Best Overland Builds We Saw at SEMA 2021
Of all the incredible overland builds at SEMA 2021, we thought these 11 — yes, eleven — were the absolute tops.
Starting with the 2021 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT finished in Darkness Black Metallic — a new colorway for the 2021 model year — Overland Expo is outfitting the bike with the latest and greatest adventure moto gear. We will take it on overland adventures throughout the year, demonstrating just how good the Africa Twin and our ultimate gear is.
Today’s adventure motorcyclists are spoiled for choice. Not only are there countless brands offering smart, lightweight, and durable adventure moto accessories, making adventure moto travel safer, easier, and more fun, the bikes themselves are more advanced and capable than ever before.
But knowing where to start, which pieces of kit to choose, and which brands to trust isn’t easy in such a wide and varying market. Keen to get more adventure motorcyclists outfitted, inspired, and out on their own overland journeys, Overland Expo is building its own Ultimate Overland Motorcycle in 2021.
Of all the incredible overland builds at SEMA 2021, we thought these 11 — yes, eleven — were the absolute tops.
Overland Expo’s Ultimate Overland Motorcycle 2021, the Honda Africa Twin Sport ES DCT, starts its final chapter and goes to auction on Bring a Trailer.
We created the Ultimate Motorcycle and outfitted it with the latest and greatest adventure-moto gear to prove just how incredibly capable adventure motorcycles can be.
When asked if I’d like to overland through the Rocky Mountains with someone else’s equipment for a week, the only credible answer was “yes.” When the machinery happens to be Overland Expo’s Ultimate Overland Motorcycle, it’s guaranteed to be a premium kit. The only pondering required was a simple, “When and where?”
With endless miles of dirt roads, expansive wilderness, and the sort of sunsets that make travel
You’ve succumbed to calls of overland adventure and purchasing a shiny new dual-sport motorcycle. Before you set out into the wilderness on said new moto, it’s important to know how to do it, as well as what to pack.
For this Trips & Trails, Sterling Noren of Noren Films took Overland Expo’s 2021 Ultimate Overland Vehicle, Honda Africa Twin, on Aspen Ridge. The Honda Africa Twin will be a part of other storytelling throughout the year. Follow the 4Runner’s adventures on its official landing page.
By: David Hilgendorf For this Trips & Trails, David Hilgendorf rode Overland Expo’s 2021 Ultimate Overland Motorcycle,
Overlanding has many faces. Typically, the image comes to mind of a well set-up rig like a 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, a Unimog, or a luxury-built Sprinter van. Certainly, however, there is also room for motorcycles in the community of overlanders.
We revealed our take on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle — i.e. ultimate adventure moto — at Overland
The 2021 Ultimate Overland Vehicle and Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Demonstrate What’s Possible, Inspire Overlanders to Get Out on Their Own Adventures
Overland Expo, the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts, announced its first-ever ‘Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build’ based on the 2021 Honda Africa Twin. Partnering with Honda Powersports, Overland Expo and its staff of seasoned and passionate overlanders will outfit the Africa Twin, transforming the already-capable adventure motorcycle into the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle.
Keen to get more motorcyclists outfitted, inspired, and out on overland journeys, Overland Expo is building the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle in 2021. With the goal of providing the gear and knowledge you need to hit the trail, we are building out a 2021 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT to fuel your adventurous imagination.
Read about the gear we’ve chosen for the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle build.
With endless miles of dirt roads, expansive wilderness, and the sort of sunsets that make travel
To protect the Africa Twin from rocks and impact, we’re adding the Ultimate Protection Combo MAX from Outback Motortek. This kit includes crash bars, engine guards, and a skid plate to keep Ultimate Overland Motorcycle in one piece when the going gets rough.
The Ultimate Overland Motorcycle will be outfitted with hard panniers and top case from Jesse Luggage. The Jesse system is incredibly durable, to keep our gear well protected. Plus, we’ll be using their lid racks, bags, and lid packers to maximize pannier storage and keep things organized.
To expand our carrying capacity on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle, we’re using a tank bag and soft bags from Wolfman Luggage. Wolfman’s waterproof luggage is versatile and durable, perfect for long-haul adventuring and weekend trips alike.
We’re outfitting the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle with a complete lighting kit from DENALI Electronics. The DENALI kit includes forward facing auxiliary lights with front and rear turn signals, plus rear running/brake lights, to see and be seen on every adventure.
Heidenau’s durable compound, combined with a tread to handle just about anything, has made for a tire that’s perfect for the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle. In adventure riding, the road can be unpredictable, but we know that the K60 Scouts will have our back.
To plot our adventures and stay in touch while out in the field, the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle will be fitted with navigation and communication systems from Garmin. The zūmo XT will be mounted to the bike and we’ll keep the inReach Mini on us wherever we’re riding.
For serious recovery situations in challenging terrain, we’re carrying the compact LT2000 from Superwinch on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle. Remember that having proper recovery gear is important, but knowing how to use it is even more essential.
Riding in comfort is key for long-haul adventuring and we’re fitting the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle with a custom KonTour Seat. KonTour’s patented process creates the ultimate riding seat using high-tech materials to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.
The details make all the difference and the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build wouldn’t be complete without a few key adventure accessories.
We’re beginning to look for partners for our 2022 Ultimate Overland Build! Want to get involved? Let us know!
Africa Twin Photography by John Allen
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Photo by Brett Willhelm, Willhelmn Visual Works
Photo by Brett Willhelm