Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 19 inch intensive test 2024

As a motorcycle journalist, you have to be able to rely on your colleagues for support and expertise. In the case of the Honda Enduro, having access to a diverse team like that of 1000PS can be incredibly beneficial. This allows for a comprehensive test that covers all aspects of the bike, ensuring that readers receive the most detailed and accurate information possible.

Martin wird die Frage klären, ob eine Africa Twin mit 19 Zoll immer noch eine echte Africa Twin ist. Gregor wird Ihnen über die unzähligen Funktionen und Einstellungsmöglichkeiten des Technologie-Bombers berichten. Frankee hat sich angesehen, wie geländetauglich die Adventure Sports immer noch ist. Kamerakind Schaaf brachte die Honda an ihre Grenzen auf der Straße. Zu guter Letzt beschreibe ich die Alltags-, Touring- und Soziustauglichkeit des japanischen Luxus-Touring-Enduros.

The Honda Enduro has undergone a transformation unlike any other motorcycle - from the more rugged, off-road capable Africa Twin to the now more comfortable and touring-oriented version. But why not, when the market clearly does not demand an adventure bike with a massive fuel tank and 21-inch tires. With its 19-inch front wheel, the Enduro is now not only much better suited for on-road riding, but also allows many shorter riders to comfortably ride with a seat height of 835 millimetres. And let's face it: a 19-inch front wheel still leaves plenty of room for off-road adventures, as proven by the few competitors from BMW, Ducati, and Triumph with large tanks. This also answers the question of whether the new Enduro is still a true Africa Twin: Yes, it is. The essence of the original Africa Twin, being an adventure bike capable of handling both off-road terrain and long distances, is still faithfully preserved. The modern interpretation now features a 19-inch front wheel, electronic suspension, and even an optional dual-clutch gearbox - thankfully, progress has not been stagnant!

The electronics of the Honda Enduro have undergone significant changes in 2024, while still maintaining the core concept. Important information is displayed on the small LCD screen, and most electronic functions can be controlled through the TFT touchscreen. The complex and non-intuitive user interface, along with the array of switches on the handlebars, remain unchanged. Once you grasp the system, however, the Enduro can be customized to your preferences. The customizable user modes are especially beneficial, particularly for off-road riding. The throttle response, engine braking, and ABS mode, typically tied to the riding mode, can now be adjusted individually, along with the 8-level traction control and wheelie control. Two new electronic features have been introduced in 2024. One is the G-Switch, an off-road mode for the DCT transmission that disengages the clutches earlier to improve rear wheel traction. The other is the standard inclusion of the semi-active EERA suspension from Showa.

The pre-set riding modes on the Honda Enduro also include a setting for the electronic suspension. In Tour mode, the damping is set to "Hard", in City mode to "Medium", in Gravel mode to "Soft" and for Offroad mode to "Offroad". Additionally, the rider can adjust the preload of the shock absorber for the respective load condition of the motorcycle at the touch of a button. In the user modes, not only can the damping be selected as required, but the suspension on the front wheel and rear wheel can also be set differently. Reflecting the touring nature of the Honda Enduro, the suspension is never overly firm or sporty, but the range between the hardest and softest settings is still significant. The biggest comfort advantage, however, is the ability to quickly switch between the suspension modes. Whether you're carving through corners and enjoying the stability of the suspension in the hard setting, or transitioning to the unpaved section of your ride, a few button presses are all it takes to have the bike ready for any terrain. The rest of the electronics on the Honda Enduro offer similar versatility, although Honda's safety features may limit adjustments while riding. Overall, the electronic systems on the Honda Enduro enhance performance across the board, provided you familiarize yourself with the menu navigation and operate the system correctly.

"I belong here, this is where I belong" sings Austrian pop singer Reinhard Fendrich in Austria's unofficial national anthem "I am from Austria". For the Honda Enduro, this lyric truly resonates. While its earlier adventures may have taken it through more rugged terrain (as mentioned by Martin), the Enduro has evolved to handle more civilized surroundings without losing its touring capabilities. In 2024, cruise control and heated grips come as standard features.

The new Honda Enduro, with its revised seat bench, lower seat height, and more front wheel orientation, offers improved ergonomics for riders. With a fuel consumption of well under 6 liters and an impressive tank capacity of 24.8 liters, riders can easily cover stages of 450 km in one go on the Adventure Sports model. The redesigned fairing has significantly enhanced wind protection, especially around the middle of the body. However, tall or very tall riders may experience turbulence on the helmet, as the tear-off edge hits riders at a height of 1.87 meters, right at the forehead level. It is worth noting that the seat height can be adjusted, albeit awkwardly. The knee angle in the lower position is relatively acute for a touring enduro, allowing riders to feel more integrated into the vehicle.

