2022-on Honda ADV350 Review: Popular crossover, ergonomics, performance and common issues

Highlights

  • New 330cc scooter from Honda
  • Goes and handles like a motorcycle
  • Generously equipped
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At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £110
Power: 29 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm)
Weight: Medium (410 lbs / 186 kg)

Prices

New £5,599
Used £5,200 - £5,400

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Honda struck gold when they released the X-ADV in 2017. Half scooter, half adventure bike, it may not have captured the imagination of riders in the UK, but for the rest of the world, especially Europe, where scooter culture a much bigger part of everyday life, they’ve flown out of showrooms.

Not only did they sell nearly 44,000 of them up to the end of 2021, but it was also Honda’s best-selling bike of that year, too. So, it makes sense that they’d produce a smaller, more affordable version: the ADV350.

The new twist-and-go makes perfect sense for commuters who want a bit more poke and flexibility than a 125cc motorcycle. Not only will the ADV350 ping to motorway speeds as quick as you’d naturally accelerate on a motorcycle and do over 95mph, it has genuine big-bike handling, braking power and road presence.

Riding in town with the 2022 Honda ADV350

Whether or not an adventure-styled mid-sized scooter that can handle a spot of light off-road floats your boat, one thing’s for sure: the ADV350 is an impressive machine in its own right.

It feels every inch a well sorted – albeit sometimes firm, motorcycle with strong performance and solid, reassuring handling, but it also enjoys all the benefits of being an easy to live with twist-and-go-too.

It’s smooth, simple to ride, comfortable and with superb fuel economy and lots of storage, it’s practical, too. Best of all it’s cheaper than its premium brand rivals, despite its superb build quality and generous equipment level.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

What really separates the ADV350 from your average scooter is the way it’s screwed together and how it holds the road. This is no flimsy, built down to a price runabout.

It’s solid, well finished (it comes in red, silver and black) and doesn’t crash, bang and fold itself in half when you show it a small bump. Granted the ride can be firm over rough roads – the payoff for being able to handle the dirt, but thanks to its lightweight tubular steel frame and proper forks, the Honda is stable, confident in corners and its Metzelers have lots of wet and dry grip.

Riding the Honda ADV350

Honda’s Rome-based R&D department have been unapologetically bold with the adventure styling, too. It’s a physically large and substantial machine, but at the same time light, agile and manageable to ride.

Its demeanour also serves to keep you safe - it looks so much like motorcycle at a glance, you don’t get bullied by traffic, like you do on a conventional scooter. It’s comfortable, too, but with such tall bodywork in front of the seat it’s not as easy to swing your leg over as a regular 'step through'.

Honda ADV350 gets Showa twin shocks

The action of the manually adjustable screen is simple, too. In its high position (it has a 133mm range) it’s great for keeping rain off around town and in the lower, more raked positions there’s minimal buffeting for motorway riding. It’s actually quieter the lion’s share of 'proper' adventure bikes.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Powered by the same 29bhp, 330cc single cylinder engine you’ll find in Honda’s maxi scooter-style Forza 350 and pizza delivery-shaped SH350i, the ADV350 is smooth, quiet and friendly.

Spritely performance has more in common with a big cube maxi-scooter than an oversized 125 and it’s smoother at low speed than its bigger 750cc parallel twin cylinder sister, simply because it has a proper ‘elastic band’ scooter CVT gearbox, rather than the X-ADV’s jerky DCT.

Honda claims 83mpg, which adds up to a 213 range from its 11.7-litre fuel tank.

Riding a 2022 Honda ADV350 in town

  • Related: Whether you are commuting, or riding for fun, get the best helmet for your ride by checking MCN's helmet guide. 

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Although it’s a new model, you can use Honda’s X-ADV and 300/350cc scooter range as a gauge to any reliability issues… and there aren’t any. Fit and finish are excellent, too.

2022 Honda ADV350 exhaust

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

It isn’t cheap, but when you look at the level of spec and performance you get for the money, the asking price becomes more agreeable.

Riding a 2022 Honda ADV350

The ADV350 doesn’t have any direct rivals, but it’s cheaper than the £6799 Suzuki Burgman 400, Yamaha’s £5850 XMAX 300 and even the £5999 Kymco XCITING S 400.

You can find cheaper mid-size scoots from the less premium manufacturers, but they won’t have the Honda’s build quality, level of equipment or resale value.

