available in Europe for a starting price of £10,900 ($13,700) in the UK, but considering what it has to offer and its growing popularity, we might see it on North American roads pretty soon.