In day-to-day use, the Honda Enduro proves to be an exceptionally laid-back companion. The inclusion of DCT in our test model truly enhances the experience. With a spacious yet manageable handlebar and a comfortable semi-active chassis, navigating through the city becomes a joy. Despite its considerable weight, the Honda Enduro effortlessly maneuvers through the morning traffic of Barcelona, thanks to its nearly perfect weight distribution. For those seeking more adventurous rides, I suggest opting for the top case from Honda's original case system to prevent any unwanted scratches on your own or other vehicles while weaving through traffic.

The luggage solution from Honda, installed on our Honda Enduro test bike, provides a total storage capacity of over 100 liters (right case: 33 liters, left case: 37 liters, top case: 42 liters), with only the top case able to accommodate a helmet. Maintaining the enduro aesthetic, the cases are finished in brushed aluminum, offering the most stylish option among luggage solutions. Conveniently, all cases can be locked and detached using the vehicle key, reducing the need to carry multiple keys. One potential drawback for perfectionists is the visibility of the side case and top case brackets. Other (accessory) manufacturers offer more discreet solutions that blend seamlessly with the bike when the panniers are not in use. However, the brackets on the Honda Enduro provide additional crash protection in case of a fall, as well as serving as grab handles for the passenger.

The cushioning on the top case, which doubles as a backrest, provides added comfort for the passenger. However, it does limit the available space. The seating arrangement works well for two people - with a larger rider in the front and a smaller person in the back. Yet, with two full-grown individuals, space can be a bit cramped. The maximum weight capacity of 215 kg also imposes restrictions; after accounting for the pannier system and any luggage, only 180 kg remain. The performance remains strong even with two riders, although it loses some of its sportiness. Nevertheless, the EERA suspension system offers a high level of comfort. It is important to note that the Adventure Sports model does not feature auto-leveling, so the preload must be manually adjusted in the menu for optimal suspension performance with two riders.

In terms of handling, the Honda Enduro truly shines, especially when it comes to cornering. The 19-inch front wheel version requires less effort to turn in compared to the standard Twin, providing a sense of security at high lean angles. The improved ergonomics play a significant role in boosting rider confidence, with a slightly forward-leaning seating position. The Adventure Sports model offers a more active riding position compared to the Africa Twin, allowing for a more engaged riding experience.

The semi-active suspension system enhances the overall riding experience, offering effective and comfortable damping without compromising stability. This allows for confident and brisk cornering, supported by responsive braking power and good modulation from the brakes.

When it comes to the Honda Enduro's DCT system, manual intervention is sometimes necessary, as the system cannot anticipate bends. This may lead to occasional inappropriate shift times, but safety is not compromised as gear changes through the dual-clutch transmission are consistently smooth. The gear ratio is still relatively long, especially when not using DCT in the most aggressive shift mode, resulting in a lack of power in the mid-low rev range. Manual gear changes may be needed to maintain a dynamic ride. For those who prefer full control, manual shifting is recommended.

Unfortunately, one drawback of the Honda Enduro is its limited lean angle clearance. Riders of average skill level on grippy roads with light traffic may quickly reach lean angles where the handlebars scrape, which is not ideal for public roads.

To sum up, the Honda Enduro is a fantastic touring motorcycle with a touch of divinity, perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The larger front wheel is also great for tackling rough terrain when needed. The standard twin engine performs admirably on the road, holding its own against other 21-inch touring enduros.

Equipped with a 19-inch front wheel, the latest version of the Honda Enduro Adventure Sports is tailored to a different audience while still maintaining the thrill of off-road excursions. It is undeniable that opting for a smaller tire size involves certain trade-offs. However, the compromises in off-road performance are surprisingly minimal. This is especially crucial considering that the Africa Twin, as an adventure bike, is primarily built for long-distance journeys. During such extended rides, riders are less likely to tackle challenging enduro trails and instead prefer navigating through gravel and dirt paths with ease. The new Adventure Sports excels in this aspect: Its lowered frame provides a stable foundation, allowing riders to confidently maneuver the bike even in tricky situations. Nonetheless, there is a notable critique regarding the new ergonomics when standing on the bike for extended periods: the standing position is now less comfortable, requiring more strain on the back muscles due to the inclined posture. Additionally, the reduced tire size results in increased weight on the front wheel, shifting the center of gravity forward and slightly affecting off-road stability.