Honda Africa Twin ABS Philosophy

Wandering the isles of the Motorcycle Show-Toronto last week my eye was inevitably drawn to the Honda offerings. There perched atop a faux slab of Canadian shield was the new 2016 Honda Africa Twin. The display should have suggested a Niagara Falls wax museum celebrity, but instead it was quite effective in inspiring the off road potential of this new bike in an otherwise contrived environment. It looked great.

Now seeing as I have not had a chance (yet) to ride this machine I won’t attempt to fain a review of it. No, my observations are more from the exhibitor floor and the discussions I had with Honda rep’s that day.

I found something interesting.

After a walk around describing all the details of the new machine and it’s differences from the original I was struck by one detail. Like most dual sport bikes there is the option to switch off the ABS but in the case of the Africa Twin it is only the rear brake that is disengaged. Why would the designers decide to do that?

As I spoke with the Honda rep he defended the decision by evoking the classic off road experience of a slow decent down a steep gravel and rock strewn hill. I know this scenario well in my off road travels in Peru and Chile. He argued it was only ever the back wheel that one would want to lock up completely but never the front wheel. Yes I countered but I would want to have complete control over how close to lock I dare take that front wheel. I asked him if the software that controls the front wheel ABS changes at all when the back is switched off. For instance would it wait a little longer before engaging in slow speed manoeuvres etc. He didn’t know the answer for sure but believed it did. My internet searches have not offered up any answers yet but I’m on it. I'll follow up this post once I get more answers.

BMW has taken a different path and given the rider a more libertarian choice of ABS on or off; no middle ground.Perhaps I’m just a creature of habit but I personally prefer that idea.

Certainly once I get a chance to ride the 2016 Honda Africa Twin come springtime I may change my tune.