The "all-inclusive" ES/DCT is a majestic giant
I want to convey my review of the new Africa Twin CRF1100L that I've been renting for the last half month or so. However, the main focus is on the streets. Its equipment and performance have already been featured in various media, so here I'd like to examine it mainly for its "foot grounding ability".
It's no secret that the new Africa Twin is more powerful, lighter, and more compact than its predecessor. The electronic control system has been evolved and the ride quality has been further refined.
I took a test ride with the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Dual Clutch Transmission (ES), the highest grade of the Adventure Sports model, which emphasizes long-distance touring performance. The suspension and DCT were added to the motorcycle, making it an "all-inclusive" model. Although it's lighter, it still weighs 250kg, which is still a dignified motorcycle. I'm sure everyone has experienced that the heavier the motorcycle is, the harder it is to support when it hits the ground. That creeping sensation is unpleasant, isn't it?
I can go anywhere because I can reach my feet anywhere
This is where foot grounding comes into play. The STD seat height is 830mm, which is 40mm lower than the previous model, and the front part of the seat has been narrowed, which makes it much easier for the feet to reach the ground. 830mm is the same level as the larger Sport Naked and Supersport models.
In my case with a height of 179cm and weigh 75kg, both legs were sticky to my heels and my knees were fully bent. That alone is impressive, but in fact, the seat can be lowered to a lower position of 810mm by simply shifting the mounting position. This way, the weight of the seat is not hard to bear, and the sense of security of being able to attach your feet anywhere makes you feel like you can go anywhere.
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The STD adventure models are designed to increase the amount of suspension stroke to gain minimum ground clearance in order to make the motorcycle easier to ride over rough terrain, but I thought the new Africa Twin was able to take the opposite approach. In other words, it opens up the field where you can go with the security of having your feet on the ground anywhere, giving users the courage and hope to take a step further. This is an opportunity to adventure.
Of course, in response to the demand for tougher off-road performance, the "S" version with increased suspension stroke was added for a limited time, but at 870mm (850mm in the low position), the seat height is still low for an adventure model in this class. I can't help but feel Honda's conscience in such user-centered settings (especially for the Japanese).
Good foot grounding was the most usable performance
I was actually riding around the suburbs of Tokyo on business, for example, and I didn't have to be nervous about landing my feet on an unpaved road or a rutted road just before a stop line, where the road surface was hollow. I can feel a sense of security because I can quickly reach my feet even in the top-heavy condition with a full fuel tank of 24 liters. Furthermore, if I set the riding mode to "Gravel", which is suitable for flat dirt roads, the electronic suspension automatically lowers the damping force to a softer setting, which lowers the motorcycle height and makes it easier to reach my feet to the ground. In addition, the DCT never stalls, which gave me a great sense of security when balancing at low speeds on congested roads and making U-turns.
So, I rediscovered that the new Africa Twin is superior to anything else in terms of foot grounding. It's not a big deal, but it's the most "useful performance" that is directly related to comfort, practicality, and safety. I'd like to conclude that it's an adventure machine that can be ridden around conveniently, and enjoyably driven around the city!
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See Accessories for HONDA CRF1000L Africa Twin
See Accessories for HONDA CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
