Africa Twin model presentation

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Africa Twin model presentation

Is it there?…

… or that one? In view of the very different appearances of the new Honda Africa Twin, a good question. If you put the first official image section over the trade fair prototype (above), an enduro for the rough is created. But a touring variant is also being tested.

L.Is it because you haven’t heard from Honda for so long, or is it really the Africa Twin name that is so fascinating? Whatever: Since speculation about the rebirth of the legendary world tour queen (MOTORRAD 10/2014), the motorcycle giant has been on fire again in at least one direction. Finally a Honda topic aside from the brave entry-level NCs and bizarre bagger variations that the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer wanted to wean us off with in the recent past.

Africa Twin model presentation

Is it there?…

Simple, robust, light and no frills

Last autumn, at the EICMA in Milan, a first impression. Not the long-awaited Africa Twin, but a prototype called True Adventure. Fully muddy, temporarily, in a camouflage look – and yet: Yes, that was it, that was expected. Simple, robust, light, except for the double clutch transmission with no frills. But with long suspension travel and coarse cleats. Only the name wasn’t right. It has now been added. “Africa Twin” is written in black and white on the side view that Honda recently presented to the public. Not a whole motorcycle, but fairing, tank and upper half of the engine. If you combine this piece of the puzzle with the wiry True Adventure (the silhouette fits perfectly) and take a look at the crisp front view (see picture gallery), there is no doubt: We can look forward to this Africa Twin. Of course, the robust muffler of the prototype has to give way to a sweeping component, especially since the new engine has to meet Euro 4 requirements. What the final pot will look like are screenshots of a test drive film, also launched by Honda. Here, too, the Africa Twin is still camouflaged, but the alignment remains clearly off-road-oriented despite civilian tires and a two-part seat. Tea Showa chassis is adjustable, the spring travel should be around 200 millimeters, the tank should hold around 20 liters. The frame and swingarm are made of steel, ABS and traction control are also on board, on request a dual clutch transmission (instead of twelve only six kilos), which, as Honda emphasizes officially, has been specially adapted for off-road use.

But then: the MOTORRAD Erlkonigjager drives an Africa Twin in full regalia in front of the lens near the Honda Germany headquarters. With suitcases, top case, two-part, height-adjustable comfort bench, hanging deep in the springs, in short: not a bit adventurous, but a disguised road machine like so many other would-be enduros. How can that be? The possible solution: As always in previous years, at Honda a motorcycle never comes completely alone, but as part of a model family. The civilian sister of the Africa Twin with shorter suspension travel, lower seat and 19-inch front wheel will be called Elsinore in the USA – and will come in 2017. The Africa Twin will come sooner. The presentation is in September, and it should be at dealerships in November.

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