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ADV BikesNew Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA?

New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA?

The unveiling of one of the most anticipated new Adventure Bikes in years.

Published on 11.04.2014

It was an exciting day for Adventure Riders. The most anticipated new Adventure Bike in years was about to be revealed to a crowd of press in Milan, Italy at the EICMA show. Strangely, as the curtain dropped, what appeared to be the new Honda Africa Twin was displayed wearing camouflage and covered in mud, as if it had just been rushed to the stage after a trail ride.

It seems all the mud was Honda’s way of emphasizing how serious they are about their new Africa Twin being a dirt-oriented Adventure Bike. Honda states the new bike is inspired by their adventure heritage and recent Dakar rally racing program. Sharing the stage was the 1989 Paris-Dakar winning NXR 820V Africa Twin and the Honda CRF450 Rally used in the current Dakar Rally.

New Honda Africa Twin unveiling at EICMA
A new Honda Adventure Bike was unveiled at the Milan EICMA show covered in mud.

It would seem with the unveiling of a new Africa Twin, Honda has been listening to a growing throng of Adventure Riders unhappy with the trend toward over-sized Adventure Bikes unsuitable for serious off-road use. According to Honda, their new light weight, off-road capable Adventure Bike was developed to withstand the harshest conditions of a round-the-world tour.


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While there was great excitement about a new Honda Africa Twin model, there was also disappointment. Although the bike appeared ready for production, Honda introduced the motorcycle as a prototype called the “True Adventure.” The True Adventure name reflects on Honda’s past glory and also encapsulates their future vision. Unfortunately, this means it could take some time before the Honda Africa Twin becomes a production model. Other than the visual unveiling, no other technical details or information was provided by Honda about their True Adventure prototype.

It may not carry the Africa Twin name yet, but the appearance of the True Adventure prototype reflects previous leaked information about a new Honda Africa Twin model. The dual headlights stay true to the Africa Twin heritage, while the vertical windscreen and upward-turned exhaust echo the modern styling of the CRF450 Rally. The bike is powered by a large displacement inline-twin cylinder engine and bodywork is minimalist without much plastic to break in a fall. A flat motocross seat, wrap around handguards, 21″ front/18″ rear wheel combo, aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Rally knobby tires and twin-spar aluminum frame, all send a message that this bike is ready-to-race.

Those with a keen eye may have noticed the bike is missing its clutch and gear shift levers. The prototype is equipped with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) also available on the NC700X/NC750X and VFR1200X Crosstourer. DCT eliminates the need to operate the clutch, and in ‘AT’ mode automatically selects the best gear for riding conditions. In ‘MT’ mode, the rider can shift without a clutch using a pair of thumb and index finger operated paddles on the left side of the handlebar.

The gray downshift paddle can be seen in the pictures located under the indicator switch on the left side of the handlebar, while the drive mode selector switch is located on the right-side handlebar with N (Neutral), D (Drive) and S (Sport) shift modes. We can see how DCT could be a helpful feature off-road to prevent stalling on rough terrain, but this does add extra complexity to the bike. Most likely, Honda will make DCT optional like they do with other models.

It may not be all the good news many had hoped for, but at least fans of the Africa Twin can rest assured knowing that Honda is making progress toward building a reliable, fairly light-weight, low-maintenance, Adventure Bike with serious off-road intentions (and hopefully good highway manners). We hope that the new prototype is given a strong reception by the masses, so that Honda can be convinced to rush this new Africa Twin into production as soon as possible.

UPDATE 5/12/2015: Honda officially announces the release of the CRF1000L Africa Twin for 2015 launch. For photos and details click here.

More Photos

2015 Africa Twin

honda africa twin 2015

New Honda Africa Twin 2015 CRF1000

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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Mid-range Adventure bike - Page 4
November 4, 2014 5:28 am

[…] eventually the SE will need to be replaced, and that Honda may be the nearest thing on the market. New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA? » ADV Pulse cheers Markie Reply With […]

Krasimir Krustev
Krasimir Krustev
November 4, 2014 6:42 am

Nice motorcycle adv!

trackback
Africa Twin
November 4, 2014 9:45 am

[…] […]

Michael Fitzpatrick
Michael Fitzpatrick
November 4, 2014 9:48 am

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

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KTM 1050 Adventure unveiled
November 4, 2014 9:48 am

[…] this is what we are all looking forward to ? New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA? » ADV Pulse Reply With […]

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2015 Africa Twin - it's back!
November 4, 2014 11:29 am

[…] New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA? » ADV Pulse ?2015 Honda Africa Twin: Finally An ADV Bike Built For Dirt How could they not have released it in HRC colours – criminals! Reply With Quote […]

Thomas
Thomas
November 4, 2014 3:21 pm

»It may not be all the good news many had hoped for« — Really? What more do you want? It looks awesome, should be light, powerful, and capable to do basically everything between dirt and highway. Also rumors say that that basic models are going to be as electronics-free as possible. So, apparently, this is one of the dreambikes so many ADV guys have been writing (and whining )about.

