Thanks to the new throttle-by-wire
system and a new exhaust there’s
more immediate response, better
mid-range punch and there’s now
more fruity barking exhaust note
HITTING THE ROAD
Our Plan for the first day was an early lunch
stop 140 clicks up the road at Hanmer Springs,
then gas up in Blenheim 400km away – a great
way to check the new larger 24.2 litre fuel tank’s
range. Then on to Picton, the ferry crossing
and a bed in Wellington. To my eyes, the Africa
Twins have always been strikingly handsome
beasts and this new model certainly holds its
own – maybe I’m biased because I own a 2016
model...? Anyway, one thing that can’t be denied
is this is physically a very large machine. The
larger fuel tank does not go unnoticed, as it is
wider where your knees rest, the bike is taller
on 25mm longer suspension front and rear, the
bars are a good bit higher, and the seat is 50mm
higher than on the standard Africa Twin. The
screen is taller too, but it’s not adjustable, which
is disappointing and shorter riders will have
to look through it or stand. I’m tall and could
comfortably look over it, but air buffeted badly
around the peak of my helmet. Frankly, pretty
much immediately on riding this new model I
figured that riders under six feet tall will struggle
with its size at times – especially if they genuinely
want to ride off road or when manoeuvring it
when fully laden. Right, that’s it for the bad news,
let’s crack on assuming you’re happy with the
screen and have a long inside leg measurement.
The main drag to Hanmer is a fast-flowing piece
of excellent tarmac with awesome sweeping
turns and very little traffic, perfect for letting the
ATs breathe a little. Midrange torque is up over
my 2016 model and it’s noticeable. Thanks to the
new throttle-by-wire system and a new exhaust
there’s more immediate response, better mid-
range punch and there’s now more fruity/
barking exhaust note. Cruising well in excess of
the legal limit was effortless, safe and definitely
the way to gobble those early kays, but shhhh….
don’t tell anyone.
KIWI RIDER 39