Honda Quest, the incredible adventure!

[Sheepman]

Any feedback on the 990 vs AT wrt power? the 990 has something like 20hp more, how did you guys experience that?

The KTM seems stronger torque wise and very snappy. The Honda's is misleading because it's so smooth. I've heard one person say that in a drag the Honda kept ahead of the KTM. This may be, but the KTM is more raw and feels stronger. It's almost like a thumper vs a triple. Or, the KTM has a lighter flywheel?

The KTM's power is instant, the AT's is more linear. It seems like the torque curve is steeper on the KTM.

The engine layout ( parallel twin ) must be the reason for that.

[2StrokeDan]

Any feedback on the 990 vs AT wrt power? the 990 has something like 20hp more, how did you guys experience that?

The KTM seems stronger torque wise and very snappy. The Honda's is misleading because it's so smooth. I've heard one person say that in a drag the Honda kept ahead of the KTM. This may be, but the KTM is more raw and feels stronger. It's almost like a thumper vs a triple. Or, the KTM has a lighter flywheel?

The KTM's power is instant, the AT's is more linear. It seems like the torque curve is steeper on the KTM.

The engine layout ( parallel twin ) must be the reason for that.

The 990's more instant power would be more of a function of higher compression ratio?, lighter flywheel effect, and more aggressive ignition/fuel mapping.

Thanks for the bike comparison, Andrew, this is the sort of feedback that I like.

P.S. I just Googled, the specs between the 990 and CRF1000 tells a story, the 990 has 11.5:1 CR, the CRF 10:1.......the 990 has a bore of 101mm and a stroke of 62.4mm to give 999cc.
The CRF has a bore of 92mm and a stroke of 75,1mm to make up 998cc.

[Scrat]

I know we all had different experiences and opinions on many levels so in summary I'll give my feedback for what it is worth.

1. This was an absolutely life changing experience for me in all regards.
2. The friendships made was more valuable than winning a bike.
3. If I was given free range to pick a teammate I would have picked Minxy again. A positive and never say die attitude is exactly what is needed out there.

4. The organizers and Honda took a massive chance and made history. Not one single mechanical issue and a few other records made with this trip.

The bikes:

1. These bikes are more capable than any other big bike I have ever ridden. It handles like a small bike in thick sand and can scale mountains with proper suspension.
2. The DCT is the future. Unless you have spent a few days in the hardest of conditions with them you might doubt this statement.
3. The extra 10kg on the DCT is irrelevant and not felt at all.
4. If you ever attempt a trip like this there is one thing you would surely want at the top of your list - reliability. None is more reliable than the AT.
5. The bikes was standard except for 2 aftermarket additions. The Rumbux crashbars and GoGravel radiator guards was thoroughly tested and is a must have.
6. They are very comfortable for 10 hour days.
7. Fit a decent set of tyres like the Continental TKC' 80's

I really would like to tell you about the flaws of these bikse, but in 2 weeks and 2500km I could find none. There is simply nothing these machines could not overcome.

So if I had to buy one tomorrow what would it be? DCT without a doubt.

Now I feel like going for a ride.

I could not agree more with what Charl said here..
there is no $$ value to the friendships made and experience gained from this EPIC event..
i will not trade a new AT for what i personally have gained in this 2 weeks!

the bikes were amazing.. we put them all trough hell and back.. for 10 days... no issues  will i go do this route again with a 245kg bike...? YES - only if it is the Africa Twin..
I was lucky one to have a DCT for the 2 days we were doing Van Zyls. I was blown away by the ease this piece of engineering handled all the obstacles.
I was driving at the back with Kamanya and it felt like cheating... no worries about the clutch and managing the right gear at the right time with the boot... it was all there with a touch of a finger .. AMAZING!!
I will deff take the DCT without a doubt ... Like Kamaya mentioned.. the only thing i would like to request ion the DCT (after trying to find something at fault with the DCT) is to have the Software upgraded to allow for 2nd gear pull away when in Gravel mode and the Manual transmission is selected... this ONLY for when in deep soft sand...
Other than that.... I could not find anything wrong with the bike..

my previous bike was a KTM 950 Adventure.. will i replace the KTM with a AT... Hell Yes!!
i did everything with my 950 , atlantis / amageza /long tours... i loved my bike!!
after this Kaokoland tour - i have to honestly say that i do not think i would have made it/enjoyed it as much if i was on the KTM.
the AT truly are ready for any obstacle out there!!

well - i am trying to catch up on work... NOT!!!
Just trying to get all the footage sorted - will upload some pics soon!

