After teasing us with the funky little City Adventure Concept in Milan last year, Honda has just confirmed the release of its production-based version – the X-ADV. Think maxi scooter with the ability to take bridleways as a shortcut to work, enter the Dakar rally, or nail 20ft tabletops and you’re halfway there.
Finer details have yet to surface but no doubt it’ll be a slightly diluted version of the original concept’s eye candy. The pics and video certainly suggest that, although it looks like a do-it-all tool and comes with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission as standard fitment, which also hints at the use of an NC750 parallel twin derivative.
Apparently, the X-ADV ‘combines the spirit of adventure with all-round performance, practicality and comfort for urban commuting and weekend escapes,’ but we’re not sure we have the required terrain here in the UK to maximise its potential. There’s an upright riding position and masses of suspension travel for that adventure link, plus a 5-way adjustable screen, and it’ll be unveiled – along with full specs – at the EICMA show in Milan from the 8th to the 13th of November.
After whooping the competition so far in 2016, Honda can afford to develop and produce such niche all-rounders: the Big H took best-selling manufacturer every month (bar July) as of August’s figures and the scooter segment still booming. More juicy stats later after we’ve deciphered some spreadsheets…
