Had my ADV350 for 12months/5,000miles. Love it. Handles well, goes well, economical and great storage. Agreed that the Honda heated grips aren't the best. I acquired a slightly larger screen which works well for me at 180cm tall. The Karoo Street tyres are surprisingly good and I can keep up with anything at legal(ish) speeds on country roads. I've got a 1250GS which I also love, but for fun and practicality/£ the ADV is hard to beat.
@@X99Zero Had a couple of minor issues at the beginning of ownership. I think the main thing is to push the button down, then turn it. Also change the CR2032 battery yearly and use Varta batteries. Same with my BMW GS fob, the Varta last longer other brands.
@@znoozaros I've bought a screen off ebay from a guy that ordered it, then bought a different scooter. It's a Faco (Italian) who mostly make Vespa screens. Same shape as the original but taller and smoked. As it was only £30, it was worth a try. It's ok actually. Givi or Puig screens are usually ok but no way of knowing if they'll be ok for your size and helmet type.
I was torn between the Forza and ADV in Thailand, which is where I bought it. As the reviewer says, the electric windshield on the Forza is the main advantage over the ADV. However, the deciding factor in favour of the ADV for me was the shocks and forks, particularly as the road surfaces in Thailand can throw up a few surprises on occasion. After 2,000 km's on Thai roads, so happy I opted for the ADV - the shocks and forks really iron out the majority of the bumps and potholes, and I really love my ADV ❤ The upright riding position and wide handlebars really give you a posture and presence that you just don't get on the Forza. The locals really love the look of the bike, and regularly give me the thumbs up at traffic lights.
@@lawrencehenson8409 Ride defensively and always be prepared for what can happen rather than what should happen and you should be okay. Personally I find the prospect of an airport to Pattaya minibus much more terrifying than riding a scooter.
Got one a few months ago, upgrading from a Vespa 300. Very different in ride quality, the Honda is muuuuch more like a motorcycle. Now thinking of the big brother.
You’re a tad mistaken about only having a couple of options in the 300cc scooter range. There’s a plethora of scooters out there: Lexmoto Aura 300, Lexmoto Pegasus 300, Lexmoto XDV 300, Kymco 350, Vespa 300, Sym 300, Zontes 310 to name a few.
The genuine Honda heated grips look neat and show on the dash, but they are really weak and only get slightly warm. Both Oxford and Ultimateaddons do very neat heated grips that are cheaper and far more effective.
If you see the installation manual for genuine Honda heated grips, on the ADV 350, you will run away. It has 24 pages of extremely brief instructions and quite confusing drawings. All, I mean all the fairing must be taken down, along with, the foot rest pads, the under seat storage, the unit containing the windshield and dashboard, and the headlight. Then the three parts harness must be routed, tucked on the chassis, connected, synched. There is adhesive sleeve which must be wrapped around wire loops and three connectors, a control unit to attach on some bracket, and so on. To fit the right grip, the throttle cables must be disconnected, and after installation, the throttle must be readjusted. All in all it is about taking apart at least half of the bike, and then put it back together. I would not trust an average local dealership workshop to do it. So, perhaps the Oxford solution is much more feasible.
@@1zanglang My Honda dealership complained about the complicated fitting procedures involved. It works fine so they did a good job. They gave up Honda a few weeks later. Don’t know if there is any connection.
Must be inferior heated grips. Had mine 2 years and grips supplied and fitted by dealer for around £100 have 10 settings and rarely have it more than half way. Handling is better than Forza or XMax as I have ridden in groups with both and don’t need to apply brakes as much on bends
Had my ADV350 for over 2 years no issues at all with the keyless ignition. Have seen some concerns on line, my thoughts are that some of those could be the need to pull the brake lever quite hard to start the bike and also you can switch the remote of by accident and think the system is faulty.
There are rare times when it just goes dead and doesn't recognize the key. I've been told that can be caused by electromagnetic interference. Usually resolved by either waiting a few minutes and trying again, or pushing the bike some distance before trying again. If all else fails, there is a special code that can be entered via the ignition switch for emergency use - this enables you to get it going without key activation.
@Amos1965 Ageas are notorious for resisting claims. I personally know of cases where vehicles have been stolen and captured the offenders on cctv. However Ageas will do whatever they can to prevent paying out genuine legitimate victims. As stated above avoid them robustly
Had my ADV350 for 12months/5,000miles. Love it. Handles well, goes well, economical and great storage. Agreed that the Honda heated grips aren't the best. I acquired a slightly larger screen which works well for me at 180cm tall. The Karoo Street tyres are surprisingly good and I can keep up with anything at legal(ish) speeds on country roads. I've got a 1250GS which I also love, but for fun and practicality/£ the ADV is hard to beat.
Quite a few users complaining about fob issues and it not starting. How’s your experience?
@@X99Zero Had a couple of minor issues at the beginning of ownership. I think the main thing is to push the button down, then turn it. Also change the CR2032 battery yearly and use Varta batteries. Same with my BMW GS fob, the Varta last longer other brands.
Do you have the givi windscreen or something else?
@@znoozaros I've bought a screen off ebay from a guy that ordered it, then bought a different scooter. It's a Faco (Italian) who mostly make Vespa screens. Same shape as the original but taller and smoked. As it was only £30, it was worth a try. It's ok actually. Givi or Puig screens are usually ok but no way of knowing if they'll be ok for your size and helmet type.
