MCL 2022 - ADVENTURE
Ride Hard, and Let the Adventures Begin!
Get your outdoor gear on, saddle up and head for the dirt. It's time to take a good long look at Honda's adventure bike section at this year's Motorcycle Live event.
Adventure riding is one of the fastest-growing segments of the motorcycle industry. While some manufacturers scramble for ideas, Honda continues to build class-leading dual sports.
For 2023, we've blasted the cobwebs off the adventure bike sector with the return of the legendary, yet all-new, Transalp 750. There's also news of updates to the Africa Twin and NC750X. Plus, a look at Honda's much-talked-about Adventure Roads Tour.
Head for the hills as they come alive with the sound of Hondas!
The Mountains Call to the All-New Transalp
If the Transalp name sounds familiar, that's because the first of its name hit the dirt running in 1987. Cashing in on Honda's success in the famous Paris-Dakar race, the XL600V beat the Africa Twin to the streets by a year.
The bike had long travel suspension, a practical fairing and upright riding position. What’s more, it could adapt from the motorway to the dirt track without skipping a beat. The two-wheeled equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. The under-stressed V-twin engine didn't know when to quit. The original Transalp was a star then and still is today with its army of loyal fans.
Fast-forward 36 years and the all-new Honda 750 Transalp is ready to blow the cobwebs off the dual-sport market again. At its heart is Honda's brand-new barnstorming 755cc parallel-twin power plant.
The engine guarantees to keep the adrenaline flowing, whether it's a daily commute, mountain road carving or a blast down a gravel track. Thanks to a cutting-edge chassis and top-shelf suspension, the ethos of the original legend is alive and well. Better still, it's raising the bar.
Engine Envy
Starting with a blank canvas the new 755cc parallel-twin engine combines waves of low and mid-range torque with a surprising top-end rush.
You can thank Honda's super sports engineers for the seemingly endless power supply. The air vortex intake technology that amplifies and smooths low and mid-range response and the high-spec Ni-SiC plated cylinders for reduced friction are racetrack proven.
While the engine's 67.5kW power output arrives at 9500rpm, with a peak torque of 75Nm at a sensible 7,250rpm speak volumes, it's only half the story. This engine is equally about feel. The 270-degree crankshaft plays a significant role here.
Instead of being isolated from the engine, winding on the Transalps throttle produces an addictive tactile experience that doesn't need a speedometer to confirm forward propulsion.
A Frame of Mind
Wrapped around the new engine is a lightweight yet sturdy steel diamond frame tipping the scales at a mere 18.3kg. The attention paid to the sturdy subframe emphasises the Transalp's load-carrying ability.
At the front end, a forged aluminium top yoke adds to the precision steering feel and is home to 43mm Showa SFF-CATM USD forks boasting 200mm of travel. Monoshock rear suspension joins Honda's tried and tested Pro-link on a sturdy aluminium swingarm.
The classic combination of 21" front and 18" rear wheels helps the Transalp to feel predictable on the road while offering heaps of off-road feedback.
State of the Art Equipment
Electronic rider aids come in the shape of four riding modes; Standard, Sport, Gravel and Rain. These alter the level of engine power and braking to suit the conditions. Furthermore, with the bike in User mode, the rider can customise parameters in each category. This option includes deactivating the rear ABS for off-roading.
The 5" TFT information unit tucked behind the screen is ideally placed for viewing vital information at a glance without taking your eyes off the road. It is also possible to alter the digital readout to give four variations of analogue or digital style displays.
Meanwhile, the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCs), via Honda's RoadSync App, allows Bluetooth connectivity to an android or iOS device. This feature opens a world of ride-along interactivity for music, Sat Nav prompts and calls.
Full LED lighting front and back is also high-tech with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology. The system uses the rear indicators as hazard flashers to alert vehicles behind of sudden braking.
Finally, thanks to the flexibility of the Transalp's ECU, it is possible to reconfigure the motorcycle to lower power output to an A2 licence-friendly 35kW. Moreover, gain a full motorcycle license and your nearest official Honda dealer can re-write the ECU to allow access to full power.
Accessory Pack Options
To make the most of the versatile XL750 Transalp, Honda is aiming to roll out a raft of genuine accessories. These fall into five categories.
Staying True to the Dual Sport Spirit
In 2003, fans of the XRV750 Africa Twin shed a heartfelt tear. The occasion marked the passing of one of the first big dual sport bikes with genuine off-road capabilities.
