Honda displayed their new Adventure Sports concept bike at the 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show held over the weekend in Osaka Japan. Honda says the new concept bike is designed to take the “adventurous spirit of its base, the CRF1000L Africa Twin, to a new level.” Honda hasn’t released specific details, but what we can tell is that the new Adventure Sports concept is a more aggressive off-road version of the Africa Twin.

A low upswept racing exhaust from Termignoni and wide wrap-around skid plate are rally-race inspired, while a flat single-piece suede-top seat, serrated platform footpegs and billet aluminum bar risers are all off-road focused additions.

The front fuel tank appears to be larger than stock and bulbous rear body panels hint at a possible under-seat fuel tank that would give the Africa Twin Adventure Sports Concept an extended range like a Rally Race Bike. Other notable differences from the standard Africa Twin are the white frame, aluminum-colored swingarm and frame protectors, tubular luggage rack and carbon fiber engine protectors.

Upswept racing exhaust by Termignoni, wrap-around skid plate, serrated platform footpegs and a flat single-piece seat are just some of the off-road focused updates of the Adventure Sports concept.

With its turn signals, rear fender and mirrors missing in action, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is clearly more of a concept at this stage. But that doesn’t mean it won’t evolve into a production ready model in the near future. Honda displayed a raw version of their CRF250 Rally Concept at last year’s Osaka show only to refine it more later into a nearly production level bike this year.

We are excited to see if this Adventure Sports concept evolves into a big-tank enduro version of the Africa Twin. If the evolution of the CRF250 Rally prototype is any prediction, we may see a more refined version of the bike at one of next year’s major motorcycle shows.

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.