2025 Honda ADV 350 FIRST RIDE

[velocipede6295]

Had an extended test ride of almost 3hrs on a Honda ADV 350 recently, and was impressed. There is more room for my knees / legs than on my Forza 300, power is more immediate than my Forza, which is pretty good anyway. I like the higher handlebars, which were comfortable for me, and made it feel more like a bike. It was a windy day, and I got quite a bit of buffeting from the screen on a stretch of motorway, but then put the screen fully down, and found it much better.

I felt one or two bumps from the rear suspension, but overall it was better than the Forza's when I went on a familiar ( badly) surfaced, but bumpy road, for a few miles. The only downside was that the dealer had no new stock to buy, and wouldn't sell me the demo bike, as they can't get another demo at present.

I ordered a blue one, like the demo bike, which looked great, and was given a delivery date of approximately 3 months. I'm looking at the new year now, before it arrives. I probably wouldn't have used it for most of the winter / poor weather anyway - which will be the Forza's role on the better winter days.

If it is as good as my Forza has been - 3yrs and 12kmiles, I will be well pleased.

SEE NEXT POST FOR FIRST RIDE REPORT.

[velocipede6295]

I had my first ride on the ADV 350 yesterday, the first half decent day recently, 10 -12C, not much wind, and a bit of sun, which fits my riding criteria, so I went for a ride, and got it dirty!
I was out for about 2 and a half hours in total, including a stop for coffee and cake, and covered 55 miles, so I was able to get a good impression of my new scooter, which was very favourable, as per my ride on the demonstrator, last Oct. I have seen mixed reviews about the suspension, and while I cannot describe it as "plush" it is much better than my Forza and rides the bumpy back roads much better and feels more like a motorcycle, and handles more like a motorcycle. It inspired more confidence in me on bends than the Forza. I had to adapt to my Forza as being 6' 3", it is really a bit small for me , as are most scooters. However the ADV 350, although not much different in seat height, feels a lot bigger, and more comfortable, for a taller rider, due to the high wide handlebars and longer forks. These make it easier to turn in tight manoeuvres, and my knees don't make contact with the handlebars, when making a tight turn, which can be tricky on the Forza, necessitating putting a knee out, or in, when turning tightly. I don't have to do that on the ADV 350 which makes it much better for taller riders.
The extra 3-4 bhp really does give it more pull coming out of tight uphill corners on moorland roads, for those who know the area, think Sheephouse Lane, going from Rivington to Belmont.
The ADV 350 to me feels more like an automatic motorcycle with it's handling and feel. More power would be nice, but I have owned bigger automatic more powerful bikes, and did not get along with DCT, or the bigger bikes extra weight. I prefer a lighter scooter with smooth CVT, and which is big enough for me , which this is, plus the power is enough really, if you are content to ride within the speed limits.
One last last thing, the self cancelling indicators, on this latest 2025 model are excellent, and a very worthwhile safety feature, which I feel should be standard on all motorcycle and scooters..

[Stephen]

It does look good in red,i’ve said it many times,can’t believe how good the engine is at transporting my bulk around,i personally went for the Forza model,but the ADV 350 is nice as well,when Mottza and myself took them to the Lake District niether missed a beat despite the weather & conditions that was thrown at uswhat with Xmas,New Year,cold weather ect not been out on it for about 8 weeks,which will be even longer now after a fall at work recently,badly bruising my ribs,i am creeping up to 65 years old now,recovery time is longer than when i was 30, a mere spring chickenmine lives outside under a cover,plugged in to a solar charger,but obviously with the lack of sun this time of year i know i’ll need to get the booster battery pack out and jump start her,

Steve

[mottza]

The ADV350 does really handle well. It can be pushed quite hard.

[MrGrumpy]

A description (not road test) of the updated 2025 ADV350....
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/r ... ter-review

[velocipede6295]

It does look good in red,i’ve said it many times,can’t believe how good the engine is at transporting my bulk around,i personally went for the Forza model,but the ADV 350 is nice as well,when Mottza and myself took them to the Lake District niether missed a beat despite the weather & conditions that was thrown at uswhat with Xmas,New Year,cold weather ect not been out on it for about 8 weeks,which will be even longer now after a fall at work recently,badly bruising my ribs,i am creeping up to 65 years old now,recovery time is longer than when i was 30, a mere spring chickenmine lives outside under a cover,plugged in to a solar charger,but obviously with the lack of sun this time of year i know i’ll need to get the booster battery pack out and jump start her,

Steve

Thanks for the responses Steve, Mottza, and MrGrumpy ( for the Bike Social report ). I enjoyed previously reading about the Lakes trip and I must do a trip there this year on the ADV , it's only about 75 miles one way for me to Windermere. Sorry to hear about the fall Steve. Perhaps when you feel a bit better, you could start with a short ride, and build up a bit again.
all the best, Malcolm

[Stibbs]

V. Thanks for the write up on your first foray out. If i was a bit taller I’d consider the ADV. however, at 5’ 8” with short legs i feel the bike would be too tall for me. As it is i love my 350 it has everything I need in a ride. Even on that though I have to shift my backside slightly to get my foot down. Stay safe and enjoy

[velocipede6295]

I agree Stibbs, the Forza is a great bike, my own 300 has reliably taken me everywhere I have wanted to go for the past few years, and has performed well. The ADV is a good upgrade for me, but I am keeping my Forza as a 2nd bike, as it is too good to get rid, for what I would have been allowed PX, or sell privately.
My legs are really too long for the Forza's handlebar height, but I have adapted, and you have to shift your position to get your foot down. If you averaged us out we would have the perfect fit!

[Stibbs]

If you averaged us out we would have the perfect fit!