New Honda Africa Twin revealed. Sort of.
CRF1000L to go on sale this autumn
HONDA has confirmed the return of the Africa Twin with details and dimly-lit images of the new model.
The new CRF1000L is effectively the production version of the 'True Adventure Prototype' unveiled caked in mud at the Eicma Milan Show last November. Pictures released this morning still don't quite fully reveal the 1000cc parallel-twin, instead showing us part of the front and side
Hinting at real off-road potential, Honda says the new adventure bike will share the ‘go-anywhere’ attributes of the original 1988 XRV650 Africa Twin and its successor, the XRV750.
The new Africa Twin will also come with the option of Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission. The system is already available on a number of Honda models including the NC750X, Integra 750 and VFR800X Crossrunner. It uses two clutches, one for odd gears and one for even, working simultaneously to enable smooth automatic shifts. It also allows semi-automatic clutchless shifting using handlebar buttons. Honda says the latest evolution of DCT has been developed ‘to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous’.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin is expected to go on sale this autumn.
Honda said in a release: ‘Honda is delighted to announce the return of one of motorcycling's most celebrated and evocative names - the Africa Twin.
Having clearly shown the direction of its development and intent with the reveal of the True Adventure prototype at EICMA in November 2014.
Nick Campolucci, Head of Honda Motorcycles, Honda (UK) commented "We look forward to seeing the Africa Twin here in the UK, the return of this iconic name is already causing quite a stir and we're looking forward to the excitement it will bring when it arrives in UK showrooms next year."
Some motorcycles encapsulate perfectly what an adventure motorcycle is all about. The original XRV650 Africa Twin - which debuted in 1988, after the first 3 out of 4 consecutive wins at the Paris-Dakar* - was one such machine. Its go-anywhere ability, rugged durability, easy-handling agility and all-day comfort made it the perfect partner with which to explore. And it helped to define a motorcycling segment that has now grown into one of the most popular worldwide. The new Africa Twin remains true to all the attributes and abilities of the XRV650 and its successor the XRV750, while adding the benefits of everything Honda has learnt on and off-road over the last decade, including Team HRC's return to the Dakar in 2013.
Furthermore, in a first for the category, the Africa Twin will feature the option of a new evolution of Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology, which remains unique to Honda in motorcycling. This latest evolution of DCT has been specifically developed and programmed to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous.
The all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin is set to redefine expectations of just what a large-capacity adventure motorcycle can and should be capable of, both on and off-road, and opens an entirely new chapter in Honda's illustrious history of dual-purpose motorcycles made for true adventure.’
