My views and thoughts after a 300 mile first ride of a 2017 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT.
I rode this back to back with the Crosstourer (you can see my video review of that - • First Ride: 2016 Honda... ) so I make a fair few comparisons between the bikes on this video.
I ride it in urban areas, on the motorway and also try and have some fun on some twisties.
This bike was fitted with the DCT gearbox. An amazing bit of technology and makes swapping cogs so smooth you almost don't notice it and in Sport mode it is quite fun. Drive mode is too soft and for feels lazy and lethargic. It also takes a lot of getting used to and for me lacks the finesse of a manual for slow speed riding especially in town areas.
It has a really soulful engine with plenty of torque and it is effortless to ride briskly. It's a reasonably comfortable bike for mile munching but after draining nearly a full tank of fuel my bum was starting to ache a bit and for my 6ft1 frame and long legs, while not cramped in any sense, I could do with the pegs being an inch or so lower to be more comfy.
I give my final verdict on the bike but in short, a good bike that is a tasty all rounder. Enough power for the road and ultimately it's a bike with a real soul and tonnes of character. Not as comfy or as fast as the Crosstourer, but just so much more engaging and a lot more fun to ride!
23 авг 2024