Having been available now for a couple of years a few examples are showing up second hand on the used market. with typical Honda refinement and none reliability you can pick up some decent examples. Take a look at the MCN classifieds to find yourself a bargain. Additionally, keeping in line with its low running costs, check out MCN's compare for the best quote to own and ride a Honda ADV350.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Standard goodies include 37mm Showa upside down forks and twin piggyback shocks with dual rate springs, a Nissin front brake caliper, a four-way adjustable screen, hand guards, wide adventure style handlebars, LED lights, keyless ignition, two USB chargers, ABS and two-stage (including 'off') torque control.

It has small scooter-sized (15in front, 14in rear) aluminium cross-spoke wheels, but they’re shod with top notch Metzeler Karoo Street dual purpose rubber…just in case you need to ride across a field on your way to work.

2022 Honda ADV350 gets an LCD dash

48 litres of underseat storage (with a removable separator plate) is enough for a full-size helmet and a smaller scooter-style lid. It also has a 2.5 litre glove box.

Multi-function LCD dash, controlled by left switchgear has smart phone voice control for calls, navigation, music and texts via Honda’s RoadSync app.

Accessories include a 50-litre top box that works with the keyless system, a rear rack, heated grips, a U lock and bike cover.

Specs

Engine size 330cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4v, single
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 11.7 litres
Seat height 795mm
Bike weight 186kg
Front suspension 37mm USD forks non-adjustable
Rear suspension Non-adjustable twin shocks
Front brake 256mm disc with two-piston Nissin calipers. ABS
Rear brake 240mm disc with single-piston Nissin caliper. ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 x 15
Rear tyre size 140/70 x 14

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 83 mpg
Annual road tax £55
Annual service cost £110
New price £5,599
Used price £5,200 - £5,400
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 29 bhp
Max torque 23 ft-lb
Top speed 95 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 213 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2022: Honda ADV350 introduced

Other versions

There are no other versions of the Honda ADV350.

Owners' reviews for the HONDA ADV350 (2022 - on)

9 owners have reviewed their HONDA ADV350 (2022 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA ADV350 (2022 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £110
4 out of 5 The Ultimate 350cc all-purpose scooter
23 May 2024 by Scotty-the-scoot-rider

Year: 2024

Annual servicing cost: £45

First ride out in mine today: fabulous handling, cornering - fast long curves or zipping in and around traffic. Suspension and wheel/tyre size makes incredibly sure-footed and reassuring handling, aided by the light weight. But, compared to my previous BMW C650 GT and Honda Silver Wing, the plastics on the ADV350 are, ooh, a bit plasticky (!); the leg room doesn't compare to the BMW, Silver Wing or Tmax - can't ride with your legs comfortably stretched out; weather and wind protection is poor, too. However, the ADV350 is so much better handling - and because of the excellent power/weight ratio and brilliant Honda 'eSP+' engine's instant power delivery, it's almost equally swift up to legal UK limits as any of the above, except perhaps in mid-range overtakes. Overall, it's a lovely machine. Off to the Isle of Wight on it for the weekend

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Main reason I chose this scooter against its rivals was for the grown-up suspension. Brakes inspire confidence and are comparable with my previous 'big' scooters - BMW C650 GT, Silver Wing, both of which are considerably heavier than the ADV350. The excellent power to weight ratio of the ADV350 shines in the ride and manoeuvrability quality.

Engine 5 out of 5

Superb and excellent power/weight ratio and brilliant Honda 'eSP+' engine's instant power delivery. Unlike other scooters, there's no revving before engagement on opening the throttle - it's instant power delivery and immediate acceleration.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Despite the cheap plasticky feel of every bit of plastic which covers most the the scooter, it feels well screwed together. The components are of nice quality. I'm sceptical about how long gimmicks like the keyless turn selector will function (especially having read poor reviews of its ceasing to function) - it doesn't feel built to last.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

1st 800 mile running in service. Fuel costs low. Road tax low (but not compared with a new Fiesta - why?) Insurance - getting ridiculously high here in the UK, why? Perhaps it's part of the plan to de-motorise the population by pricing ordinary folk off the roads. So, me: age 59. 40 years clean bike (and car) full licence; RoSPA Gold & IAM Advanced (doing Masters training). No convictions etc etc. First few quotes for insurance £400-£500. Got to be kidding!!!!

Equipment 4 out of 5

Nice clear dash. Great wheels and standard fit Metzeler Karoo Street tyres. I've never experienced such confidence-inspiring road-holding and grip - brilliant (in the rain, too). I like the handguards and mirrors. Like all bikes, could do with heated grips as standard. In terms of equipment, the best feature is the 48 litre storage under the seat, making it truly practical, although I'm also adding a top case for touring.

Buying experience: Really nice purchasing from Bournemouth Kawasaki; friendly, professional, good service. Fair price. They really went out of their way for me. Great cafe, too!

