Electronics keep things fluid
A new ride-by-wire throttle brings with it four set modes – Rain, Standard, Gravel and Sport – with a customisable User mode. The modes are linked to the HSTC (Honda’s traction control system), which has also been refined and now has three levels of intervention, and the DCT gearbox. While it is nice to see the electronics’ levels vary on the fullcolour display, it is the performance of the DCT that is most apparent when you swap modes. Although not quite as good at predicting the gear you require as the latest Africa Twin’s DCT, which has an IMU helping it make its decisions and takes into account lean angle, but the system is now pretty fluid.