For globalists, this travel-adventure-test-promotional story has it all. A Japanese company builds a motorcycle named after the continent of Africa. A company founded in Germany, and now Italian-owned, mounts its most off-road-ready adventure tire with a name based on an animal unique to Australia on said bike and does a torture test in India.
Put that all together, and you have six Honda Africa Twins equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires on a nearly 200-mile ride over four ear-popping passes in the Himalayas, and it all happens in just over eight hours. That’s one way to promote the brand.
Six riders from various countries and disciplines participated in the ride: Honda’s Carlo Fiorani, Metzeler’s Salvo Pennisi, rally racer Francesca Gasperi, Olympic cycling medalist Marco Aurelio Fontana, Motorrad magazine’s Thorsten Dentges, and Dueruote magazine’s Carlo Pettinato.
The team rode the standard Honda Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports versions on a route that featured over 13 miles of elevation change, topping out at Umling La pass—over 19,000 feet above sea level.
The brutal eight-hour journey started near the Chinese border at Pangong Lake, taking on Tsagla La, Photi La, Umling La, and Nurbula La passes, with plenty of rocks, sand, water, and twisty pavement along the way. The ride was intended to showcase the capabilities of both the new Africa Twin and the Metzeler Karoo 4 tires.
“This feat bolsters the winning long-standing partnership between the Honda Africa Twin and Metzeler tires,” said Pennis, Metzeler’s Director of Testing and Technical Relations.
“In 2017, with Honda Africa Twins fitted with Metzeler MC 360 tires, we achieved three world records by climbing the Nevado Ojos del Salado volcano on the border between Argentina and Chile, Pennis continues. “Here we are seven years later with a new adventure, in an equally challenging environment that saw the Honda Africa Twin, in this case fitted with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires, on an adventure through the legendary Himalayan passes of Ladakh, in India.”
Discussing the ride, Pennis said, “The route proved to be an exceptional testing ground for both bike and tires, once again confirming what is an absolutely winning combination. In both the 19-inch and 21-inch versions, the combination of the Honda Africa Twin and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires showed benchmark performance in the fast-growing adventure travel segment. Off-road or asphalt, dry or wet, we enjoyed the perfect interaction and balance between bike and tires under every condition. In addition to the technical experience, there was also the human aspect, with wonderful companions, great riders, and friends.”
Fiorani of Honda Motor Europe Italy waxed poetic about the ride: “A fantastic trip to a Himalayan region where Tibetan culture can be felt everywhere. Impressive temples and spectacular panoramas that opened up after every turn, endless trails leading to the most remote places in the world, a pure joy for travel and rally enthusiasts. This adventure will remain in our hearts forever, also thanks to a team that has always been united by their passion for motorbikes and extreme riding. As travel companions, we faced and overcame every difficulty together and developed a true friendship by sharing an unforgettable experience.”
Fiorani also touched on the technical aspects of the ride on his brand’s motorcycles equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires: “The Africa Twins handled nicely, despite the heights they reached, and their ease of control and power allowed us to be fast but extremely safe, both on and off-road—a true Rally Queen!”
Metzeler Karoo 4 front tires are available in three widths, from 100 to 120mm for 19-inch rims and 90mm width for 21-inch rims. Rear tires are available for 17- and 18-inch rims. The 17-inch tires range from 130 to 170mm in width, and the 18-inch tires are available in 140 and 150mm widths. Karoo 4 tires can be had in tube and tubeless configurations, though not all sizes are available for tubeless rims.
Honda Africa Twin and Metzeler Karoo 4 Tires Ride the Himalayas Photo Gallery
