26YM HONDA X-ADV

Introduction

It’s not often in the world of motorcycling that a fresh line of thinking emerges to create a new breed of machine. But Honda specialises in innovation and for 17YM unveiled a completely new concept, straight out of left field – the X-ADV.

The thought processes that led to its birth? Consider the attributes of the average adventure-style motorcycle – tough ‘go-anywhere’ appeal, an upright riding position giving superb visibility and remarkable all-round usefulness, work or play. Then look at the typical commuter: it might be a scooter or motorcycle, but in either case it will be easy to manage, nimble and loaded with convenience, efficiency and useful storage space. Honda’s forward-thinking engineers combined the two together, and something special happened.

The machine they created had a rugged, stylish SUV image fully at home navigating the urban sprawl. And while it was loaded with all the premium features that enable easy life in the big city, it also had the looks, engine power and chassis ability to inject every ride with the promise of adventure.

The X-ADV captured the essence of two-wheeled freedom in an exciting new form and garnered the attention of an army of riders around Europe, eager for something new, and has proved itself a genuine sales success.

And it has not stood still. In 21YM Honda upped the X-ADV’s engine performance, trimmed weight, enhanced looks and added even more usefulness; in 2023 the X-ADV was Honda’s second best-selling motorcycle in Europe, and since its introduction to the line-up, nearly 60,000 have been sold across the continent.

For 25YM the X-ADV received updates to style, tech, all-round usability, plus a new colour palette. It also adopted a more sustainable manufacturing process to continue its charge as an innovative two-wheeled pathfinder.

Model Overview

Long standing apart from the crowd, the X-ADV has always cut a unique shape. For the 25YM refresh, the bodywork was redesigned to introduce an even sharper, more aggressive look with a premium frontal light signature. Dual LED headlights feature highly visible Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which in a world’s first for motorcycles, also subtly integrated the bike’s indicators. For easy ground reach the seat is carefully contoured at the shoulders. The under-seat storage has a 22L volume and houses a USB-C charging point; there’s also a useful glovebox. 

A 5-inch full colour TFT screen features a clear array of images, colourways and menu structures, and is designed for easy readability on bright days and features Honda RoadSync connectivity. Managed by an easy-to-use four-way lefthand backlit toggle switch, the rider can enjoy on-screen, turn-by-turn navigation in addition to other smartphone features. Cruise control was a useful 25YM addition for longer highway journeys and works exceptionally well with the DCT to provide a high-quality, less tiring ride when touring.

The parallel twin-cylinder engine blends strong low-to mid-range performance with easy manners and excellent fuel efficiency. Peak power is set at 43.1kW with an impressive 69Nm of torque. Throttle By Wire (TBW) serves up four default rider modes with pre-set combinations of settings for Power, Engine Braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control plus a ‘customisable’ USER option. The 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) features newly refined inputs for its Gravel and Rain settings. The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) has automatic shifting schedules that integrate with the riding modes, as well as the option to select the favourite shift pattern in the USER set-up; it has also been updated for smoother low-speed response.

A tough chassis is comprised of a tubular steel frame, 41mm USD front forks, rear monoshock (with Pro-Link) and aluminium swingarm. A 17-inch front wheel is matched to a 15-inch rear with dual, radial-mount four-piston calipers braking up front.

The 26YM X-ADV will be available in the following colour options: 

• Graphite Black

• Pearl Glare White

• Matte Deep Mud Gray

Also, a unique Special Edition X-ADV will be available in a *NEW* tricolour Mat Pearl Glare White special edition with blue and red graphic set, that channels Honda’s larger adventure bikes – the Transalp and Africa Twin.

Key Features
Styling & Equipment

• Sharp, slim and aggressive styling defined by twin-LED projector headlights with DRLs and subtly integrated indicators

• Full-colour 5-inch TFT screen, with backlit switchgear and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity

• Large 22L storage space houses an under-seat USB-C socket, with more space available from the glovebox

The X-ADV’s head-turning styling – conceived and developed by Honda’s R&D team in Italy – evolved in 21YM to become slimmer and sharper, the silhouette tight and deliberately upright, each body-panel honed with strong intent. 

