The big news here is the larger
fuel tank and longer travel,
more progressive suspension
DCT VS MANUAL
You’ll no doubt have noticed I haven’t
mentioned differences between the DCT
semi-auto and manual gearbox versions of
the bike. Well, I rode the manual and Geoff
rode the DCT, but I have done a few thousand
kilometres on the DCT previously. The main
thing to understand is how easy it is to use, just
like an automatic car it also has a manual mode.
However, I don’t believe a test ride around the
block will do the DCT justice and to truly get
your head around the gearbox options requires
a learning phase to genuinely appreciate how
good it is. Put it this way – I have never spoken to
a DCT owner who didn’t love it.
There are a few other subtle changes, the
dash and the way modes are selected from
previous models, also the rear carrier rack is
now steel tube and looks more business like,
but overall the bike has a similar look and feel.
46 KIWI RIDER
The big news is the larger fuel tank and longer
travel and more progressive suspension. Is it a
better machine than the standard Africa Twin?
Well, yes and no. Undoubtedly, the suspension
is great, and a step up over the standard bike
(no pun intended). The extra five litres of tank
capacity means the fuel range is a good 100km-
plus better. However, this is a very big bike
to take off-road and 10kg heavier than the
normal Africa Twin. Other than that, this is a
very compelling ride. The Africa Twin Adventure
Sports is an accomplished package and makes
a top-drawer gravel road touring machine
that is perfect for New Zealand riding. If you’re
genetically blessed with long legs this could well
be the bike for you.
JOCK MCLAUCHLAN