Australian Motorcyclist — January 2018

(avery) #1
Superdual 650 has ABS and the 21”
front wheel, and stock should start
arriving here soon from the little
Italian factory.
Full marks to Honda for the
improvements wielded on the
Africa Twin for 2018. Fly-by-wire
throttle, four new engine maps and
an increase in fuel capacity (just
over 5 litres and much needed) and
longer travel suspension gives us the
new ‘Adventure Sports’ model. A
quickshifter and even heated grips
along with better ergonomics will

leaner looks and revised or changed
mechanical items. The chain now exits
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has moved to the other side. The
smaller capacity bike will be good
news for short legs with its smaller
wheels (19/17”) while the 850 scores
the 21” front and wire wheels. Moving
the fuel tank back into the ‘normal’
zone just above the rider’s knees isn’t,
I imagine, an admission of ‘not right
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the opportunity for a ground up
transformation. Expect a very usable


travel companion with both models.
Moto Guzzi caught me by surprise
with the reincarnation of its Dakar
breed in 850 capacity. A cross between
the 650 NTX (yes, they were pretty
average but had a strong if small
following) and their 750/900 retro
street rods albeit with longer legs and
bodywork that will have you believe
the Sahara is crossable. I posted this
on our Facebook and comments
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Stuff that, I like it!
SWM was happy that its Euro

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