As for the gearbox, the new motor is buttery smooth and typically Honda, and when teamed up with that nifty shifter, snicking up and down the box is a joy. But if you are one to embrace a bit of change. then the DCT gearbox version is worth a try. Honda is the only brand with this system, but once you’ve tried it, you may well love it.
In the auto setting, there are two modes, the Drive mode that tends to short shift to get you into top as soon as it can, or the Sports mode that holds the gears for far longer if you are feeling a bit more urgent. There’s a substantial difference in the two modes, but either way it’s thoroughly weird to have an 1100cc adventure bike that you ride like a ‘Twist and Go’ scooter!
If it’s all too much, you could start in the semi- automatic mode and change up and down with the paddles either side of the left switchgear. Considering that this type of gear change is more common to top end sports cars than adventure bikes, it’s pretty damn trick.
OK so what about the suspension? Well on the stock bike the new Showa kit is very impressive, holding the bike onto the road like a particularly stubborn limpet on a rock no matter how enthusiastic your riding, backed up by those massive radial Nissin calipers and the 310 mm discs. But it’s the electronic suspension package model – EERA- that really impresses. Honda’s new tech delivers an astoundingly balanced ride, the combined systems smoothing out the road into an almost magic carpet ride. Add in the adjustability for riders and luggage at the toggle of a button and it’s impossible to fault. It takes the Africa Twin to another level.
But although there is a clear split between both the standard and the ATAS bikes, the standards and the electronic suspension variants, in reality whichever option you choose has the same fundamental chassis and motor. And the 2020 Africa Twin is truly exceptional on the road.
Very informative & Impressive, easy to understand details. Well done.