Navigating the world of adventure motorcycles can be thrilling, especially for riders transitioning from different bike categories. The Honda Adv Bike lineup has garnered significant attention, promising versatility and robust performance. As someone who made the switch from sportbikes and ventured into the ADV realm, I’m here to share my detailed experience and address some common concerns surrounding Honda’s adventure offerings.
My Riding Background and Expectations
Standing at 5’5″ (165cm), my motorcycle journey began and evolved with sportbikes. After years of sport riding and racing, the repetitive nature of track riding led to burnout. A hiatus from motorcycles followed for several years until the allure of adventure riding, sparked by the Honda Africa Twin, reignited my passion. The idea of exploring diverse terrains and embracing outdoor camping resonated deeply.
Prior to experiencing a Honda ADV bike firsthand, I immersed myself in countless reviews, both written and video. Recurring points of discussion often revolved around perceived shortcomings: power delivery, gear shifting smoothness, turn signal placement, footpeg design, and windscreen effectiveness. My experience aimed to uncover the reality behind these critiques.
Power and Performance: Surprising and Satisfying
Having prior experience with parallel-twin engines, I anticipated a predictable, linear power delivery from the Honda ADV bike. However, the sheer immediacy and responsiveness of the power were unexpected and genuinely impressive. Contrary to criticisms of lacking power, the Honda ADV bike pulls with considerable force. Honda has engineered a parallel-twin engine that delivers remarkable torque and horsepower, making it exceptionally enjoyable. The power is not only potent but also incredibly smooth and manageable, a hallmark of well-tuned parallel twins. On numerous occasions, I found myself exceeding speed limits without realizing it, a testament to the bike’s effortless acceleration and engaging character. The power delivery is not intimidating, making it forgiving and confidence-inspiring across various riding conditions.
Gear Shifting: Addressing the “Clunky” Concerns
Concerns about clunky gear shifts seem prevalent in some discussions about Honda ADV bikes. However, in my experience, smooth and precise shifts were the norm, especially when shifting within the engine’s powerband. Maintaining revs in the optimal range minimized any perceived clunkiness. It’s possible that shifting technique or specific gear/RPM combinations might contribute to the reported issue, but during my rides, the transmission performed admirably, providing positive and smooth gear changes.
Turn Signal and Horn Placement: A Minor Ergonomic Quirk
The turn signal and horn switch placement is indeed an area where Honda deviates from conventional layouts, and it requires an adjustment period. My initial attempts at signaling often resulted in unintentionally honking the horn. Honda traditionally positions the horn where the thumb naturally rests, but on this ADV model, the configuration is inverted. While not a deal-breaker, this unconventional placement can be initially frustrating and requires conscious adaptation, especially for seasoned Honda riders accustomed to the standard control layout.
Footpegs: Size and Positioning
The stock footpegs on the Honda ADV bike proved to be well-suited to my preferences and riding style. Coming from sportbikes with their notoriously compact pegs, the ADV bike’s pegs felt perfectly adequate in size. Riders with larger feet or those prioritizing maximum grip in off-road conditions might consider aftermarket options with a wider and more aggressive design. Interestingly, the footpeg and gear lever positioning is noticeably further forward compared to sportbikes. This required a conscious adjustment in foot placement for gear changes, a subtle but noteworthy difference for riders transitioning from a sportbike riding posture.
Windscreen Performance: Managing Wind Buffeting
Windscreen effectiveness is a common topic for ADV bikes, particularly concerning wind buffeting at higher speeds. Even at my height of 5’5″, I experienced some wind buffeting while riding with a full-face, non-peaked helmet. While not significant during shorter rides, this could become a source of discomfort on extended journeys. Taller riders or those using peaked adventure helmets might find wind buffeting more pronounced with the stock windscreen and may consider taller aftermarket options to optimize wind protection and reduce fatigue on long rides.
Handlebar Dynamics: Cornering Considerations
The high handlebar position, typical of ADV bikes, presented a different cornering dynamic compared to sportbikes. Counter-steering felt less intuitive, requiring a sensation of pushing the handlebars forward rather than down, which occasionally led to slightly wider turns than intended. Whether this is solely attributable to handlebar height, my riding style adaptation, or inherent ADV bike handling characteristics is debatable. It’s plausible that ADV riding necessitates a slightly different cornering technique compared to the more aggressive lean angles of sportbikes. Further exploration and technique refinement might be necessary for sportbike converts to fully adapt to ADV bike cornering dynamics.
Stock Tires: Road Grip and Off-Road Potential
The stock tires on the Honda ADV bike exhibited a noticeable wobble at highway speeds between 75-90 mph. Whether this is inherent to the tire design, bike setup, or a specific issue warrants further investigation. This sensation did detract from the feeling of high-speed stability. Furthermore, cornering grip felt somewhat neutral at certain lean angles, approaching a sensation of potential front-end washout. This raised questions about the stock tires’ ultimate grip limits, particularly considering the intention to transition to 50/50 riding with knobbier tires. The impact of switching to more off-road oriented tires on road handling and grip remains a point of consideration and potential trade-off.
Overall Impression: A Balanced Perspective
My overall impression of the Honda ADV bike is currently balanced. As my first foray into the ADV category, excitement was tempered by initial nervousness, primarily concerning the bike’s weight and seat height. For riders of shorter stature transitioning from lighter sportbikes, these aspects require careful consideration. The Honda ADV bike’s weight, exceeding 500 lbs, introduces a different handling dynamic, especially at low speeds and during stationary maneuvers. The seat height, while adjustable, remains taller than typical sportbikes, impacting ground reach. While I could manage with the balls of one foot on the ground, the difference compared to flat-footing sportbikes is significant, particularly when managing the bike’s weight.
The increased weight and seat height became particularly apparent during a near-drop incident. Stalling the engine mid-turn on a slight incline created a precarious situation. Maintaining the bike’s upright position demanded considerable effort, highlighting the challenge of controlling a heavier bike with limited ground reach, especially when balance is compromised. This experience underscored the physical demands of handling a heavier ADV bike, particularly for riders accustomed to lighter machines.
Despite these challenges, I am not deterred. I embrace challenges, particularly those I believe are surmountable. Recognizing personal limitations is crucial, and adapting riding techniques and potentially exploring bike modifications to mitigate weight and seat height concerns are viable paths forward.
Seeking Rider Insights and Advice
Currently at a 50/50 crossroads with my Honda ADV bike experience, I am eager to connect with riders of similar stature who have navigated the weight and seat height considerations of ADV bikes successfully. Hearing advice and techniques from experienced riders would be invaluable in overcoming these initial concerns. While personal decisions are paramount, insights from the ADV riding community are highly appreciated as I continue to explore the capabilities and potential of the Honda ADV bike and refine my adventure riding skills.
