A more affordable version of the Africa Twin, Honda has been thinking about it for a while. With the Coronavirus pandemic which paralyzed the market, we thought the idea would be postponed indefinitely. But perhaps not finally, with this return of the rumor of an 850 version which would be imminent…
The normal life of before is not yet relevant, the same one that is also predicted to have definitively disappeared. However, she continues and Honda reassures us in this sense by not giving up on its projects. Thus, the Tokyo brand would be working on a younger sister of theAfrica Twin, powered by the 850 cc twin-cylinder, namely the engine NC750 which, in the coming year, should in turn undergo a slight increase in displacement.
On this idea, theafrican twin can therefore have a variation that is both small and powerful. This is what emerges from certain images published by the Japanese magazine AutoBy, generally very aware of new products made in Honda. It suggests the arrival of a Africa Twin powered by an 850 cc twin-cylinder, a unit apparently passed the test bench, to make its debut on the 3 versions of the family NC.
A choice to be confirmed which, however, takes on its full meaning since the war for sales figures is now also being played out in the mid-size crossover sector. This is demonstrated by the success of the small GS from BMW, the KTM Adventure and especially the Yamaha Ténéré 700. For the rest, it is clear that the Africa Twin “brand” works perfectly, given that the CRF1100L is one of the best-selling motorcycles of the Golden Wing brand.
According to rumors coming from Japan, the motorcycle should inherit a frame close to the current version of the Africa Twin, while the twin-cylinder derived from that of the NC family and inflated to 850 cm 3 should be capable of delivering approximately 70/80 hp. In addition, there will be latest generation electronics and a strong off-road character guaranteed by a 21-inch front wheel as well as low weight.
The bike could be ready for 2022 but Honda could decide to accelerate the timetable to present it already by the end of this year, if only to try to make up for the time lost in relation to the adversaries, already on the market. To find out more, we just have to wait until the end of the year and the meeting in Milan. We'll then see if Honda has anything in store for dealerships...
