Another Africa Twin
The Africa Twin first appeared over 30 years ago. Back then it was a 750cc V-Twin and had been born of the big ‘H’s Dakar experience. Then in the late nineties it was discontinued. We had seen a number of significant ‘tall tourers’ enter the market with the BMW R1200GS being the one to match. Then in 2016 the new Africa Twin landed.
It was a completely new machine and while still powered by a twin, this one was a parallel configuration. Since then we’ve seen a number of different model derivatives. The current engine is an 1,084cc block.
Check out that Bash Plate!
Now and all new Adventure Sports machine has joined the family. This is basically the tougher sibling to the current road biased CRF1100L. It’s designed to work just as well on the road, but work better on the loose stuff. 112Nm of torque helps as does a number tweaks.
It’s sprung on Showa EERA suspension. This piece of cleverness gives the rider a choice of different settings at a touch of a button. While this type of tech has been available since the beginning of time, Showa add a whole new level of sophistication and Honda get to co-brand with one of the best names in the spring business. Once the rider sets the parameters for the system it’ll ‘prepare’ itself for hard braking, landing from a jump and adjusting itself for different road surfaces. It’ all very clever indeed.
Enough extras to fit out a global tourer
There’s a lot going on that makes it worth considering for the long distance rider who’s not afraid to take on the road less travelled. A big sump guard, not only looks cool, it also offers real engine protection. If you’ve ever torn the bottom out of an engine then you’ll appreciate the value of one.
While the tank volume, at a shade under 25 litres isn’t the largest in its class it’s still enough to keep the bike going on longer than expected days.
The electrics are impressive. The headlamps are cornering affairs. The DCT is sorted, the first ones were horrific! The IMU manages the traction control, keeps the wheelies to a minimum, looks after the ABS which works when the bike is leaned over in a corner. There are four riding modes one for light gravel, one for more series off road use, a touring one for the open road and a lower power one for the city. Cruise control comes as part of the package as well as a pair of factory heated grips.
A Ride That Feels Like A Honda!
The TFT screen can be used to manage the bikes connectivity as well as set and monitor the bikes systems, speed, engine speed. The Bluetooth connection even allows for Apple Car Play as well as whatever poor people use for their android phones. This is all a very long way from the original 750!
Sometimes a tankbag is all that you need...
Speaking of the original, the new Adventure Sports bike will be available in a choice of two colours, ‘Pearl Glare White’ and a rather wonderful tricolour as per the original 750 from back in the day. It even has the gold wheels!