2022 Honda ADV350 First Look (from Afar)

The new ADV350 mixes the rugged style of its X-ADV sibling with a chassis that includes a tubular steel frame, a 37mm inverted fork and remote reservoir rear shocks. Its 330cc engine produces a menacing 21.5kW (28.8 horsepower) and 31.5Nm (23.2 lb-ft) of torque, with rear wheel grip managed by HSTC. The screen is height adjustable, there’s room for two full-face helmets under the seat, and a USB Type-C socket in the glovebox. An LCD dash integrates the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, Smart Key operation adds day-to-day riding convenience. And it looks the business: We’re an adventurous scooter rider.

In 2016, when Honda unveiled the X-ADV – part big-bore scooter, part adventure motorcycle and clothed in all-new SUV-style bodywork – a rich vein of desire was opened with a bike that Europe didn’t know it needed. As an example of genuine innovation it has few equals in the past decade.

Its success has more than justified Honda’s decision to break that new ground – through September 2021, the X-ADV is second in the sales list in the hotly-contested ‘on-off’ category. And now it’s time for some of that forward thinking to filter down to the mid-capacity scooter market. Designed around the concept of ‘New Urban Adventure’ the new 22YM ADV350 mixes the sophistication and practicality of a polished scooter with rugged SUV style, drawing inspiration from the X-ADV.

The ADV350’s styling gives more than a slight taste of adventure. Dual LED headlights (all lighting is LED) are set high above the front wheel, with the fairing sides cut out to show off the USD forks. Further accentuating the off-road feel, the painted panels are set high on blacked-out lower and rear seat cowl, giving an impression of the higher centre of gravity of machines like the X-ADV and competition-specification CRF450R.

A host of detail features are found around the ADV350 to add genuine versatility. The screen adjusts easily with a slide-lock mechanism through 2 stages and 133mm travel. In the high position airflow is controlled to wrap around the shoulders to reduce fatigue during longer, higher speed journeys. For city environments – where some cooling air is often appreciated, as is open visibility – the low position is perfect.

There’s plenty of room under the seat – 48L in total – which means two full-face helmets can tuck neatly away. The compartment can be divided using a separator plate, to suit the owner’s preference. A USB Type-C socket is also found in the lockable front left glove box, for smartphone charging. Seat height is an easy-to-manage 795mm.

Keeping its rider fully connected, the ADV350’s LCD dash integrates the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, which links the rider to their smartphone while on the move and allows voice management of phone calls and music. A helmet-mounted headset and Honda’s RoadSync app are all that is needed to activate the system, and the smartphone connects via Bluetooth; management of Honda Smartphone Voice Control System is from the left switchgear.

Another convenient feature is the Smart Key, which controls the main ignition switch knob and seat locking from the rider’s pocket, and automatically locks the ADV350 when the rider walks away. It also manages the optional 50L Smart top box; with the Smart Key present the box is unlocked. An answer back switch also flashes the indicators for easy location.

3.2 Chassis

As a scooter designed to handle the rough-road rigours of the city – and even light off-road conditions – the ADV350’s chassis is built to be confidence-inspiring. A lightweight tubular steel frame provides core strength; wheelbase is set at 1520mm, with rake of 26.5° and 89mm trail. Wet weight is 186kg.

Motorcycle-style 37mm USD forks (with 125mm stroke) are clamped by motorcycle-style top and bottom yokes, increasing rigidity for the entire front end. Twin remote reservoir shock absorbers use progressive, dual rate springs and offer excellent suspension reaction on a variety of road surfaces, and when two-up. With 130mm travel, they work a one-piece aluminium swingarm.

The wheel design is a new one for any Honda scooter. Cast aluminium and finished in black, the lightweight 15-inch front/14-inch rear use an X-shaped 6-spoke criss-cross pattern. The design elevates road feel and all-round agility; 120/70-15 front and 140/70-14 rear block-pattern tubeless tyres offer a supple ride thanks to wide tread width and ample air volume.

The ADV350’s 330cc, enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) SOHC four-valve engine achieves both high environmental performance and strong output characteristic – for use in and out of the city – through comprehensive adoption of low-friction technology.

Peak power of 21.5kW @ 7,500rpm is matched to 31.5Nm torque @ 5,250rpm. Bore and stroke are set at 77mm x 70.7mm, with compression ratio of 10.5:1. A roller-type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term reliability together with strong performance. To enhance piston cooling, an oil jet, as used on the CRF450R, sprays oil right to the back of the piston, advancing ignition timing and improving combustion performance. Oil capacity is 1.8 litres.

Air is supplied via a 5.5 litre airbox and a 36mm throttle body feeds fuel/air mixture to 28mm inlet valves. The intake port draws air in efficiently, using a ‘tumble’ flow within the cylinder for consistent fuel combustion. Exhaust gases are expelled via a straight exhaust port. To reduce exhaust gas resistance the muffler uses dual chambers.

Internal friction is reduced through a 5mm offset cylinder, hydraulic cam chain adjuster and the use of a scavenger pump. Used on high performance machines, the pump lowers the internal pressure within the engine, reduces oil agitation and decreases pumping losses and internal rotational friction. A balancer shaft further reduces vibration and contributes to a smooth, enjoyable ride. An automatic centrifugal clutch works V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.

The ADV350’s engine is also equipped with two level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The system detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculates the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel traction. HSTC can be switched ON-OFF via a switch on the left handlebar. A ‘T’ indicator in the display flickers when the system is working to manage grip.

The engine is homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st 2020, introduced significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction of a particulate matter limit.

Fuel economy is a frugal 30km/l, or 71 mpg (WMTC mode); the 11.5L (3.0 gallons) tank capacity gives a potential 340km+ (211+ miles) range.