[Sheepman]

Any feedback on the 990 vs AT wrt power? the 990 has something like 20hp more, how did you guys experience that?

The KTM seems stronger torque wise and very snappy. The Honda's is misleading because it's so smooth. I've heard one person say that in a drag the Honda kept ahead of the KTM. This may be, but the KTM is more raw and feels stronger. It's almost like a thumper vs a triple. Or, the KTM has a lighter flywheel?

The KTM's power is instant, the AT's is more linear. It seems like the torque curve is steeper on the KTM.

The engine layout ( parallel twin ) must be the reason for that.

The 990's more instant power would be more of a function of higher compression ratio?, lighter flywheel effect, and more aggressive ignition/fuel mapping.

Thanks for the bike comparison, Andrew, this is the sort of feedback that I like.

Agree, very good to hear these comparisons. Dan, I am no technical guru, but the parallel twins which I have ridden as opposed to v twins that I have ridden, almost always make less power and torque than the similar capacity V's.The parallel twins produce linear power and torque as said and most are smooth, whereas the V's tend to be rougher and vibey.Sure, most V's pick revs up quicker, without being big revvers in any way, but have a rather lowish plato.The aspects which you have raised will no doubt have an influence on the feel of the 990 engine.

[Bikerboer1973]

Hi KarooKid,

See you guys did some maintenance on the go, why did you need to drain the oil in 2500km, seems a bit fast?

Also did you guys clean the air filters regularly and how difficult is it to get to, it is under the tank as in other Honda bikes and like on my Varadero a PITA to get to and not quick.

Thanks for nice RR and pic's!

[Ian in Great Brak River]

Absolutely stunning report!

Well done to all involved in this epic adventure, this I will need to re-read 3 times to get all the info packed into it.

PS: to keep the settings just throw the side stand out whilst at idle for a short quiet stop.

Cheers Ian

[Heimer]

Hi KarooKid,

See you guys did some maintenance on the go, why did you need to drain the oil in 2500km, seems a bit fast?

Also did you guys clean the air filters regularly and how difficult is it to get to, it is under the tank as in other Honda bikes and like on my Varadero a PITA to get to and not quick.

Thanks for nice RR and pic's!

Yep it would be nice to also know the overall casualty list of the bikes (even if they seem to have taken everything)

That spectacular crash must have broken or bent something on the bike.

Were there cracked / bent rims - I heard that being mentioned on the videos

etc..

I am very very impressed with what these bikes and riders did. Wel done all round

[Hardy de Kock]

Hi Everyone

The crew only got back late last night after a tough two days on the road etc.

I will try to add value to the detailed ride report that the WD contestants will compile later. I do however would like to thank all of them, the WD contestants, and the crew members, John Webb (Tau), Christoffel Lombard (Hingsding), en Jaco Kirsten (Jacko) for making this the special event it was.
Great riders, great adventurers and great friends, all of them.

Cheers
Hardy

[Kamanya]

Hi KarooKid,

See you guys did some maintenance on the go, why did you need to drain the oil in 2500km, seems a bit fast?

Also did you guys clean the air filters regularly and how difficult is it to get to, it is under the tank as in other Honda bikes and like on my Varadero a PITA to get to and not quick.

Thanks for nice RR and pic's!

Yep it would be nice to also know the overall casualty list of the bikes (even if they seem to have taken everything)

That spectacular crash must have broken or bent something on the bike.

Were there cracked / bent rims - I heard that being mentioned on the videos

etc..

I am very very impressed with what these bikes and riders did. Wel done all round

The oil was changed because the bikes were brand new (mine had 55k's on when I rode it out of Windhoek) and were required for warranty reasons have a first service whilst on the trip. The air filters are a pain to get to.

Only 2 things broke on the 22 bikes;

A handguard in that massive crash - it was later remounted with just a bit of ducttape. The rest of the bike was unscathed.
A brake lever broke on Van Zyls from a tip over. It was a stumpy shorty after that but still useable. It was changed out that evening I think.

One minor ding in a fuel tank, also on Van Zyls
About a third of all the bikes had a slight ding in the decorative/heat shield for the exhaust - it's a replaceable cover.
Not one rim had a smiley or crack. This is hardly believable considering the amount of snake bite punctures and the terrain.

