MCL 2021
Adventure
A sense of Adventure!
We all possess it, but how many really explore their adventurous side, knowing that getting off the beaten path and embracing that off-road trail may just give you a different view of the world.
Our feature today looks at all things adventure – be it the super capable on and off-road supreme machine, the Africa Twin – with new designs and updates for 2022, along with our ever expanding and class leading off-road machines. Since opening the doors at the weekend, it has been fantastic to see so many enthusiastic Honda fans visiting the stand. While there is something for every motorcycle enthusiast, one area drawing lots of interest is Honda's off-road section.
In 1972, actor and Honda enthusiast Steve McQueen took part in a TV advert for his favourite dirt bike. Ever since the game-changing CR 250 M Elsinore hit the trail, Honda's been kicking up rooster tails and taking the checkered flag.
Almost 50 years later, Honda remains a major player in the off-road scene. What's more, when the adventure biking craze took off, Honda's already popular dual-sport range found a whole new army of fans.
Honda's Africa Twin: Best bike for when you Run out of Road, and rather superb on the road too!
Mention the term 'adventure bike,' and most people point to the BMW R80 GS as the Motorcycle responsible for kicking everything off. So it's not hard to see why, within a year of its launch in 1980, the GS won its first Paris-Dakar Rally. Many people don't know though, that Honda built the Africa Twin with the sole intention of stealing their crown.
In the early 1980s, GS riders dominated the world's toughest off-road race and seemed to be unstoppable. Then along came Honda. In 1986, Honda threw their hat into the ring with the NXR 750, a motorcycle developed for the duel in the desert.
Honda won their first Parish-Dakar Rally convincingly, with NXR 750s taking first, second and third places. Honda broke BMW's stranglehold on the Paris-Dakar dominating for the next four years. What's more, a BMW boxer twin would never win the event again. Back to 2021, and though now the bike used is the incredible Honda CRF450 Rally, Honda once again took the top step and won the coveted Paris Dakar race, one that is dubbed ‘the toughest rally on earth’.
Although Honda launched the first Africa Twin in 650-cc format, the XRV 75O version followed in 1989. One of Europe's favorite dual-sport bikes, the Africa Twin enjoyed a production run that lasted for 13 years.
Far from abandoning the adventure bike sector, Honda's flag carrier became the Transalp. So if Africa Twin fans mourned the passing of their favourite dual-sport, they only had to wait until 2016 and the launch of the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin.
At the time, adventure bikes had gone down two distinct routes. They either evolved into overweight behemoths or barely controllable rocket ships. However, with its compact parallel-twin engine and perfect poise and balance, the new Africa Twin was a breath of fresh air.
Following the ethos of the original, the all-new Africa Twin impressed from the start. It didn't just look the part either. Its weight and balance gave it genuine off-road ability.
The engine's impressive spread of useable torque matched its handling, making it a complete package. Finally, it was ready to take on the world. With a thoroughbred stance separating it from its Shire horse-like rivals, the new Africa Twin put the adventure back into biking.
How Honda Upped the Stakes
Two years after its launch and with the popularity of the adventure market still gaining momentum, Honda upped the stakes. The 2018 Africa Twin came with manual or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), throttle by wire, three riding modes, seven levels of HSTC traction control, and improved engine response.
If that wasn't enough, the company also announced the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport's launch. The Adventure Sport had all of the standard model's updates plus a larger tank and increased suspension travel. It also featured 13 other mods, all designed to help the rider travel further, faster.
While others in the adventure bike market loaded their bikes with more weight making them less dirt friendly, Honda's vast off-road experience led down a different route. Africa Twin upgrades in 2020 made the bike lower, slimmer, and more agile. In addition, engine size increased to 1100-cc.
Despite these upgrades, the addition of an aluminium subframe and swinging arm based on the CRF 450 R saw a reduction in the Africa Twin's weight of 5-Kg.
In keeping with the Adventure Sports higher spec, the electronic rider aids also got a significant overhaul. The addition of a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit controlled the 7-level traction control, the 3-level wheelie control, and cornering ABS. It also got four riding modes, cruise control, and LED daytime running lights.
The 2022 model of both Africa Twins offers minor tweaks with more dynamic graphics and a lower adjustable screen for the Adventure Sports model. Both models provide DCT but improvements to the system's usability on the dirt make it an even more viable option.
Dual Clutch Transmission for the Dirt
If you thought DCT was just for road-bound tourers, think again. The level of sophistication of the Africa Twin's DCT takes the dual-clutch transmission system to a whole new level. We even have a dedicated Engine Room article should you wish to know more.
