It hasn’t been quite as simple though. Our riders have faced +45C/113F scorching temperatures in the Sahara Desert.
At least the “road” conditions have been fairly tolerable in Western Africa and corruption and bureaucracy have been on their side as well. I won’t be telling you a “yawn” story of what these bikes and riders are going through. Instead, I’ve got dozens of photos to tell you a much better story of how the knowingly first-ever Honda Africa Twin 1000 has made it to the former desert race’s finish line in Dakar, Senegal, followed by two Suzuki Vstrom 650s.Â
One of the two Suzuki Vstrom 650s posing near the Atlantic Ocean in Western Sahara. So far these two “older” machines have shown no or small signs of “aging” and can still keep up with the new Honda Africa Twin 1000.
No one can stop nature. If it wants to blow sand in your way, it will.
That stunning Outback Motortek skid plate is waiting to be tested later in Africa when things get rougher. I’m sure it’s ready for the battle.
But first the crash bars need to show how well-made they’re, after dumping this heavily overloaded Africa Twin on them. Sand or not.
Often time we wish that this was the only traffic on our roads. Rush hour in Western Sahara.
The proud “Stroms” are eating up the miles in the Sahara Desert. Luckily the Heidenau K60Scouts are good partners in that business.
These ships used to shine and were doing their job making their captains really proud. Now? Captains left the “sinking” boats.
Another spills with the Africa Twin. It’s time to switch over to light weight soft luggage?
Would a handful of throttle shoot the Africa Twin out of this stubborn sand?
Neat little “bungalows” in the Sahara Desert setup for the strays of the world. This photo would sure qualify for the 2017 Horizons Unlimited calendar.
I can’t imagine how these local kids feel about such modern motorcycles. They seem fascinated to be near the three bikes. Most likely it had made their entire year.
Riding the beach that used to provide playground for the Dakar race.
No comment.
Setting up camp in Senegal just past the border. Next stop: Dakar.
Local kids are admiring the “beasts”.
And this is getting quite normal by now.
I’ll just let you absorb this photo/reality for a couple seconds.
Well, welcome to Senegal and its capital, Dakar. The story is not over, yet. Our riders are still headed south and will not stop until Guinea-Bissau.
Stay tuned and make sure to follow Desert Storm 2016 on Facebook.