Middleweight Honda Africa Twin Closer to Production. New Details Emerge

Middleweight Honda Africa Twin closer to production. New details emerge 1

The motorcycle could have a 790cc engine and come in three versions

New details emerge about the middleweight Honda Africa Twin according to MCN. The small-sized adventure bike could be fitted with a 790cc twin engine. Also, Honda has a goal to offer an adventure motorcycle for riders with A2 licenses.

Honda is working on a smaller version of its CRF1100L Africa Twin. The goal seems to be to tackle the middleweight adventure bike segment where the Japanese brand lacks a model for now. This means it’s up against the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and probably the Kawasaki KLX 700 if the rumours of this model come true.

small sized honda africa twin

Big adventure bikes are heavy and have a lot of power which is not too appealing for new riders with A2 licenses. 

"When we speak about pure adventure, we don’t have a wide line-up. So, we are thinking of a half-way model to attract younger people," said Kenji Morita, project leader for the 1100cc Africa Twin.

Kenji_Morita_LPL_2018_Africa_Twin

So, we could expect the new middleweight Africa Twin to be lighter compared to its big brother the CRF1100L. Also, it may not be equipped with an adjustable windscreen, TFT dash or adjustable suspension.

The new bike could be built on the NC model platform which includes bikes like NC750S and NC750X. Also, it will feature upgrades to be more offroad focused. So, we could expect to see a 21-inch front wheel.

Moreover, the engine could be a 790cc parallel-twin fitted with a DCT gearbox making the new Africa Twin the first middleweight adventure bike with a dual-clutch transmission.

It will be interesting to see when we’ll see the new middleweight Honda Africa Twin and what price tag will be set.

8 thoughts on “Middleweight Honda Africa Twin Closer to Production. New Details Emerge

  1. I’d like to see a 600cc parallel twin. Full off road
    but street legal, barely, based more toward the 450L.
    Ready to buy….,chain, 6 speed please, dohc etc

  2. You may be ahead of a market with the 600cc size. Why does Honda think they need to compete?
    They have set the bar, the standard forever. So,
    set it with a smaller 2 CYLINDER (parallel please),
    off road with lights, for serious off road adv/enduro?

    I’m a buyer when you do. I bought a 790 ktm adventureR instead of an African Twin because you made your bike too damn big.
    I have lusted for an African forever and never thought you’d bring it to America.
    When you *finally* brought it, you thought it needed to be LARGE.
    Well, I passed & I love my 790R. Guess what, I love my ktm 690R as much & I’m very glad to NOT have the 890 ktm.

    600 to 900 max Honda, get real….

  3. Had Honda’s for 30yrs along with other brands as 2nd bikes. Was looking to get a do it all bike for adventure and commute.
    Honda are getting too gimmicky with electronics for my liking now.
    Just tried the AT and too heavy and computery. Tried a T7 and feckinell ! Why didn’t honda build a uncomplicated light do it all bike like Yamaha T7 ????
    Immediately went out and got a T7 after riding it 👍

  4. Second half of 2021 now and still…. Nothing.
    Hurry up Honda! You have lots of people like myself who are now midlife, former Honda owners, wanting to get back on 2 wheels, not wanting a massive litre-plus beast but equally are not looking for a learner optimised bike.
    Basically, make a version of the 2021 NC750X with spoked wheels, bark busters, more suspension travel and a 21” front. Add cruise control and sell it for under $14000 USD. It will sell like the Yamaha Teneré T7, which is like hotcakes.

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