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Honda X-ADV

Honda memperkenalkan X-ADV sebagai jentera konsep pada 2015 dan ketika itu ramai yang mempersoal tindakan pengeluar Jepun itu dalam menghasilkan sebuah ‘skuter adventure’. 

Bagaimanapun, beberapa tahun selepas itu, X-ADV telah pun dilahirkan dan skuter tersebut telah pun memasuki generasi kedua yang diperkenalkan pada 2021.

Dalam perkembangan terbaru, Honda disahkan sedang membangunkan X-ADV generasi baharu berdasarkan paten yang difailkand di Jepun. 

Melihat kepada lakaran paten yang dikongsikan itu, jelas X-ADV akan datang itu bakal tampil dengan reka bentuk dan susun atur serba baharu. 

Pertamanya, bahagian lampu depan dan belakang akan tampil berbeza berbanding generasi pertama dan kedua. Di bahagian depan, lampu jenis memanjang yang mengisi bahagian sisi kini dipindahkan ke bawah dengan bentuk melintang. Terdapat tiga lampu LED mengisi setiap bahagian lampu utama tersebut. 

Posisi ‘Daytime Running Light’ juga berbeza berbanding sebelum ini. 

Sementara itu, bahagian belakang juga berbeza dengan ekzos kini berada di bawah tempat duduk belakang berbanding sisi seperti sebelum ini. Perubahan posisi ekzos secara tak langsung memperbaiki jarak kelegaan tanah (ground clearance) di samping membenarkan ruang yang lebih luas bagi memuatkan ‘catalytic converter’ dalam usaha mencapai standard emisi yang semakin ketat. 

Selain itu, kedudukan baharu ekzos itu juga memudahkan pemasangan ‘panniers’ yang lebih besar. 

Buat masa ini tiada pengumuman rasmi dari pihak Honda bila generasi baharu Honda X-ADV ini akan diperkenalkan namun kami tidak terkejut seandainya pameran motosikal EICMA di Milan hujung tahun ini menjadi pilihan Honda bagi membuat pendedahan. 

Honda enthusiasts and adventure seekers, get ready for a thrilling update! Honda is set to unleash the 2024 X-ADV 750 adventure scooter in four exciting new color schemes, aimed at keeping things fresh and vibrant for riders who crave both style and performance.

  • As the largest scooter offering from the renowned Japanese manufacturer, the X-ADV 750 has been a trailblazer, setting the design standard for other successful adventure scoots.
  • With a robust 745cc displacement, the X-ADV 750 combines power, versatility, and innovation for a truly exceptional riding experience.

While the model received color updates in 2021 and 2022, Honda is not slowing down in its quest to impress riders. The 2024 X-ADV model promises to be a head-turner with its two exclusive “special editions” in gray and red, showcasing additional decals that elevate the scooter’s aesthetics to a whole new level. Joining these striking specials are two captivating standard color options – Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Paco Blue.

Red, black, gray, and blue – these four exhilarating shades promise to captivate riders and bystanders alike, reminiscent of the successful color treatment found on the Forza 750. The release of these new hues is expected to happen soon, fueling anticipation among Honda enthusiasts worldwide.

However, Honda is not just focusing on appearances alone. The 2024 X-ADV will maintain its winning formula in terms of performance and features.

Riders can still expect the formidable 745cc parallel-twin engine, delivering an impressive 58.6hp and 69Nm. The X-ADV will retain its cutting-edge throttle-by-wire system, complemented by up to five distinct riding modes – Standard, Rain, Gravel, and Sport – each meticulously tuned to match various terrains and preferences. Additionally, a user-customizable mode will empower riders to tailor the scooter’s settings to their unique riding style.

Safety remains a top priority for Honda, as the X-ADV will continue to offer up to three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), commonly known as Traction Control. This feature ensures optimal stability and control, especially during challenging road conditions.

