Honda released specs on the New Africa Twin!

 

Why is the new Africa Twin such a big deal?

Honda’s first versions of the Africa Twin, produced between 1989-2003, were based on the desert racing Paris-Dakar Rally bikes. Sporting smaller fairings, big skid plates, high ground clearance, bigger fuel tanks, and twin headlights made the first Africa Twins a favorite with dual sport riders. These bikes were as close as one could get to a true 50/50 street/off-road production bike and have been a favorite of adventure riders all over the world with many of them still out on the road today.

For some crazy reason Honda discontinued the Africa Twin in 2003 which instantly inspired a cult-like following for the big adventure bike. Since then Honda has continually hinted at a re-release of the AT, but until now it has just lived in the wishes of hopeful dreamers like myself.

So again I will ask…Why is the new Africa Twin such a big deal?

Well for one, Honda has been out of the adventure bike game since 2003. Sure they have bikes like the NC700X and CB500X, but really had nothing for serious adventure riders like the KTM or BMW line-ups.

The Africa Twin is the real deal, a true adventure bike ready to circle the globe. You can rack up miles in comfort cruising down the highway, or you can blast through the desert at full speed. The AT has plenty of power for major highways but doesn’t feel intimidating when your out tackling the technical stuff. The suspension and ground clearance will allow you to tackle all but the toughest single track but still provides a great ride on the road.

The power-plant has been designed around the ‘less-is-more’ concept. The crankcase was designed as narrow as possible with a compact crankshaft and clutch system. The parallel twin provides plenty of low-end torque and excellent rear wheel traction. The 270° phased crankshaft provides smooth power delivery thanks to the bi-axial primary balance shafts.

In an effort to check the box for everyone, Honda is offering the Africa Twin with two different transmission options. You can get the Africa Twin with a standard shift transmission or the new DCT automatic transmission.

Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option for the CRF1000L as well. DCT allows you to change gears with the push of a button. You can also choose from 2 different automatic modes which allows the computer to take over the job of shifting.

Lets see how the Africa Twin stacks up against some of the leading adventure bikes.

	Honda Africa Twin	BMW 1200 GS	KTM 1190 Adventure
Engine Type	Parallel Twin	Boxer Twin	V-Twin
Power	94 hp @ 7500 rpm	125 hp @7750 rpm	148 hp @ 9500 rpm
Torque	72.3 ft-lb @ 6000 RPM	92.2 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm	92.2 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Transmission	6-Speed	6-speed	6-Speed
Drive	Chain	Shaft	Chain
Weight	503 lb*	573 lb	515 lb
Ground Clearance	9.8 in	8.1 in	8.7 in
Front Tire	90/90-R21	120/70-R19	120/70-R19
Rear Tire	150/70-R18	170/60-R17	170/60-R17
MSRP	$13,200**	$18,340	$16,699

*Base model weight/ ABS model 511lb / DCT model 534lb
**Estimated price compared on current European MSRP

With more ground clearance, Larger wheels, transmission options, and lighter weight I think the new Honda is a no brain-er. I think I could find some additional horsepower with the $3000 I saved.

Specs-

ENGINE

• Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and Unicam
• Bore and Stroke 92mm x 75.1mm
• Clutch Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper clutch

DRIVE TRAIN

• Transmission Constant mesh 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with on and off-road riding modes
• Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
• Torque Control System (HSTC) HSTC 3-levels + switch-off (*ABS & DCT models only, not on STD model)

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

• Frame Type Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
• ABS System ABS 2-channel with rear ABS off switch (*ABS & DCT models only, not on STD model)
• Front Brake 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminum hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and
  sintered metal pads
• Rear Brake 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type
• Parking Brake System on DCT model
• Front Tire 90/90-R21 tube type
• Rear Tire 150/70-R18 tube type

DIMENSIONS

• Wheelbase 62.0 inches
• Seat Height Standard position 34.3/Low position 33.5 inches
• Curb Weight 503 lb. (STD), 511 lb.s (ABS), 534 lb. (DCT). Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full
  tank of fuel—ready to ride
• Fuel Capacity 4.96 gallons

OTHER

•  Model ID TBD
• Emissions Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ
  slightly due to emissions equipment.
• Available Colors Dakar Rally, Digital Metallic Silver

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION

• One Year Transferable, Unlimited-mileage limited warranty

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

What is your favorite adventure bike on the market?

Do you think it will live up to the legacy of the original Africa Twin?

What would be your first destination if you had this in your garage?

 

 

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