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Meet the BMW R 18 cruiser

vuyi on November 10, 2020

Following the world premiere of the new BMW R 18, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the cruiser in South Africa. Our motorcycle journalist Bongiwe Didiza attended the event and shared her first impressions on the cruiser.

Settling snuggly into my window seat on board the flight to the launch venue – Cape Town, I mused over memories of when I first straddled the R 18 prototype at the media handover of the S 1000 XR, F 900 XR and the F 900 R. At first glance I had been bowled over at the sight of the sleek low-rider and as airplane cruised closer to the Mother City, I was all but salivating at the thought of actually riding the new cruiser.

The fact that BMW Motorrad had elected to host the motorcycle media at Lanzerac Wine Estate wasn’t lost on me because similar to fine wine, BMW had certainly taken their time in developing the R 18 model series – I am guesstimating 83 years. It was roughly in 1935 when BMW first created the R 5, a cruiser which was powered by a 494 cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine with a 4-speed transmission. The R 5 boasted 17.9kW of power, had a wet weight of 175kgs, and a fuel tank capacity of 15L.

Fast forward to 2020 and BMW Motorrad’s considerable motorcycle manufacturing expertise, resulting in the R 18, was about to be scrutinized in microscopic detail by little old me!

Approaching my-wheels-for-the-day, I was apprehensive about the 345kg weight of the bike in comparison to my body frame and height.

– Bongiwe Didiza, Biking in heels

Day 1

Upon arrival at the award-winning wine estate, we were welcomed by the sight of a shiny, chromed BMW R18 cruiser in all its highly polished splendor. The butterflies in my tummy did a happy dance and I grinned mischievously under my mask. Registration done, I reacquainted myself with journalists I was familiar with and met new friendly faces. I barely remember chewing my food because I was so eager to jump onto one of the bikes! Calming myself sufficiently I stopped fidgeting long enough to pay attention to the route briefing then, it was time to gear up and pick a ride.

As with most BMW bikes fitted with boxer engines, firing up the ignition of the R 18 was an exhilarating, yet fleeting thrill.

Approaching my-wheels-for-the-day, I was apprehensive about the 345kg weight of the bike in comparison to my body frame and height. Thanks to the keyless start feature I tucked the cruiser keys safely into my motorcycle leg bag and promptly forgot about them, but was jolted back to reality when I tried to awaken the 1802 cc cruiser which is equipped with the most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time – the Big Boxer.

As with most BMW bikes fitted with boxer engines, firing up the ignition of the R 18 was an exhilarating, yet fleeting thrill. As the oil flows from one side of the air-cooled boxer engine to the other, the cruiser physically reverberates, giving the rider an involuntary jiggle which, I quickly learned is best experienced with both feet firmly on the ground. Anything else could result in an unceremonious descent and severely bruised ego!

As the convoy of motorcycle journalists and I clutched out of Lanzerac, I felt the customary ache of strained facial muscles and realized I had been grinning from the time I straddled the bike. Twisting the throttle I heard the roar of the engine as 67kW of power rocketed me towards the renowned scenic beauty of the Cape. Within minutes, my mind was completely settled about the weight of the R 18 and I confidently rode in formation along with my colleagues.

The R 18 cruiser comes standard with three riding modes (Rock, Roll, and Rain). Feeling the admiring glances of other road users I decided to Rock it (like Jon Bon Jovi) for the first leg of the ride. I made a mental note to Roll (like Mick Jagger) later in the day.

To show off its cruiser capabilities, BMW Motorrad had us journeying along some of the most breathtaking mountain passes Cape Town has to offer. Much as I enjoyed soaking in the majestic views I was continually jolted back to reality by the scraping sound of the foot-peg kissing the tarmac each time I leaned into a curve. In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18, features a laid back positioning of the foot-rests – so-called “mid-mounted footpegs”.

I had focused so much on the scraping sound that I hadn’t noticed how numb my bum had gotten from the saddle.