A huge factor in this very short list of damage was the Rumbux crash bars and bash plate. They are solidly mounted to the frame at many points, are flipping sturdy and without them, there would have been a lot more plastic left behind. I would consider them manadatory for the bike. A great unintentional advantage they bring is they become a great alternative footrest when touring. When we serviced the bikes, it was apparent that the bash plate had done more than its fair share of keeping everything from being destroyed. Again, without it, there may have been some oil puddles left in the Kaokoveld.

If there was any critisism of the system, the plates bolts are rounded allen key bolts, they need to be countersunk as a few were difficult to get out as they had seen a rock or two and it made it impossible to get the allen key in.

The Go Gravel radiator  was also key in keeping rubbish and ricocheting rocks out of the radiator.

[Kobus Myburgh]

Hell it's hard working today.  Missing these times already.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Heimer]

Hi KarooKid,

See you guys did some maintenance on the go, why did you need to drain the oil in 2500km, seems a bit fast?

Also did you guys clean the air filters regularly and how difficult is it to get to, it is under the tank as in other Honda bikes and like on my Varadero a PITA to get to and not quick.

Thanks for nice RR and pic's!

Yep it would be nice to also know the overall casualty list of the bikes (even if they seem to have taken everything)

That spectacular crash must have broken or bent something on the bike.

Were there cracked / bent rims - I heard that being mentioned on the videos

etc..

I am very very impressed with what these bikes and riders did. Wel done all round

The oil was changed because the bikes were brand new (mine had 55k's on when I rode it out of Windhoek) and were required for warranty reasons have a first service whilst on the trip. The air filters are a pain to get to.

Only 2 things broke on the 22 bikes;

A handguard in that massive crash - it was later remounted with just a bit of ducttape. The rest of the bike was unscathed.
A brake lever broke on Van Zyls from a tip over. It was a stumpy shorty after that but still useable. It was changed out that evening I think.

One minor ding in a fuel tank, also on Van Zyls
About a third of all the bikes had a slight ding in the decorative/heat shield for the exhaust - it's a replaceable cover.
Not one rim had a smiley or crack. This is hardly believable considering the amount of snake bite punctures and the terrain.

A huge factor in this very short list of damage was the Rumbux crash bars and bash plate. They are solidly mounted to the frame at many points, are flipping sturdy and without them, there would have been a lot more plastic left behind. I would consider them manadatory for the bike. A great unintentional advantage they bring is they become a great alternative footrest when touring. When we serviced the bikes, it was apparent that the bash plate had done more than its fair share of keeping everything from being destroyed. Again, without it, there may have been some oil puddles left in the Kaokoveld.

If there was any critisism of the system, the plates bolts are rounded allen key bolts, they need to be countersunk as a few were difficult to get out as they had seen a rock or two and it made it impossible to get the allen key in.

The Go Gravel radiator  was also key in keeping rubbish and ricocheting rocks out of the radiator.

Thanks Andrew 

[BikerJan]

Ek kan dit glo Kobus, lyk na 'n baie lekker trip, as jy die nodige skills het.

SAND

[Cracker]

Probably the best race/ride report I've read in years - would love to able to do something like that.

[XRRX]

In the absence of more pictures and stories from the participants (must be sleeping or busy with "betasting"  ), I feel compelled to place this pic from google :

[craigbarker]

The culmination of the 2017 Honda Quest True Adventure

[KarooKid]

Hi Everyone

The crew only got back late last night after a tough two days on the road etc.

I will try to add value to the detailed ride report that the WD contestants will compile later. I do however would like to thank all of them, the WD contestants, and the crew members, John Webb (Tau), Christoffel Lombard (Hingsding), en Jaco Kirsten (Jacko) for making this the special event it was.
Great riders, great adventurers and great friends, all of them.

Cheers
Hardy

I have to agree with Hardy.

The contestants had a ball but there are some unsung heroes who deserve special mention.

Ockie Vermeulen did an outstanding job to see to everybody's wellbeing and health. Always ready with medical assistance, water and a compressor.

The ladies who saw to all being well fed and having food ready for the hungry masses.

Jaco, John and Christoffel - these guys had a massive responsibility in leading the way, assisting any contestant who needed help and seeing to the convoy of bikes ultimately safely getting back to Windhoek. They did an exceptional job from my point of view and deserve as much credit as the organizers and Honda for putting this together.