Moreover, the X-ADV will retain its highly-acclaimed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), enhancing gear shifting efficiency and adaptability, seamlessly aligning with the selected riding mode.

24YM X-ADV

While the focus is on introducing the captivating new color options, Honda fans will be delighted to know that the 2024 X-ADV will retain its solid frame, engine, chassis, and essential features. The changes might be subtle, but the overall experience of riding this adventure scooter promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.

Boon Siew Honda, a leading motorcycle manufacturer in Malaysia, has introduced a new colour for its popular adventure-style scooter, the X-ADV 750 now priced at RM68,899. 

  • The X-ADV has been well-received by adventurous rider since its launch in 2018.
  • The DCT is the most outstanding feature of the X-ADV. 

The latest addition to the X-ADV lineup is the Shasta White colour, which enhances the bike’s elegant design and aggressive front look when paired with its dual LED headlights and spectacular Daytime Running Lights. The X-ADV still comes with a digital instrument console, LED taillamp, and five-step adjustable windscreen that can be adjusted on the go, making it convenient for long-distance rides.

Powering the X-ADV is a Euro 5-compliant 745cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that is linked to a 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. The bike generates a maximum power of 43kW @ 6,750rpm and 69Nm @ 4,750rpm of peak torque. 

The X-ADV’s DCT feature is a standout characteristic that sets it apart from other scooters in the market. Safety features include disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and ABS, which offer an immersive braking experience.

The X-ADV’s 5-inch TFT display panel features the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), which allows riders to connect their smartphones while on the move and manage phone calls, email, music, and navigation using voice commands.

The 2023 Honda X-ADV is available in three colour options, including Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, Pearl Deep Mud Gray, and the new Shasta White.

Honda has updated its current fleet of motorcycles with new colourway for 2023, including the Forza 750, X-ADV, NC750X and NT1100.

  • 2023 Honda Forza 750, X-ADV 750, NC750 and NT1100 features new visuals.
  • Specifications and mechanics remain the same. 

For 2023, the Forza 750 gets three new exciting colours; Mat Ballistic Black Metallic with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic belly pan, Pearl Glare White with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic belly pan and Iridium Grey Metallic with Mat Ballistic Black Metallic Belly Pan.

However, no mechanical changes is carried out as the Forza 750 retain its 57hp engine, alumnium swingarm, dual four-pot callipers and ride-by-wire throttle.

Next, the highly-unique Honda X-ADV gets a special edition paint job called the “Shasta White”. The all-white colour scheme also showacsed the X-ADV graphics on the side.

Meanwhile, the NC750X also updated with three new colours that consist of Mat Jeans Blue Metallic with Silver Trim, Pearl Deep Mud Grey with Silver Trim and Candy Chromosphere Red with Silver Trim. 

Also, the 2023 NC750X continue to feature the same engine as in the Forza 750 and X-ADV. 

Lastly, Honda latest sports tourer, the NT1100 will now come in new Gunmetal Black Metallic paint job in addition to the exisitng Matte Iridium Grey Metallic and Pearl Glare White. 

Currently, only the X-ADV 750 is available in Malaysia for a recommended retail price of RM67,799. 

Tidak dinafikan, masalah kekurangan bekalan semi-konduktor menjejaskan pengeluaran motosikal dan kereta dunia.

Jadi, tidak hairanlah jika penjual motosikal dan kereta memaklumkan kepada pelanggan bahawa tempoh menunggu memakan masa sehingga berbulan.

Bagaimanapun, kami diberitahu terdapat sebuah motosikal yang tempoh menunggunya mencecah sehingga dua tahun.

Demikian respon yang kami terima apabila menghubungi beberapa cawangan Honda Big Wing mengenai model Honda X-ADV 750.

Kisahnya, ada antara kami yang berminat dengan motosikal tersebut jadi langkah pertama adalah mengenal pasti tempoh menunggu.

Kami terkejut apabila diberitahu tempoh menunggu bagi Honda X-ADV 750 adalah sekitar setahun hingga dua tahun.