– Bongiwe Didiza, biking in heels

This classic position behind the cylinders is designed to enable a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control. For me, however, it was rather disconcerting and I was frightened one of the pegs would break off at each turn. The unsettling sound made by the scraping footpegs was one of the main discussions by the group when we arrived at our first comfort break. I wondered if my background on superbikes and dual sports bikes made me lean more than necessary into each curve given that the cruiser is a much lower ride. I decided to ignore the scraping sound and hope for the best.

Back in the saddle and heading towards our starting point, I began to get a better understanding of the dynamic lean angle of the cruiser and there was less foot-peg scraping.

I had focused so much on the scraping sound that I hadn’t noticed how numb my bum had gotten from the saddle. As comfortable as it looks, the seat is rather firm and I hope BMW has included different seat options in its conversion style design package so that one can choose a more plush accommodation for the buttocks.

On our way back to the estate for the last time, a malfunctioning traffic light abruptly turned red and I had to dig sharply into my brakes.

– Bongiwe Didiza, biking in heels

Day 2

I took a differently styled R 18 cruiser which was fitted with a reverse assist function, something I absolutely agree is needed on a beast of this weight!

Heading out for more riding on the windy mountain passes once more, I was more familiar with the machine and spent more time savoring my surroundings – residents of Johannesburg’s concrete jungle will understand what I mean!

On our way back to the estate for the last time, a malfunctioning traffic light abruptly turned red and I had to dig sharply into my brakes. Until then, I had not had any intentions of testing the ABS and Automatic Stability control functions but the BMW braking system did not disappoint. Having to apply the brakes that sharply reminded me of a conversation I had had with a friend who had commented that the braking system of a cruiser is not enjoyable because one has to anticipate slowing down, otherwise the bike would not come to a comfortable stop. I won’t say which cruiser he has had that experience on but I’ll be sure to let him know that this is not the case with the new BMW R 18 model.

Environmentally conscious motorists will be pleased to learn that the R 18 only emits 129 g/km, proving once again that bikes are better for the environment than conventional cars.

Much as I enjoyed the BMW R 18 cruiser, there were two big let downs which I found quite difficult to ignore. Firstly, the reverse function seemed a tad tricky to operate. I am not sure it was simply a malfunction on the bike the demonstration was conducted on or if it is a problem across the R 18 range. Regardless, it seems that when operating the reverse function, the rider is required to firmly push down and hold the reverse gear in place while simultaneously pushing the bike backward for the function to kick in and automatically reverse the bike. In practical terms, this means you only have the use of your right hand to steer the bike until the reverse function kicks in. As you can imagine, this isn’t ideal and it would be best that you balance yourself very well while in reverse mode, or else!

The other let down is the absence of a fuel gauge which I found completely bizzare!

– bongiwe didiza, biking in heels

When following up on this problem with BMW Motored after the launch, I was happy to learn that my experience with the reverse function should be considered an isolated event and that the standard operating methodology is much simpler and safer. In reality, when engaging the reverse function, the rider is only required to lock the reverse gear firmly into place (as you would in a car), then gently open the throttle to allow the cruiser to start reversing. The rider would ordinarily have both hands on the handles. When I do get the R 18 on test in the coming weeks, I will be sure to try out the reverse function first.

The other let down is the bizarre absence of a fuel gauge which I found completely weird. Of course at the launch, our bikes were refueled over night for us, but as a customer, I think it may take a few embarrassing jogs to the nearest fuel station with an empty coke bottle in hand before one learns how many kilometers can comfortably be covered before having to refuel.

Environmentally conscious motorists will be pleased to learn that the BMW R 18 is a relatively emitter of carbon emissions at only emits 129 g/km, proving once again that bikes are better for the environment than conventional cars. “For a bike of this size and engine capacity, I am quite impressed at it’s carbon emissions of 129g/km, which is relatively lower than that of smaller bikes. Bikes such as the S 1000 XR emit 144g/km and similarly, the S 1000 RR emits 149g/km,” says Songo Didiza, Green Mobility Guru for Driving In Heels and Founder of Green Building Design Group.

