Stubbsie's new Africa Twin Road Test 2016

[Stubbsie]

Stubbsie's new Africa Twin Road Test 2016
Today Monday 11th January 2016
I took the new CRF 1000L Africa Twin out for a brief road test courtesy of Smiths Honda of Chester. Tel: 01244 336 565

After having the initial brief on the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system, and the different settings of Automatic, Manual or Sports mode I set off for my run down the A41 towards Broxton.
Setting off on a brand new bike with only 63 miles on the clock was slightly scary, but I pulled away as smooth as you like, very quickly and smoothly moving up the gears without any snatching which I was expecting it to do.

The Riding position is very similar to my RD07 a good commanding view all round, with the combined digital speedo and rev counter easy to see and read, the other display such as time elapsed, etc needed a bit to get used too, after all I only had a hour to experience the New Africa Twin !

The one I sat on at the Bike Show in November 2015 had a lowered seat option which is slightly narrower.

The model I had, didn't have heated grips, big hand brush guards so very quickly my hands were getting a wee bit cold, which are Honda "extras" I was told later.
I then started to right thumb into Manual Mode whilst left finger and thumbing through the gears with swift and positive effect, then later tried Sports Mode which was fun.

The suspension felt smooth and comfortable throughout my ride as I took the twisty back roads from Broxton through the villages of Tattenhall, Huxley and Waverton which today went through a flooded road with no problems either.

Getting used to the Manual Mode by now I was using the Manual Mode (DCT) on this part of the ride which was easy to use and very smooth, seemed strange not using a clutch lever and gear change pedal, I'm assuming is this the future ?

Anyway my ride back to Smiths Honda of Chester was a very enjoyable experience indeed riding the new Africa Twin, which to sum up in a few words is quite difficult, but I did have a big smile on my face at the end.

Thankyou.

"Stubbsie"

[Stubbsie]

Pictures wouldn't load but can been seen on XRV. ORG