HONDA ADV350 (2022 - on) Review

Handles surprisingly well, almost like a a "proper" bike....Brakes are OK, but can be a bit weak when trying hard

Really lively and smooth....When you find the sweet spot it pulls better than expected

Only done 2000 miles , but no problems at all..

Close to 80 mpg since day one

Comfortable seat and multiple foot positions and good upright riding position. Suspension feels a bit firm and not great on really uneven roads, but confident handling.

Less than 30hp, but easy to keep up with traffic and overtakes can be made with little trouble. From standstill, it gets away well.

It's a Honda so appears usual good build quality.

Display showing 19.4 miles per litre keeping up with traffic, mixed riding.

Enough for me, screen gives enough information, power socket in left side cubby. Under seat storage is good.

The brakes are great. Having levers on the handlebar for both front and back brake, works really well, once you adjust to it. There's plenty of power. Initially I found the ride harsh but discovered the rear tyre had been overinflated. At the correct tyre pressures the ride remains firm over ripples in the road but smooth and compliant over speed humps and potholes. Leant over the bike is fantastic at holding a line, the quality suspension allowing the bike to track true. You can ride for several hours before even thinking about a rest. The tank gives you over 6 hours of riding time and you could do that without stopping due to the multiple seating position the bike's layout offers. The adjustable screen works really well (I'm 5'9") and isn't noisy. Having the option to put it right down is great on very hot days. The bike feels both nimble due to the smaller wheels but equally, very stable. You can't 'flick-flack' quite as easy as a naked road bike but you can really hustle it along or sit back and cruise. It seems to have multiple personalities unlike some one trick ponies.

Over 80mpg but still able to beat nearly everything off the line, is impressive. I have to stop myself riding like a hooligan in town, as the engine makes it possible to dominate urban traffic. It cruises at 75 mph no problem and will accelerate strongly up a hill to an indicated 90+ . It will overtake much better than the CB500 range with the CVT transmission feeling like it gives the engine torque everywhere with no time wasted thinking about gear selection.

Excellent build quality throughout with no rattles or flimsy parts. The view from the seat is impressive with wide tapered handlebars and well finishes switchgear. The LCD screen is clear and the bike feels premium.

The £5,800 asking price might seem steep but this is a genuine all round vehicle that can do a wide range of tasks really well. Compared to other scooters of similar performance, the ADV350 is a bargain. And when compared to CB500s, for example, they seem overpriced. The 8,000 mile service intervals are generous and I feel like I've got a lot for my money.

LED lights, brilliant adjustable wind screen, sturdy handguards, traction control that you can turn off, 50 litres of storage without an ugly top box, intuitive LCD clock with range, average consumption, clock, revs, the ability to scroll through the functions with a toggle on the left grip. The ability to Bluetooth to your phone for texts etc. A USB charger. It's got plenty.

Rides differently and perhaps more harshly than a 'bike', as you might expect on small, fat wheels with a rear mounted engine but only really noticeable over broken surfaces - seems to be exacerbated when riding 'feet forward' for some reason, probably because 'feet down' braces the body better. But much better than expected - very comfortable over long distances. Brakes very effective, traction control intervenes more than normal, especially over poor surfaces - small wheels again I guess.

A little lethargic at low speed and the CVT transmission is a little noisy - typical scooter perhaps but it's transformed when you open the throttle - quick to pick up, silky smooth, no DCT jerkiness, no vibrations of any sort and it just keeps going with no drama or apparent stress. This replaces a long line of Hondas from XR250/CRFs to ST1100s and, most recently, an AT 1000 DCT, and it's by far the most well rounded machine of the lot. It's hard to believe it's only 330cc: punches well above its weight.

Early days but appears to have inherited usual Honda high build quality - nicely finished, though one or two of the panels appear a little less than robust. Also inherits usual Honda foibles (e.g. poor legibility of dash screen) but otherwise it appears Honda is all present and correct.

Compared to a NC750X, it looks expensive to buy but compared to a X-ADV, it looks like a bargain. Still running in but achieving 75+mpg.

Keyless ignition is neat but rather overly fussy and the key can take time to pair. Can't start it on the side stand. Screen is hard to read but it has everything you need, including a trip computer. CVT (no chain to maintain), centre stand, tubeless, very effective and easy to adjust screen, huge under-seat storage and glovebox, great weather protection. No fussy modes - just twist and go. Makes traditional bikes seem rather primitive but it's obviously a different type of machine that will either appeal or won't.