Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1488797
table and introducing a pile of op- tions. A six-axis IMU, eight (eight!) levels of HSTC traction control, and three levels of power deliv- ery. It also received three modes of engine braking adjustment. All of these come together in three ride modes and one custom user mode you can build. It was now throttle-by-wire controlled. It was the beginning of the end of simple Africa Twins. Finally, the 2020 updates came with the 1084cc engine we still have and four preset rid- ing modes, two custom modes, wheelie control, cruise control, Apple CarPlay integration, and more. Engine output was neces- sary for Honda to get ahead of Euro5 emissions regulations, but we were still sort of turned off by the complicated electronics just as the competition was deliver- ing more (cornering ABS) that was easier to control via sleek user interfaces. Now, right on cue for the two- year update cycle, we have the 2022 Africa Twin. This year Honda brought little changes. The AT now has Android Auto connectivity and a new bolt-on subframe with more strap-down points. The 2022 Honda Africa Twin (standard we tested) MSRP is $14,499 YAMAHA TENERE 700 BREAKDOWN Nothing is simpler than a Ya- maha Tenere 700. And it hasn't changed a lick since we rode the first North American ver- sion in 2020. A cable-operated throttle body controls fueling for a 689cc CP2 parallel twin en- gine. There is no traction control other than your right hand and the engine's fantastic torquey smoothness. There is an on-road ABS setting that can be turned off (rear wheel) by pushing the single mode button on the aging, grayscale electronic dashboard. It is simple in all areas down to the tubes in the tires. It is a basic travel motorcycle, which is why it's so loved in the market. Tene- re 700 owners don't (think they) need any of that fancy electronic garbage to improve their ride. The 2022 Yamaha Tenere 700 MSRP is $10,299, with 2023's T7 MSRP listed as $10,499. COMPARISON I HONDA AFRICA TWIN & YAMAHA TENERE 700 P40 From straight-lining it on highways to arcing two- track turns, it's hard to fault the T7's ride.