Mark75
Mark75
November 4, 2014 3:55 pm
Reply to  Thomas

They refer to the bad news of it being a prototype that was unveiled. Everyone wants this bike right now so it was disappointing to not see a much awaited production bike. As it looks, we might have to wait another year to see a final product from Honda. And who knows if it will even come to the U.S. But it is awesome to know they are building something a lot of us have been asking for. Unfortunately, the wait will have to continue until who knows when…

Thomas
Thomas
November 7, 2014 3:37 pm
Reply to  Mark75

According to a german forum it’s supposed to be on sale in summer ’15. Same release date for all countries. Don’t know if that involves the US. They would be stupid not to bring it to the states though. I think it’s going to be a success sales-wise.

Gene Colclasure owns F6BD
Gene Colclasure owns F6BD
November 4, 2014 4:18 pm

Hope the seat isn’t too tall like the BMW (Tired of so much German adventure Press) Dont want to mount it like a Bicycle. And, what’s gonna break when you drop it? It takes days to ride to Colorado from OKLA. and I still cant make it to Tincup CO by then I am too tired to drop and lift 500 Lbs Plus What I really want is Boxer 4cyl under 500 Lbs that is good on Smooth Gravel roads or the road from Silverton to Lake City CO

Patty Kennedie
Patty Kennedie
July 6, 2015 12:53 pm

Okla. to Colo. is one long day for me. Good luck with a 500# baby Gold Wing.

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THIS is How You Reveal a Legend | thats him officer
November 4, 2014 8:29 pm

[…] a reveal, we are still in prototype node.  Read more from our gear head friends over at ADV Pulse     – Posted using BlogPress from my […]

Riaan de Jager
Riaan de Jager
November 4, 2014 9:47 pm

That “basic/entry model is good enough for me please!!
Currently on a Yamaha XT660Z Tenere, love it.

Riaan / Cape Town / South Africa

Riaan
Riaan
November 4, 2014 9:57 pm

Ye, fully agree with you Gene –

This Honda means business:

Would like to know more re.: Tank size
Weight
Engine size (1000..?)
Interesting to note “USD” front suspension

Joern
Joern
November 5, 2014 12:13 am

Looks good. Basic model with manual clutch and shifter and no ABS please.

cegonha
cegonha
November 5, 2014 5:33 am

honda must stick with the late projections!
http://idratherberidingdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/inmoto-version.jpg?w=640&h=681

this is what im talking about… this would be insane!
but honda does not give a shit about consumer opinions so we’ll be contemplated with a 80-90 looks,its a shame..

Eric Hoops
Eric Hoops
November 5, 2014 5:50 am
Reply to  cegonha

Paint that model in your post camo and put mud all over it and it would look rather piggish.. 🙂 To much plastic for me. I like the high front fender for looks but the new Adventure Proto looks like a serious push in the right direction. Minimal body plastic and godd suspension with low center of gravity. I ride the XR650L now and would like to try this new bike. The NX and current 700 beamer are pretty highway bikes with some gravel road suspension IMO.

Robi-CRO
Robi-CRO
November 15, 2014 9:46 am
Reply to  cegonha

Agree!!

Robi-CRO
Robi-CRO
November 15, 2014 9:50 am
Reply to  cegonha

cegonha,agree 100%!!

Cristian
Cristian
November 5, 2014 12:55 pm

Nice looking, very good if they fit 21″/18″ wheels, but there are two things i hate already: not keeping the V engine and the chain tensioners on the rear wheel (the ones in the old model were a dream)….

