Honda Quest, the incredible adventure!

[KarooKid]

Despite a hard day riding riverbeds Minxy never stopped smiling. Never.

Not sure whether Tau was smiling. He kept hiding in his buff

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[KarooKid]

Maintenance day.

After servicing and washing the bikes and kit we spent some time watching the sun set.

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[KarooKid]

Purros Canyon- an absolutely mind blowing place.

Unfortunately we could not ride the whole canyon as we got blocked by an elephant.

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[KarooKid]

Some more flats. By the end of the trip we have lost count. These roads are unforgiving- better go well prepared.

Minxy brought a little crutch with. On the first day I asked her but why - she said I'll see and boy was she right. That thing got used more than the showers we had at our disposal.

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[Kobus Myburgh]

Lovely pics! Thanks!

I'm interested in how the AT compares to the 950/90. Perhaps Kamanya can comment (or others who ride a KTM)?

My honest take on your question:

I ride a 2008 Adventure in standard trim apart from a higher seat.

I have ridden mine in rocky terrain and sand, but nothing compared to what was thrown at us during the last two weeks.

The AT is a MUCH smoother bike with plenty more low down torque.  You will have to ride the 990 at much higher revs to conquer the sand that was thrown at us.  The second gear on the AT is a tractor gear and you can both overcome the worst of the sandy river beds with it as well as climb the most challenging mountain.

Rear suspension I found quite similar, but the AT front suspension is better than the standard 990 Adv front.

The AT is simply better and more refined for me.  I'm hoping I can buy the one I used on the trip sooner rather than later.

Only problem is that I started and finished on the manual and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the DCT is the way to go.  Despite a request from the majority of the group to look into a software upgrade to allow the DCT to select second gear for starting up in the sand, this is merely a further improvement and not a necessity.

The majority of the adventure riding community will avoid the type of sand that Honda threw at us - until you realize how much easier it is with the AT - making ordinary people look extraordinary!

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[KarooKid]

Being back in civilization was weird and good for most......

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[J-dog]

Lovely pics! Thanks!

I'm interested in how the AT compares to the 950/90. Perhaps Kamanya can comment (or others who ride a KTM)?

My honest take on your question:

I ride a 2008 Adventure in standard trim apart from a higher seat.

I have ridden mine in rocky terrain and sand, but nothing compared to what was thrown at us during the last two weeks.

The AT is a MUCH smoother bike with plenty more low down torque.  You will have to ride the 990 at much higher revs to conquer the sand that was thrown at us.  The second gear on the AT is a tractor gear and you can both overcome the worst of the sandy river beds with it as well as climb the most challenging mountain.

Rear suspension I found quite similar, but the AT front suspension is better than the standard 990 Adv front.

The AT is simply better and more refined for me.  I'm hoping I can buy the one I used on the trip sooner rather than later.

Only problem is that I started and finished on the manual and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the DCT is the way to go.  Despite a request from the majority of the group to look into a software upgrade to allow the DCT to select second gear for starting up in the sand, this is merely a further improvement and not a necessity.

The majority of the adventure riding community will avoid the type of sand that Honda threw at us - until you realize how much easier it is with the AT - making ordinary people look extraordinary!

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Wow. That's quite a statement. I have always been a KTM fan. Preferred the 950 to the 990, due to the jerky EFI on the 990.

If it's better than the KTM all round then Honda have done an amazing job. I think it's my next bike after I recover from wife screwing me for a lot of my ronts during divorce. Love the look too, especially the gold forks.

 

[J-dog]

BTW, I have never seen 50 degrees on the thermo, except in the middle east. I know how uncomfortable it is  atch:

 

[Kobus Myburgh]

Lovely pics! Thanks!

I'm interested in how the AT compares to the 950/90. Perhaps Kamanya can comment (or others who ride a KTM)?

My honest take on your question:

I ride a 2008 Adventure in standard trim apart from a higher seat.