@@adrianleach1670 I ordered the large givi one today should arrive within a week
I was torn between the Forza and ADV in Thailand, which is where I bought it. As the reviewer says, the electric windshield on the Forza is the main advantage over the ADV. However, the deciding factor in favour of the ADV for me was the shocks and forks, particularly as the road surfaces in Thailand can throw up a few surprises on occasion. After 2,000 km's on Thai roads, so happy I opted for the ADV - the shocks and forks really iron out the majority of the bumps and potholes, and I really love my ADV ❤ The upright riding position and wide handlebars really give you a posture and presence that you just don't get on the Forza. The locals really love the look of the bike, and regularly give me the thumbs up at traffic lights.
Great sharing of your personal experience, thanks!
You're a brave man riding in Thailand, I've hired bikes in Pattaya before but probably not again, they've never heard of the Highway code there!
@@lawrencehenson8409 Ride defensively and always be prepared for what can happen rather than what should happen and you should be okay. Personally I find the prospect of an airport to Pattaya minibus much more terrifying than riding a scooter.
@@paulietv2162 I know all about that mate, I'm an IAM advanced motorcyclist, but still don't trust it out there. Best wishes.
@@lawrencehenson8409 Well, some people are more risk averse than others. It's typically a feminine trait but some guys are like that too. Cheers.
Brilliant Scooter. 3 Month trip, 8500km around Greece from Switzerland. Perfect storage and perfect for zipping around cities. Love it.
Got one a few months ago, upgrading from a Vespa 300. Very different in ride quality, the Honda is muuuuch more like a motorcycle. Now thinking of the big brother.
Ship your 350 to me in the US please for a good price 😅
Nice one Sir, mulling over getting a 350, my 700 Integra whilst perfect, is getting heavier, as I get older!!
@geoff6942 Placed order today for ADV, seems suspension travel sets it apart! Thanks for Your input
You’re a tad mistaken about only having a couple of options in the 300cc scooter range.
There’s a plethora of scooters out there: Lexmoto Aura 300, Lexmoto Pegasus 300, Lexmoto XDV 300, Kymco 350, Vespa 300, Sym 300, Zontes 310 to name a few.
The genuine Honda heated grips look neat and show on the dash, but they are really weak and only get slightly warm. Both Oxford and Ultimateaddons do very neat heated grips that are cheaper and far more effective.
A bit weak but combined with muffs problem solved
If you see the installation manual for genuine Honda heated grips, on the ADV 350, you will run away. It has 24 pages of extremely brief instructions and quite confusing drawings. All, I mean all the fairing must be taken down, along with, the foot rest pads, the under seat storage, the unit containing the windshield and dashboard, and the headlight. Then the three parts harness must be routed, tucked on the chassis, connected, synched. There is adhesive sleeve which must be wrapped around wire loops and three connectors, a control unit to attach on some bracket, and so on. To fit the right grip, the throttle cables must be disconnected, and after installation, the throttle must be readjusted. All in all it is about taking apart at least half of the bike, and then put it back together. I would not trust an average local dealership workshop to do it. So, perhaps the Oxford solution is much more feasible.
@@1zanglang My Honda dealership complained about the complicated fitting procedures involved. It works fine so they did a good job. They gave up Honda a few weeks later. Don’t know if there is any connection.
@@Timjoerobson I think there's a connection to the battery.
Must be inferior heated grips. Had mine 2 years and grips supplied and fitted by dealer for around £100 have 10 settings and rarely have it more than half way. Handling is better than Forza or XMax as I have ridden in groups with both and don’t need to apply brakes as much on bends
The honda official heaters have 5 settings
If only Honda would bring this to the United States...
You're not kidding 😩
Great review. Straight to the point, a refreshing change. I want one! 👍
Hope Honda bring these to Australia
Any problems with the keyless ignition?
Had my ADV350 for over 2 years no issues at all with the keyless ignition. Have seen some concerns on line, my thoughts are that some of those could be the need to pull the brake lever quite hard to start the bike and also you can switch the remote of by accident and think the system is faulty.
@@Tim955w Others simply fail to push down the ignition switch in order to unlock it...
There are rare times when it just goes dead and doesn't recognize the key. I've been told that can be caused by electromagnetic interference. Usually resolved by either waiting a few minutes and trying again, or pushing the bike some distance before trying again. If all else fails, there is a special code that can be entered via the ignition switch for emergency use - this enables you to get it going without key activation.
Handgrip covers are adjustable. Forza is a much harder ride along with harder seat
Fail. No comment on the suspension at all. How does it ride on rougher roads? Doesn't matter apparently.
Please see my comment above which addresses the issue of the suspension 👍
London to Paris for a fun romantic weekend would be fun on it.
I wish id brought the forza
Have to see for myself
The ADV has motorbike forks.
ADV 450
Or 500, from the NX...
Honda X-ADV 750
Hopefully carol nash is not affiliated to Ageas underwriters, if you are you will never get my business along with many many more
Hi, please can you say why, rather intrigued 🤔
@Amos1965 Ageas are notorious for resisting claims. I personally know of cases where vehicles have been stolen and captured the offenders on cctv. However Ageas will do whatever they can to prevent paying out genuine legitimate victims. As stated above avoid them robustly
@@problemslayer3538 many thanks for the prompt reply, much appreciated 👍🏻