Metzeler Karoo 4 Tyres and Honda Africa Twin Conquer Four Himalayan Passes in Just Over 8 Hours

In a breathtaking high-altitude expedition through the Ladakh region of India, a team of riders tackled some of the world’s most demanding terrain to test the capabilities of standard motorcycles and tyres under extreme conditions. The journey, organized by Honda, showcased the performance of Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres and the Honda Africa Twin, as six motorcycles climbed four Himalayan passes in just over 8 hours, covering a total altitude gain of 70,215 feet (21,400 meters).

The expedition covered over 186 miles (300 kilometers), maintaining an altitude constantly above 14,763 feet (4,500 meters), as the team rode through the Tsaga La, Photi La, Umling La, and Nurbula passes. The riders were equipped with strictly standard Honda Africa Twin motorcycles, in both the ES and Adventure Sports versions, fitted with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres. The combination of these motorcycles and tyres allowed the riders to easily navigate the rough and varying terrain, including dirt tracks, crumbling asphalt, and sand-covered stretches.

The team included Carlo Fiorani (Honda), Salvo Pennisi (Metzeler), journalists Thorsten Dentges (Motorrad) and Carlo Pettinato (Due Ruote), rider Francesca Gasperi, and Olympic Champion Marco Aurelio Fontana. Their journey began at Pangong Lake, near the Chinese border, at 7 a.m. The first pass, Tsaga La, was reached after 43 miles (70 kilometers) of smooth but sandy trails with the occasional water crossing. The second challenge, Photi La, offered a narrow, winding road at over 16,404 feet (5,000 meters), where riders contended with crumbling asphalt. Despite the drop in oxygen, the motorcycles, equipped with advanced fuel injectors, maintained optimal performance.

The highest point of the expedition came at Umling La, a pass nearly 19,357 feet (5,900 meters) above sea level, making it the highest pass in the world accessible by vehicle. The final descent to Nurbula, at well over 16,404 feet (5,000 meters), brought an end to this remarkable journey.

The team completed the route in an impressive 8 hours, 4 minutes, and 14 seconds. Both the Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres and the Honda Africa Twin performed outstandingly, proving that this pairing offers great autonomy, excellent handling, and unmatched traction, both on and off the road. The tyres’ durability and resilience shone through as they navigated the demanding conditions, including wet roads and rough terrain, ensuring a smooth ride for the entire journey.

Salvo Pennisi, Director of Testing and Technical Relations at Metzeler, emphasized that this adventure strengthened the partnership between Metzeler and Honda. He recalled previous achievements, such as the record-breaking climb of the Nevado Ojos del Salado volcano in South America in 2017. This latest feat through the Himalayan passes, with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, reaffirmed the reliability and precision of both the tyres and motorcycles in extreme environments.

Carlo Fiorani of Honda Motor Europe praised the unforgettable journey, noting the incredible scenery, Tibetan cultural landmarks, and endless trails. He highlighted the camaraderie that developed among the team, as they shared the challenges of the expedition and created lasting memories.

This high-altitude adventure is a testament to the capabilities of both Metzeler tyres and Honda Africa Twin motorcycles, delivering a flawless performance across some of the most demanding terrain in the world.