2017 Africa Twin: Review, Specs, and Performance

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin⁚ A Classic Adventure Motorcycle

The Honda Africa Twin is a classic adventure motorcycle that has been revived for the modern era. The 2017 model is a testament to Honda's commitment to building reliable and capable motorcycles for adventure riding. It features a powerful parallel-twin engine, long-travel suspension, and a comfortable riding position that makes it perfect for tackling both on and off-road terrain. The Africa Twin is a true all-rounder that can handle anything you throw at it.

Introduction

The Honda Africa Twin, a name synonymous with adventure motorcycling, made a triumphant return in 2017 after a long hiatus. This wasn't just a rehash of the original, though; it was a modern interpretation, a reimagining of the iconic machine that had captivated riders for decades. The 2017 Africa Twin, with its powerful parallel-twin engine, rugged design, and a focus on both on and off-road performance, aimed to recapture the spirit of its predecessor while offering a refined and capable machine for the modern adventure rider. Its arrival sparked excitement among enthusiasts and reignited the passion for exploring the world on two wheels.

The Africa Twin's return was met with anticipation, as riders eagerly awaited a motorcycle that promised to deliver on the legacy of its name. The 2017 model was a true testament to Honda's ability to blend classic adventure motorcycle principles with modern technology and design. It was a bike that was built to endure, to explore, and to inspire. The Africa Twin's introduction marked a new era in adventure motorcycling, an era where a legend was reborn, ready to take on the challenges of the modern world.

A Revival of a Legend

The Honda Africa Twin, a name that evokes images of intrepid explorers traversing vast deserts and challenging terrains, had been absent from the motorcycle scene for a while. But in 2017, Honda decided to bring back this legendary nameplate, reigniting the spirit of adventure that had defined the original Africa Twin. The 2017 model was a testament to Honda's understanding of what made the original so beloved⁚ a blend of ruggedness, capability, and a focus on exploration. The new Africa Twin was designed to appeal to a new generation of adventure riders while paying homage to the heritage that made the name so iconic.

The revival of the Africa Twin was more than just a marketing ploy; it was a genuine attempt to recapture the essence of what made the original so special. Honda took the time to understand the needs and desires of modern adventure riders, incorporating features that enhanced both on and off-road performance. The result was a motorcycle that was not only capable of conquering challenging terrain but also comfortable enough for long-distance travel. The 2017 Africa Twin was a fitting tribute to its predecessor, a motorcycle that embodied the spirit of adventure and promised to take riders on unforgettable journeys.

Engine and Performance

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin was powered by a 998cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivered both power and torque across the rev range. This engine was specifically designed for adventure riding, with a focus on delivering smooth and responsive power delivery, even at low RPMs. The engine's character was perfectly suited for tackling challenging terrain, allowing riders to confidently navigate obstacles and maintain momentum through technical sections. The Africa Twin’s engine wasn’t just about raw power, it was about delivering a smooth and controlled experience, making it a joy to ride both on and off-road.

The engine’s smooth power delivery was further enhanced by a six-speed transmission, allowing riders to find the right gear for any situation. The Africa Twin was also available with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system, offering riders the choice between automatic or manual shifting. The DCT system provided a seamless and effortless riding experience, especially when navigating challenging terrain or during long journeys. The Africa Twin’s engine and transmission combined to deliver a powerful and versatile performance, making it a capable and enjoyable motorcycle for any adventure rider.

Off-Road Prowess

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin wasn’t just designed to look the part of an adventure bike; it was built to truly excel off-road. The bike's DNA was rooted in the original Africa Twin's legacy of conquering challenging terrain, and the 2017 model carried on that tradition with a blend of intelligent design and capable components. At the heart of its off-road prowess was the combination of a long-travel suspension system and a carefully chosen wheel size. The Africa Twin's suspension, with its generous travel, provided a smooth and controlled ride over rough terrain, absorbing bumps and dips with ease. The 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel provided the necessary ground clearance and stability for tackling challenging off-road trails, whether it was rocky climbs, sandy washes, or muddy tracks.

The Africa Twin's off-road prowess wasn't just about its suspension and wheels; it was also about its overall design and ergonomics. The bike was designed to be light and nimble, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots and challenging terrain. The rider’s position was also a key factor in the Africa Twin’s off-road capabilities. The upright seating position provided a commanding view of the terrain, allowing riders to confidently navigate challenging sections. The Africa Twin's off-road prowess was a testament to Honda's commitment to creating a bike that could truly go anywhere, a bike that could inspire riders to explore the most challenging and rewarding trails.

