Metzeler, with its tires Karoo 4embarks on a new epic adventure with six Honda Africa Twins in a demanding and challenging context, that of the Himalayan passes, in the Ladakh region, in India. Previously, we were able to enjoy a similar challenge, where four 1300 GS, equipped with the German firm’s efficient tires, conquered the skies of Chile at more than 6,000 meters above sea level.
On this occasion, a team of pilots aboard six Honda Africa Twins, thanks to a meticulous preparation program, has managed to overcome the difficulties related to higher altitudes, climbing four passes of the Himalayas covering a total of more than 300 kilometers for a total elevation gain of 21,400 meters and in a record time of just over 8 hours.
The team formed by Carlo Fiorani (Honda), Salvo Pennisi (Metzeler), the journalists Thorsten Dentges (Motorrad) and Carlo Pettinato (Due Ruote), as well as the driver Francesca Gasperi and the Olympic champion, prorider and content creator Marco Aurelio Fontana , has traveled a mixed off-road and asphalt route, constantly staying above 4,500 meters above sea level.
They have done it by crossing the passes of Tsaga La, Photi La, Umling La and Nurbu La, for an altitude that together amounts to 21,400 meters. The motorcycles used were the strictly standard Honda Africa Twin, in the ES and Adventure Sports versions, equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires in rear size 150/70 R18 M/C 70T M+S TL and front 21 inches (90/90 – 21 M/C 54T M+S TL) and 19 inches (110/80 R19 M/C 59T M+S TL) respectively, using SC-Project exhausts. A combination that proved successful in easily overcoming the difficulties of the route.
The departure took place at 7 in the morning from Pangong Lake, very close to the border with China. The first Himalayan pass, Tsaga La, was quickly reached after about 70 kilometers of smooth track with fords and sandy bottom. The squad set off towards the second pass, Photi La, along a spectacular very narrow and winding mountain road, with crumbling asphalt, which was missing in some sections.
The altitude of more than 5,000 meters was felt equally by the bikes and the riders, but did not represent a special challenge thanks to the physical preparation of the team and the sophisticated power system of the Africa Twins, which perfectly compensated for the loss of oxygen. After descending the Photi La Pass, the team quickly reached the highest altitude of the expedition, the Umling La Pass, which, at almost 5,900 meters above sea level, is currently the highest accessible pass in the world. in vehicle.
The pilots then descended to the Nurbula Pass, also well above 5,000 meters, as the last stage of this high mountain adventure. The entire team was very pleased to see the stopwatch stop on time. 8 hours, 4 minutes and 14 secondsan impressive result taking into account the conditions and characteristics of this high mountain route.
The Honda Africa Twin and the Metzeler Karoo 4 an ideal team
This union thus confirmed that it is an ideal combination for adventure trips, thanks to qualities such as great autonomy and exceptional maneuverability that made it possible to easily overcome even the most difficult off-road routes. In fact, Metzeler Karoo 4 tires offer efficient off-road traction, even on bottomless dirt, combined with remarkable road handling, regardless of the load situation, thanks also to excellent performance on wet roads and the integration of road aids. driver. Added to this is the extreme resistance to abrasion, cuts and tears.
Salvatore PennisiDirector of Testing and Technical Relations at Metzeler comments: “This feat reinforces the long-standing successful collaboration between Honda Africa Twin and Metzeler Tires. In 2017, with Honda Africa Twins equipped with Metzeler MC 360 tires, we achieved three world records by climbing the Nevado Ojos del Salado volcano on the border between Argentina and Chile. Here we are seven years later with a new adventure, in an equally challenging environment that saw the Honda Africa Twin, in this case equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires, on an adventure through the legendary Himalayan passes of Ladakh, in India .”
“The route proved to be an exceptional testing ground for both the bike and the tyres, confirming once again what is an absolutely winning combination. In the 19-inch and 21-inch versions, the combination of Honda Africa Twin and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires showed benchmark performance in the rapidly growing adventure travel segment.”
Concludes: “Off-road or asphalt, dry or wet, we enjoyed the perfect interaction and balance between the bike and the tires on each ride. In addition to the technical experience, there was also a human aspect, with wonderful teammates, great riders and friends. ” For its part, Carlo Fiorani from Honda Motor Europe Ltd Italia said:
“A fantastic trip to a Himalayan region where Tibetan culture can be felt everywhere. Impressive temples and spectacular panoramas that opened up after every bend, endless trails that led to the most remote places in the world, a pure joy for lovers of travel and rallying. “This adventure will remain in our hearts forever, also thanks to a team that has always been united by their passion for motorcycles and extreme driving.”
Concludes: “As traveling companions, we faced and overcame all difficulties together and developed a true friendship by sharing an unforgettable experience. The Africa Twins handled well, despite the heights they reached, and their ease of control and power allowed us to be fast, but extremely safe, both on and off the road. A true Rally Queen!”
