Choosing a motorcycle can be hard, particularly when you want to engage in two entirely different activities like commuting to and from work, and perhaps some off-road adventure on the weekends.
Thankfully, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) offer riders an innovative solution in the form of s with the arrival of the all-new 2021 X-ADV.
The pioneer adventure maxi-scooter has been updated with much needed improvements to continue to offer riders a unique experience.
New for 2021 is its new head-turning style. It starts with re-styled twin LED headlights, now with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that automatically adjust to ambient light intensity. All lighting is LED with an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function for the taillight. The seat has been reshaped for a slimmer profile, making it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground.
The X-ADV’s windshield can be adjusted without tools to 5 positions from low-to-high to maximize or minimize airflow. Tough plastic hand guards deflect wind and rain, while adding protection for hands and levers from stones when off-road. A shot-peened 2.5mm thick aluminum bash plate guards the underside. It is also fitted with a parking brake on the right handlebar.
The X-ADV is build on a tubular steel diamond frame that is now 1 kg lighter than its predecessor. It rides on upside down forks in front with 153.5mm of travel and 150mm in the rear. It has a ground clearance of 165mm. Its overall wet weight is 3kg lighter, at 236kg.
It rolls on 17-inch front wheel and 15-inch rear wheels with block-pattern tires for grip both on and off-road. It’s brought to a stop with twin discs in front and a single disc in the rear all governed by ABS.
Powering it is a 745cc liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine. Honda has tuned it to have a higher redline, now at 7,000rpm. Naturally, there’s more power, now at 43.1kW @ 6,750rpm, with maximum torque of 69Nm @ 4,750rpm. Besides increasing the power, the engine is also lighter by 1.4 kg.
The engine has also been made more efficient with an average consumption of 27.8km/l (WMTC mode), allowing the rider to travel as far as 366-km with a 13.2-liter fuel tank. It is also now compliant with Euro-5 regulations.
It’s paired with a 6-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) that Honda has tweaked. Now with shorter gear ratios, it accelerates to 60 km/h faster than before. The DCT allows the rider to choose between Automatic mode which requires no shifting at all, or a Manual mode where the rider shifts with paddle-shift style triggers on the left handlebar.
The X-ADV is throttle-by-wire allowing the integration of 4 riding modes and 1 customizable mode. These four are: Standard, Sport, Rain, and Gravel. Another adjustable rider aid is Honda Selectable Torque Control to one of three levels or off, as well as adjust ABS intervention.
As for the rider, he gets a five-inch TFT display equipped with Honda Smartphone Voice Control System. This links the rider to their smartphone while on the move and allows voice management of phone calls, email, music and navigation. A helmet-mounted headset is needed and the smartphone connects to the dash via Bluetooth; management of the system is also possible through buttons on the left switchgear.
Besides these features, the X-ADV also comes with underseat luggage space, now with a 22-liter capacity. It can accommodate a full-face helmet, and is illuminated with an LED light. There’s also a USB charging socket. On the fron shield, there’s a useful, and easy to access, glove compartment.
Starting up the bike is done conveniently with a Smart Key. The rider only needs to push the knob-type main switch to power it up to activate the ignition/steering lock and, via two rocker switches, the fuel cap and seat.
The all-new 2021 X-ADV is now available at all Honda Big Bike dealerships with a suggested retail price of P830,000. It comes in three colors: Graphite Black, Matte Beta Silver Metallic and Grand Prix Red.