'City Adventure' concept turned into the X-ADV, with the 750cc engine from the NC750. It hasn't made it to the U.S. but the ADV150 did. Now, the ADV300 is looking likely to land on American soil.

Honda ADV350 On Its Way To The U.S.

It's rare that a genuinely new concept is introduced to motorcycling. The fact that they're often completely bonkers is neither here nor there: it's just great that manufacturers think outside the box sometimes and seem to have a sense of humour.

Honda surprised everyone when it debuted the City Adventure concept in 2015. What the hell was it? It seemed to be an answer to a question no-one was asking: a combination of adventure bike and maxi-scooter. Huh? Honda gave no explanation, which I actually think is brilliant: have the courage of your convictions.

No-one actually thought Honda was serious but they soon changed their minds when the X-ADV was launched a year later. Powered by the 745cc engine from the NC750, it really was a maxi scooter with chunky knobbly tyres and some off-road pretension.

Despite costing nearly half as much again as the NC750, it was a success in Europe but we never got to know how it would sell in the U.S. as it never came here. What we did get was the baby ADV150, which was hardly a fair exchange.

Now, however, Honda is planning a 350cc version - the ADV350, according to trademark applications - and there are hopes that it will make it to the U.S. market rather than being reserved solely for the European market, where maxi scooters traditionally sell well.

If you've seen a Honda Forza 350, then you've almost seen the ADV350, for it is on that bike that the ADV350 is based. That gives it a 330cc, single-cylinder engine producing 29bhp at 7,500rpm.

The chassis is also virtually the same, any dimensional differences being due to the larger, off-road wheels and tyres. Wider 'bars are fitted and it would make sense for there to be slightly better ground clearance.

At the end of the day, however, this is, in reality, a styling exercise rather than a bike with any off-road credentials. Somehow that doesn't matter, however, as they just look so damned cool. If Honda hasn't yet given the U.S. the 750cc X-ADV, then why not test the waters with the ADV350? Success for that bike might prompt Honda to bring in the larger model and then the fun and games can begin!