Honda Africa Twin[2017] vs Kawasaki Z1000

The Africa Twin is a litre class go-anywhere motorcycle from Honda that landed on Indian shores two months ago. It has come at a time when there has been a good growth in the adventure bike segment which is currently being ruled by the Triumph Tigers. This tall, handsome, red Japanese motorcycle is available only in DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version because Honda felt that the USP of automatic gearbox will provide a great marketing advantage. Inspired from the legendary Paris Dakar Rally and its predecessors, this Africa Twin promises to change the adventure biking segment in India and for good.

The mere mention of a four-cylinder, 1000cc motorcycle makes me go weak in the knees. The feeling of being perched on a missile with no guidance control other than your vision and your ability to steer, stop or go is frightening… but absolute power corrupts absolutely, so when I was handed the keys to the alien-looking Z1000, all I did was say a small prayer and hop on. You only live once, after all.