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Honda Africa Twin claims altitude record

Honda Africa Twin claims altitude record

A Honda Africa Twin in almost standard trim has claimed the world altitude record for a twin-cylinder motorcycle by climbing the world’s highest volcano.

The bike with the DCT automatic transmission reached 5965m on Ojos del Salado in the Atacama Region, on the Argentina-Chile border.Honda Africa Twin claims altitude record

Honda says they did not change the fuelling.

Only a 6m high wall of snow and ice stopped Chilean enduro champion Fabio Mossini from going further. He was part of a five supporting Africa Twins.

The only modifications to the bike were a Termignoni exhaust, knobby Metzeler MC360 tyres, shorter final gear and some protective parts.Honda Africa Twin claims altitude record

It wasn’t the outright record for a motorcycle.

That is held by the KTM Freeride electric bike. It was set last year by Francisco López, KTM’s Chilean rally raid rider, on the same mountain. He reached an altitude of 6080m.

KTM Freeride sets altitude record
KTM Freeride sets altitude record

The altitude record for an internal combustion engine bike is 6471m set in 2015 by Gianfranco Bianchi on a single-cylinder Suzuki RM-Z450.