THE 2024 AFRICA TWIN ROADSHOW TEST RIDE EVENT TAKES TO THE ROAD
Scotland's premier motor racing venue, set in the rugged Fife countryside, is the base camp for the Scottish leg of the 2024 Honda Africa Twin Roadshow Test Ride event. While the Knockhill Racing Circuit may be a scratcher's delight, this is no track day.
The event is open to all riders and anyone who is interested in the new 2024 model. Riders can explore the un-spoilt rural byways around Knockhill on a pre-planned route around the challenging twisting countryside roads.
Riders will experience 60 minutes onboard the thrilling 2024 Africa Twin. It's more than enough time to get a hands-on feel in real-world conditions along A and B roads, carving through the spectacular landscape.
All-New Icon
Launched in 2016, the CRF1000L Africa Twin hit the dirt running, leaping off the shoulders of its namesake and legendary Dakar winner. During this time, the CRF1000L forged its reputation as the most off-road savvy 1-litre adventure motorcycle.
The eight years that followed its launch passed in a flash, but Honda has not been idle. Several upgrades and improvements have seen the bike grow from strength to strength. For 2024, the multi-award-winning Africa Twin has yet more to offer.
Two models head up the range: the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Both offer Honda's increasingly popular Dual Clutch Transmission option (DCT).
The CRF1100 is one of Europe's best-selling large-capacity adventure bikes, with over 85,000 sold to date. However, the upgrades to the 2024 line-up give the big-bore dual sport bike even more world-conquering ability.
Thanks to innovative tweaks to the airbox, a rise in compression ratio, redesigned pistons, crankshaft, and stronger conrods, both models will benefit from additional power.
The resulting 7% boost in torque now kicks in lower down the rev range to give increased bottom-end and mid-range punch. The standard and adventure sports models each feature re-mapped ECU settings, providing instant, useable power on tap.
Game-Changing Dual Clutch Transmission
Since its 2010 debut, Honda has sold over 240,000 motorcycles fitted with their groundbreaking DCT. If you thought smooth shifting up and down the box was only for heavyweight touring bikes, think again.
Honda sells more Africa Twins with DCT than their manual-only option (71% of Africa Twin Adventure Sports are DCT versions). It is a testament to how advanced the system is for intuitive, clutchless shifting even on the dirt.
New hydraulics and real-time readings from the 6-axis IMU for lean angle, braking force, and acceleration give a more natural feel on launch right through the 6-speed box.
What's more, with the flick of a switch, riding modes range from laid-back to full power, and you can take manual control via the handlebar trigger shifters. Are you looking for extra control when the going gets tough? Simply turn off the rear brake ABS and press the G icon on the TFT display to reduce clutch slip instantly and boost rear wheel traction.
If you've never experienced DCT transmission, the Africa Twin Roadshow Test Ride event is perfect for putting it through its paces.
The Devil is in the Details
As for the remainder of the bike, practical details abound, with added wind protection from the taller, wider screen with a 5-point adjustment. In addition, a revised wheel design offers tougher, stainless steel spokes. Roadside repairs are made easier, as the 21"-18" wheel combination of the standard Africa Twin now wears tubeless tyres.
The Showa EERA electronic suspension, previously available only on the Adventure sport, is now an option on the standard model.
Retaining the 21" front wheel and longer travel suspension, the CRF1100L still provides a more dirt-focused option. Meanwhile, the 2024 Adventure Sport offers unparalleled comfort levels for serious adventure touring.
The 2024 Adventure Sport's 110/80-19 front tyre puts more rubber on the road, allowing a greater choice of compounds and tread. Shorter travel suspension and reduced seat height also lower the centre of gravity. This combination improves low-speed maneuverability when fully loaded, as well as impeccable highway-speed stability.
The new Adventure Sports features a larger capacity fuel tank (24.8L), redesigned fairing, and Showa EERA electronic suspension capable of adjusting rear preload on the fly. Combine these incredible features and it's clear why the 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sport takes adventure-touring to another level.
Africa Twin Roadshow Dates
If this rundown of the new 2024 Honda Africa Twin has you chomping at the bit, but you can't make it to Knockhill Racing Circuit from 19-21st of April, no stress. The Week 1 Knockhill event is the first stop in a nationwide tour coming to a circuit near you.
Week 2 sees the Africa Twin Roadshow Test Ride event rolling into one of the most famous race circuits in the world, Brands Hatch. The dates for your diary are 26-28th of April. Once again, the test circuit will take place on the roads around the course.
The stunning Exmoor National Park is the next stop when the unique Honda Adventure Centre hosts Week 3. This event gives owners and test riders a feel for the mighty Africa Twin with the hour-long test ride on the off-road Adventure Centre Course. All the events will be hugely popular, so you'll need to book well in advance. Make a note in your diary for Week 3 from 3-5th May.
From 10-12th May, Week 4 of the Honda Africa Twin Roadshow Test Ride event heads for Donnington Park. Here, you can put the 2024 Africa Twin through its paces along the idyllic country lanes surrounding the UK's oldest continual-use racing circuit.
Final Opportunity
For its grand finale, the roadshow will head for the outstanding Cheshire countryside and the historic Oulton Park racetrack. The track is a stone's throw from Delamere forest. The hour-long road course will allow owners and test riders to experience the AT's incredible bend-swinging ability.
Five fabulous venues, a 12-strong test fleet, and an hour-long road route to showcase the 2024 Africa Twins' surefooted skills. What more could you ask for?
So, whether you're a current owner or raring to road test the new models, book your place today!
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