joze

102 months ago

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My view on the 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin as seen at EICMA 2015

185A Corso Europa, Rho, Lombardia, Italy

I haven’t ridden the new Honda Africa Twin but I want to. Very few normal people have. In Slovenia we expect the Africa Twin to arrive in January, 2016.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 Dynamic

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 Dynamic

I am a Honda fan and a proud owner of an old Africa twin 750 and a Varadero 1000. I had to sell my CBR600RR this year, unfortunately, it was to small for me and right now, racing isn’t affordable in Slovania.

Recently I was at EICMA and EatSleepRIDE asked me to give my perspective. In my company, As Domzale http://www.ascenter.si/, we are the distributor of Honda in Slovenia. Here are my thoughts on the new Africa Twin.

Joze next to the Africa Twin 2015 at EICMA 2015

Joze next to the Africa Twin 2015 at EICMA 2015

Honda missed the mark with their strategy a decade ago when the company stopped producing the old Africa Twin and started focusing on more road oriented enduro bikes like the Varadero and later, the Cross Tourer. The decision makers at Honda, Japan, didn’t see the potential in the Adventure category, nor did they understand BMW’s vision in adventure touring.

The enormous success of the R1200GS makes it BMW’s best selling bike and it speaks volumes to what the people want. Honda, on the heels of the R1200’s success, is now wiling to repair their mistake with the new Africa Twin.

With the 1000cc Africa Twin, Honda wants to deliver to the adventure wishes of riders, they want to appeal to the owners of old Africa Twins, and to enthusiastic off-road riders and cut into the segment owned by BMW.

This will be a very happy Africa Twin rider

This will be a very happy Africa Twin rider

Honda officially launched the Africa Twin at EICMA 2015

Honda officially launched the Africa Twin at EICMA 2015

Honda Africa Twin 2016 with DCT

Honda Africa Twin 2016 with DCT

We are the Honda distributor in Slovenia and you can see in the numbers that the enduro segment and old school, retro looking naked bikes are going up. Racing segments and chopper segments, in Europe, are dying slowly.

Honda is targeting costumers who want a lightweight bike, ready for off road riding with fantastic riding results on ordinary roads. The Africa Twin is light, with enough power and a lot of torque. I sat on it and it felt good in the adjustable seat area and comfortable with the wide handlebars. The bike offers a lot of space for rider and co-rider.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The promised 95 hp and 98 Nm torque engine is an excellent balance between power and torque. This kind of bike doesn’t need too much power, while torque is maybe more important especially when you are riding off road but still want incredible handling in town, riding the serpentines or on a relaxed tour.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 with ABS and paniers

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 with ABS and paniers

The Africa Twin is equipped with very good components and tested by the best enduro riders, like Paulo Goncalves and Joan Barreda who spearhead Team HRC’s 2016 Dakar Rally campaign, and that is promising great result. As we know, Honda has been developing the Twin for a few years and I think they did a great job, of course the tests will show the result. The bike resumes Honda’s enduro legacy from the 80s when, despite the completion, Honda was at the apex of the enduro world.

As I mentioned, I am the owner of an old Africa and many times people have asked me about the bike’s 21 inches front wheel, and based on my own experience, I see no problem on the road. The bike, when normally ridden, can be very fast in corners despite the bigger wheel.

I think the Africa Twin will be a very good bike for off road or enduro oriented riders or even for less adventure seeking riders. With the Africa Twin, Honda is promising a lot.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 shot somewhere in off road heaven

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 shot somewhere in off road heaven

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 in the trees

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 in the trees

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joze

102 months ago

@Jordan, we have the same thoughts 😃

In Slovenia Will be 13490 €

Jordan

102 months ago

I think it looks stunning in white and I can't wait to try one.  I'm a huge GS fan, but if I were in the market for a new bike, this would be it.  It'll be interesting to see what the final pricing looks like for Canada.

joze

102 months ago

thanks @vrscdx and for catching the type-o

VRSCDX

102 months ago

I too am just waiting for a test ride on this bike ever since I saw the prototypes. It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but the dual clutch Porsche style transmission has me intrigued. I'm very happy to see this kind of review of this very interesting bike, and I am looking forward two more as they are released.