Road test of Honda750 X-ADV DCT 2025 By the wayside

a friend of mine has two monozygotic twin sisters. One is very feminine, with long hair, neat clothes and a brazen look; the other is a tomboy, with a short haircut, streetwear clothes and a screwdriver at hand.

the Honda X-Adv 750 is a little like her, ready for escapade as soon as the wind changes; while the Forza 750 sibling presents itself with much more seriousness - yet both are built on the same structure. Genes build, personality shapes.

it was on the picturesque island of Sicily that we took in hand the most adventurous of maxi-scooters. From the outset, it made a good impression. Its size reflects its weight and high-end positioning, while its dynamic, angular shape places it among the fun machines with a cheeky edge. Placed next to the Forza, it appears to be 20 kg lighter.... whereas, at 237 kg, it is one kg heavier.

compared to its predecessor, the 2025 is mainly a facelift. The spirit remains, the indicators have moved into the headlights (which are themselves more tapered), and the new display is more intuitive to use. The finish and quality of materials are, as ever, top-notch. Part of the plastic components are made from Durabio, a material derived from a recycling process. Honda is taking a serious look at this issue, clearly more concerned about the future than some (all?) governments.

its attractive appearance is complemented by a number of welcome practical features, such as the seat and fuel filler flap opening via remote buttons, the illuminated 22-liter trunk, the saddle held in place by 2 jacks, a small glove compartment on the right for papers and a USB-C socket... under the saddle. Whereas on the Forza, it's on the handlebars. There are a few things I don't understand...

scooter, motorcycle or trail bike?

it's fair to ask, because the 750 X-Adv really does look like the son of a trail bike and a big scooter. What's more, beneath its tectonic exterior, it conceals a motorcycle chassis and engine. In short, this machine is unclassifiable. Except that, with its aluminum hoof, long-travel suspension and spoked wheels, it exudes an adventurous profile that really hits the spot. Is the Honda a city Jeep or a trail commuter?

let's take it for a spin and find out. Like any Honda, it doesn't take long to feel at ease on the handlebars. It's just a matter of getting used to it, taking a few turns, and then the instructions start to sink in. Our previous test of the Forza showed that the X-Adv's larger handlebars make it much easier to handle. Engagement is just a tad more dynamic, without shaking the qualities appreciated on the GT sibling. With a bit of speed, what was obvious earlier becomes a reality on the move: protection is lagging behind that of the Forza. Not really for the upper body, as the bubble does an excellent job. Disturbances are most noticeable in the legs. But can we hold that against it? Adventure doesn't come with slippers and an umbrella. The bubble is much more easily adjustable than on the old model, and can be adjusted while riding. But I'd still recommend a stop for that.

a player, a sprinter and a bit of a backpacker

the 745 cm3 twin-cylinder engine plays its part very well, with punch at low revs and a real conviction to take its crew along at a merry pace. The exemplary behavior of the robotized gearbox, the short first gears and the combination of suppleness and traction make for a particularly docile, lively and potentially fast ride if you start to tease the road and the engine. The latter seems less happy to climb the revs once past mid-range. Its enthusiasm then seems more moderate, while the music shifts from rock to underground. The X-Adv easily copes with the city, loves national roads and enjoys curves, but is less convincing on main roads - where its brother is more at ease. This doesn't prevent it from offering excellent stability and comfort at every level. Damping is remarkable, whatever the road and whatever the unevenness encountered.

the sense of ease and driving pleasure is further enhanced by the DCT transmission. Already convincing in its previous incarnation, the 2025 version benefits from a new transmission management system that makes it much smoother at low and very low revs. You'll be amazed at just how far you can go, or even how much you can play on the throttle. At faster rhythms, it takes care of gear management with zeal, even displaying a certain "instinctiveness" that we didn't know it had. It's almost as if the DCT can read us when it's time to drop a gear or two. Installing the 750 Transalp engine instead of the NT 750, this machine would be a stunning crossover; but technically, it won't do... And going from 58.6 hp to 95 hp would require quite a reconfiguration of the chassis, if not the concept.

mountain roads are easily accompanied by tracks and trails. Great, let's go for a ride. Limited as the sun goes down and the volcano smokes. Let's play with the controls and deactivate traction control. Not a great idea: with its weight, 15-inch rear wheel, a layer of gravel underneath and plenty of torque at low revs, the X-ADV starts by digging a furrow before trying to pull itself forward. Fun, but ineffective. Better to switch to Gravel Mode, where the gearbox manages the clutch in a more "grippy" way, while traction control provides real help for take-off. Once started, the bike... the scoot... I'm not sure... becomes almost as much of a player as a trail bike. You provoke it a little, tease the throttle, engage it over small bumps and crevasses while the electronics work to make up for it all and the chassis stabilizes the ride. It's nothing like an enduro or a real off-road trail, but it's enough to give you a good feeling for dirt, the unknown and rocky trails.

as an option, the X-Adv offers complementary footrests. These allow you to position your panards as you would on a motorcycle, and to stand up more naturally on off-road escapades. Without them, you're either pulling on the handlebars or broken at the front; in short, wobbly in all circumstances.

symbiosis of genres

so, scooter, motorcycle or trail? All three! The new 750 X-Adv combines the urban practicality of the former, the dynamism of the latter and the spirit of the latter. The changes since the previous generation are not spectacular, but they do refine a highly successful and accomplished concept. It's a safe bet, and a pleasure to drive.

Greg Rattin - Manufacturer's photos