Duel Africa Twin Adventure Sports Vs Tiger 800 XCA 2018
The unprecedented Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the Triumph Tiger 800 XCA put on their best backpacker outfit in 2018 to appeal to fans of efficient and well-calibrated trails … Pitting them against each other gives rise to a new very close comparative test as these two motorcycles are attractive ! Complete MNC duel.
Duel Africa Twin Adventure Sports Vs Tiger 800 XCA 2018 – Page 5: details captioned photos
- Barracks. Whatever angle you look at them from, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the Tiger 800 XCA impress! Especially, the Honda with its height of 1570 mm against 1350 mm for the Triumph
- Ergonomics. Very wide handlebars which fall perfectly under the hands. That of the Honda is raised by 32.5 mm compared to the standard Africa Twin, via imposing saddles. Its upright grip in off-road is impeccable while that of the Tiger is set too low, in a search for road-path compromise.
- Big cans. The difference in the capacity of the tanks is obvious in this photo: 19 liters for the Triumph against 24.2 liters on the Honda (+ 5.4 liters Vs Africa Standard). The tank of the Tiger 800, more indented, integrates the thighs better than that – pot-bellied – of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. MNC noted an average fuel consumption of 5.4 l / 100 km on the Honda and 5.6 l / 100 km on the Triumph: very reasonable given the size and wind resistance of these motorcycles !
- Instrumentations. The monochrome Honda dashboard (left) opts for a vertical format like a road-book unwinder in rally-raid. It is very comprehensive (time, speed, gear engaged, temperature, fuel gauge, consumption calculation, etc.) and is controlled from the left stalk. On the other hand, its readability is not exceptional because of the reflections while the cap above blocks the view when standing! Note the discreet heated grip switch on the left of the lighting button. On the Triumph (right), the dashboard is in color and can be operated from a very practical joystick. Only problem: it is sometimes confused with the turn signal control.
- Motors and silencers. Twin cylinder of 95 hp and 99 Nm for the Honda and three-cylinder of 95 hp and 79 Nm for the Triumph: and yet, it is indeed the Tiger 800 which dictates its law under 4000 rpm! Noet the prominent clutch housing of the Africa Twin which reveals the optional presence of the DCT dual clutch. Hyper-accomplished, this transmission at 1000 € manages only the up and down gear in automatic mode or leaves "the hand" to the pilot in manual mode, via the triggers "+" and "-" to the left commodo. Two degrees of reactivity are available automatically: "D" (very peaceful) or "S", more nervous. Several sub-maps are available to soften or on the contrary spice up this "S" mode. The gear change is absolutely smooth in both cases, without any load break: the guest will appreciate !
- The wind. Fixed windshield on the Honda (left), adjustable to five positions without tools – and while driving – on the Triumph (right). The Englishwoman corrects one of its main weak points with this bubble much higher and enveloping than in 2017. The protection is very correct on the two rivals (until the last third of the helmet), with an advantage in height for the Honda. Thanks to its deflectors placed on the bottom of the windshield, the Triumph better protects the shoulders and generates less turbulence towards the bust.
- On the crutch. Center stand optional on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, standard on the Tiger 800 XCA. The Triumph is practically all options: cruise control, heated saddles and grips, several driving modes (including two off-road), two sockets (12V + USB under saddle). The Honda is less richly equipped, but in 2018 released a more elaborate anti-skating, driving modes, engine brake control not to mention the essential electronic accelerator.
- Chest. Not much space under the seat of the Triumph like the Honda. A "U" lock that can be attached to a point does not fit in their trunk. Too bad with regard to their size. The Tiger 800 XCA is the best off, with enough room to slip in a large disc lock and a yellow vest. Both also ignore a storage compartment, despite the space available in their fairing return: a gap that does not make the KTM 1090 Adventure, designated rival in this category. !
- Brakes. With its radial 4-piston Nissin calipers, the Japanese have no trouble braking the timid 2-pistons of the English … Triumph has yet changed supplier for 2018, but the Brembo clamps still lack bite. The dosage also suffers from a spongy feel and inconsistent retention. Not great. At the rear, the Africa Twin like the Tiger 800 XCA brakes very well. Note that both offer off-road modes, with which ABS is deactivated at the rear. But only the Triumph can disengage the anti-lock at the front. The sensitivity and responsiveness of the devices are excellent, on both motorcycles.
- Tastes and colors. It is indisputable: the Africa Twin is a very nice motorcycle. But the mix of colors specific to this Adventure Sports declination slightly attacks the retina: rather "sharp" golden rims, copper-colored fork sleeves, blue and black saddle, handlebars pulling yellow: it’s a lot on a single machine, especially with the white-red-blue "30th anniversary" dress! Beside, the Triumph plays in a more common register, but also more discreet.
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