I have ridden mine in rocky terrain and sand, but nothing compared to what was thrown at us during the last two weeks.

The AT is a MUCH smoother bike with plenty more low down torque.  You will have to ride the 990 at much higher revs to conquer the sand that was thrown at us.  The second gear on the AT is a tractor gear and you can both overcome the worst of the sandy river beds with it as well as climb the most challenging mountain.

Rear suspension I found quite similar, but the AT front suspension is better than the standard 990 Adv front.

The AT is simply better and more refined for me.  I'm hoping I can buy the one I used on the trip sooner rather than later.

Only problem is that I started and finished on the manual and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the DCT is the way to go.  Despite a request from the majority of the group to look into a software upgrade to allow the DCT to select second gear for starting up in the sand, this is merely a further improvement and not a necessity.

The majority of the adventure riding community will avoid the type of sand that Honda threw at us - until you realize how much easier it is with the AT - making ordinary people look extraordinary!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow. That's quite a statement. I have always been a KTM fan. Preferred the 950 to the 990, due to the jerky EFI on the 990.

If it's better than the KTM all round then Honda have done an amazing job. I think it's my next bike after I recover from wife screwing me for a lot of my ronts during divorce. Love the look too, especially the gold forks.

There's many more aspects in which the AT is better for me (i.e. Lower COG etc) but it will sound biased right now.

 

[Bundu]

just a stupid and probably inappropriate question at this stage, but can the DCT wheelie? power wheelie only I guess?

 

[J-dog]

Lovely pics! Thanks!

I'm interested in how the AT compares to the 950/90. Perhaps Kamanya can comment (or others who ride a KTM)?

My honest take on your question:

I ride a 2008 Adventure in standard trim apart from a higher seat.

I have ridden mine in rocky terrain and sand, but nothing compared to what was thrown at us during the last two weeks.

The AT is a MUCH smoother bike with plenty more low down torque.  You will have to ride the 990 at much higher revs to conquer the sand that was thrown at us.  The second gear on the AT is a tractor gear and you can both overcome the worst of the sandy river beds with it as well as climb the most challenging mountain.

Rear suspension I found quite similar, but the AT front suspension is better than the standard 990 Adv front.

The AT is simply better and more refined for me.  I'm hoping I can buy the one I used on the trip sooner rather than later.

Only problem is that I started and finished on the manual and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the DCT is the way to go.  Despite a request from the majority of the group to look into a software upgrade to allow the DCT to select second gear for starting up in the sand, this is merely a further improvement and not a necessity.

The majority of the adventure riding community will avoid the type of sand that Honda threw at us - until you realize how much easier it is with the AT - making ordinary people look extraordinary!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow. That's quite a statement. I have always been a KTM fan. Preferred the 950 to the 990, due to the jerky EFI on the 990.

If it's better than the KTM all round then Honda have done an amazing job. I think it's my next bike after I recover from wife screwing me for a lot of my ronts during divorce. Love the look too, especially the gold forks.

There's many more aspects in which the AT is better for me (i.e. Lower COG etc) but it will sound biased right now.

The KTM was probably the best dirt bike of all (when not in for repairs). I had 3 of them. You say the AT is better. I assume you are an accomplished rider. Quite a statement. Awesome.

 

[KarooKid]

I know we all had different experiences and opinions on many levels so in summary I'll give my feedback for what it is worth.

1. This was an absolutely life changing experience for me in all regards.
2. The friendships made was more valuable than winning a bike.
3. If I was given free range to pick a teammate I would have picked Minxy again. A positive and never say die attitude is exactly what is needed out there.

4. The organizers and Honda took a massive chance and made history. Not one single mechanical issue and a few other records made with this trip.