With the press alerting everyone to the arrival of an all-new Africa Twin in 2015, AT fans had only one more year to wait. The CRF1000L was a big bore dual-sport that looked like nothing on the market. It was lean and mean and featured an engine layout that put it in a class of one.
At the time, adventure bikes had followed two distinct routes: overweight behemoths or barely controllable rocket ships. The new Africa Twin with its compact parallel twin engine and perfect poise, came as a breath of fresh air.
The Spirit lives On
Staying true to the original’s spirit, the all-new Africa Twin had big shoes to fill. The bike didn't just look the part, though; Honda paid close attention to its weight and balance, providing authentic off-road ability.
The engine's 94bhp gave an impressive spread of real-world torque and matched the handling perfectly, making it the complete package.
The parallel-twin layout also provided a low, narrow profile, separating it from its shire horse-like rivals. As a result, the new CRL1000 Africa Twin put the adventure back into adventure biking.
Never one to rest on their laurels, Honda upped the stakes within two years of its launch. Offering the bike with manual or DCT transmission, the 2018 Africa Twin also came with throttle by wire, three riding modes, seven levels of HSTC traction control and improved engine response.
Travelling Faster, for Longer
Hot on its heels came Honda's announcement of the Africa Twin Adventure Sport's launch. The Adventure Sport boasted all the 2018 model's updates and could carry an additional 6L of petrol.
The front suspension came in the form of 45mm fully adjustable Showas and 20mm of extra travel plus 13 other mods enabled the Africa Twin to travel further and faster.
The next upgrade to the Africa Twin came in 2020. It saw the bike lower, slimmer and more agile with the engine size increasing to 1100cc, boosting power to 100bhp.
In keeping with the Adventure Sports' higher spec, the bike's electronic rider aids also got a significant overhaul. The addition of a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit controlled the 7-level traction control and the 3-level wheelie control and cornering ABS.
For both 2022 Africa Twin models came minor tweaks with manual or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) options.
Dirt-Friendly DCT
If you thought DCT was only for road-going tourers, it's time for a significant rethink. The Africa Twin's DCT proves it's equally viable on and off the road.
There are three operational modes from which to choose. Firstly, riders can move between MT and manual shifting via switchgear-mounted paddles. Second, D mode gives automatic gear changes ideal for fuel-efficient highway riding. Finally, in S mode, you can opt for three levels of sportier performance.
By activating the G switch on the bike's TFT touchscreen, the DCT's additional off-road specific skills kick in. This switch reduces clutch slip while changing gears and adds incline detection for optimum control.
Further enhancements add to the off-road experience with IMU-triggered cornering detection and enhanced DCT settings. These focus on the first and second gears to give smoother standing and slow speed starts.
Initial hesitance for new technology is fast becoming a thing of the past. To date, Honda sales of bikes equipped with DCT are over 200K.
As for the Africa Twin, the figures speak for themselves. Currently, the Adventure Sports version outsells the standard model. Furthermore, with over 60% of Adventure Sport owners opting for DCT, any question of the dual-clutch transmission being off-road capable is buried in the dirt.
Colour Options for 2023
In 2023, both models will be available in manual and DCT options with the standard Africa Twin receiving two colour updates. These options are Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Glint Wave Blue Metallic Tricolour.
For the latest Adventure Sport, the Pearl Glare White Tricolour remains, joined by Mat Iridium Gray Metallic.
With continent-crossing comfort and surefooted off-road manners, the Honda Africa Twin and Adventure Sport stay true to the dual-sport spirit outclassing all other motorcycles.
Who Dares Wins
In 2017, to showcase the world-conquering capabilities of the new CRL1000 Africa Twin, Honda launched the Adventure Roads Tour.
Adventure Roads was a grand idea, taking 40 Africa Twin owners and transporting them to some far-flung corner of the world and letting them loose on the landscape.
The 40 lucky participants of that first tour came from around the world. They made their way to Norway to meet the Honda backup team and get to grips with 40 rental Africa Twins. With intermediate to advanced terrain to negotiate, riders needed at least five years of riding experience to join.
How to Take Part in an Adventure Roads Tour
The Nordkapp tour clocked up an impressive 3,750km in 8 days through Northern Norway's breathtaking mountains. Needless to say, the tour was a runaway success.
Two years later, Adventure Roads hit the Dark Continent with a 3,736km blast through deserts, mountains and remote bush of South Africa.
Land of Fire and Ice
The pandemic put paid to the next bi-annual event but in 2022, the tour came back with a bang. The third chapter saw participants get up close with the other-worldly backdrop of Iceland.