On-Road Comfort and Handling

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin wasn’t just a capable off-road machine; it was also designed to be comfortable and enjoyable to ride on the road. Honda understood that adventure riders often spend significant time on paved roads, traveling between destinations or exploring new areas. The Africa Twin was designed to handle these situations with ease, offering a comfortable riding position, stable handling, and a smooth ride. The bike's upright riding position, with its well-placed handlebars and footpegs, provided a comfortable and relaxed ride, allowing riders to cover long distances without fatigue. The Africa Twin's suspension, with its carefully calibrated damping rates, delivered a smooth and controlled ride over rough roads, absorbing bumps and dips with ease. This combination of comfort and control made the Africa Twin a capable and enjoyable motorcycle for long-distance touring, whether it was a leisurely weekend trip or a cross-country adventure.

The Africa Twin's on-road handling was equally impressive. The bike's balanced chassis and responsive steering made it easy to navigate corners and maintain a stable line. The bike's relatively light weight, compared to other adventure bikes, also contributed to its agility and responsiveness. The Africa Twin's on-road performance was a testament to Honda's commitment to creating a motorcycle that was as capable on paved roads as it was off-road. The Africa Twin was a true all-rounder, a motorcycle that could handle any road, any terrain, and any adventure.

Technology and Features

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin wasn’t just about rugged design and capable performance; it also incorporated modern technology and features to enhance the riding experience. Honda understood that adventure riders appreciate the convenience and safety of modern technology, and they integrated these features into the Africa Twin without compromising its classic adventure motorcycle character. One of the most notable features was Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system, an optional system that offered riders the choice between automatic or manual shifting. The DCT system provided a seamless and effortless riding experience, especially when navigating challenging terrain or during long journeys. The DCT system allowed riders to focus on the road ahead, while the transmission handled the gear changes, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.

The Africa Twin also featured other technological advancements, such as an adjustable windscreen that allowed riders to customize their wind protection, and a digital instrument panel that provided riders with all the necessary information, including speed, RPM, fuel gauge, and trip odometer. The Africa Twin’s technology and features were designed to enhance the riding experience, offering riders a blend of comfort, convenience, and safety. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that embraced modern technology without sacrificing its classic adventure motorcycle soul.

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin was a true triumph of engineering and design, a motorcycle that embodied the spirit of adventure and offered a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It was a motorcycle that could handle anything you threw at it, from challenging off-road trails to long-distance journeys. The Africa Twin's return was a testament to Honda's commitment to building capable and reliable motorcycles for adventure riding. The 2017 model was a worthy successor to the original Africa Twin, a motorcycle that had become a legend in its own right.

The Africa Twin's success was a result of its ability to appeal to a wide range of riders, from experienced off-road adventurers to casual weekend riders. The bike's versatility, combined with its rugged design and capable performance, made it a popular choice for riders of all levels. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that truly lived up to its name, a motorcycle that inspired riders to explore the world and to push their limits. It was a motorcycle that embodied the spirit of adventure, and it left a lasting impression on the world of adventure motorcycling.

Overall Impression

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin left a lasting impression on anyone who rode it. It wasn’t just a capable motorcycle; it was an experience. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that inspired confidence, both on and off-road. Its blend of power, handling, and comfort allowed riders to explore new territories, push their limits, and enjoy the journey. The Africa Twin’s overall impression was one of capability, versatility, and adventure. It was a motorcycle that could handle anything you threw at it, from challenging off-road trails to long-distance journeys. The Africa Twin’s overall impression was one of pure adventure, a motorcycle that was built to explore the world and to inspire riders to push their limits.

The Africa Twin’s overall impression was one of refinement. While it maintained the rugged character of its predecessors, it incorporated modern technology and features that enhanced the riding experience. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that was both capable and comfortable, a motorcycle that could handle the demands of adventure riding while still offering a smooth and enjoyable ride. The Africa Twin’s overall impression was one of a motorcycle that was truly built for adventure, a motorcycle that could take you anywhere and inspire you to explore the world.

Final Thoughts

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin was more than just a motorcycle; it was a statement. It was a statement about Honda's commitment to adventure motorcycling, a statement about the enduring appeal of the Africa Twin name, and a statement about the power of exploration. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that reminded riders of the joy of adventure, the thrill of discovering new places, and the satisfaction of pushing their limits. It was a motorcycle that inspired riders to embrace the unknown, to explore the world, and to create their own adventures. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that left a lasting impression, a motorcycle that would forever be remembered as a modern classic.

In the end, the 2017 Honda Africa Twin was a resounding success. It was a motorcycle that captured the spirit of its legendary predecessor while incorporating modern technology and features to enhance the riding experience. The Africa Twin was a motorcycle that was built to endure, to explore, and to inspire. It was a motorcycle that reminded riders of the true meaning of adventure, and it left a lasting legacy on the world of adventure motorcycling.

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