Although not yet a model offered in the United States, the 2021 Honda X-ADV is popular enough
since its 2017 introduction to get serious upgrades for the coming European model year.
Keep in mind that what happens in Europe is often a preview of what is coming in the United
States.
The 2021 Honda X-ADV is a scooter-style adventure motorcycle with a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
This gives the rider the convenience of a fully automatic transmission that scooters
enjoy, but with a six-speed gearbox that is also manually shiftable with an automatic
clutch.
The powerplant is based on the Honda NC750X engine, which we are familiar with.
The parallel-twin forward-canted motor gets a four-horsepower boost for 2021, along with
a redline that is 600 rpm higher.
The gear ratios are reworked to match the additional power production, and the DCT has
been updated.
With ride-by-wire technology, the 2021 Honda X-ADV has power modes that include adjustable
engine compression braking.
Honda has updated the frame, with the overall weight on the new X-ADV dropping over six
pounds to 520 pounds at the curb with the 3.5-gallon fuel tank filled.
The styling has been updated to better reflect its ADV inspiration, with a new windscreen,
more underseat storage (now 22 liters with a USB charging port), a new 1.2-liter glovebox,
an LED DRL’s.
Technology updates include a new five-inch TFT dash, plus Honda Smartphone Voice Control
system.
This feature debuted on the Honda Forza 750, and it allows the rider to interface with
a smartphone via buttons and voice via a Honda app.
We don’t yet have a price for the 2021 Honda X-ADV in Europe, or an arrival date in the
United States.
However, the adventure-scooter market is wide open, and the six-speed DCT makes the X-ADV
an intriguing two-wheeler that we look forward to riding.