Ada juga cawangan Honda Big Wing yang memaklumkan kami bahawa mereka tidak lagi menerima tempahan bagi model skuter ADV itu.

Sebuah cawangan di Pulau Pinang pula berkata lebih 170 pembeli masih menanti untuk mendapatkan motosikal berkenaan. 

Ini secara tidak langsung membuktikan Honda X-ADV 750 itu sememangnya cukup popular dikalangan peminat dua roda di Malaysia.

Persoalannya, sanggup atau tidak untuk menunggu selama itu bagi mendapatkan motosikal tersebut?

Kami juga pernah menguji kemampuan Honda X-ADV 750 (2021) sebelum ini dan sememangnya tidak dinafikan motosikal tersebut serba boleh dan praktikal.

Kami turut meninjau ke laman web e-perdagangan popular dan mendapati terdapat beberapa model terpakai X-ADV generasi pertama dijual pada harga sekitar RM60,000.

It seems like the global semi-conductor shortage has not only affected cars, but also motorcycles.

These days it is common to wait a few months for your new car or bike, but to wait over a year? Wow!

But that is exactly the response we got when we contacted a few Honda Big Wing outlets in search of a Honda X-ADV.

A member of our team was poking around to see how long it would take to get a brand new Honda X-ADV, and to our surprise, the general answer was that the waiting period was at least a year! AT LEAST!

We called a few Honda Big Wing outlets in KL, Selangor and the one in Penang, and shockingly the general answer was that the waiting period is now at least a year and a half to two years.

One outlet even said that the waiting period is now two years and the booking list is closed and they are no longer accepting any more bookings for the X-ADV.

An outlet in Penang said that it has over 170 people in its waiting list waiting to get their Honda X-ADV delivered.

Why would anyone wait more than a few months for a new motorcycle is beyond us when there are so many options out there, and there’s no telling if a better bike may become available in the next few months.

The global semi-conductor issue has truly affected all industries, and there is no telling when it will end.

The Honda X-ADV is undoubtedly popular, but is it worth waiting 2 years for?

But the good thing is, those that already own the Honda X-ADV can expect the second hand prices to go up!

The Honda X-ADV is still the most unique adventure motorcycle to date thanks to its combination of a typical scooter with ADV elements.

After the comprehensive update in 2021, Boon Siew Honda has announced a new colour option for the 2022 Honda X-ADV.

The Honda X-ADV now comes in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and joins the already available Grand Prix Red and Pearl Deep Mud Grey colour scheme.

Nevertheless, the mechanics remain the same as the 2022 X-ADV continue to make 57hp @ 6,750rpm and 69Nm @ 4,750rpm.

The power delivery is further optimized with reworked gear ratios via its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and retuned Honda Selectable Torque Control settings. A 3kg weight reduction also helps greatly in this department.

In terms of design, the new X-ADV presents a more rugged appearance with modern up-to-date features like its dual LED daytime-running lights leading the way. A new front windscreen was also added for better weather protection as well as better storage capacity thanks to a bigger 22-litre under-seat storage and a 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with a USB charging port).

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with a Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This allows the rider to control calls, navigation, and music via the handlebar controls and voice command (if you’re able to connect a Bluetooth helmet headset).

Four months after Honda revealed the new generation 2021 X-ADV in Europe, the adventure scooter is now available in Malaysia at the price of RM67,799.

If you thought that the previous Honda X-ADV is impressive, wait until you feast your eyes on the 2021 Honda X-ADV.

Out of all the newly-launched models, the 2021 X-ADV receives the most updates from redesigned looks, increased firepower, and upgraded riding technologies.

 

In terms of design, the new X-ADV presents a more rugged appearance with modern up-to-date features like its dual LED daytime-running lights leading the way. A new front windscreen was also added for better weather protection as well as better storage capacity thanks to a bigger 22-litre under seat storage and a 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with USB charging port).

