2023 ADV GUIDE P45
and explored sandy single track
looking for standout surprises
and vulnerable bits to report. I
threw these bikes at an array of
test pilots from expert to novice,
and the results weren't neces-
sarily surprising, but they were
telling.
There are three or four things
that really define these bikes'
place in the ADV world. First, the
Honda engine performance and
chassis shine across the board.
From paved-road descents and
fire-road trips, the Africa Twin
has an extremely balanced chas-
sis, a premium suspension feel,
and a wonderful power delivery.
It really rips and can handle a
surprising amount of off-road
abuse in comparison. The trans-
mission is happy at speed and
shifts with ease whenever you
need it. The fueling is spot on,
and the bike rarely feels out of
its element. The biggest hits the
Africa Twin takes are ergonomi-
cally off-road in very technical
terrain and with final gearing in
the same.
If you're going to climb chal-
lenging mountain passes or two-
track traverses on the regular,
(Left) From paved-
road descents and
fire-road trips, the
Africa Twin has an
extremely balanced
chassis. (Right)
You can't go too
wrong picking a
Honda Africa Twin or
Yamaha Tenere 700.
