EICMA 2017: Honda reveals Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Honda has taken the wraps off the new CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports ahead of the 2017 EICMA Show in Italy. Apart from a new absurdly long moniker, the motorcycle has been updated with a redesigned fairing, higher-spec suspension, revised ergonomics and a bigger fuel tank. 

To set it apart from the standard bike, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports features a delightful white-blue-red livery inspired by the original Africa Twin XRV650 from the 1980s. While this improves the visual appeal of the motorcycle, the new fairing and the taller windscreen improve the airflow, making it better at touring. The touring quotient gets a further boost thanks to the bigger 24 litre fuel tank and a storage pocket in the tail section. Other upgrades include a larger sump guard, brushed-aluminium cowl panels, rear mudguard and a tail rack. It gets heated grips and a 12-volt accessory socket as standard.

The riding position of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports has been revised thanks to the repositioned footpegs, flatter seat and the raised handlebar. Honda claims that this new position gives the rider a better control while riding off-road. The new lithium-ion battery is 2.3 kilograms lighter than the previous one. 

At the heart of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is the same 998cc parallel-twin engine, although it now benefits from a bigger airbox and redesigned exhaust. The output stands at 94bhp and 92Nm of torque. Like the standard bike, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is available with the option of either a six-speed manual or a dual clutch transmission. It rides on the same 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, although the spokes are now made of stainless steel. The fully adjustable Showa front forks now offer 10.6 inches of travel as opposed to the standard bike’s 9.8 inches.

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports will go on sale early next year. Given that Honda has already sold out the first lot of 50 Africa Twin models in India, we can expect the Africa Twin Adventure Sports to be launched here in the first half. It will be a locally assembled model, which should ensure a competitive price tag.