Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Rather than following in others’ tyre tracks, Honda’s AT-AS forges its own path – and is all the better for it
“It’s the Africa Twin, with even more potential”
WE’RE IN THE middle of an adventure arms race. Engine capacities, power outputs and prices grow year after year, without an end in sight. Authentic overlanders are being gradually overshadowed by fully-loaded touring tanks.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. While other firms cautiously copy the BMW GS’S well-worn (and enormously, deservedly popular) blueprint, Honda took a different approach. Lighter, more affordable and more capable where adventure bikes are supposed to tread, the Africa Twin doesn’t try to beat the GS at its own game. And that is true for 2018’s Adventure Sport version.
Longer-travel suspension gives the AS a higher stance, a better view from the height-adjustable saddle and even more ground clearance. Standard crash bars and metal bash plate are purposeful protection, not just cosmetic decoration. A huge 24.2-litre fuel tank (5.6l more than the regular Africa Twin) gives an easy 250-mile range, or 300 with a kind right wrist. A taller screen, heated grips and a 12-volt socket add comfort and practicality. It’s everything great about the Africa Twin, with even more touring and dirt potential.
Tellingly, it’s easier to point out the differences from BMW’S GS, rather than its similarities. One of the biggest is weight. On RIDE’S scales the Honda’s AT-AS is 26kg lighter than a BMW R1200GS Adventure, thanks to its smart, economic design. The Honda shuns semi-active suspension for simpler, lighter, fully adjustable forks and shock. The battery is a compact, powerful lithium item. There’s no need to carry 30 litres of fuel, because its 998cc parallel twin is more fuel efficient than BMW’S big Boxer.
Another is price. At £12,599 the Honda undercuts a GS Adventure TE by more than five grand – and yet it doesn’t feel a budget alternative. The LCD dash is a bit 1980s and the lack of cruise control is an oversight, but otherwise it’s a well-specified, high-quality creation. There are various power modes and traction control settings, all-led lighting is standard, and a two-way quickshifter is an option. But it doesn’t go gadget-crazy.
Turn off the tarmac and the Honda shines even brighter, instilling confidence in novice adventurers and letting veteran off-roaders tackle treacherous terrain. Its deliciously damped springs feel right at home absorbing rough ground. Large, slim tyre sizes (21in front, 18in rear) cut through crud and keep it rolling along over larger obstacles. The off-road ergonomics are excellent too, with a balanced stance stood up and a slim silhouette at the knees.
There’s no need to reign in the motor for trail riding either. Its claimed 94bhp might appear out-gunned, but the Africa Twin’s engine packs a pleasing, predictable punch. It offers up accessible, beautifully fuelled drive over its short rev-range, grunting graciously and pulsing politely along whether on or off-road. It never attempts to overcome the chassis, nor flip the rider into the next county when the going gets slippery. The exhaust sounds great too.
There are shortfalls, of course. Honda’s heated grips are underpowered, the payload is modest, and buffeting from the screen can irritate. The AT-AS doesn’t have every answer for every rider, but it’s the most welcome addition to the big trailie class in 2018. Its existence makes for a more diverse, interesting, capable, competitive – and, let’s all agree, attractive – adventure landscape.