[hondaxadv750]

My journey to own this mutant took me to a different level of research, one where I never expected to get the warmest welcome and the detailed explanation that I was looking for; Bern, Switzerland.
I had initially emailed them before my trip to Europe, and was quite sceptical to even get a reply!
However, the very next day I received an email asking me to get in touch with them a day prior before I wanted the test ride, so that they could arrange a vehicle for me!
I am attaching a screenshot of the email.
The day I arrived in Bern, it was a Sunday. And all establishments in the EU are shut on Sunday. And to make matters worse, they open on Monday only after 13:30. But since I was determined to test ride the X-ADV, I waited till 13:30. And now comes the best part.

I met Nicholas, the sales head at Fegbli Honda, Bern. He just verified a few details about our conversation on the mail and asked me for my Drivers Licence and my International Drivers Permit. He took copies of both documents and then informed me that I will be given only the 35kW model for test ride. It really didn’t matter as I wanted to get a feel of the scooter. Then, he gave me a detailed run of the mill about all the features that the scooter has to offer. Finally, he asked me how long I would like to test ride the scooter. I told him, about 45 minutes to an hour, since I had other things lined up for the day.

When I got to see the scooter that was given to me, it was a 2023 December X-ADV. I still took the vehicle for the ride. It was as if a child was put into a toy store. The feeling and excitement, the joy and pleasure, all culminating into one huge bundle of ecstasy, just sitting on the saddle and feeling that engine below is something I cannot pen down. From the moment you twist the throttle, its sheer fun and joy. I must emphasise, comfort is excellent. Seating position is perfect (I am 5’10”) and I can flat foot at any point. Yes, the scooter is heavy, and this is without any accessories. So, if you do add accessories, you could add another 10-15 kilograms to its overall weight which is 236 kilograms.

Gear shifts are quick in the standard and rain mode. Sport mode lets you max out the RPM for each gear before the shifts, the pad shifts are just wonderful, especially in standard mode if you want to suddenly want to down shift and overtake. I really didn’t take the time to fiddle with the 2 user modes which are customisable. Gravel mode gives you the option of switching off traction control, manipulate ABS and other settings. The engine does have an amazing engine braking which is controlled automatically to prevent excessive wear and tear of the brake pads.

Seating takes a while to get used to if you have been riding a bike. There is a 745cc engine between your legs, and to add to that there is a foot board like a scooter. So, it is quite wide when you put your legs down. You don’t feel the vibrations of the engine even at 120kmph and its effortless to reach that speed in standard mode.
The controls on the handlebar also takes some time to get used to if you are a person who has been using a bike without much tech. (I have been riding a Kawasaki Z800).

The X-ADV 750 offers a smooth and stable ride, thanks to its soft suspension and generous 150mm wheel travel on both ends. This setup ensures a comfortable journey over smooth roads. However, on uneven surfaces, riders might experience some vibrations and jolts, which I did, particularly due to the feet-forward riding position.

Handling is akin to that of a motorcycle, with stable steering in long corners and a steady roll into tighter turns. The low center of gravity aids in manoeuvrability, although the bike's size can make navigating through tight urban traffic a bit challenging.

Equipped with Nissin four-pot radial callipers on 296mm discs and linked ABS, the X-ADV 750 ensures efficient and drama-free braking. The scooter-style rear brake on the left handlebar may require a brief adjustment period for traditional motorcyclists.

The X-ADV 750 comes with a 5-inch TFT screen compatible with the Honda RoadSync app, allowing for turn-by-turn navigation and music controls. However, it lacks Apple CarPlay integration, which is available on some other Honda models.

In summary, the Honda X-ADV 750 is a versatile and innovative crossover scooter that combines the ease of a scooter with the performance of a motorcycle. It's well-suited for riders looking for a comfortable and capable machine for both urban commuting and weekend adventures.

After a 45-minute test ride, I went back to the showroom and requested Nicholas if he could get me the 2025 model for a test ride. He made a few calls and I was informed that the 2025 model is not available for test ride for the whole week. Even making a booking for purchase was difficult as the Matte Deep Mud Grey is not available.

All in all, my experience in the Honda Fegbli, Bern, Switzerland, was a great one.

I hope this review helps.

Happy riding!

[Axe77]

Thank you for the wonderful and crisp review, giving us a glimpse into this super niche product that few amongst us may have experienced first hand, other than of course seeing these plying on European roads during our overseas travels.

I’m just curious - is there any updated information from the Bangalore dealer that you had soft booked this with? ETA on its actual launch here, possible ballpark pricing etc?

Thank you.

[hondaxadv750]

Originally Posted by Axe77

Thank you for the wonderful and crisp review, giving us a glimpse into this super niche product that few amongst us may have experienced first hand, other than of course seeing these plying on European roads during our overseas travels.

I’m just curious - is there any updated information from the Bangalore dealer that you had soft booked this with? ETA on its actual launch here, possible ballpark pricing etc?

Thank you.

Thank you Axe77 for reading the review. I have booked the vehicle here in Bangalore, and I have been in constant touch with Honda Big Wig Wing Topline regarding the same.

They have been giving me the same update for the past 2 months about deliveries and the formalities for the scooter. I am very eager to own this machine after the test ride and make no mistake, it's the best decision I have made in switching from a geared street bike, which i modified for touring to this.

The vehicle costs about CHF 16000/- in Switzerland. But I am pretty sure the cost will be less here as the taxes in Switzerland are the highest in EU. The price I have mentioned is without any accessories, so be ready to shell out at least another INR2,80,000/- for the complete adventure kit.

The performance of the vehicle is impeccable and one cannot doubt the engineering and technology that Honda has put into it. I hope to be a proud owner soon of this lovely machine.

Happy Riding!!

[hondaxadv750]

Thank you all once again for the support and help in getting the word out about this wonderful vehicle which Honda plans to release in India in limited numbers. I just want our fellow riders to make a right decision based on my humble review and test ride.