Honda’s filed documents which give away some key information about its next generation Africa Twin adventure bike. Here’s what we know so far.
While initially, it looks as though the new version of the much-loved adventurer will be largely the same as the outgoing model, the registration data which was sent to the Swiss Federal Roads Office reveals a few interesting facts (and one big surprise).
The engine’s going to be largely the same, with 102hp at 7,500 rpm – though torque’s getting a bit of a boost, increasing from 105 Nm to 112 Nm. There’s a suggestion It’ll also be available lower down the revs – at 5,500rpm rather than 6,250rpm. It should help give the AT a bit more of an immediate punch of power.
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But the big news is that the Africa Twin is going to get a different front wheel. It’s smaller than before, dropping down to 19-inches (from 21”). It’ll also get a slightly wider 110 section tyre, over the previous more off-road focused 90. Interesting.
That means that Honda’s making efforts to build a bike that’s even better on the road… Makes sense, right? While the current machine’s plenty capable on the black top, that bigger wheel does offer a slightly vague when the riding pace picks up. A smaller 19-inch wheel should help mitigate that (even if it does sacrifice off-road performance).
It’s also got a slightly shorter wheelbase – but is marginally taller, and slightly heavier than the previous machine. The height’s likely a larger screen (for improved touring comfort) – while the additional weight could well be as a result of the latest batch of technology which Honda’s been working on in the background (similar to the stuff that other manufacturers are rolling out across their flagship models). That means we well get to see an Africa Twin with radar systems, adaptive cruise control and cameras.
It’s expected that we won’t have to wait too much longer for the full lowdown on the latest Africa Twin, with the upcoming EICMA show in November pipped as the perfect place for the big reveal. Until then, we’ll just have to sit tight.