The new BMW R 18 is offered as an exclusive R 18 Classic First Edition is priced at R319 900-00.

First ride: BMW S1000XR, F900XR & F900R

vuyi on July 31, 2020

Bongiwe Didiza recently attended the media handover of the latest motorcycles from BMW Motorrad and spent the day playing with all three new bikes.

I won’t mention my excitement and the feelings of anticipation leading up to this day, because that will be a year long page of reading!

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Arriving at Gemelli Restaurant in Bryanston, for registration and Covid-19 screening I was well received with friendly smiles, exotic elbow greetings, a steaming hot cup of tea and nice breakfast. I took time to marvel at the beauties on display, the S 1000 XR, F 900 XR and F 900 R that BMW was about to handover to the media.

Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

I could hardly contain myself, even as the presentation was well underway. Thoughts of experiencing first-hand, the various features being mentioned were making me fidget and I wondered if it was obvious to others in the room. This being my first-ever motorcycle event I felt like all bikers do when itching to get into the saddle of a new iron horse – energized.

Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation. Although my riding experience more than qualified me to be in their midst, the age-old debate about which gender is the better biker gnawed at my brain. I didn’t entertain it. I knew I was spending a day with friendly colleagues experiencing the thrill of the ride.

I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Daydreaming about the S 1000 XR, I marveled at how it combined the different strengths of various BMW motorcycles. by producing the S 1000 XR, BMW have effectively carved out a new and niche biking category as the S 1000 XR combines the performance capabilities of a BMW S1000RR with touring bike abilities.

I brought myself back into the moment of the presentation. My resolve didn’t last long though and I smiled slowly as I the imaged myself riding the F 900 XR adventure sport bike. It’s upright GS seating style would make me feel as though I was on my F 800 GS and that in itself, would be reassuring.

All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Letting my mind drift to the dynamic F 900 R, I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting. Most commuter bikes are generally powered by engine capacities smaller than 900cc. I couldn’t wait to discover how a bike of this engine size would fare in a commuter-type environment.

The presentation at an end, it was time for us to formally meet the motorbikes in the metal. All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.

The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala”.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

I started off with the dynamic power of the S 1000 XR. I fumbled, before I remembered BMW has a keyless start, then laughed at myself. Off we went on my ice grey horse down Bryanston, through Krugersdorp and all the way to Magalies for our first comfort break.

That was a long enough ride for me to fiddle with the 6’5inch TFT screen and explore the different riding modes – Dynamic Pro, Dynamic, Road. I didn’t tamper with the Rain mode though, knowing it would test better on a rainy day. In Dynamic mode, I felt the S 1000 XR punch forward. Although expected, it felt exhilarating. The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala” directly translated that means – “come out and play”. Corny I know.

The F900R, could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of your height

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

The break over, it was time to hop on to the F 900 R – the Hockenheim silver/racing red commuter bike with its sizable engine. Although offering a comfortable seating position, my tall frame dwarfed it considerably and it felt too snug for me. I recalled conversations with ladies who only ride superbikes because of the tallness of the other bike models and realized that I could now confidently talk about the F 900 R as it’s height would suite most not-so-tall people. For those who may want to try something different, the F 900 R could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of height; and while most may not want to admit it, height is not a female problem so a few guys might want to try out the F 900 R too!

The F 900 R lived up to my earlier day dreams when I had envisioned that it could easily be one of the best commuter bikes. As I rode it, it proved to be light and swift and given the capacity of its engine I can confidently say that the F 900 R would give you the freedom to quickly get out of sticky commuting situations with ease during an urban ride. Soon I was living my best life, playing on the curves along the road leading to our lunch destination, at the Cradle Moon Lodge, Muldersdrift.

Over lunch my colleagues and I shared our individual experiences thus far and discussed various features of each of the motorcycles. Oh, the joys of being in the company of those who share the same interests as yourself.

A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Then came the big surprise reveal, in the form of the BMW R18 cruiser prototype. Seemingly, everyone else already suspected it lay in wait under the cover of the platform it perched on. I was the only one taken completely by surprise.