Its 745cc parallel-twin DOHC engine now produces around 58hp at 6,750rpm and 69Nm torque at 4,750rpm (4hp & 1Nm more compared to the previous-gen). This was done thanks to a new throttle-by-wire system and engine tuning.

This resulted in a smoother and more powerful power delivery, which is also optimized further with reworked gear ratios via its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and retuned Honda Selectable Torque Control settings. A 3kg weight reduction also helps greatly in this department.

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This allows the rider to control calls, navigation, and music via the handlebar controls and voice command (if you’re able to connect a Bluetooth helmet headset).

The world of dual-purpose adventure scooter is dominated by the one and only Honda X-ADV. That title is currently unchallenged (and even more so with the 2021 model), but Kymco has something up its sleeves to bring the fight to the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer. Will they succeed? (more…)

Pengeluar skuter dari Taiwan, Kymco, bakal memulakan misi berani dengan mencabar Honda X-ADV dengan sebuah motosikal adventure!

*Honda X-ADV 2021

Pendedahan itu dibuat menerusi sebuah video ‘teaser’ yang dikongsikan Kymco di YouTube.

Menerusi video berdurasi hanya 23 saat itu, jelas memaparkan sebuah motosikal jenis skuter ADV sedang beraksi di atas permukaan off-road.

Video itu turut memaparkan tarikh pelancaran yang dijadualkan pada 26 November ini.

Bagaimanapun, pengenalan skuter ADV ini bukanlah satu kejutan tatkala Kymco pernah memperkenalkan jentera konsep CV2 pada 2017.

*Kymco CV2 Concept diperkenalkan pada 2017

Kymco CV2 merupakan skuter maxi ADV yang didatangkan dengan enjin parallel-twin 550cc yang menawarkan sekitar 55hp.

Namun, dijangkakan model yang baru ini akan menawarkan rekaan berbeza dengan pelbagai kemas kini terbaru di samping menampilkan elemen adventure yang menarik antaranya fork panjang, handguard, crash bar dan rim spoke dan tayar knobby!

If you thought that the current Honda X-ADV is already impressive, wait until you feast your eyes on the 2021 Honda X-ADV. Out of all the newly-launched models, the 2021 X-ADV receives the most updates from redesigned looks, increased firepower, and upgraded riding technologies. (more…)

  • Honda has just filed the patents for a new 800cc engine.

  • It could be the platform for an 800cc Honda Africa Twin.

  • The patents also show it being equipped with DCT.

Honda has just filed the patents for a new 800cc parallel-Twin engine. While the patent documents show a naked bike like the previous Hornet 650, they may just be working on a much-awaited middleweight 800cc Honda Africa Twin.

Big Red has acknowledged that they lack a middleweight adventure. Indeed, the gap is too large between the CRF250L/CRF250 Rally and Africa Twin 1100. An 800cc adventurer fills this gap nicely.

But let’s get back to the patent.

The engine should also be the replacement for the current 745cc engine which has been in the market since 2014. It’s also the platform for an entire range of Honda bikes including the X-Adv crossover scooter, NC750D Integra scooter, NC750S naked bike and NC750X adventurer.

The patent also shows the engine equipped with Honda’s proprietary DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), which is already on the X-Adv and CRF1100 Africa Twin.

More than that, the cam cover’s shape is clearly similar to that of the CRF450R, new Africa Twin and VFR1200F which means it will feature the Unicam set up. It’s not variable valve timing/lift, however.

Having an 800cc to 850cc displacement also makes sense since their European rivals namely BMW and Triumph are currently the ones to beat. We shall see what comes of this.

Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2019 (GIIAS) membuka tirai dengan memperkenalkan Honda ADV 150, sebuah skuter ‘adventurer’ yang sebelum ini diperkenalkan menerusi model skuter yang lebih besar, Honda X-ADV.

