Something Different

After the success of the Africa Twin, Honda is causing a stir in the adventure sector again, but with a completely different type of machine…

- Mikko Nieminen

Combining its expertise in adventure bikes and scooters (yes, you read that right, scooters), the new X-ADV crossover motorcycle is the brainchild of Italian Honda designer Daniele Lucchesi, whose aim was to take an easy-to-ride, nimble and frugal city commuter, give it some genuine back road ability and throw in a hint of off-road potential for good measure.

After some initial hesitation, Honda finally gave the green light for the project, and the first crossover motorcycle (or adventure scooter, whichever way you want to look at it) was born. It sounds outlandish, but in a way it makes a lot of sense: if you can have practicality and ability in the same package then why not? But is it a motorcycle or a scooter, and most importantly, what’s it like to ride? We went to Sardinia to find out.

It takes a while for me to take it all in as I stand and stare at the X-ADV. It’s not only the concept of a crossover motorcycle that needs some processing, it’s also all the detail jumping out and demanding your attention. The angular, almost origami-like design has so many surfaces and intricate details that you could look at the bike for hours. The build quality is just superb; every panel and component joins together with incredible accuracy.