VOL. 52 ISSUE 20 MAY 19, 2015 P29
a version for use in off-road
conditions in the Africa Twin.
The automatic DCT system can
let the rider have a semi-manual
mode (where gears are shifted
via switches on the left side of
the big one-piece bar), full auto-
matic mode with different modes
for sport or cruising mode, or full
manual via the traditional gear
lever on the left of the machine.
The auto mode acts in the same
way a traditional scooter gearbox
does, removing drive when you
come to a stop and could prove
useful for tight sections where
there's the possibility of stalling
and dropping the machine.
And the new machine cer-
tainly looks like it has the
goods to match its famous
name. High, wide bar, lots
of suspension travel, spoked
wheels, rugged styling with
huge hand guards, and big mile
comfort means the Africa Twin
will be a popular machine among
world travelers and those who
just like to think they're going on
an adventure, rather than just
getting some milk.
This is Honda's first real go at
the adventure market since the
original Africa Twin was discon-
tinued back in 2003. It will be
interesting to see what price
point the big H comes up with,
as the competition in the big-
bore adventure category is hot-
ter than ever. The Africa Twin will
be going up against machines
like the Yamaha Super Tenere,
Triumph Explorer, KTM Adven-
ture, Suzuki V-Strom and the big
daddy, the BMW R 1200 GS.
(Left) Honda to release the
bike we've all been waiting
for. (Below) The Honda Africa
Twin returns to the U.S. after
a 13-year absence.