With our tummies refueled, it was time for me to saddle up on the F 900 XR. Presented in the perfect colour for me – galvanic gold metallic – I settled onto the bike I affectionatly regarded as the S 1000 XR’s little sister. The F 900 XR has loads of personality and ease of comfort for everyday riding. Riding the F 900 XR you’d be forgiven if you ‘mistakenly’ found yourself venturing on a mini adventure without a destination in mind – just to keep riding it.

A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment. I let the ‘boys’ go wild on their powered-up toys, while I followed with my own hearty “cry-laugh” moment. The time to return the bikes had come and the ‘rowdiness’ was our way of signing off the end of an incredible experience.

Going home later on, I felt all sorts of sweet happiness. my first-ever handover experience had been amazing. the BMW Motorrad team and my media fellows had just a fantastic bunch of people and besides, its always a good day when one rides a well engineered motorbike.

I hopped into bed to remininse about the day and simultaneously made a mental, (albeit sleepy) note to book all three bikes for longer test rides as soon as possible. As my head hit the pillow I visualized myself astride the new BMW R18 cruiser set to arrive in SA in October. It gave me a glimmer of hope that even through the global coronavirus pandemic there was something to look forward to but until then I was just happy to have had a phenomenal day.

#MakeLifeARideSA

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new BMW S 1000 XR

vuyi on July 28, 2020

BMW Motorrad has recently revealed the new BMW S 1000 XR.

Reflecting its wide range of possible uses the latest edition of this Adventure Sport bike features a wholly newly developed engine and suspension. The S 1000 XR advances the sports to touring range in its own distinctively fresh way, leaving little to be desired.

The new S 1000 XR already features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment as standard

The newest member of the Motorrad family underlines its strong character with dynamic proportions. It features sporty design cues from the touring and GS sector which lend the S 1000 XR an unmistakable air of aesthetic authority.

The new S 1000 XR already features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. It further boasts the following standard features: Dynamic ESA, riding modes Pro, ABS Pro & Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Hill Start Control Pro, a perfectly readable 6.5” TFT screen complete with connectivity and full LED lighting.

The new BMW S 1000 XR also features engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time. Electronically controlled, the MSR prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting.

Meet the new BMW S 1000 XR

ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

Dynamic ESA Pro is available as an optional extra with two damping modes (Road, Dynamic) and automatic load compensation. For the first time in the S 1000 XR, the dynamic brake assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) also supports the rider during braking manoeuvres.

It’s newly developed in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 121 kW and has a maximum torque of 114 Nm.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Four Riding Modes

The new S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. The “Dynamic Pro” mode, which can be fully configured for the first time in the S 1000 XR, offers a wide range of setting options. In addition to throttle response, engine brake, ABS control and traction control, wheelie control (including the new “Power Wheelie” setting) can be configured separately for the first time in the new S 1000 XR. ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Multifunctional instrument panel with 6.5-inch TFT screen for excellent readability

The instrument cluster in the new S 1000 XR has also been completely redeveloped.

For optimum visibility even in difficult light conditions, the screen has been designed to be large. It offers tailor-made screen displays for a range of different purposes. The Pure Ride screen has all the information required for regular riding on the road, for instance, while an additional Core screen enables banking positing, braking and traction control to be displayed.

In the ex-works option Headlight Pro, the adaptive turning light ensures additional safety when riding at night

Another possible screen display provides a vehicle status overview. A practical arrow navigation system with app is included as standard. The TFT display is operated conveniently from the handlebars using the MMC (Motorcycle Multi Controller).

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

New LED light units

All lighting units in the ECE version of the new S 1000 XR draw on the latest LED technology. In addition to the turn indicators and the rear light unit, this includes the high-intensity main headlamp with two symmetrically arranged LED units each for low beam, high beam and parking light. The new LED headlamp now illuminates the road even more effectively than before. In the ex-works option Headlight Pro, the adaptive turning light ensures additional safety when riding at night. Here, the rider benefits from enhanced illumination of the road when cornering.