3 out of 5 Epic Scooter Poor Suspension
20 May 2024 by Scottyboy74

Year: 2023

Untouchable pace on urban and suburban areas, comfort, underseat storage, sharp motorbike equivalent handling, proper handlebars to attach devices. . It would get 5 out of 5 but I’ve had the suspension issues but still highly recommend.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

As this is a scooter I assume they’re all not motorbike efficiency. I changed the standard organic pads for sintered and it’s made a massive difference especially when going from motorway speeds to traffic speeds in jams. The handling (when suspension allows) is top notch especially on sweeping high speed bends and is light around town. It cruises at 75mph. I cover 270miles once a week 180 miles motorway and 90 miles urban and it doesn’t miss a bit, is comfortable and nippy. Proper bikes can’t match its round town pace.

Engine 5 out of 5

Great engine which cruises at 75mm h and tops out at 90mph. The acceleration up to 40/50mph can’t be matched and it leaves proper bikes for dust.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

On the first day of owning the fork leaked fluid onto the brakes. The dealership took it away and returned it next day with new fork seals and brake pads. After 7000 miles both the shocks failed leaving it flat on the suspension and unridable. The dealership took a while but replaced both shocks and they were found to be bent with no pressure. 3 weeks later the right shock is leaking fluid all over the brakes. The dealership are currently waiting for a new shock from Honda to replace again under warranty. Through my own experience I believe there is a problem with the Showa suspension, they have serious issues. I understand another new ADV350 had the same issue!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

The service intervals of 8000 miles is unbeatable in this class of bike. I ride a lot of motorway and towns averaging 77mpg

Equipment 4 out of 5

The under seat storage and glove box with USB C.

5 out of 5 Great scooter that provides a more bike-like ride
15 April 2024 by Em

Year: 2023

Rides more like a bike than a scooter, thanks to great suspension. Plenty of power for all types of ride. Handles all road surfaces well. Tons of underseat storage. I have both large bikes and small scooters and this is a perfect in-between - I find myself using this most of the time.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Rides more like a bike than a scooter, thanks to great suspension. Plenty of power for all types of ride. Handles all road surfaces well and good brakes.

Engine 5 out of 5

Great for a 350cc

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Great Honda quality.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

About 70 mpg, so not necessarily better than a bigger cc bike

Equipment 4 out of 5

ABS and display/features are more than adequate for this type of vehicle.

Buying experience: Brand new - Honds dealer

5 out of 5 A surprise package
23 June 2023 by Wessex Rider

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £150

Very happy with my first Scooter ( I prefer to call it a step-through) Have just returned from a few days riding around the South West of England. With a friend riding a NC750...Not a super fast bike , but a 750 nevertheless...Both experienced riders used to larger Adventure and touring bikes...On the longest riding day (close to 200 miles) we tried to stay off the main roads....The ADv was handling the tighter B type roads better than the 750....Picking up quicker and effortlessly taking the corners...Really good fun. may not move up to the ADV750 after all...

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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

Engine 5 out of 5

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

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Close to 80 mpg since day one

Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5
06 June 2023 by Birdy

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £100

Great practical bike that is comfortable and relaxing to ride.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

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

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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

Equipment 5 out of 5

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

Buying experience: Bought from Dobles, I could see on forum that people were waiting a long time for bikes, I called Dobles and they had a cancelled order and was able to get on one quickly. Good experience.

5 out of 5 Honda ADV350
21 April 2023 by Rigton

Version: Spangle Silver

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £130

The ADV350 is such an interesting bike. Comfortable in the extreme and yet genuinely fun to ride. It's such a nice place to sit whilst you soak up the energy of a busy city or the peace of the countryside. It feels like a tricked up, sporty VW van on two wheels, if that makes any sense. If you're ever going to try a scooter, this is the one with the dynamics of a 'bike but the comfort and practicality of a CVT scoot.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

Buying experience: I had to wait for several months back at the start of 2022 but I was lucky, many people waited much longer and even gave up, I think, which is a shame as they have missed out on a great bike.

5 out of 5 Quite a revelation
04 July 2022 by SIL4

Year: 2022

I wasn't really sure what to expect when buying the ADV350 but it caught my imagination and I thought I'd give it a try. I think this machine has converted me to scooters for good: if you're not sure about scooters, but curious, at least try one.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

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.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

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.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

5 out of 5
30 May 2022 by Timontour

Year: 2022

3000 miles in France and Spain with no problems Very happy with this machine

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5
30 May 2022 by Vladan

Year: 2022

Super.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
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