It moved on again for 25YM with an even more razor-edged look up front from a lithe fairing that defined the almost origami-like dynamism of interlocking angles and shaping. And, leading from the front, penetrating new dual LED projector headlights that feature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) subtly integrate the indicators; Honda’s ‘hidden eye’ technique blacks out the area around projector lenses making the DRLs stand out. All other lighting is LED. In addition, Honda adopted a sustainable Durabio and other recycled plastics and rubber materials are used in the bodywork. 

Honda has set "efficient use of resources" as part of its environmental targets and aims to achieve "100% sustainable material usage" by 2050. The 25YM X-ADV was the first Honda motorcycle model to actively use sustainable materials such as recycled plastics and biomass plastics that have a low environmental impact.

• Recycled materials from Honda automobile bumpers are used for the luggage box and seat bottom for the first time

• Pre-consumer recycled polypropylene material*[1] is used for the black-coloured cover

• The biomass plastic "DURABIO™"*[2] is used for the fairing and windscreen

• The world's first*[3] use of DURABIO™, a high-gloss colouring material, in motorcycle fairings reduces CO2 emissions from the conventional painting process 

Ergonomically, the 820mm seat height (newly re-shaped for easy ground reach) and wide handlebar set at 940mm ensure a high eye point for riders for outstanding visibility. The seat base now features a 10% increase in the amount of urethane used to increase ride comfort, whilst a change in the layout of the seat damper has also improved the quality of the opening and closing motion of the unit. 

For commuting or touring, the X-ADV’s link-type screen easily adjusts without tools through five positions from to maximise or minimise airflow. Redesigned, with a revised internal structure and controls, the number of adjustment steps has been reduced and the process streamlined. The previous model required 5 steps of operation with both hands, but this new model allows height adjustment with 3 steps of operation with one hand, further improving operability. The total height difference is 139mm, with an 11° rake between the highest and lowest points.

Premium technology, in the form of a 5-inch full colour TFT screen, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and visibility improved. The display itself is customisable between ‘Bar’, ‘Circle’ and ‘Simple’ display patterns and offers smartphone connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app.

Honda RoadSync allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls, listen to music or receive voice feedback of weather conditions. All an owner needs to do is download the free Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the X-ADV, and go.

Tough plastic hand guards deflect wind and rain, while adding protection for hands and levers from stones when off-road. A shot-peened aluminium bash plate provides additional protection to the underside.

Cruise control integrates with the DCT smoothly and is very easy to use; activation is from the right switchgear, with ‘plus’, ‘minus’ and ‘resume’ set from the left. The under-seat 22L luggage space can accommodate a full-face helmet and is lit with an integral LED, placed to deliver uniform illumination without glare. For added convenience, a USB-C charging socket is located at the rear of the compartment. A centre stand – with tilt sensor – is fitted as standard and allows the X-ADV to be parked on an incline without fear of toppling.

For added convenience the X-ADV uses a Smart Key, which lives in the rider’s pocket and does away with the need to use a key for ignition, fuel cap and seat. With the Smart Key present, one push of the knob-type main switch powers the bike up and makes it possible to turn, giving the rider control of the ignition/steering lock and, via two rocker switches, the fuel cap and seat. It also has an ‘answer back’ function, which makes the indicators flash for easy identification from a distance, and locks and unlocks the optional Smart Top Box. A clutch mechanism in the main switch stops the handlebars unlocking by force for added security.

The rear indicators also have a self-cancelling Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function. If negative acceleration of 6.0m/s2 is detected at a minimum speed of 53km/h with either brake working, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. At the same speed the threshold is reduced if ABS is activated to a negative acceleration of over 2.5m/s2.

The indicators also auto-cancel. Rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.

