Honda’s new Africa Twin will use a newly-designed 94bhp parallel twin engine, it has been confirmed.
The Japanese firm has confirmed many long-awaited technical details, like a torque figure of 72lb/ft and a 270-degree phased crankshaft for a very specific engine character.
Taking design and materials inspiration from engines as diverse as those in its CRF250R and CBR1000RR Fireblade, Honda has kept the motor light and compact; not to mention strong.
The spoked wheels are set to measure 21 and 18 inches at the front and rear respectively, wearing 90/90 and 150/70-section tyres.
Riders can adjust the seat height between two positions; 850mm and 870mm. Just in front of the seat is an 18.8-litre fuel tank which, in combination with the bike’s claimed fuel efficiency, could deliver a range of almost 250 miles per tank.
A traction control system will have three levels of control, while the ABS can be fully switched off – but only for the rear wheel.
Premium Showa suspension rests at both ends of the bike, designed to ensure terrain-defying responses off-road as well as comfort on city streets.
The standard manual gearbox is fitted with an assisted slipper clutch for more confident shifts, especially off-road where concentration may be better used elsewhere.
However, an automatic gearbox will be made available as well, with multiple settings to adjust the bike’s behaviour.
Three colour schemes are being made available from the bike’s launch: CRF Rally, Tricolour and Black.
Prices are expected to start from £8,641 in continental Europe, with UK prices yet to be finalised. There will be “several” versions of the bike, ranging from a street bias to a
fully-capable off-road setup.