Meskipun didatangkan dengan enjin 150cc namun sekali pandang, jelas Honda ADV 150 memiliki reka bentuk paling unik di dalam kelasnya.

Seperti model abangnya (X-ADV), rekaan keseluruhan ADV 150 turut tampak agresif.

Honda ADV 150 turut didatangkan dengan paparan digital penuh dan lampu LED di bahagian depan dan belakang.

Meskipun bersaiz kecil namun model ini turut dilengkapi dengan cermin penghadang angin boleh laras dan ruang simpan yang luas di bawah tempat duduk.

Pada masa sama, Honda ADV 150 turut dilengkapi dengan fork teleskopik dan penyerap hentakan Showa di bahagian belakang dan beberapa ciri keselamatan penting, antaranya ABS.

Perbezaan paling ketara ADV 150 dengan X-ADV adalah penggunaan rim aloi berukuran 14 inci depan dan 13 inci di belakang namun masih didatangkan dengan tayar ‘dual-purpose’.

Honda ADV 150 dilengkapi dengan enjin 149.3cc SOHC satu silinder dengan sistem Idling Stop yang menghasilkan 14hp pada 8,500rpm dan 13.8Nm pada 6,500rpm.

Disebabkan model ini mendapat enjin 150 pastinya ia akan menjadi saingan kepada Yamaha NVX seandainya Honda membawa masuk jentera ini ke pasaran Malaysia.

  • A Honda X-Adv had won in the 2019 Gibraltar Race ahead of other dual-purpose bikes.

  • It took the middleweight category and placed seventh overall.

  • A competitor will ride an X-Adv in the upcoming GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019.

A Honda X-Adv had won in the 2019 Gibraltar Race ahead of other dual-purpose bikes.

Renato Zocchi steered the X-Adv to the Class 2 victory in the especially tough 7,000-km rally through Europe. His class win also puts him as seventh overall in the event, beating our scores of purpose-built dirtbikes and adventure-tourers.

Class 2 is designated to motorcycles between 601 to 950cc, hence includes some menacing middleweight adventure bikes such as the KTM 790 Adventure R, KTM 690 Enduro, KTM 950 Super Enduro, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, BMW F 800 GS Adventure and many more.

While the X-Adv was specially prepared for the race, the bike was reliable. Competitors faced various terrains including dirt roads, rocky mule tracks, river crossings, mud and grass. Zocchi kept the DCT (dual clutch transmission) and G (gravel) mode. The suspension was modified to provide extra wheel travel and ground clearance. The footboards remained in place.

The route covered several countries, taking the riders from the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean coast. It began in Gdansk, Poland, passed through the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, France and finally ending at the Cape Finiterre Lighthouse in Spain.

The results were surprising, of course but wait, you’ll get to witness a Honda X-Adv taking part in the GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 from 27th to 28th July!

  • Sebuah video menampilkan proses dan hasil kerjasama antara Marc Marquez, DJ Roger Wid, dan sebuah motosikal Honda X-ADV dalam menghasilkan sebuah lagu.
  • Marquez menghasilkan sampel bunyi menggunakan sebuah motosikal X-ADV dan ianya diadun oleh DJ Roger Wid.
  • Model Honda X-ADV telah menjadi motosikal paling laris di Eropah.

(more…)

  • Marc Marquez takes a spin on the Honda X-Adv while DJ Roger Wid records all the sounds.

  • The sounds were then turned into a techno song.

  • The Honda X-Adv became Europe’s best-selling motorcycle.

Just as Suzuki released the video of ex-GP rider Nobuatsu Aoki taking the new Suzuki Katana out for a spin, now Honda has MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez takes a ride on the Honda X-Adv and gets the sounds turned into music by DJ Roger Wid.

Every of Marquez’s move was recorded and turned into music, including zipping up his jacket, unlocking the bike, opening the seat to retrieve his signature Shoei helmet, flipping up the passenger footpegs.