Engine

• Throttle By Wire control; peak power figure of 43.1kW with 69Nm torque

• Economic engine is capable of achieving 3.6l/100km fuel efficiency

• Restricted 35kW A2 compliant specification also available 

The design of the X-ADV’s liquid-cooled, SOHC eight-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. A relatively long-stroke architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertial mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm. A forward cant brings the centre of gravity down for optimum stability.

Peak power is set at 43.1kW @ 6,750rpm, with maximum torque of 69Nm @ 4,750rpm. From 30 km/h the X-ADV will cover 20m in 1.7s, 50m in 3.2s, while at 60km/h the torquey engine is turning at just 2,500rpm. 

For A2 licence holders a 35kW version is available, which can be easily converted to the full power version by a Honda dealer at the appropriate time. Equally, it is possible to restrict the full power version to 35kW by a Honda dealer remapping the ECU.

Twin balancers counteract vibration from higher rpm inertia without affecting the distinct ‘throb’ delivered by the engine’s irregular firing order and 270° phased crankshaft. Bore and stroke is set at 77 x 80mm. Where possible components are made to do more than one job: the camshaft drives the water pump, while one of the balancer shafts drives the oil pump.

By keeping the number of parts to a minimum in this way, the engine is kept light, efficient and reliable.

This means that the X-ADV engine sips fuel ­– with a measured consumption of 3.6L/100km (WMTC mode) – providing a potential range of over 360km from the 13.2-litre fuel tank. A revised catalyser and OBD2-2 sensor clean ensures emissions compliance.

Engine Electronics

• Throttle By Wire delivers four default riding modes

• USER customisation offers bespoke setup

• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) features three levels of intervention and has been updated for smoother control 

With TBW managing engine performance and character there are four modes for the rider to choose from, covering all riding conditions. There are four levels of Mode selection, managed by the left-hand switchgear.

• STANDARD delivers a balanced middle point between engine power delivery (P), engine braking (EB), DCT shift response and HSTC intervention, with the strongest level of ABS intervention.

• SPORT gives more aggressive P delivery and strong EB, with low HSTC intervention, ‘high’ ABS and sporty DCT performance.

• RAIN transmits low P delivery and EB, high HSTC and ABS input with relaxed DCT schedule.

• GRAVEL employs high P and EB with low HSTC, ABS and specific gravel DCT setting.

• USER offers two custom options of low/medium/high between engine power delivery and engine braking and low/medium/high/off for HSTC. There are also five levels of DCT shift pattern to use.

HSTC offers refined control as it uses TBW to manage torque delivered to the rear wheel, with three levels of input. Levels 1 and 3 were optimised for the 25YM update to deliver smoother management.

• Level 1 allows the minimum intervention for some rear wheel spin – on gravel or dirt for instance, and its level of intervention is reduced from the previous design.

• Level 2 is the default setting and provides confidence-inspiring traction for general riding conditions.

• Level 3 provides maximum control for slippery roads. 

• HSTC can also be switched OFF.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

1. Differing shifting schedules link with riding modes

2. USER mode allows choice of 5 settings, from smooth to aggressive 

Honda’s DCT technology is now in its 17th year of production, and almost 280,000 units of DCT-equipped Honda two-wheelers have been sold in Europe since 2010. It delivers consistent, seamless gear changes up or down and very quickly becomes second nature in use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th, the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.

The system delivers consistent, seamless gear changes and very quickly becomes second nature in use. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

The 25YM X-ADV update allowed smoother starting from standstill and control at low speed – under 10km/h – for U-turns. This required a ‘quick yet gentle’ driving force at small throttle openings. 

Surpassing the operating parameters of the previous generation DCT the latest iteration now estimates the oil pressure of the clutch piston chamber and completely reviews the way feedback gain is applied, resulting in improved, more delicate clutch response. Alongside the way TBW now opens from closed, DCT also features a dedicated setting for extremely low speed running.

