Honda’s X-ADV scooter is a bike that pretty much defined a segment. These days, lots of other manufacturers have followed in Honda’s footsteps, rolling out their own interpretations of what the ideal “adventure scooter” should be.
And though the X-ADV is often imitated, you can definitely say that it has never really been replicated. To this day, Honda’s X-ADV still has quite a strong following, particularly in Europe, where big-displacement maxi-scooters are all the rage. For 2025, Honda has decided to give the X-ADV a makeover, one that doesn’t so much focus on off-road, go-anywhere capability, but rather, something as simple as style.
And nowhere is this more evident than with the 2025 X-ADV Special Edition, of which only 30 will go on sale exclusive to the UK market.
So, what makes this X-ADV so special? Well, for starters, Honda leans in on the extremely popular steampunk dystopian vibe, giving the scooter a bright and vibrant Matte Gold Finch Yellow paint scheme. But let’s be real, this thing looks more like an angry Pikachu that’s been forced to fend for itself in the apocalypse.
Honda depicts the X-ADV in an urban setting, rather than in an adventurous environment as it did in the past. And considering that current events are pointing to the end times seemingly sooner than later, it’s a rather fitting aesthetic.
I mean, sure, a powerful and capable scooter like the X-ADV would certainly be a useful tool during the apocalypse. You won’t need to worry about a clutch, and all you need to do is gas and go over pretty much any terrain. Oh, and it’s a Honda, too, so it’ll more than likely outlive the apocalypse.
The special edition model also gets some extra features that’ll come in handy both during the apocalypse and on your daily commute to work. It gets front fog lights, heated grips, leg deflectors, and a nine-liter console bag for you to store weapons, emergency food, or just your everyday essentials.
As is the case with the standard X-ADV, the Special Edition is powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine—not to be confused with the new 755cc parallel-twin on the CB750 and Transalp XL750. This thing’s slightly weaker, with 58 ponies on tap (as against the CB750’s 90 ponies), and sends power to the rear wheel via a DCT gearbox. There are four riding modes to choose from, and these change the bike’s character from chill all the way to aggressive with the push of a button.
Over in the UK, this thing carries a sticker price of £12,449, which translates to about $15,900 USD—quite the hefty chunk of change for a scooter, fancy colorway and nifty accessories notwithstanding.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I think the Transalp XL750 offers a much better deal. At under $10,000, you get an actual adventure bike, a more powerful engine, a manual transmission, and tons of options when it comes to luggage and accessories. But hey, that’s just me, and I’ve always been more of a motorcycle guy rather than a scooter guy.
Source: Honda UK