The optional equipment item Headlight Pro also includes DRL (Daytime Riding Light) for better recognition of the vehicle during the day. LED additional headlamps are also available as ex-works options for improved visibility at night and enhanced recognition in road traffic.

Two Attractive Colour Schemes

The new S 1000 XR also reflects its unmistakable character in two different colour schemes: the refined basic finish in Ice Grey and the highly dynamic finish in Racing Red/White Aluminium, available at extra cost.

Priced from R240 400.00

Road Trip! Taking the long route to Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

vuyi on March 27, 2020

There is a straight-forward way to get from Johannesburg to the iconic natural wonder which is Hole-In-The-Wall in the Wild Coast; a route that follows the N3 to Howick, proceeds to Mthatha along the R612 before culminating in Coffee Bay.

That, however, was not the route my friends and I took when we set out on our annual Ubuntu Adventure / Pride of Africa Ride. Instead, driving my sponsored Christmas wheels from Isuzu SA and riding sponsored bikes from Honda SA we travelled the long way round; first to Ladybrand (near Maseru), then to East London before finally heading for Coffee Bay. With some of our party travelling in the comfy 7-seater mu-X and the others on Honda’s iconic Africa Twin 1000cc adventure motorcycles our trip was peppered with loads of humour, challenging weather conditions and numerous rest stops.

Day 1: Farewell Jozi!

Taking command of the impressive Isuzu mu-X, I had fairly heavy-duty expectations of Isuzu’s first-ever SUV. The vehicle would have to prove itself on several fronts, namely fuel efficiency over our 2600km trip. It would also be required to effortlessly transverse roads of varying degrees of maintenance ranging from the smooth surfaces of national highways to hair-raising strips of tar dominated by pot-holes, each the size of an average two-bedroom apartment; lug my brand new (sponsored) 230kg Honda NC750X motorcycle; have enough space to comfortably seat 3 adults; securely tow luggage for 4 women and a man, (whose ‘tog bag’ could never really count as luggage) as well as the mandatory ‘above-average’ size, cooler-box.

My familiarity with the interior properties and storage capabilities of the mu-X was not in question thanks to the partnership between Isuzu South Africa and the Gals Garage Driving Experiences; so it was easy to tick off its ability to cater for our luggage, but had to fold the 3^rd-row of seats down in order to do so.

I had never towed anything as heavy as a motorcycle before hence my concerns relating to the weight of the bike, fuel efficacy, and vehicle performance were a the fore of my mind. Fortunately, these were quickly muted. For a start, the weight of the bike (a.k.a “Blue Wildebeest”) might as well have been a feather thanks to the mu-X’s 3-tonne towing capability and the Isuzu’s trusted 3.0-litre, 130kW, turbodiesel engine.

I had driven from Johannesburg to East London countless times before and was surprised that the fuel consumption on this trip averaged what it usually was, with only a need to replenish the 65-litre fuel tank twice.

Stopping every 2-hours to stretch our legs and replenish ourselves and the machines, our rest stops included Bethlehem for a hearty breakfast in Bethlehem, Ladybrand for a comical photoshoot, and Queenstown for ice-cream before overnighting at our family home in East London.

Day 2: eMdansane (East London) to Coffee Bay

After breakfast and a lengthy farewell ceremony which included prayers travelling mercies, we made our way to Drifters Raceway Theme Park, an outdoor adventure and amusement park in Cambridge Hall. Our intention had been to have fun testing our quad-biking skills along the narrow, twisty inclines of the track; but what was meant to be an hour’s stop over culminated in lunch on the wooden deck over-looking the plush greenery of the Park’s surroundings.

Hunger pangs subdued, we began the 4-hour journey to Coffee Bay, which proved to be more eventful than anyone could have anticipated. At this point I had unleashed the Blue Wildebeest from the shackles of the trailer and handed the mu-X key’s to one of our party.