The three operational modes allow riders to move between MT, manual shifting via switchgear-mounted paddles. Meanwhile, D-mode gives automatic gear changes that are ideal for fuel-efficient highway riding. Finally, choose S-mode, and you can opt for three levels of sportier performance.
Activating the G switch on the TFT touch screen causes the DCT additional off-road specific skills to kick in, reducing clutch slip while changing gear and adding incline detection for optimum control.
Further enhancements add to the off-road experience with IMU-triggered cornering detection. Enhanced DCT settings also focus on first and second gears to give smoother standing and slow speed starts.
If you still think DCT is for road use only, think again! The optional DCT on both models of the Africa Twin is sure to change your mind!
All Roads Lead to Adventure when you Ride an Africa Twin
In 2017, to showcase the real-world dual sport capability of the incredible new Africa Twin, Honda launched the first of its Adventure Roads tours.
The trip saw 40 riders clock up 3,750-km over eight days throughout the breathtaking Norwegian mountains and fjords. Escorted by Honda Marshals and model ambassadors, the journey took riders across breathtaking roads and trails. These ranged in difficulty from medium to tough.
It should come as no surprise that the fleet of Africa Twins passed the test with flying colours. Yet, equally important was the sense of accomplishment and improvement of skills experienced by the riders.
Two years later, Adventure Roads headed for South Africa. This epic 3,736-km journey took them from Durbin to the Cape of Good Hope. Africa Twin riders confronted snaking mountain passes, remote river crossings and challenging desert trails with the polar opposite of conditions.
With two successful tours under their belt, Honda's hat-trick was a tough call. The search for a third dramatic location capable of pushing both riders and motorcycles pointed them towards Iceland.
A Journey of Discovery
In 2022, the next exciting chapter begins. This time 30 lucky riders take on the other-worldly landscape that is The Land of Fire and Ice. Riders will blast across deserted volcanic beaches, negotiate desolate boulder fields and power along dusty mountain trails.
Adventure Roads are set against one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. These will provide the perfect opportunity to learn how to get the most from your Africa Twin motorcycle.
Best of all, Honda Racing Corporation rally riders will be alongside riders during the early stages of the trip. The chance to share their skills both on and off-road will help everyone involved experience an exhilarating ride, whatever the terrain.
The tour will leave a lifetime of incredible memories and raise only one nagging question: "Why didn't I buy an Africa Twin sooner?"
The Honda CRF Range Continues to Evolve
For almost half a century, Honda has made a name for itself in the world of off-roading. The 1973 CR 250 Elsinore set the benchmark as the ultimate motocross tool. In the ensuing years, Honda has not lost momentum.
In 2000, Honda launched the all-new CRF range. This event heralded a new chapter in dirt bike history. The United States was a significant market for the CRF range and an indication of the model's popularity is the CRF 450R. American motorcycle magazine CycleWorld voted the bike "Best Motocrosser" for a staggering eight consecutive years from 2002-2009.
The CRF range keeps evolving. It is proof that you can't start too young and budding motocross riders can cut their teeth on either the CRF 50F or the CRF 110F. Both bikes may be small in stature but are big on features. These include Keihin fuel injection, clutchless four-speed semi-automatic transmission and a push-button electric start.
For 2022, both motorcycles now receive graphic updates mirroring their larger siblings. Also getting the graphics treatment is Honda's transitional model, the CRF 125F. Available in standard and big-wheel versions for taller riders. The bike is the perfect stepping-stone before moving up to the full-size competition range.
Stand-Out Upgrades to the 2022 CRF Range
Other stand-out upgrades in the 2022 CRF range relate to the CRF 250R and CRF250RX. Both models now feature a chassis lifted straight from the all-conquering CRF 450RX. Also, comprehensive development of the cylinder head has produced a very noticeable low-rpm torque boost and improved reliability.
A new radiator keeps the whole deal cooler allowing the engine to work harder for longer. Meanwhile, a lighter clutch and revised gear ratios improve roll-on acceleration. The CRF 250RX renovations are rounded off with re-valved Showa suspension with knuckle guards now supplied as standard.
At the top of the range, both the Motocross Grand Prix-winning CRF450R and CFR450RX receive further suspension updates. What's more, the entire CRF lineup now features Honda's classic bright red livery.
Flying the Honda Flag at Motorcycle Live
Kent-born motocross superstar Tommy Searle started his career at a blistering pace, clocking up five UK youth motocross championships. By 2005 and making his world championship debut, he earned himself a team place competing in the British MX Grand Prix.
