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Honda brightens Europe’s favourite 330cc scooter
Honda’s ADV350 — the adventure-styled scooter that has become Europe’s top-selling machine over 300cc — returns for 2026 with a modest but welcome refresh: four new paint options and all the practical features that made it a hit with younger, urban-focused riders. Far from a full model overhaul, this update keeps the proven mechanical package intact while giving buyers more ways to personalise their ADV350.
The ADV350 lineage traces directly back to Honda’s X-ADV, a clever hybrid that married big-scooter convenience with adventure-bike styling. Launched as its own model in 2022, the ADV350 hit a sweet spot for commuters and weekend explorers — some 35,000 units have been registered across Europe since the introduction. That’s impressive for the scooter segment and helped cement Honda’s leadership in the compact adventure-scooter category.
What’s unchanged — and why that matters
Under the bodywork the ADV350 for 2026 is very familiar. The 330cc single-cylinder engine remains tuned to 29 hp with 31.5 Nm of torque, and the tubular steel frame still rides on a 15-inch front wheel and a 14-inch rear. Suspension is a competent blend of 37 mm upside-down front forks and spring preload-adjustable remote-reservoir shock absorbers at the rear, giving the ADV350 a balance of urban comfort and confidence on rougher surfaces.
Why keep the mechanicals the same? Simply put, Honda’s 2025 mid-cycle update already addressed the areas most riders care about: engine refinement (revised muffler internals, a better catalytic converter and updated ECU mapping), improved rear suspension tuning, and better electronics. Those changes sharpened the ADV350’s on-road manners and reduced emissions, so Honda’s decision to retain the package reflects a stable, well-sorted platform rather than stagnation.
2026 colour update: subtle but strategic
The headline for the 2026 ADV350 is four fresh paint options:
- Pearl Falcon Grey
- Iridium Gray Metallic
- Mat Pearl Cool White
- Mat Coal Black Metallic
These finishes aim to broaden the scooter’s appeal, offering options that feel premium and durable — practical choices for riders who want an understated, adventure-ready look rather than bright, showy livery. Alongside the standard model, Honda continues to list a Special Edition for those seeking unique trim and accessory choices.
Tech, comfort and practicality
Though the engine and chassis are unchanged, the ADV350 retains the technology that helped it stand out:
- A height-adjustable 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and easy four-way toggle control
- Auto-cancelling turn indicators for safer urban riding
- LED lighting front and rear for better visibility
- A glovebox USB socket for phone charging on the go
- Generous under-seat storage that fits two full-face helmets
Honda quotes a usable range of up to about 330 km (205 miles) from the near-12 litre (approximately 3-gallon) fuel tank — an attractive figure for commuters and longer-distance riders who want to minimise stops.
Wheels, tyres and brakes: built for mixed roads
The ADV350 retains its six-spoke wheel design, shod with block-pattern tubeless tyres intended to provide traction on both tarmac and light off-road surfaces. Braking is managed by single disc brakes front and rear — enough for the scooter’s weight class (186 kg, or 410 lb curb weight) and its intended use case. The combination of 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels is key to the ADV350’s ride balance, offering nimble city handling without feeling flimsy on rougher lanes.
How the ADV350 fits the market
The ADV350 sits in an interesting niche. It’s more capable than a pure urban scooter thanks to its larger wheels and firmer suspension, yet it’s far easier to live with day-to-day than a full-sized adventure motorcycle. That makes it appealing to riders who want the adventure aesthetic, practical storage and economical running costs — a reason why so many younger European riders gravitated to the model.
Compared with some rivals in the 300–350cc class, Honda’s combination of proven mechanicals, build quality and dealer network gives the ADV350 a competitive edge. The 2026 refresh is clearly a retention strategy: keep the strong selling points intact while offering subtle visual updates that make the model feel fresh without upsetting the formula.
Pricing and availability
Honda lists the 2026 ADV350 as available in European markets in both the standard line-up and a Special Edition, but official pricing has not been announced. As a reference point, the 2025 model continued to be offered in the UK for £5,999 — roughly $8,000 at current exchange rates — which provides a benchmark for buyers and analysts watching expected pricing.
Highlights:
- Proven 330cc engine: 29 hp and 31.5 Nm
- Compact adventure styling with practical storage
- 15" front / 14" rear wheel combo, suitable for mixed surfaces
- 5" TFT screen with smartphone connectivity
- New 2026 paint options for more personalization
"The ADV350 is a scooter that doesn’t pretend to be a full adventure bike — it simply gives riders the utility and look they want for everyday life and the occasional off-piste detour," says a sector analyst. "That balance is why it has become a top seller in Europe."
Who should consider the 2026 ADV350?
- Urban commuters who want more presence and storage than a smaller scooter
- Riders seeking a fuel-efficient option that can handle weekend gravel tracks
- New or returning riders who value comfort, ease of use and straightforward maintenance
If you’re looking for outright off-road capability or high-power performance, a larger adventure motorcycle would be more suitable. But for a blend of everyday usability, economical running costs and adventure styling, the ADV350 is one of the strongest propositions on the market.
Final thoughts
Honda’s 2026 ADV350 update is a reminder that small, targeted changes can keep a best-selling model relevant. The fresh colours add cosmetic appeal, while the proven powertrain and chassis remain untouched for good reason: they work. For many European riders the ADV350 still represents one of the best compromises between scooter convenience and adventure-bike attitude — and the 2026 model simply gives them more ways to express it.
Whether you’re buying your first 300+cc scooter or upgrading from a smaller commuter, the ADV350 deserves a spot on your test-ride list — particularly if you like the idea of a versatile, low-maintenance machine that looks ready for the next lane and the next weekend trail.
Source: autoevolution
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