Commanding my bike, I did my best to keep up with my more experienced friends on their Africa Twin motorcycles and the only reason we rode on par was because the road conditions compelled them to stay at my pace. The three of us dodged, bobbed and negotiated our way around potholes, speeding motorists, crazy bus drivers, oblivious pedestrians and unperturbed livestock leisurely sauntering across the roads. At one point I caught a glimpse of the mu-X dancing its way through the same obstacles and imagined that its entire braking system – ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) – had been rudely awakened to active duty.

Bringing my focus back to my immediate need for self-preservation, I quickly re-acquainted myself with the Honda’s traction control settings and responsive front and rear brakes. Perched 1.35 metres above the tar and moving at 120km/hr whenever conditions permitted, the ever-changing nature of the road provided me with an opportunity to practise everything Morag Campbell had taught me during our biking lessons. At times, the fact that the world sharply fell away beyond the metal incentivised me to slow down and re-position myself within the lane, and at other times, the twists, long curves and hair-pin bends reminded me to distribute my weight appropriately.

I can best describe the road directly to Coffee Bay as uncompromisingly hostile for drivers and as an extreme sport for bikers. It was along this stretch of road that the agility of the mu-X and Honda bikes were severely tested. Screaming gusts of wind howled around mu-X, and threatened to tear us off the bikes seats, whilst on ground level, all bikers and the mu-X driver discovered pothole avoidance skills of MBA-level! As daylight kissed us farewell, the Bi-LED projector headlights of the mu-X came to our aid, to illuminate the bits of tar between the potholes.

6-hours after leaving East London, battered, tired and without a trace of humour, we arrived at Eagle’s Nest Backpackers Lodge. We each claimed the first bed we saw and awoke the following morning to witness the sun shimmering over the Indian ocean. The Lodge’s wooden patio provided a worthy setting for our scrumptious breakfast. Our bottoms befittingly numb and perhaps because the weather was a little sour not one of us gave the motorcycles a sideward glance as we set off for a spot of sight-seeing, fresh air and local ‘jewellery shopping’ from the hard-negotiating mamas at the beach.

Day 3 & 4: Hole-in-the-Wall, Eagle’s Nest Accommodation

Still smarting from the ride, neither the Isuzu mu-X nor the motorcycles received any attention from any of us until the late afternoon when we made our way to Hole-in-the-Wall, a mere 10km drive away. Unfortunately we arrived as the tide was coming in and only had enough time to pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the milestones of 2019. The walk from the parking area to the actual sight is magnificent and dogs are permitted, however it is marred by local boys insistent on being guides.

Day 5: Jozi Bound

We arose in the hopes of making up time along the hazardous road we had to use to get back onto the N2. This time though, taxi drivers presented more threat to life than the enormous potholes and we had to pull over twice to give way to fast moving traffic which seemed to glide over the gaping potholes.

Re-fuelling in Mthatha allowed for a collective drop in heart-rates, before embarking on the 5-hour ride and drive towards Howick Falls in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Rest stops included scenic views, garages and food stalls at which we bought the freshest breads, fruit juices, and creative ornaments almost as proof of our having been there. The actual Falls were impressive albeit affected by the drought and I could hardly believe I had never been there in spite of my countless drives to Durban.

If I could have conjured up a helicopter to transport me back home from that point I would have been the happiest little novice biker on the planet, but in lieu of a magic wand I opted to fasten the Honda onto the trailer and snooze in the comfort of the passenger’s seat back to the City of Gold. With fellow adventurer Songo Didiza confidently at the wheel, my last thoughts before drifting of into lala-land was that the more experienced bikers were barely aware of the mu-X’s existence and we next caught up to them in Harrismith.

Our epic, annual Ubuntu Adventure end over coffee in the lounge right where it had begun a few days earlier. It had been long and challenging but most rewarding. The Isuzu mu-X proved that it is the best long-haul partner to travel providing superior safety, unparalleled comfort, adequate space, and value-for-fuel-money. Similarly, my Honda NC750XD upheld it’s premium position as being one of the best motorcycles for learner bikers thanks to its features and rider-ease.