Consistent, fast and seamless gear changes are always on offer. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is negligible, making the change feel direct as well as smooth. Extra benefits include durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear) impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, reduced rider fatigue and – crucially – the ability to concentrate more on riding lines, braking and acceleration points. 

The DCT system offers two distinct riding approaches – Automatic Transmission (AT), with pre-programmed shift patterns which constantly read vehicle speed, gear selected and engine rpm to decide when a shift should occur, and Manual Transmission (MT), for gear changes using the paddle-shift style triggers on the left handlebar.

Through TBW control there are five Automatic shifting schedules available. Level 1 is the most relaxed, with upshifts and downshifts operating at relatively lower rpm; it is linked with the RAIN riding mode. Level 4, on the other extreme, shifts up at higher rpm and also downshifts earlier for more engine braking effect; it is linked with the SPORT mode. Level 2 is linked with STANDARD riding mode, with Level 3 situated between STANDARD and SPORT.

For the GRAVEL riding mode the X-ADV uses a relatively sporty shifting pattern; this has the added functionality of a decreased level of ‘slip’ as the clutches operate from a fully open or closed throttle – to give the rider more direct feel for traction at the rear wheel, and the ability to perform controlled sliding off road. 

The USER mode functionality allows the rider to select any of the DCT shift patterns with the preferred permutations of the other parameters – Power delivery, Engine Braking, ABS and HSTC.

Chassis

• Lightweight tubular steel diamond frame 

• 41mm cartridge-style USD fork and Pro-Link swingarm 

• Radial mount four-piston front brake calipers, 296mm discs and ABS

• 120/70 R17 and 160/60 R15 front and rear tyres 

The X-ADV’s tubular steel diamond frame is light, strong and makes ample space for the under-seat compartment. Rake and trail are set at 27°/104mm with a wheelbase of 1590mm. A 39° steering angle (and turning radius of 2.8m) makes the X-ADV highly manoeuvrable in tight traffic. Long travel suspension –153.5mm up front and 150mm from the rear – is matched to 165mm of ground clearance to allow the X-ADV to conquer any surface. Overall wet weight is 237kg. 

For handling rough terrain, the 41mm cartridge-type USD fork adjusts for spring preload and rebound damping. The spring preload adjustable rear shock is a single tube split pressure design and operates the aluminium swingarm – constructed from a machined-hollow cross member and U-shaped (in cross section) arms – through Pro-Link.

The 17-inch front wheel and 15-inch rear use stainless steel rust-resistant spokes and contribute to the X-ADV’s ability to comfortably soak up rough terrain. Block-pattern tyres add to the ride quality and L-shape valve stems make checking air pressure easy. Tyres are sized 120/70 R17 and 160/60 R15 front and rear.

Dual radial-mount opposed four-piston calipers bite 296mm discs and work through ABS.

Accessories

A full range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the X-ADV either individually or as part of five curated packs for convenience. These include:

Adventure Pack

Highlight the X-ADV’s off-road appearance with Front Fog Lights, Front Side Pipes, Black Knuckle Guard Extensions and Rider’s Footpegs.

Comfort Pack

A versatile collection designed to enhance rider comfort and convenience. The Comfort Pack includes the Comfort Seat with added cushion thickness, storage for essentials, Leg Deflectors and Heated Grips to keep you riding on colder days.

Style Pack

Elevates the premium feel by employing aluminium and stainless-steel parts such as Floor Panels, Parking Lever, Handlebar Holder, Parking Lever Cover and Lateral Covers.

Travel Pack

Increases carrying capacity for additional long-distance practicality with side Panniers (right 26L, left 33L), Pannier Inner Bags, decorated with Aluminium panels. 

Urban Pack 

Adds accessories that make the X-ADV such an excellent daily commuter, including a 50L Smart Top Box with a practical Inner Bag and decorated with an Aluminium Panel, a Top Box backrest and a Luggage Divider for the under-seat storage compartment.

Also available are:

• 50L Manual Top Box

• 38L Top Box

• Alarm System

• Passenger Backrest

• Akrapovič Slip-on muffler