I do not think anyone realizes how much logistics happens behind the scenes and to execute a huge operation like this one must have a very capable team. Well done to Hardy and Specialized Adventures for the way the whole team pulled together to make this a success.

[Bikerboer1973]

Hi KarooKid,

See you guys did some maintenance on the go, why did you need to drain the oil in 2500km, seems a bit fast?

Also did you guys clean the air filters regularly and how difficult is it to get to, it is under the tank as in other Honda bikes and like on my Varadero a PITA to get to and not quick.

Thanks for nice RR and pic's!

Yep it would be nice to also know the overall casualty list of the bikes (even if they seem to have taken everything)

That spectacular crash must have broken or bent something on the bike.

Were there cracked / bent rims - I heard that being mentioned on the videos

etc..

I am very very impressed with what these bikes and riders did. Wel done all round

The oil was changed because the bikes were brand new (mine had 55k's on when I rode it out of Windhoek) and were required for warranty reasons have a first service whilst on the trip. The air filters are a pain to get to.

Only 2 things broke on the 22 bikes;

A handguard in that massive crash - it was later remounted with just a bit of ducttape. The rest of the bike was unscathed.
A brake lever broke on Van Zyls from a tip over. It was a stumpy shorty after that but still useable. It was changed out that evening I think.

One minor ding in a fuel tank, also on Van Zyls
About a third of all the bikes had a slight ding in the decorative/heat shield for the exhaust - it's a replaceable cover.
Not one rim had a smiley or crack. This is hardly believable considering the amount of snake bite punctures and the terrain.

A huge factor in this very short list of damage was the Rumbux crash bars and bash plate. They are solidly mounted to the frame at many points, are flipping sturdy and without them, there would have been a lot more plastic left behind. I would consider them manadatory for the bike. A great unintentional advantage they bring is they become a great alternative footrest when touring. When we serviced the bikes, it was apparent that the bash plate had done more than its fair share of keeping everything from being destroyed. Again, without it, there may have been some oil puddles left in the Kaokoveld.

If there was any critisism of the system, the plates bolts are rounded allen key bolts, they need to be countersunk as a few were difficult to get out as they had seen a rock or two and it made it impossible to get the allen key in.

The Go Gravel radiator  was also key in keeping rubbish and ricocheting rocks out of the radiator.

Thanks Andrew 

Ditto!

[sidetrack]

Any feedback on the 990 vs AT wrt power? the 990 has something like 20hp more, how did you guys experience that?

The KTM seems stronger torque wise and very snappy. The Honda's is misleading because it's so smooth. I've heard one person say that in a drag the Honda kept ahead of the KTM. This may be, but the KTM is more raw and feels stronger. It's almost like a thumper vs a triple. Or, the KTM has a lighter flywheel?

The KTM's power is instant, the AT's is more linear. It seems like the torque curve is steeper on the KTM.

The engine layout ( parallel twin ) must be the reason for that.

The 990's more instant power would be more of a function of higher compression ratio?, lighter flywheel effect, and more aggressive ignition/fuel mapping.

Thanks for the bike comparison, Andrew, this is the sort of feedback that I like.

P.S. I just Googled, the specs between the 990 and CRF1000 tells a story, the 990 has 11.5:1 CR, the CRF 10:1.......the 990 has a bore of 101mm and a stroke of 62.4mm to give 999cc.
The CRF has a bore of 92mm and a stroke of 75,1mm to make up 998cc.

Essentially the CRF is a under stressed long stroke (feel slightly lazy) motor. But it produces lots of usable power and will be very reliable. Case in point see how many old AT's are still riding around.

[edgy]

I keep thinking that its no mean feat 20 x AT`s are pulled through this type of terrain and absolutely zero issues, I mean not even a smiley/cracked rim and in that 50 deg heat no overheating!!
Which other manufacturer could likely pull that off??
This says a hell of a lot to me!

[Pistonpete]

I keep thinking that its no mean feat 20 x AT`s are pulled through this type of terrain and absolutely zero issues, I mean not even a smiley/cracked rim and in that 50 deg heat no overheating!!
Which other manufacturer could likely pull that off??
This says a hell of a lot to me!

Yip...a real world test 

Equivalent to 10 000kms 'normal' offroad riding ?