His first step onto the podium in this highly competitive arena came at the Swedish GP one year later. By the end of the following season, he cemented his standing as one of Britain's best young riders.
Fast-forward and the now 32-year-old MX star boasts a glittering career that also saw him race on the far side of the Atlantic in the ultra-competitive American AMA Supercross Championships.
Returning to the UK, Tommy's tally extends to 14 Gran Prix and three MX1 British Championship wins in 2016, 2019 and 2021.
Last year, Tommy and fellow teammate, MX veteran Jake Nicholls, began racing the all-new radically improved Honda CRF 450R.  The team also had a brand new sponsor in the shape of Crendon Fastrack.
Disaster struck while gearing up for their first outing under the new banner when before the race, Jake crashed and broke his shoulder. The accident left Tommy to battle the pack on the bright red Honda, brightening up the day with the team's first podium place.
Under the watchful eye of veteran motocross champion and team manager Dave Thorpe, the Crendon Fastrack Honda team finished the season as champions despite bad luck and team injuries.
The Team to Beat
Lifting the greatest prize in the UK motocross calendar, the ACU British MX1 Championship, Tommy Searle is confident of a bright future. With teammate Nicholls back in the saddle and rookie star Jay Hague flying the team flag in the MX2 championship, the Crendon Fastrack Honda is raring to go.
If you want to see what a championship-winning MX bike looks like, call into the Honda stand. Here, you check out Tommy Searle's CRF 450R, battle scars and all.
Get Up Close and Personal with two of Motorcycling's Finest
If you are remotely interested in the world of Motocross, the name Dave Thorpe will be as familiar to you as your own! As Britain's most successful motocross racer, Dave has no less than three World 500 Championships and a World Veteran Championship title under his belt.
Best of all, he achieved every checkered flag win riding a Honda. Dave was also the team manager of the 1994 British Motocross des Nations team that ended the 13 year American strong hold on the Chamberlain Cup.
For the past decade, the UK's most prolific motocrosser has managed the Honda motocross team clocking up two British MX1 titles along the way.
Currently, Dave Thorpe runs the Honda Adventure Centre based in the heart of the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. The local area provides endless trails with spectacular, scenic views and riders can choose from one of three courses to sharpen your riding skills.
More advanced adventure riders can also take advantage of the Centre's two-day tour. No need to stress if your motorcycle isn't up to the test. Both the courses and the tour 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 Center also offers a one-day motocross event staged at a full-on motocross course for motorcyclists wanting to tap into Dave's incredible off-road skills. If enduro is more your thing, you can take to the stunning trails of Exmoor. Both courses use Honda's superb dirt tool, the CRF 250RX.
Do you fancy a meet and greet with the UK's best motocross champ? Your wish is our command. Dave Thorpe will be on hand to answer any questions from the 4th- 12th December at this year's Motorcycle Live event.
The Adventures of Austin Vince
Austin Vince's trophy cabinet may not be groaning under the weight of silverware. Yet, his two around the world motorcycle expedition documentaries have gained him a dedicated army of fans.
Austin is a documentary maker, engineer, former maths teacher, and prolific tour guide. He now leads Mini Mondo Tours. These take in the lesser-known trails of the stunning Pyrenees.
His low-budget DIY teamwork-orientated off-road tours are legendary. Better yet, they will get you well and truly hooked on adventure motorcycle travel.
Austin Vince will also be on hand at the event to talk about his various adventures. Be aware, though; his enthusiasm is infectious.
If you want to chat with the two of the biggest names in off-road motorcycling, make your way to this year's biggest and best Motorcycle Live event.
Life is an Adventure, so Share it Now!
So that completes our look at all things and Adventure at Motorcycle Live 2021, however here at Honda, we're passionate about motorcycles and we like nothing more than to hear the news and views of all motorcyclists, whatever model you ride (or want to ride). So if you have something you want to share with us, all you need to do is tweet us at https://twitter.com/HondaUKBikes or like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HondaMotoUK.
From everything you need to know about the Honda Adventure Centre to watching our best tips for test riding an A-licence motorcycle featuring the Honda Africa Twin, true adventure is waiting for you. So check out our YouTube channel and discover 60+ videos and exciting off-road footage.
Life is an adventure and never more so than when you enjoy it on two wheels. So celebrate your off-road experiences by sharing your pics and vids on Instagram and tag us @hondaukmotorcycles.
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