Just a few days ago, we learned about the updates to Honda's Forza 750 and X-ADV for 2026, which sound great if you're in a country that gets those big scooters. I've been wanting to ride an X-ADV since forever, and maybe one day I will—although it's almost certain that it won't happen in my home country.
One of those updates that EJ told you about is Honda's plan to integrate more use of recycled plastics into their bodywork. But now, I'm here to tell you that Honda's given some more insight into exactly how it's integrating greater usage of recycled materials into both these two models, as well as some additional bikes. And it's kind of interesting, if you're the same type of nerd that I am. (Materials science FTW!)
Since 2024, Honda says it's been recycled automotive bumper materials harvested from its dealership network to make the luggage box for the X-ADV. But that's not all!
No, indeed, Honda also says it's been taking "pre-consumer recycled materials" and utilizing them in crafting the body panels of models including the NC750X, Forza 750, and X-ADV. Here in the US, we get the NC750X, but don't get either of the two larger scooters that are sold in Europe.
But if you're like me, and you're squinting just a little as you try to suss out the phrase "pre-consumer recycled materials," here's what that means. Think about what happens when you roll out cookie dough and cut it into shapes. There's leftover dough in between the cookies you've just cut out, right? So usually, you just roll that back into a ball, then flatten it with a rolling pin, and you cut out more cookies, right?
After all, you don't want to waste that precious (and delicious) cookie dough, so you find a way to reform it into new cookies. Honda is doing the same thing with the little scrap bits of plastic that are an inherent part of the molding and manufacturing processes. Only, you probably shouldn't eat those.
Rather than make cookies, Honda's been using them on some of its plastic-heavy motorbike models, with plans to expand their use into additional models in the future. As they explain it, it's a lot easier to use pre-consumer materials that have been recycled rather than post-consumer materials, for the simple reason of accountability. Honda knows what chemicals and processes this plastic swarf has been exposed to, so it can safely and reliably form them into something else without worry. Makes sense, right?
All the stuff I've described so far applies to opaque, colored plastic. But what if I told you that Honda has also been utilizing Mitsubishi's Durabio plastic in some of its bikes since 2024?
The first bikes that Honda used this bio-engineered form of plastic on were its 2024 NC750X and the nice, clear windscreen on the CRF1100L Africa Twin, also from 2024. After that first windscreen trial worked well, Honda began using the same material for plastics on the X-ADV, NC750X, and the XL750 Transalp as well. From there, Honda says, it will also go on to use this material in additional models in the future.
The recycling goes beyond integrating plastic bits that would previously have been scrapped, as well. Honda says it's found ways to recycle aluminum into wheels; first on its small-diameter wheels (think Super Cubs and scooters), and then to larger motorcycle models in Japan. Following the success of this limited market trial, Honda says it plans to continue expanding its use of recycled aluminum in its wheel manufacturing processes for additional models and markets into the future.
This is a move that kind of seems like a win for everyone. Who doesn't like fewer materials getting needlessly thrown away, if they can safely and reasonably be recycled into usable products instead? If it works as advertised, it seems like something that could be good for riders, for Honda, and for the planet, all at the same time. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments.