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New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA? » ADV Pulse | Meat And Grease
November 6, 2014 12:28 am

[…] via New Honda Africa Twin Finally Revealed at EICMA? » ADV Pulse. […]

Albert
Albert
November 7, 2014 9:21 am

Not happy with this appearance at all the adventure bike must use the iconic belly pan and the sleek full fearing that ends at the pan the side panels must be there. why go backwards with such a still eye catching bike like the late xrv 750. If I was the designer I would just upgrade the old look with a sleeker look but no too far off from the previous Twin. looks these days are just as important than the performance. rather make a semi off road version with less plastic and a more sleek fearing unit for the guys that loved the 2004 models. I had an 88, 94,98,2002 and a 2004 model Africa Twin and every time I sold one had a super bike in between but always went back to this awesome bike. At the moment I’m driving a 1800 vzr Boulevard and can not wait for the new Africa Twin. Hope Honda is not going to disappoint all the Honda Africa Twin Fans. My last Africa Twin came out of a garage and was rusted badly. Bought the bike, stripped it in my Garage and refurbished the hole bike from parts to showroom condition. One of the greatest experiences of my life to have all the back up on line. Enjoyed every moment looking for parts online. There is no better adventure bike for me out there. Keep it simple but with good looks.

joe Garzia - Malta
joe Garzia - Malta
April 19, 2015 6:42 am
Reply to  Albert

it Albert. The more it gets to replicate the Original the better it is. The Africa Twin was and still is the Model Bike – perfect as mothernature has made it – so please do not mess around it. We are al waiting for it eagerly. Please Honda, don’t let us wait more.

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Ny Africa twin på gång? – Hojresor
November 9, 2014 7:25 am

[…] Man kan alltid hoppas att Honda har något nytt på gång. KTM behöver konkurrens True Adventure kallas den här modellen. Läs mer här. […]

Bruno Gray
Bruno Gray
November 17, 2014 5:47 pm

Yes please. Make it now I want to give Honda my cash.

poler626
poler626
November 20, 2014 7:55 pm

DOOOO ITTTTT!!!

Mesjr
Mesjr
November 26, 2014 5:51 pm

Put a real trans in it ditch any unneeded electronics and I’m in

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The 2015 BMW S1000XR Signals a Split in the ADV Category » ADV Pulse
December 3, 2014 7:55 pm

[…] and CSC Cyclone RX-3. Honda has made clear its plans to bring to market a Dakar Rally-inspired Africa Twin with undiluted off-road performance. We’ve also heard directly from a KTM insider that they […]

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HONDA AFRICA TWIN 2015 | Suka Motor
December 12, 2014 6:42 pm
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Honda เอาจริงในตลาด Adventure Motorbike แล้วนะคร้าบบบบ ผมหละตื่นเต้นจนHand NC750xในมือมันสั่นไปหมด!!!! « FEELING FOOTBALL
January 8, 2015 3:57 am

[…] https://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/new-honda-africa-twin-revealed/ คลิปเปิดตัวจากทาง Honda […]

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Spy Photos May Reveal a KTM 690 Adventure in the Works » ADV Pulse
February 16, 2015 10:11 am

[…] With a resurging economy, we are beginning to see more variety in Adventure Bike models and competition appears to be heating up in the previously dull middleweight category. Triumph is now providing four different models of their middleweight Tiger 800 and Honda seems to be close to releasing the much awaited Africa Twin […]

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CRF250 Rally - New Honda Adventure Bike Concept - ADV Pulse
March 17, 2015 2:03 pm

[…] version of the Honda CRF250 Rally will be released towards the end of 2015 alongside the new 1000cc Africa Twin, which was presented as the “True Adventure” concept bike at last year’s Milan […]

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Honda Officially Announces 2015 Return for the Africa Twin - ADV Pulse
May 12, 2015 8:47 am

[…] Twin which will be released later this year as a 2016 model. We received a sneak peek of the new CRF1000L Africa Twin when Honda unveiled a mud covered prototype called the “True Adventure” at last […]

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Here's What It's Like to Ride the New Africa Twin - ADV Pulse
July 22, 2015 6:21 pm

[…] The new Africa Twin will be released in Europe at the end of 2015 and is expected to be in U.S. dealers early 2016. For more information on the bike’s specs, check out what Honda revealed at this year’s EICMA show. […]

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Honda CRF250 Rally Now Just One Step Away From Production - ADV Pulse
March 22, 2016 2:10 pm

[…] of the carbon fiber protectors and the Termignoni exhaust. But as we’ve seen in the past, Honda prototypes have proven to be very close to their production model versions. No official statements have been […]

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