We all have different ideas about the so called “ultimate” overland motorcycle. Overland Expo has revealed theirs and it’s nothing short of amazing.
Photo credit: Overland Expo
The new Honda Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports is a true “ADV” motorcycle. It’s not considered lightweight, unlike a Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 690 or Husqvarna 701. Regardless, the Africa Twin 1100 can handle off pavement riding without hesitation, but as always, one’s riding skills and experience are the deciding factor.
Okay, now that this “Ultimate” claim has been more or less clarified we can focus on the juicy details.
Back in February, 2021, the organizers of Overland Expo contacted us to let us know that the group involved in making the build project happen had vouched for our crash bars and skid plate. Wow! This came as a big surprise. We were flattered to say the least. I was told that it’d be a build project featuring a unique overall look and it has turned out just as they promised.
The base is an “all-black” 2021 Honda Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports ES DCT: https://www.overlandexpo.com/compass/2021/2/23/ultimate-overland-moto-2021-honda/
Since our Africa Twin 1100 protection combo – coincidentally called Ultimate Protection MAX combo – is pretty darn solid (drop test video here), it was obvious that this combo would be the choice for the Ultimate Overland build project.
There was a twist to it though: Overland Expo had plans to install a SuperWinch LT2000 on our crash bars, but then again, we were promised an ultimate overland motorcycle, so there. It comes with a winch now!
If you’re lucky enough to live in the USA or you’re allowed to travel there during the pandemic, then you may have to chance to checkout this build project in person. Let me quote Overland Expo:
“The build will be revealed in person at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado August 27-29, 2021, and traveling to Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona and Arrington, Virginia later into the Fall. There you can check out the build firsthand while gaining the gear, skills, and knowledge to fuel your own adventures.”
Special mention goes to the other companies which contributed to this amazing build project: Jesse Luggage, Denali Electronics, Wolfman Luggage, Garmin, Superwinch, Heidenau, KonTour Seats.