More detail on the new Africa Twin

[Racing Dave]

[QUOTE=That's my point with that question though. Greater CC = greater weight. There are (available new) 800's (and less) that are sub 200kg I believe. .[/QUOTE]

Your believer might need recalibrating. An 800 weighing less than 200kg? Not on my scales...

Certainly all the single-cylinder bikes are less, but they are not 800s. Don't mention the (best-forgotten) DR800, either.

[Night Falcon]

For NZ, we won't really get the value out of the tech/size/form factor. Watching the first photos and videos, I to cringe at the beast it is. Riding to Alaska, across Aussie, copying the long way round boys etc seems their target, and that is probably where the real market and dollars are anyway.

I've just been talking to another mate who rides with NZ riding legends, and they all think now that the 650 platform is the ideal bike/power/weight/reliability for NZ. I was hoping they released the 650R instead of this, but maybe once Honda is back in the game...they might consider that. All it needed was an electric starter, and a few basic creature comforts.

spot on - and that's why I reckon the 690 is such a brilliant bike for NZ conditions, albeit with a few add-ons. The BRP would have been so easy to update, but I guess now any new bike has to be FI so that means a complete redesign. Ironically Yamaha did it to the 6fiddy 10aRay and IMO got it woefully wrong, effectively creating a big blue pig

[JimmyC]

Australian pricing released - http://www.therideadvice.com/pricing...-in-australia/

That puts the ABS model directly up against the 800GS price wise, and the DCT\ABS model smack in between the GS and GSA pricing. Pretty impressed I have to say. Now I just need to ride one!

[Racing Dave]

The subsequent link in the Australian pricing article (Which is the most adventurous?) is also interesting.

They criticise the Honda for being low on torque (which it is, compared to the KTM and BMW, but that's not really surprising, given the engine capacity difference) but its torque peak is at significantly lower rpm than its rivals.

A test ride should confirm which bike 'feels' the best in the conditions for which they are designed.

[JimmyC]

Yep, agreed. There are also now very big price gaps between the AT and those it's compared with there..

[Racing Dave]

If the base model in Oz is $15,500 then take off their GST and add on ours + the currency conversion factor, it should still come out at under $20,000 here. I hope...

It's not always possible to directly compare pricing across the Tasman (economies of scale, for one reason) but it shouldn't be too far out.

I'd like to see a 'Which is more adventurous?' comparison with the BMW and Triumph 800s, too.

[R650R]

Will be interesting to see how much weight can be reduced with aftermarket exhaust and other things, expect it has a cat etc....
Hopefully they will bring out a slightly smaller version if they have any sense....

[Racing Dave]

Here's a link to Aussie website MCNews.com, where there are a couple of videos of the new CRF1000L being ridden. The opinions of the riders? Empty fluff - you won't learn anything from these Honda-sponsored fellows.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/marc-marque...ca-twin-video/

[Scubbo]

I look forward to buying a 4th hand one in 10-20 years time

[R650R]

Hmmmm at 208kg for the base model I could be seriously tempted if the price is right. Have never owned a Honda yet....

[R650R]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-953046885.htm

The new Africa Twin is coming!!

Introductory pricing:

- CRF1000L base model. (Silver only No ABS/TC): $19,995 plus ORC.
- ABS/TC model (All colours): $21,995 plus ORC.
- Deluxe DCT transmission (All colours ABS &

[AllanB]

Interesting read this thread. Surprised at their weight but you guys who ride them appear to be happy with it. Too used to street only rides at my end I guess.

Pricing looks keen. Will Honda bring out a smaller one? Who knows, they have been woefully slow at innovating models people want over the past years.

[pete-blen]

I read on the internet today Honda are looking at bringing out a scrambler version of the Grom.

Or the ADV version.....

[JimmyC]

Apparently, the first stock will be here before Christmas, if only just. I was told by one upper NI dealer that once that initial batch of AT's were gone, the second run would incur a $2,000 price increase across the range. DCT models will be special order only as they haven't sold well previously so dealers are iffy on investing in them... To me, the specific appeal of DCT in the AT is the off road ability which I can see as being of great benefit but I won't buy one if I can't try it. Up to Honda NZ...

Make of that what you will!

[MarkH]

I'd love to own an Africa Twin, be a nice bike to own & ride.
But so much money to spend and that is quite a lot more kilograms of weight than my DR650 has, much less off-road trails capable and more just a road bike that is fine with gravel roads. Well, I guess it can handle going off-road, just not so easy to throw around tight single track type terrain - possibly those more skilled than me can do much more with one.
Around 230kg kerb weight to me says it is much more 'Adventure Bike' than 'Dual Sports Bike' which is I presume what Honda intended when they designed it.