We’ve got more hints as to what Big Red’s upcoming adventure scooter will look like, thanks to unearthed patent application images depicting the Honda ADV.
We first saw the Honda ADV when CMG got photos of it at EICMA last fall. The latest iteration spotted in European patent applications seems to be pretty much identical to that prototype, so we’re not learning a lot of new information. The patent application shows radial-mount brake calipers, unlike the prototype, but that doesn’t guarantee we’ll see them on the finished product.
What the drawing almost guarantees, though, is that this scooter is going to be released very soon, probably by Intermot at the latest (Intermot runs Oct. 5-9 this year in Germany). Unlike the Africa Twin, which saw its release dragged out for several months of teasing, this is a machine that doesn’t theoretically need much ironing out. It’s powered by the same vertical twin that Honda’s used for the CTX700, NC700, and Integra series. Honda’s already building momentum as an adventure-ready company with the Africa Twin release this year, with several rumours a CRF250 Rally will follow soon as well. Expect the Honda ADV to be a big part of Honda’s plans to take on this market segment in the coming months.
I’m not normally a scooter guy but I kinda like that. Not sure how I’d feel about no shifting though. Some days in stop and go it might be nice but I think mostly…. I’d miss it.
I think it’d take away a lot of the enjoyment out of the ride for me. Shifting requires a little more skill and more interaction with the machine.
I actually like scooters and actually own one but one of the reason you sort of like this one might have to do with the fact that it is not a scooter just like it`s sister the Integra even if Honda sometime put it in the scooter section , don`t let the semi step-thru look or lower seat height and under seat fuel tank fool you .
Concerning the non shifting issue I was against it until I changed my mind recently after watching videos and reading tests about the DCT and then I also realised that I also use a no shift transmission on my scooter and I don`t miss the clutch and shifter at all especially considering that my geared bike is a 125 two stroke that require a lot of gear shifting, ok a bit of confusion when going from one to the other as you tend to want to shift gear at first but that quickly go away. On the Honda DCT you also have the semi auto mode if you actually miss shifting gears ( Not to mention that the DCT is more efficient, smoother and faster than us more skilled humans. ) . If you have the occasion just try a bike with DCT or even a scooter with an open mind just for the sake of riding without shifting
I get that Honda is trying to be where new customers are going to be, smaller machines, less conventional stuff and all that. But it don’t think they’re doing well, there is no excitement around Honda anymore and it’s not like other constructors are not taking care of new customers as well.
Who knows, maybe they’re right about automatic transmission, maybe that’s the future and will be attractive to new customers (but for the long run my bet would be on electric engines…). But why neglect their existing lineup, and why does it all have to be so boring? For example even the new SV650 from small Suzuki is probably more fun to ride than anything Honda proposes in that range.
To me the (sometimes weird) innovation attempts by Honda cannot hide the fact they are lagging behind in most categories. I think the poor performance of a big player like Honda is one of the big reasons other players such as Triumph, BMW and Ducati gaining shares, probably more of that to come with KTM and even Polaris.
I’m disappointed with Honda is all, that great company is capable of so much more. Hopefully the new CEO (who apparently likes motorcycles) will help…
You are absolutely right ,they did fall behind in the what I would call exciting soul stirring bikes like the RR or RC from the past and it has been a big let down for older or more experienced riders and most do condemn this from Honda but it look like they will catch up with this with the upcoming CBR 1000 and RVF1000 V4 , we could mention the Honda RC213V-S but it`s out of reach for most people ,the next CBR 250 RR will also help stir some emotion in that segment, not to the same level of the older RR but something in between at a more affordable price.
The current smaller CBR line up an is doing quite well in sale around the world considering they are aimed at emerging market in the first place , they are good little affordable bike but yes not really spicy with their old technology and budget look or have that bit of quality and finish Honda were renown for , the goal was emerging market and to attract new riders to the brand , as for their other unconventional bikes like the NC platform are made more to attract non riders coming from the car market that wouldn`t usually be more attracted to motorcycles and it`s where it is more difficult to have a big success although the NC are doing quite well especially in Europe but the Yamaha MT series is giving them a strong competition.
They obviously need to address the areas where they fell behind to keep these new customers and please the older one, as you mention the new CEO should help in this regard since their line-up was getting more like their car range , the direction they took surely as you say had an influence in the raise of the other Europeans manufacturers who are offering a more exciting product and were more of a niche market not that long ago. I’m quite confident that Honda will step up their act.
BTW I am not a die hard Honda fan being more inclined on Euro bike and owning 2 Aprilia but when I arrived in Canada I needed a cheap bike and bought a CBR 125 and for the price I was quite satisfied and impressed so since then I paid more attention toward Honda and the direction they were taking
I’m sure this product will appeal to some, good for them.
But frankly it make you wonder where Honda is going with this, yet another marginal (if not weird) product offer. For example, I don’t doubt the Africa Twin being a capable motorcycle in its segment but it’s also eccentric and destined to be rare. Other example, Honda has shown how disconnected they are by totally mispricing their VFR800, yet the pretty but old tech bike still overpriced even after a 3000$ rebate…
While Yamaha is announcing one great bike after another, all at great prices, even Suzuki and Kawasaki are trying harder. Meanwhile Euro brands are deservedly gaining market shares!
Either Honda is preparing a major offensive with a flurry of new interesting bikes or it is quickly becoming irrelevant!
It`s true that it won`t appeal to everyone especially in North America where it won`t probably get imported but it is raising some interest and if i could afford it i would be the first in line to buy one.
Most people are not grabbing where Honda is going with all their recent crop of out of the norm bikes but what they are doing is brilliant even if their is a few miss, of course for such a move to be successful requires some time, they might seem irrelevant to older riders used to more conventional bike but they will be at the top or close second of Japanese manufacturers and with all the interesting models they have coming they will get the spotlight next year. Yamaha are doing quite well especially with their MT/FZ series. Kawasaki seem to have some interesting models to come but Suzuki need to wake up as the upcoming GSX-R won`t be enough to take them at the top and Aprilia might end up in the same position , the RSV is doing well but rest of the line is starting to lag behind.
As for the Africa Twin it might be eccentric in it`s DTC version but surely won`t be rare as they can`t even supply enough bike for the demand , quite sure it will at least be in the top 3 in sales in it`s class especially with it`s lower price, DCT version also doing quite well despite the reluctance people first had toward it when it was announced. Of course you won`t see that much of them in Canada this year since the importer didn`t order many of them for what I heard.
I’d buy that
700cc powerplant – that’s going to be one serious large scooter…
A bit large yes but a scooter it is not even if the look might lead us to believe so.