The bikes:

1. These bikes are more capable than any other big bike I have ever ridden. It handles like a small bike in thick sand and can scale mountains with proper suspension.
2. The DCT is the future. Unless you have spent a few days in the hardest of conditions with them you might doubt this statement.
3. The extra 10kg on the DCT is irrelevant and not felt at all.
4. If you ever attempt a trip like this there is one thing you would surely want at the top of your list - reliability. None is more reliable than the AT.
5. The bikes was standard except for 2 aftermarket additions. The Rumbux crashbars and GoGravel radiator guards was thoroughly tested and is a must have.
6. They are very comfortable for 10 hour days.
7. Fit a decent set of tyres like the Continental TKC' 80's

I really would like to tell you about the flaws of these bikse, but in 2 weeks and 2500km I could find none. There is simply nothing these machines could not overcome.

So if I had to buy one tomorrow what would it be? DCT without a doubt.

Now I feel like going for a ride.

 

[Sheepman]

Congratulations to the winning team and all the other teams as well - surely was an experience of a lifetime  :thumleft: Good on Honda and its organizers for putting up this unique show.Trust that the marketing will stand the brand in excellent stead,

 

[Kobus Myburgh]

I know we all had different experiences and opinions on many levels so in summary I'll give my feedback for what it is worth.

1. This was an absolutely life changing experience for me in all regards.
2. The friendships made was more valuable than winning a bike.
3. If I was given free range to pick a teammate I would have picked Minxy again. A positive and never say die attitude is exactly what is needed out there.

4. The organizers and Honda took a massive chance and made history. Not one single mechanical issue and a few other records made with this trip.

The bikes:

1. These bikes are more capable than any other big bike I have ever ridden. It handles like a small bike in thick sand and can scale mountains with proper suspension.
2. The DCT is the future. Unless you have spent a few days in the hardest of conditions with them you might doubt this statement.
3. The extra 10kg on the DCT is irrelevant and not felt at all.
4. If you ever attempt a trip like this there is one thing you would surely want at the top of your list - reliability. None is more reliable than the AT.
5. The bikes was standard except for 2 aftermarket additions. The Rumbux crashbars and GoGravel radiator guards was thoroughly tested and is a must have.
6. They are very comfortable for 10 hour days.
7. Fit a decent set of tyres like the Continental TKC' 80's

I really would like to tell you about the flaws of these bikse, but in 2 weeks and 2500km I could find none. There is simply nothing these machines could not overcome.

So if I had to buy one tomorrow what would it be? DCT without a doubt.

Now I feel like going for a ride.

Very well summarized KarooKid!  :thumleft: :thumleft:

Thanks for all the lekker fotos and write up.

 

[Kobus Myburgh]

My favorite two pics of the trip.

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[Piston Pete]

Poster material  :thumleft:

 

[Minxy]

Lovely pics! Thanks!

I'm interested in how the AT compares to the 950/90. Perhaps Kamanya can comment (or others who ride a KTM)?

I have the KTM 950 Adventure. The Africa Twin feels like a new and improved version of my KTM 950. I found the AT much easier to ride with weight distribution being better and like ktmkobus mentioned, the bike is super smooth. I can even pick it up myself, which I can't do with the 950. The DCT is revolutionary... I rode the DCT over Van Zyls Pass and through the sandy riverbeds, couldn't stop smiling the DCT made everything a breeze. I really, really did not want to give the bike back when we got to Windhoek :ricky:

 

[Kobus Myburgh]

Some days were also more difficult than others, but the riding and team spirit always superseded the hardship.

This is what it looks like at the end of the day when you start the ride with river crossings in the Purros canyon.

Tired and very eina feet. [emoji15]

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[Sheepman]

Some days were also more difficult than others, but the riding and team spirit always superseded the hardship.

This is what it looks like at the end of the day when you start the ride with river crossings in the Purris canyon.

Tired and very eina feet. [emoji15]

Wow ! That paw took serious shots 


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[Minxy]

Some days were also more difficult than others, but the riding and team spirit always superseded the hardship.

This is what it looks like at the end of the day when you start the ride with river crossings in the Purros canyon.

Tired and very eina feet. [emoji15]

TRENCH FOOT!!!