Driving report Mende-Honda Africa Twin

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Driving report Mende-Honda Africa Twin

Driving report Mende-Honda Africa Twin

Rejuvenation cure

There are motorcycles with which their owners develop a particularly strong bond. The Honda Africa Twin undoubtedly belongs to this species. Which is why their drivers reacted extremely indignantly when Honda took the popular travel enduro out of its range this year, as there are no acceptable alternatives for Africa Twin fans. The Transalp is too weak for them and the Varadero too expansive and cumbersome. It was always as clear as day how a worthy successor should look like: more displacement and thus more torque and power, less weight and a firmer chassis were at the top of the wish list.

Tuner Christian carries these wishes M.end from the Lower Saxon Salzhemmendorf bill. With 2.5 millimeters more bore, it increases the displacement to 789 cm³. At the same time, new pistons compress the mixture in the modified combustion chambers with a significantly higher 11.3: 1 than their series counterparts. In addition to the changed airbox and carburetor set-up, a new exhaust system ensures better gas throughput. The exhaust gases now escape through self-made manifolds from Mende and a Bos silencer with ABE.

On the chassis, Mende replaced the original fork springs with firmer ones from Wilbers. A strut from the same manufacturer works at the rear. For better handling and a more attractive look, 17-inch Excel rims in Supermoto dimensions are spoked into the hubs and soled with 120/70 and 160/60 wide Super Corsa road tires from Pirelli. In terms of ergonomics, a wider aluminum handlebar should promote maneuverability, while a seat height that has been increased due to the modified spring elements increases the lean angle.

The conversion first had to prove on the test bench whether the rejuvenation measures were successful. And in fact, the pampered twin with a good 70 hp on the clutch not only has ten hp more maximum power, but also an equal increase in performance in the medium speed range. This is noticeable when driving. The Mende-Honda pulls noticeably stronger through, and off
6500 rpm, where the series Africa Twin gets tired, the Mende offshoot turns vigorously to the red area. In addition, the chassis appears transformed. The tighter set-up works even on undulating, poor roads without excessive loss of comfort. The strong movements of the original are a thing of the past. The Mende-Africa Twin circles all kinds of corners with much more precision, and thanks to the smaller front wheel and 13 kilograms less weight, it is also noticeably easier to handle. The rather sedate travel enduro is hardly recognizable in the labyrinth of curves and allows a much brisk pace.

The refreshing of tuner Mende has succeeded and will surely delight die-hard Africa Twin drivers. However, it is important to dig deeper into your pocket for the increased fun factor. From 5000 euros you are there, including an expert opinion for chassis conversion and exhaust system. A report for the engine kit is in preparation. ws

Technical data – Mende-HONDA Africa Twin

engine
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 52-degree V-engine, crankshaft lying transversely, one overhead, chain-driven camshaft, three valves per cylinder, rocker arm, wet sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 36 mm, transistor ignition, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter , Alternator 360 W, battery 12 V / 14 Ah, five-speed gearbox, O-ring chain.
drilling Stroke 83.5 x 72.0 mm
Displacement 789 cm3
Compression ratio 11.3: 1
rated capacity 51 kW (70 PS) at 7800 rpm Max. Torque 62 Nm at 6000 rpm

landing gear
Single-loop frame made of square steel profiles, split beams, telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum profiles, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double disc brake at the front, Ø 276 mm, double-piston floating calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 256 mm, single-piston floating caliper. Spoked wheels with aluminum rims 3.50 x 17; 4.25 x 17
Tires 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17

mass and weight
Wheelbase 1565 mm
Steering head angle 62.5 degrees
Trail 112 mm
Suspension travel f / h 220/214 mm
Weight with a full tank 216 kg
permissible total weight 425 kg
Payload 211 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 23 / 5.1 liters.
Conversion costs around 5000 euros

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