With lessons learned from the first two tours, back up for the third event was run like a military operation. Every aspect of the journey planned and plotted.
Before the journey kicked off, participants enjoyed an added bonus. HRC rally riders and Dakar veterans, José Ignacio Cornejo and Ricky Brabec, joined the 30-strong group to share their skills.
Training and familiarisation began in earnest on day one. The HRC team accompanied the band of riders for the early part of the Adventure Roads Tour.
Essential Back-up
Honda team members Dave Thorpe and Vanessa Ruck also joined the group for nine days in the saddle.
With three British MX Championships under his belt, Dave Thorpe's off-road skills are legendary. Meanwhile, seasoned adventure rider and rally raider Vanessa Ruck's dirt bike experience and positive mental attitude, were a big plus for the riders.
As rock solid as the Honda Africa Twin range is, anything can happen when traversing some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. For this reason, a backup crew of Honda technicians joined the group once a day at designated checkpoints. Their specially kitted-out truck is a mobile workshop, is packed full of spares and carries a replacement motorcycle in case of an accident.
On their first day in the saddle, as the snake of Africa Twins headed up an active volcano, the riders got a taste of the awe-inspiring Icelandic landscape.
Over the following days it was time to negotiate black sand, gravel tracks, lava fields and raging streams. The route took some of Iceland's most remote trails and tested the group's endurance levels to the max.
The trip of a lifetime finally ended at the famous Blue Lagoon. Riders said goodbye to their Africa Twins and rested weary limbs in the therapeutic hot thermal waters.
Join the Tour
Are you an Africa Twin owner? Does the thought of the Honda Adventure Roads Tour get your blood pumping? If you answered yes, then you sound like the ideal candidate.
The 2024 tour is already well into the planning stages. So, register now and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Follow Vanesa Ruck @thegirlonabike and Honda's Adventure Roads Instagram account for real-time updates.
DCT for the Dirt
In 2010, the VFR1200F became the first motorcycle in the world to feature Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Interestingly, focus groups revealed that initial resistance was more to do with the loss of the traditional motorcycling experience than opposition to the technical aspect.
Rather than taking away from the two-wheel experience, DCT exists to enhance the ride. Removing the need for changing gear allows the rider to enjoy bend swinging to the full.
Almost 13 years later, over 200,000 Honda owners are riding around, enjoying the benefits of a DCT-equipped motorcycle.
With the case for DCT in touring bikes proven, Honda decided to tackle the new elephant in the room; DCT for dual sport bikes.
Once again, old-school, die-hards voiced opposition. Yet, resistance, as they say, is useless. Shortly after its launch, the all-new Honda Africa Twin rolled onto the showroom floor with optional DCT.
The initial response was cautious. However, within two short years, the tide turned. Currently, 51% of all Africa Twins sold are DCT-equipped. DCT-equipped dual sport bikes in the Honda line-up include the Africa Twin, Africa Twin Adventure Sport, NC750X and the X-ADV.
In a state of constant evolution, the Africa Twin's DCT has three operational modes. Firstly, riders can move between MT and manual shifting via switchgear-mounted paddles. Second, D mode gives automatic gear changes ideal for fuel-efficient highway riding. Finally, in S mode, you can opt for three levels of sportier performance.
All about the G switch
By activating the G switch on the bike's TFT touchscreen, the DCT's additional off-road specific skills kick in, reducing clutch slip while changing gears and adding incline detection for optimum control.
There is no doubt that DCT for dual sport bikes is viable and makes sense. The only question is, when will we see a DCT Dakar Honda?
The NC750X, an Ultimate All-Rounder
While scooters are the ideal solution for commuter convenience, not every motorcyclist is ready to make the step-thru transition. However, what if someone were to design a bike that was easy to ride, impossibly frugal and had onboard storage capable of holding a full-face helmet?
For anyone other than Honda, this would be an impossible task. Yet, in 2012, the NC700X hit the nail on the head. The bike's comfort, frugality, usability and value for money made it very popular. The only complaint at the time, being that it felt slightly underpowered.
Two years later, with this issue addressed, the NC750X's growth in popularity came as a surprise to everyone, even Honda. In the UK, it outsold the Fireblade. Meanwhile in Europe, a market that champions a twist-and-go philosophy, it became a consistent bestseller.
