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Off-road dominator vs road-eating machine: honda africa twin vs yamaha tracer 900

What To Know

  • The Africa Twin also boasts a comprehensive suite of rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS, while the Tracer 900 has a more basic set of electronic features.
  • The Honda Africa Twin has a more comprehensive suite of rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS, while the Yamaha Tracer 900 has a more basic set of electronic features.
  • The Honda Africa Twin has a more upright riding position and wider seat, making it more comfortable for long days in the saddle.

In the realm of adventure motorcycling, two titans stand tall: the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Tracer 900. Both machines embody the spirit of exploration, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and comfort. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Honda Africa Twin vs. Yamaha Tracer 900 to determine the ultimate adventure companion.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Africa Twin lies a powerful 1084cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 101 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Tracer 900 boasts a 890cc inline-triple engine, producing 115 horsepower and 68.6 lb-ft of torque. While the Tracer has a slight edge in horsepower, the Africa Twin’s torquey engine provides impressive low-end grunt for off-road adventures.

Handling and Suspension

The Africa Twin is renowned for its exceptional handling on both paved and unpaved roads. Its long-travel suspension, with 9.1 inches of front and 8.7 inches of rear travel, absorbs rough terrain with ease. The Tracer 900, with 5.9 inches of front and 5.4 inches of rear travel, is more suited for on-road riding but still capable of handling light off-road excursions.

Electronics and Features

Both bikes are well-equipped with advanced electronics. The Africa Twin features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the Tracer 900 offers a 3.5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity. The Africa Twin also boasts a comprehensive suite of rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS, while the Tracer 900 has a more basic set of electronic features.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Africa Twin’s upright riding position and wide seat provide excellent comfort for long days in the saddle. The Tracer 900, with its more forward-leaning stance and narrower seat, is designed for a more sporty riding experience. Both bikes offer adjustable handlebars and footpegs to accommodate riders of different heights.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Africa Twin is clearly the superior choice for serious off-road adventures. Its long-travel suspension, rugged construction, and advanced electronics make it a formidable companion on challenging terrain. The Tracer 900 is more suited for light off-road use, such as dirt roads and gravel paths.

On-Road Performance

On paved roads, the Tracer 900 shines with its agile handling and smooth power delivery. Its inline-triple engine provides ample power for spirited riding, while its comfortable ergonomics make it a pleasure to ride for extended periods. The Africa Twin is less impressive on the tarmac, but its torquey engine and stable handling still make it a capable road bike.

Final Note: The Verdict

The Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Tracer 900 are both excellent adventure motorcycles with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin is the better choice for serious off-road enthusiasts, with its superior suspension, rugged construction, and advanced electronics. The Tracer 900, on the other hand, is a more versatile machine that excels on-road while still being capable of handling light off-road conditions. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual riding style and intended use.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which bike has more horsepower?
A: The Yamaha Tracer 900 has 115 horsepower, while the Honda Africa Twin has 101 horsepower.

Q: Which bike has more torque?
A: The Honda Africa Twin produces 75 lb-ft of torque, while the Yamaha Tracer 900 has 68.6 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which bike has a longer suspension travel?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has 9.1 inches of front and 8.7 inches of rear suspension travel, while the Yamaha Tracer 900 has 5.9 inches of front and 5.4 inches of rear suspension travel.

Q: Which bike has more advanced electronics?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a more comprehensive suite of rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS, while the Yamaha Tracer 900 has a more basic set of electronic features.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a more upright riding position and wider seat, making it more comfortable for long days in the saddle.

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