Test drive with the 59 hp engine
Early morning fog still clung to the lush greenery of the Satpura hills when I thumbed the starter on the new 2025 Honda X-ADV. A low, confident growl came to life beneath me, a refined 745 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine tuned now to push out a healthy 59 horsepower. Not bad for a bike that looks like a transformer between a touring scooter and a dual-sport motorcycle. I straddled the 82 cm tall seat, swinging a leg over the high tunnel, unusual for a scooter, but fitting for something as different as the X-ADV. Right away, I felt this machine wanted to be ridden standing up or sitting down, across cities or hill trails. In the Satpura terrain, that made all the difference. On the long winding stretches before the forest thinned into ridgelines, I noticed how the wide bars and upright stance gave an instant sense of control. The torque, now upped slightly to 69 Nm, kicked in clean at 4,750 rpm. Pulling uphill through broken forest tracks was effortless. Even with pillion and gear, the motor showed no signs of struggle. There’s something very Honda about how that engine behaves, reliable, precise, and just loud enough to make your heart race on an empty hill road. And yes, there’s also an A2-compliant 48 hp version for new riders, but here in the rugged folds of central India, I wouldn’t settle for anything less than the full-fat experience.
Honda X-ADV with automatic transmission
The most surprising part? I didn’t shift gears once. Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) changes everything. It’s not a scooter-style CVT, it’s a real gearbox with automated shifting. There’s no clutch lever. No foot shifter. Just twist the throttle, and the X-ADV does the thinking. While climbing the rough, stone-sprinkled hairpins of the Pachmarhi incline, the DCT kept pace perfectly. It always seemed to be in the right gear, without any drama. In steep descents, the engine braking did its job well, especially when I switched to “Manual” mode and started nudging gear changes through the paddles near my left grip. The 2025 model gets smoother shifting behavior too, thanks to updates in the transmission software. Cruise control made the flatter forest highways a breeze, while the upgraded traction control helped me feel safer on damp leaves after a sudden downpour near Tamia village. Everything’s managed electronically, throttle-by-wire, four preset modes (Rain, Standard, Gravel, Sport), and one “User” mode that you can fully customize. But more on that in a bit.
Dynamic driving behavior
I didn’t expect the X-ADV to be this much fun. On paper, it’s a 235 kg adventure scooter. But on the bends that wrap around the Satpura cliffs, those fast switchbacks with barely any margin for error, it behaved more like a nimble crossover. The redline kicks in at 7,000 rpm now, which lets you rev it out longer than you’d expect. The revised gear ratios on the DCT made throttle response sharper, especially in Sport mode. Push it into a corner, and the tubular steel frame holds tight. The 17-inch front wheel combined with the 15-inch rear setup gave me the confidence to steer with precision, even when road surfaces got uneven. The suspension, long-travel USD forks up front and preload-adjustable rear shock, soaked up trail bumps and potholes with poise. Braking deserves a special mention. Twin 296 mm front discs with radially mounted four-piston calipers bite hard, and the feedback through the levers is superb. Downhill, the hazard lights flash under hard braking, great for warning tailing vehicles in tight mountain sections. Whether climbing dusty tracks near Dhoopgarh or carving descents toward Matkuli, the bike felt composed, solid, and playful. That’s rare for something that blurs the line between a scooter and ADV motorcycle.
Five driving modes, TFT color display
On a cold morning break by a hilltop chai stall, I finally took some time to scroll through the X-ADV’s updated 5-inch TFT display. First, the visuals, bright, crisp, colorful. It responds well even with gloves on, using a four-way toggle switch on the left grip. You get all the basics: speed, gear indicator, fuel, ride mode, range, time, ambient temp. But dig deeper, and there’s a rich set of adjustments. Each ride mode not only changes throttle response and traction sensitivity but also alters the shifting character of the DCT and engine braking. “Sport” makes the throttle snappy, holds gears longer, and reduces intervention, perfect for aggressive riding up hill roads. “Gravel” softens things for broken paths, letting the rear step out slightly. “User” mode is where the magic is, you can tweak every parameter individually and save it. I set it up for our final leg through the damp forest tracks: medium engine braking, soft throttle, full ABS, and higher traction control. The bike transformed into a different beast altogether. Also handy, under-seat storage fits a full-face helmet, there’s a USB port, and the small glove box in front swallows gloves, documents, and other bits. The new five-step adjustable windscreen works wonders for taller riders like me. I found a sweet spot just below eye level that reduced windblast but still gave good visibility on misty stretches.
Honda X-ADV: Technical data, price
| Manufacturer information | Specifications |
| Motor | 2 cylinders, in-line engine, 745 cc displacement, 43.0 kW at 6750 rpm, max. torque 69.0 at 4750 rpm, 4 valves/cylinder, PGM-FI injection system, liquid cooling |
| Assistance systems | different driving modes, model is also offered with 35 kW |
| chassis | Tubular steel frame; 41 mm upside-down telescopic fork, 154 mm travel; Pro-Link rear swingarm, 120 mm travel; |
| Mass | Unladen weight approx. 235 kg, gross vehicle weight 440 kg; length/width/height 2215 / 940 / 1370 mm, seat height 820 mm; fuel tank capacity 13.1 l |
| Brakes | individually operated, front disc, 296 mm, rear disc, 240 mm |
| Performance / Consumption | Top speed approx. 170 km/h, 3.6 l/100 km |
| Price | 12,600 euros |
Conclusion
The Honda X-ADV is one of those rare machines that defies categorization. It’s not just a crossover, it’s an innovation that genuinely works. After two days of carving, cruising, and crawling through the Satpura Range, I can confidently say this: no other machine blends scooter comfort, motorcycle dynamics, and off-road confidence quite like the X-ADV. It’s powerful enough to thrill, comfortable enough to tour, and practical enough for daily use. At €12,600, it’s not a cheap toy. But for that money, you get a bike that’s built to last, loaded with tech, and can adapt to any kind of ride. Whether you’re gliding past jungle cliffs in Madhya Pradesh or lane-splitting in a city, the 2025 Honda X-ADV delivers something unique, a ride that’s equal parts excitement and elegance. If there was ever a scooter that deserved a place in the adventure bike world, this is it.
