It’s an exciting new year for Honda in the Adventure Bike category. While the Adventure Touring market grew leaps and bounds in recent years, Honda seemed to be sitting it out on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to strike. Big Red returns with a vengeance for 2016 with two new liter-class Adventure Bikes for the US market, including the most anticipated new ADV model in years — the CRF1000L Africa Twin.

Honda also made revisions to its two existing middle-weight bikes in their Adventure line. Both get technical updates and aesthetic changes that further improve these practical and reliable motorcycles. Now with four Honda Adventure Bike models for 2016, the company has a more well-rounded offering to fit the diverse needs of this growing market.

Honda recently released US MSRP pricing for all the models in their Adventure line. Here is the complete list of Honda Adventure Bike models, prices and changes for 2016.
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Honda VFR1200X — $15,599 MSRP (Base)

Honda’s range-topping Adventure Touring motorcycle, the VFR1200X, has been a popular model overseas since 2012 and is just now making its debut in the US. Equipped with a 1,237cc V4 engine, an advanced electronics package, shaft drive and the optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the VFR1200X is suited for long-distance adventures.

For 2016, the VFR1200X has been updated with improved emissions and gets a one-hand adjustable touring windscreen, 12V socket and three levels of ‘S’ mode (sport mode) automatic shifting in the DCT version. Currently, Honda has only announced one color choice for the US market called Black Pearl. Pricing for the DCT version will be $400 more than the base model at $15,999 MSRP. The US will receive the first shipments of the VFR1200X starting in May.
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Honda Africa Twin — $12,999 MSRP (Base)

The Africa Twin is one new Honda Adventure Bike that needs no introduction, thanks to a marketing campaign that’s been working on overdrive for the last year. It’s one of the most exciting new motorcycle models to be released from Honda in years, powered by a 998cc inline-twin and optional DCT 6-speed transmission. The Africa Twin is relatively light for a liter-class Adventure Bike and comes equipped with the most suspension travel in the category. The bike also offers ample ground clearance and a 21″ front wheel for off-road use, but still provides a manageable seat height.

The Africa Twin will be available in two colors, Red/Black/White Dakar Rally and Digital Metallic Silver. Pricing for the DCT version will be $700 more than the base model at $13,699 MSRP. Africa Twins are expected to begin arriving in the US this June 2016.
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Honda NC700X — $7,499 MSRP (Base)

Honda’s economical 670cc parallel-twin NC700X gets a range of refinements for 2016. Changes including more aggressive bodywork, a 70mm higher touring windscreen and a new lighter pentagon-shaped muffler with an improved exhaust note. Additional changes include a larger luggage compartment (.25 gallons larger), three different levels of ‘S’ mode for the DCT version and a utility rail to simplify fitting a tank bag. Also new are “L”-shaped air valves on the wheels that make air fill ups easier, a revised dash meter and a smoother-functioning “wave”-style ignition key.

The DCT version will costs $500 more than the base model at $8,009 MSRP but pricing is unchanged for 2016 on both the Base and DCT models. Currently, Honda has only announced one color choice for the US market called Silver Metallic. Expect the NC700X’s arrival on US dealer showroom floors this April.
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Honda CB500X — $6,499 MSRP (Base)

The CB500X is the smallest bike in Honda’s Adventure line, powered by a free-revving 471cc parallel twin and 6-speed transmission. For 2016, the CB500X gets more aggressive styling, a 100mm taller windscreen, LED lighting for the headlight and taillight, and a stylish new muffler design. Other upgrades include externally adjustable front fork preload, an adjustable front-brake lever, plus a hinged fuel cap, a “wave”-style key and an improved shock setting. Finally, a revised gear shift mechanism makes for smoother-feeling gear changes.

Pricing is up $200 for the base model but the ABS version is offered with no price change at $6,799 MSRP. The 2016 CB500X will be available in Matte Black Metallic for the base model and a new Matte Brown Metallic in the ABS version. The 2016 models are expected to arrive on US dealer showroom floors this February.
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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 Mexico, Africa, Europe, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.