The rider then proceeded to whip the bike into a smoky rolling burnout while it pirouettes around him, while sound technicians hold the microphones to the action.

At the end, all those sounds you and I have grown so familiar with on a daily basis were turned into techno music by the said DJ.

The X-Adv is powered by the 745cc twin-cylinder engine which is also fitted to the Honda NC750X. However, the X-Adv uses Honda’s proprietary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT is actually a manual gearbox without a clutch lever.

We’ve tested and reviewed the bike months ago and found it entertaining, although on the more expensive side. But here’s a bit of trivia, the Honda X-Adv became Europe’s best-selling motorcycle, even dethroning the might BMW R 1200 GS.

Source: A Ride Apart

  • Boon Siew Honda rolled out a new colour for the 2019 Honda X-ADV.

  • The X-ADV is a cross-platform motorcycle.

  • It features a 750cc engine and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Boon Siew Honda introduced a new colour for the 2019 Honda X-ADV line-up called Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic. It complements the present Grand Prix Red and Matt Bullet Silver colours.

The Honda X-ADV is a groundbreaking cross-platform motorcycle. It incorporates a number of features that are only found in individual motorcycles in the body of a scooter.

First up, the liquid-cooled, 745cc engine produces 54 bhp (40.3 kW) and 68 Nm of torque. It means that the bike isn’t a run-of-the-mill scooter.

Secondly, it is equipped with Honda’s proprietary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT is a 6-speed manual gearbox but can be operated in Drive and Sport full-automatic modes or in fully manual model.

Thirdly, the X-ADV has a Gravel model for off-road riding, hence the knobby tyres. There’s no other scooter which boasts such capability. The front wheel is a 17-inch unit for tackling the rough.

With such engine power and capabilities, the Honda X-ADV makes for both a practical daily commuter and long-distance tourer. We have ridden the bike all the way to Kuantan and back in comfort. The adjustable windscreen it tall in its highest adjustment, keeping windblast off the rider’s torso.

The underseat storage compartment is large and supplemented by cubby holes up front.

The new colour is available from December 2019 onwards at Honda Big Wing Dealers. The Honda X-ADV is priced from RM 63,229 for standard colours and from RM 65,499 for special colours.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) baru sahaja mengumumkan pilhan warna baharu bagi dua model Big Bikes tawaran mereka untuk pasaran Malaysia iaitu Honda Rebel 500 dan juga Honda X-ADV. Menuju ke tahun 2019, Honda Rebel kini ditawarkan dengan dua warna baharu manakala terdapat satu lagu pilihan baharu untuk model Honda X-ADV. (more…)

  • Boon Siew Honda has launched the CB1000R and CB250R as part of their Neo Sports Café lineup.

  • The two new bikes augment the X-ADV and Africa Twin as part of Boon Siew Honda’s Big Bike offerings.

  • The CB1000R is priced from RM 74,999 and CB250R from RM 22,999 (basic selling price with 0% GST).

Malaysian Honda motorcycles distributor, Boon Siew Honda, has just launched the Neo Sports Café lineup – the CB1000R and CB250R.

The launch event also served as an occasion for BSH to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with members of the media. It is a tradition that BSH has observed throughout the years and to spice things up even further, the media was treated to riding the CB1000R, CB250R, X-ADV and CRF1000L Africa Twin at the Sepang International Circuit.

In his speech, Mr. Keiichi Yasuda, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Boon Siew Honda revealed that the company had received overwhelming response for the Africa Twin and X-ADV – which became the catalyst to introduce the Neo Sports Café bikes.

Safety briefings from both BSH’s riding instructor and SIC’s clerk of course followed Mr. Yasuda’s speech and we were then ushered to the paddock downstairs for a short product introduction and briefing.

The briefing centred primarily around the Africa Twin and X-ADV as they were both with Honda’s proprietary Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT on both bikes could perform as fully automatic, more “aggressive” SPORT auto and manual by way of push buttons on the left handlebar.

