Honda Officially Announces 2015 Return for the Africa Twin

The most anticipated Adventure Bike in years is back in Honda's lineup.

Published on 05.12.2015

2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin — The most anticipated new Adventure Bike in years has finally been confirmed.

Today Honda has officially confirmed the return of the Africa 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 year’s Milan EICMA motorcycle show.

Honda states the new Africa Twin will share the same “go-anywhere” off-road focus of the original Dakar Rally winning Africa Twins of the 80’s and 90’s, along with all-day comfort to explore long distances.

Honda said in a release: “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 learned on and off-road over the last decade, including Team HRC’s return to the Dakar in 2013.”

New photos partially reveal a stunning red, white and black paint scheme for the all-new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.

The 2016 Africa Twin will feature a 1000cc parallel-twin and a new version of its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology as an option. A similar system is available in the NC700X/NC750X and VFR1200X Crosstourer. DCT eliminates the need to operate the clutch, and automatically selects the best gear for the riding conditions. Honda says the latest evolution of DCT has been specifially developed “to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous.”

2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin is set to shake up the Adventure Touring market with a model that attempts to redefine what a large capacity Adventure Bike can do. It’s a new phase for Honda, which in recent years has shied away from building truly off-road capable Adventure Bikes. The new Africa Twin will be released in Europe at the end of 2015 and is expected to be in U.S. dealers early next year.

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.

 15 Comments Tags: Africa Twin, CRF1000L, Honda, Liter-Class ADV Bikes, New Model

Author: Rob Dabney

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15 thoughts on “Honda Officially Announces 2015 Return for the Africa Twin”

Paulo on May 12, 2015 at 10:35 am said:

Hot Damn!! I don’t have to ride with all those BMW yuppies anymore!!!

I’m taking this to Jimmy Lewis Off Road School next year……..so long RawButt!

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- Matt Phillips on May 12, 2015 at 11:08 am said:
  
  Marry him already? hahaha
  
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TransAlp Tim on May 12, 2015 at 10:43 am said:

WooooooHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! It’s about Time!!!

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Rob on May 12, 2015 at 2:53 pm said:

Anyone know what it weighs?

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- Mario P. on May 12, 2015 at 3:48 pm said:
  
  Honda is being pretty hush hush about detailed specs. But I’m sure people will start speculating. Hopefully it will truly be a relatively light off-road bias machine.
  
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- Adventure man on May 12, 2015 at 8:42 pm said:
  
  The hush, hush word is…….397lbs DRY, 5.3 gal gas tank, $13,800 without options…….but nobody really knows.
  
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Ben Alberton on May 12, 2015 at 6:42 pm said:

If this doesn’t turn out to be a pig, Honda could steal a serious chunk of the pie from KTM and BMW.

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John on May 13, 2015 at 8:57 am said:

Honda needs to offer the DCT in the Goldwing it has already shown the DCT can handle the power as is evidenced in the VFR1200. I spent 12 years on 2 different GL1800’s and both of them needed another gear or 2 so I went to a Harley Road Glide Ultra with 6 speed gear box and now I get an honest 50 mpg I might would go back to a GL1800 if they ever resolve that 1 crappy item as it is I am looking to get rid of my ST1300 as well for a Triumph Trophy SE yes you guess it 6 speed gear box and cruise control with an average of 50 mpg. Sorry probably leaving Honda’s all together.. Sorry for the partial rant. The Africa Twin 1000 might be an awesome bike.

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Miro Vucenovic on May 28, 2015 at 4:00 pm said:

I am long time Africa owner. Serious , I am not shure I like this…

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Bill M on June 6, 2015 at 6:10 pm said:

I think they are making a mistake by making this chain drive.

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AdvOziRider on June 22, 2015 at 7:02 pm said:

japanese manufacturers need to hire consultants – and get with 2015 – iphones , apps – bluetooth – gps – LED headlights – talk to people who ride ADV for real & travel off road and far from fuel or cafes and hotels, water carriage, tents – otherwise they will just end being heavy, heavy heavy pigs of things with no lightweight integrated luggage for true ADV travel – the KTM 750 twin is coming from india – if Honda cannot match it ktm will win again, because KTM understand weight reduction

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Nick Grren on August 22, 2015 at 5:20 am said:

My BMW touring buddy has already put down a cash deposit on the first one coming to the Austin area

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