Tempted by ADV350

[Greyerbeard]

Getting close to having to make the sad decision about letting the Triumph go and not replacing it (it's getting heavy to wheel around, not using it enough, don't really 'need' a bike like that any more...)
Have been using the Forza 350 more and more over the last 4 years as an all purpose, do anything bike so am more than familiar with its all-round excellence with one proviso - the awful ride quality on rough roads!
Very tempted by the ADV350 as a replacement for, well, both of them really - I know that the 350's performance is quite enough for our infested roads. I've been able to sit on and wheel around an ADV but can't have a test ride because of the ridiculous, frustrating dealer insurance age limits. It felt a bit more spacious to sit on but a bit further from the ground; was a bit more on tiptoe but not a great problem.
Has anyone else gone from a Forza 350 to an ADV, and is therefore able to say if the suspension/ride quality is any better?
Thanks!

[mottza]

Firmer, but good suspension. You can really throw it about.

[Greyerbeard]

Firmer, but good suspension. You can really throw it about.

What, firmer than the Forza suspension?? Ouch...

[Leadfarmer]

When I bought my Forza 350 I also tried the ADV and surprisingly the suspension was no better

I bought the Forza as it has better weather protection and the electric screen, I’m not bothered about TFT screens, analog is fine

Honda have changed the rear shocks on the ADV for 2025 but not touched the forks, don’t know if the difference will be huge

Never heard of an upper age limit for a test ride

[Greyerbeard]

Never heard of an upper age limit for a test ride

Thanks for that.
And every main Honda/BMW/Triumph/Harley you name it dealer anywhere near Cheltenham - No test rides or loan bikes for anyone outside the age range 25-75.
'Insurance imposed'...

[velocipede6295]

I've got a Forza, and an ADV, the ADV for me has the better suspension, it smooths out rough roads better, and also handles better.

[MrGrumpy]

Yes, I also consider the ADV350 as hopefully its suspension can handle grotty back roads, unlike most mid sized scoots. But I go round this loop.....
I have two Tmaxs, a 2009 and an 2017. This is way OTT for my needs, and having the mk3 Tmax as a second scoot for local trips is pretty absurd. So I consider the ADV350 which could probably do the job. But then I think, would it be that much better than the Tmax? More economical, more luggage space, but the Tmax is just so dammed good at everything (including how it handles dodgy back roads) would I have forked out £6k for an ADV350 that's probably no better in most ways! The 2009 Tmax is still mega fun to ride, but its getting a bit old - things that wear out are beginning to do so, Wheel Bearings, Fork bearings, brake pistons, battery are just some of the minor things replaced recently.

[roadster]

It has been many years since I road tested the ADV350 so it may have improved since then. I jumped off my Triumph Street twin on to the dealer's machine and was immediately struck by the fact that it was actually harder for me, at 5'11'', to handle at low speed and to get a solid foot on the ground. I was also unconvinced by the automatic transmission which wasn't as smooth as a conventional variator when slowing down. It also sacrificed some of the underseat storage of a conventional machine. The rugged styling gives a false impression of improved suspension but the real issue with scooters is the fact that the engine/transmission is part of the unsprung weight of the rear end. Only T-Max and Kymco AK550 really tackle that.

[Greyerbeard]

Yes, for a while I had a T-Max as well as a smaller scoot, and yes the T-Max was like a comfy sofa in comparison!
But...it was also really 'more' than I needed and tbh the Forza 350 is so damn quick on its feet that journey times and cruising speeds are just the same. The ADV felt a little more spacious to sit on though, and the weight is so low that tiptoes are usually fine.
The underseat space on the ADV350 is the same as the Forza.
Hey ho, the only way I'm going to find out is to buy one...watch this space
Thanks for all the responses folks.

[MrGrumpy]

The real issue with scooters is the fact that the engine/transmission is part of the unsprung weight of the rear end. Only T-Max and Kymco AK550 really tackle that.

And the Forza 750 / X-ADV of course - plus the Sym Tmax clone. Yes, you're right - its why its so damned hard to give up a Tmax! I've had real struggles out of town with the Burgman 200 (basically so bad as to be unrideable) and the Bev 350ST - just plain difficult. However, I've seen video reviews from sensible people who say that the ADV350 can handle poorer roads, and even some unmade roads, rather better than the normal swinging engine scoot. But you have to try it to find out, specifically on the sort of roads you are likely to ride, which isn't easy before purchase. I'm pretty confident that the ADV350 would have enough power (the Bev, albeit with a few more hp than the ADV) would keep with the Tmax!