X-ADV

I drew the X-ADV on our first trip out. I had ridden this bike around in Pattaya, Thailand and found it to be superb around the congested city. I left the transmission in “D” (for “DRIVE” as in fully automatic just like in a car) while I concentrated on navigating through heavy traffic and throngs of tourists.

Of course, it looks like scooter with some offroad capability thrown in, but truth is, the X-ADV is a motorcycle of a different concept. It’s a bike that’s meant to go anywhere and does it in seamless fashion. Honda’s copywriting blurb says that it’s “A motorcycle that thinks it’s an SUV.”

Since we were given only three laps per bike here at SIC, I decided to just keep in “D,” too. Well, it was also because I kept finding the horn button through my race gloves, instead.

Out of the pits and into Turn One, the X-ADV felt strange initially. It turned out that I was trying to trail brake into the corner.

Anyhow, it didn’t take long to learn the bike and I was already speeding into Turn Five with the throttle held open. But when I let of the gas to set up for Turn Six, the transmission downshifted almost imperceptibly, and I had the right amount of power at the exit.

It was just a seamless piece of cloth as I blasted down the front straight (it’s a 750cc bike, by the way). The brakes were superbly strong as I braked for Turn One. It was as easy as that. The X-ADV touched down its centrestand through Turn Two but there was lots of cornering clearance, overall.

And it’s NOT a scooter!

CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN

Just like the X-ADV, I’ve also ridden the ‘Twin before but that one had a “normal” gearbox. The first thing I noticed about this one was the low seat height which took me by surprise.

Then I did a noob thing: I tried to grab the “clutch lever” but it was waaay further than the reach of my fingers. The group was about to leave the pits, so I waved my arms around like one of Caesar’s friends (as in Caesar in Planet of the Apes). The Honda guys ran over and stifled their laughter as they told me, “That’s the parking brake for uphill.” Ooooh-kaaay.

Now, a noob thing #2. I started searching for the gear pedal. The same guy saw it and told me to shift using the up and down buttons on the left switch cluster. I tried dabbing at them with my stiff gloves and found the horn again. So, yes, I decided to leave it in D.

The Africa Twin may have more cc’s than the X-ADV but it got going a lot smoother. The suspension was also much softly damped and I could feel that as I started braking for Turn One. However, while I could feel the rear swingarm moving up and down to cope with the cornering forces, the good news was the bike didn’t wallow like an old KL taxi.

Riding the Africa Twin with DCT was so easy perhaps anyone could do it. Accelerate, brake, turn, repeat.

Through this first experience, I could safety assume that the bike was geared mainly for the dirt, hence the soft suspension. Its power character was also on the softer and smoother side. Not that you couldn’t push it on tarmac, but it kind of defeats the bike’s real mission in life. As for the DCT, it should take the workload off the rider while he concentrates on negotiating the trail.

Please click on the link below for the prices of the X-ADV and Africa Twin.

2018 Honda X-ADV & Africa Twin prices announced! From RM57,999

CB1000R

Now, we’re talking! VROOOM! VROOOOM! Yeah, heh heh. The exhaust note was raunchy enough it could be heard through my Arai and racing earplugs. It’s probably one of the few bikes which the owner doesn’t have to bin the stock exhaust.

The styling was definitely a funky mix of new and old elements, hence Neo Sports.

The engine is derived from an old CBR1000RR Fireblade and has a longer stroke. It produces 143 bhp at 7500 RPM and 104 Nm of torque at 8250 RPM.

In SPORT mode, the bike charged ahead but it did so very smoothly. Its engine braking was equally as smooth without robbing you of corner rolling speed. The suspension and seat were equally comfortable.

Despite being comfy, the CB1000R could be hustled through corners with ease, even at the narrow Turns Two and Four. It flicked over with hardly any steering input.

But it did fly down the straight. Braking hard for Turn One, I was surprised to find a lack of fork dive. I only found out later that the forks are Showa’s new Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP).

