Scooters have always been the comfort zone that people hesitate to accept. These comfy two-wheeled runabouts have quite a vibrant history and are considered for their classy appeal. But over time scooters have evolved, so much so, that there are now ADV scooters that won't shy away from getting their shoes dirty.
Europe has always had a sweet spot for these easy-going machines, and they get some of the coolest scooters out there. Honda is a prime player here and offers impressive products like the Forza 750 and the rad X-ADV. Sadly, we don't get the cooler ones in the US. The Honda ADV 150 and the PCX still try to tickle us. But the all-new 2022 Honda ADV 350 just made things a bit more irresistible.
In Europe, it sits right in between the Forza 350 and X-ADV, bringing about a fusion of off-roading and touring power. The ADV 350 is based on Forza 350 but gets jacked-up suspension, chunky off-roading wheels, sharper styling, and loads of touring-ready features. We will have to wait and see if Honda plans on bringing the ADV 350 along with its big bad brother - the X-ADV to the US.
The 2022 Honda ADV 350 is a touring scooter that returns 69 MPG and has a knack for off-roading.
Europe Just Loves Big Scooters
Last year it was the cool Honda X-ADV, and now we have the all-new ADV 350. Europe seems to love big scooters that have more than 2 tricks in their hat. The touring scooter segment has been well-appreciated for quite some time. But now things are getting even more desirable with the new adventure-ready scooters.
This is in line with the steaming demand for ADV motorcycles. While we do get the Honda PCX, it doesn't come close to the desirability level of the ADV 350 that has a love for off-roading. Who would have thought of an adventure scooter with off-road-ready tires fancying us?!
2022 Honda ADV 350 Packs A 29 HP 330cc Single Cylinder
The 2022 Honda ADV 350 is powered by a 330cc single-cylinder that churns out 29 HP @ 7,500 RPM and 23 lb-ft @ 5,250 RPM. That's a decent amount of power that will cater to both urban and occasional light off-roading needs. A CVT gearbox makes riding this chunky scooter around a lot easier than a motorcycle.
Moreover, this ADV scooter also comes with two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control to prevent the rear wheel from losing traction during acceleration. This makes it athletic around corners, and you can actually lean on this cozy scooter. Taking it to a racetrack is also not a bad idea.
A Touring Scooter With Off-Road-Ready Tires
Honda brings about a fusion of off-roading and touring with the 2022 ADV 350. The upright riding position with the front-seat footrests makes this maxi-scooter a mile-munching capsule. It is actually based on the Honda Forza 350 platform, which has shown its finesse over the years. The sprinkle of high-travel suspension and rugged off-road-ready tires make the ADV 350 the best of both worlds.
Despite being a scooter, this machine looks rather intimidating with its chunky and sharp body panels. The angry-looking LED headlamps to add to its meaty character. On the colorway front, things are a bit dull with 3 plane shades on offer - Spangle Silver Metallic, Matte Carboninum Grey Metallic, and Matte Carnelian Red Metallic. The names might sound interesting, but the only cool thing about them is the matte offerings.
Efficiency, Comfort, And Practicality Are Its Highlights
Scooters have always been known for their efficiency, and the ADV 350 is no different. It might have a tiny 3-gallon fuel tank, but with an impressive 69 MPG, this adventure scooter can run up to 200 miles between stops.
That's ample for touring needs. Comfort has been given due importance for both on-road and off-road appeal. While the front inverted forks are non-adjustable, the rear twin-piggyback shocks have spring-preload adjustment. The 15/14-inch front-back wheel size combination makes for a laid-back experience.
The dual-purpose tires are made to take on varying and demanding terrains. But don't think of taking this for serious off-roading, as the 5.7 inches of ground clearance is average. And after all, it is still a scooter and the torque isn't as controllable as a manual-geared motorcycle. Honda also provides dual-channel ABS as standard.
Practicality levels are impressive on this ADV-scooter. It comes with a 4-position windscreen with an adjustment of over 5 inches. The under-seat storage of 48 liters can easily gulp in 2 full-sized helmets. And if that level of comfort and practicality isn't enough, then Honda offers touring accessories that include a smart top box and heated grips.
It comes with an LCD instrument cluster that supports Bluetooth functionality and can connect a smartphone with ease. It also packs voice-control capabilities. The scooter packs a USB Type-C port in the glove box for charging smartphones.
Will The 2022 Honda ADV 350 Ever Come To The US?
There are no hints as of now of the 2022 Honda ADV 350 making it to the US. But this practical and efficient adventure scooter is a perfect offering that makes us envious. Yes, on an experience level, it wouldn't pack the immersion level of a geared motorcycle, but the ADV 350 has its own set of audience.
And with the warm love that Honda PCX gets in the US, we are pretty sure that this radical ADV would find a lot more lovers. In Europe, the scooter team is getting more vibrant and stronger, with the ADV 350 joining the ADV 150 and the big-bad 750cc X-ADV.
Sources: Hondanews.eu, Ultimatemotorcycling.com, Asphaltandrubber.com