The NC750X's ease of maintenance, torque-rich engine, smooth, comfortable ride and unbelievable fuel efficiency assured its popularity. Yet, the simple addition of the hidden storage inside the dummy tank was pure genius. Scooter designers have long understood the secret of hidden storage but this was a first for a motorcycle.
Considering all these factors makes it easy to see why the NC750X is so prolific but let's dive a little deeper to see what makes it tick.
When faced with a top-selling motorcycle, some manufacturers can't resist the temptation to make unnecessary changes. Honda does not fall into this trap.
Continuously Evolving
Instead, while continuously evolving the NC750X's successful and unique formula over the years, its core values remain the same.
Honda listened intently to rider feedback. In 2014, fans saw the engine size increase to 745cc. Further tweaks followed in 2016 with more adventurous aesthetics, new instruments and upgrades to optional DCT.
The following two-year update cycle introduced two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control. Moreover, a re-mapped ECU allowed A2 licence riders to enjoy the NC750X experience.
Honda recognised the NC750X's core strengths as practicality, do-it-all comfort and handling composure and set about improving all three. In the process, the engine gained more spirited performance with added torque and top-end zap.
Designers carved 6kg off the kerb weight and reduced the seat height by 30mm.
Throttle By Wire, electronic riding modes and refined Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) were the finishing touches. These rubber-stamped the bike's status as one of the best and most accomplished all-rounders on the market.
The NC750X continues to be one of Honda's top-selling motorcycles in Europe. What’s more, with the DCT option outselling the manual model, the bike's reputation as a fuss-free ride continues to grow.
In 2023, a catalogue of genuine Honda accessories will become available as packs or individually. Joining the line-up of available colour options are Mat Jeans Blue Metallic, Pearl Deep Mud Gray and Candy Chromosphere Red.
To learn more about one of Europe's most popular all-around bikes, visit Honda at Motorcycle Live 2022.
Adventures with Dave
Dave Thorpe, the 3-time World Motocross Champion and Veteran World Championship title holder, is a leading name in motorcycling. His successful career includes racing team management at Grand Prix and UK levels. A member of Honda’s factory racing team since 1983, Dave joined riders in Iceland for the 2022 Honda Adventure Road tour.
Currently, Dave Thorpe runs the Honda Adventure Center and the Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Center in the heart of the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. The local area provides endless trails with spectacular scenic views where riders can sharpen their skills.
The Honda Adventure Centre offers two event styles, the 1- Day Exmoor Tour and the 2-Day Exmoor Adventure. The first option provides the opportunity to ride across 130 miles of the Exmoor National Park and is an excellent introduction to the joys of Africa Twin adventure bike riding.
Meanwhile, the 2-Day Adventure is an off-road adventure riding training course on Honda's latest Africa Twin models. Here, you will learn all the skills needed for off-road riding. Better still, there are three levels of ability grading to complement the rider's off-road experience.
Both choices offer riders the opportunity to take in the best of Exmoor from the saddle of Honda's ultra-capable Africa Twin or Africa Twin Adventure Sport.
The Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Center has a wide range of events suitable for newbies, experts and everyone in between. These include Enduro Days covering trail riding woodland areas, trail riding and river crossings.
Alternatively, if you want to take to the track, the centre's Motocross Days take place through the southwest of England.
If you’re on the hunt for adventure, you came to the right place! Dave Thorpe will be on hand every day of the Motorcycle Live show to chat and answer your questions.
Taking the Rough with the Smooth
The best thing about Motorcycle Live is that we get to meet and greet the Honda fans that power our enthusiasm. It's great to see so many people up close and personal. This year, we've got a real showstopper in our adventure section.
For the first time, you can get face-to-face with the all-new Honda XL750 Transalp. The original 600cc version attracted a die-hard legion of fans and its 2023 namesake is set to do the same.
Also on show is the all-terrain conquering CRF1100 Africa Twin and Adventure Sport, models. You'll be able to see the bike's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) option and better yet, put the auto-box through its paces. Drive by the rolling road section and experience how the system works on board the motorcycle that shares the Africa Twin's power plant, the award-winning NT1100.
You can also get to grips with how DCT works and its benefits to enhance the rider experience and discover why over 50+% of European NC750X riders are DCT converts.
Are you Ready for Adventure?
Keeping the off-road vibe going, this year's incredible Adventure Roads Tour highlights the once-in-a-lifetime ride. If you're an Africa Twin owner on the quest for adventure, chat with us for 2024 tour details.
If you enjoy reliving your dual-sport adventures, we'd love to hear all about it. Share your pics, tweets and comments with us here:
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