I was just starting to have fun when Ahmad Zakhwan, our lead marshal waved us into the pits. Sheesh.

CB250R

This is gonna be awkward, I thought. I should’ve started on this one instead of the progressively bigger bikes.

But it felt so good to ride a lightweight bike as soon as the clutch went out. The single-cylinder engine revved very quickly without much vibration. Just as the rest I’ve tested earlier, the suspension may be on the softer side but it didn’t mean the bike was going to squirm around.

And since it was so light, I just chucked it into all the corners in a gear too high. The engine was also super smooth for a single and didn’t feel like it was being revved to destruction despite hitting the rev limiter a few times. I had so much fun I actually missed the checkered flag and had to circulate for one extra lap.

But the best thing about it was just amazingly easy it was to ride. Coupled with the low seat height, beginners will find it easily accessible.

In closing, all four bikes were great and showcased Honda’s attention to detail and quality. All panels joined uniformly, the paint quality was consistently good for all four bikes.

But I couldn’t wait to fully review the CB1000R at a later date.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has unveiled the official prices for the 2018 Honda X-ADV and Honda Africa Twin for the Malaysian market.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of the Malaysia Autoshow 2018.

The X-ADV is priced from RM57,999 whereas the Africa Twin is from RM69,999 (basic prices without GST).

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has officially announced not one but two of their highly-awaited big bikes for this year which are the 2018 Honda X-ADV adventure scooter and 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin earlier today. The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of the Malaysia Autoshow 2018.

2018 Honda X-ADV – from RM57,999 to 59,999 (basic price without GST)

It was recently implied that Boon Siew Honda is ready to sell the 2018 Honda X-ADV adventure scooter at a price of below RM70,000. In fact, this statement was released during the launch of Malaysia’s first Honda Big Wing Centre in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur earlier this year.

The X-ADV is indeed a formidable off-road machine capable of some very interesting things. Fitted with a 745cc liquid-cooled SOHC parallel-twin engine, the X-ADV is able to produce over 57hp and 68Nm of maximum torque.

What makes the X-ADV even more special is its six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. This allows the rider to switch the transmission riding mode to accommodate different riding situations. Whether it’s for highway cruising or some off-road fun out in the dirt, the X-ADV is designed to conquer them all.

Bookings are already accepted at the Honda Big Wing Centre at a price of RM61,478.94 whereas the Special colour will set you back at RM63,598.94 (basic price with GST). Other amazing specs include a fully-adjustable 41mm upside-down front fork, 21-litre under-seat storage, 13.1-litre fuel tank, selectable riding modes, and many more.

2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin – From RM69,999 (basic price without GST)

Boon Siew Honda did mention earlier this year that their latest Africa Twin series will be available for purchase around the RM80,000 mark. Highly-regarded as one of the most successful rally bikes of all time, the Africa Twin has already made their way here to our shores as Honda Big Wing Centre are already accepting bookings for the bike.

 

A bike that’s capable to do it all even managed to climb up a 5,965-metre volcano which also set the world record for highest altitude reached by a twin-cylinder motorcycle. This is partly thanks to its 998cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that’s able to produce around 94hp and 98Nm of maximum torque.

With a curb weight of 232kg, the Africa Twin is indeed a formidable machine with specs like a fully-adjustable 45mm USD Showa front forks, fully-adjustable Showa rear shock, front dual 310mm floating discs with four-piston radial calipers, and a 256mm rear disc with two-piston caliper just to name a few.

There will be two different models available; one with a normal six-speed transmission and another fitted with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. BSH has priced them at RM74,198.94 and RM80,558.94 (basic prices with GST) respectively.

Interested in the CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports? Get yours for only RM77,378.94 and RM83,738.94 (basic prices with GST) for the Standard and DCT models respectively.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Isle of Man TT: Who’s going to ride the Honda RC213V-S?

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