Scooters are the transport of choice in urban areas. They sit lower, giving them a low center of gravity, which makes them easy to handle, and they feel more nimble and lighter than their listed weight. Thus, for the longest time, they have been known as city transport. But that changed in 2016 when Honda broke the convention with the X-ADV.
It was a monster of a scooter. Powered by a multi-cylinder motor with a capacity that is frankly ridiculous for a scooter (think 745 cc), equipped with DCT, and featuring long suspension that would allow it to tear up beaten trails. No, it is not a scrambler, but it may very well be a scramter, or maybe a scamblescooter (or a scootbler?).
The bold concept debuted at EICMA 2016 and was released in 2017. Since then, it has been updated multiple times, and this year, it gets another refresh with new colors. Folks, meet the 2026 Honda X-ADV, the sports crossover of the two-wheeler world that lets you zip through the city on weekdays and rip up the trails on weekends.
The new colors are Matte Pearl Glare White, Graphite Black, and Matte Deep Mud Gray.
Packed inside the diamond frame is a 745 cc water-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, overhead camshaft (OHC), inline 2-cylinder engine that produces 58 PS and 69 Nm (~51 lb-ft) of torque. The off-road-capable scooter features an electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI), paired with an electronic 6-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). If anyone is curious, it uses a wet multi-plate coil spring-type clutch.
Handling is managed by a front inverted fork and rear swingarm, along with front hydraulic double disc brakes and a rear hydraulic disc brake. It rolls on 120/70R17M/C 58H tires at the front and 160/60R15M/C 67H tires at the rear.
Besides performance, the X-ADV also boasts a bunch of practical features. The link-type windshield really had me intrigued. As the name suggests, it uses linkages to allow height adjustment. It offers five manually adjustable positions, and the internal structure and controls have been redesigned to enable one-handed adjustment.
The bike also touts the Honda SMART Key system and a knob-type main switch. This allows you to unlock the steering and start the vehicle while keeping the key in your pocket, much like modern automobiles.
It is outfitted with a 22 L cargo space, which is voluminous enough to accommodate two full-face helmets. The storage box now features a brighter light, with both the light and the USB-C port repositioned.
Finally, the funnest feature: HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control), which lets you choose how much torque is delivered to the rear wheel. A selector within reach of your left thumb allows you to adjust the level of rear wheel drive force. In total, it offers three levels, plus an ‘off’ setting.
The new 2026 Honda X-ADV Crossover hits dealerships in Japan on March 05, 2026. The Matte Pearl Glare White costs 1,353,000 yen plus tax, while the Graphite Black and Matte Deep Mud Gray are priced at 1,323,000 yen plus tax.
More details can be found on the Honda Japan website [JP].
Images: Honda [JP].
