+ Fuel consumption ; comfort ; auto gearbox – The thought of an auto gearbox
it comes to that stuff . On the road , where it will doubtlessly spend most of its time , the Africa Twin feels a lot more stable in the corners than its predecessor did – and it will surprise and delight when the going gets fast . I did struggle with its wide tailpiece impinging upon my magnificent hanging arse when I tried getting off the seat to add some drama to my ride . So I stopped doing that . Problem solved . If you ’ re like me and dirt holds no special fear for you , but you spend most of your time on the bitumen , the Africa Twin may well sing the song you want to hear . It may look tall , but it ’ s very narrow and putting your feet on the ground is easy . It ’ s beautifully finished and , to my eye , one of the more handsome Adventure insects . The seat is firmer than it was , but I ’ m appreciably more leathery than I was ten years ago . I could and did do all-dayers in the seat . The screen could be taller – at least that ’ s what I thought until it hit me in the face during the photoshoot when I came over a bump and my head was in the wrong place . Or my neck gave way . Or I don ’ t know . It happened . Good thing I was wearing a helmet , huh ? But on the road , the screen could be taller . Or I could stop nit-picking . It ’ s really no biggie . What is a biggie is the fuel economy . The tank is vast . A whole 24.8 litres is drip-fed to the engine via a wholly scrooge-like tune . I ’ m thinking you could get 450km if you ’ re being mindful . Honda has aimed this year ’ s Africa Twin more directly at the roads less travelled . But this has not compromised the bike ’ s bitumen kung fu . It ’ s maybe improved on it a bit , if anything . And the Africa Twin may give some bang away to its top-end competition , but not in any meaningful way for most riders . For the most part , it ’ s beautifully-mannered , makes no hideous demands upon you , accepts your skill-levels with grace , and delivers you a wonderful ride , which is engaging despite its lack of clutch and gear-lever . And it comes in the colours of the Serbian flag – which is most thoughtful of Honda .
KIWI RIDER 89