The bikes chief designers, Naoshi Iizuka and Tetsuya-Kudo, were here in SA for the world launch. About the bikes: There are two distinctly different versions of the CRF 1000L. The first is the standard model, and it is fitted with a conventional 6 speed gearbox with an ordinary foot gear lever and clutch lever on the handlebar. The second is the “CRT” top of the range model. Although the technical people were keen to explain how everything worked, and the guys in charge of showing us the way and making sure we behaved on the road tried hard to make us concentrate, they were fighting a losing battle and they knew it. We wanted to be on the bikes and riding! However, as we turned to the bikes and the moment arrived to actually get on them most of us were struck by the sheer good looks of Honda’s new baby. Resurrect the Africa Twin! Once that was decided, way back in 2009, mighty Honda set to work. Six year later the new Honda Africa Twin has been launched, and how fantastic was it that the introduction to the World motorcycle Press was in South Africa. Not only was the launch held here, ten South African journalists were invited to be the first to ride the new bike. Following us were another 70 writers from the biggest circulating magazines, TV shows and online media from around the World. From the start it was obvious how much effort, care and pure passion Honda have put into this bike. On arriving at Aquila private game reserve near Ceres in the Cape, we were introduced to many of the team responsible for the bike we saw lurking under an afdak as we checked in. Over an informal drink in a thatched lounge the obviously very proud President of Honda Africa, Mr Yoshiaki Nakamura welcomed us as the first group to arrive. Flanking him was the new bike, this one very understated in a satin black. At that point, to be quite honest, it was just another nice looking new bike, quite similar to one of the older model Africa Twins just outside the door. The team that was sent to run the launch were also all present, and it was noticeable how nervous and apprehensive they all were. It’s one thing to hear comments on the look of the bike at an international Motorcycle Exhibition, but here it was going to face a test by fire… the first time a group of experienced riders completely free to voice any opinion they liked were going to ride them. There were introductions to various Honda people, like the overall project leader Mr Naoshi Lizuka, one of his right hand men Mr Tetsuya Kudo, the leader of the Italian based styling centre, one of the men responsible for a lot of the prototype testing, Ian Bland, and several more. A very welcoming face was that of Heine Engelbrecht and his son Dieter from ADA. They were responsible for choosing the route, both on and off road as well as playing a very big part in running the riding part of the launch. It was soon obvious that these people were here to answer any question thrown at them as openly as they could. We couldn’t wait to get onto the bikes and out onto the road. After a quick breakfast we were all ready to rock and roll. First, however, we were given a very good briefing on the bikes. The Africa Twin is full of neat little design touches that nod to the past. Brilliant design withstands the test of time – and the Africa Twin is no different. Whether it’s the dual headlights with their handsome looks and great visibility, or the range of rally paintwork to choose from, the new Africa Twin pays homage to the original with classic styling that still looks great today. 46 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2016 <strong>1601</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Africa Twin.indd 46 2015/12/16 9:41 AM
<strong>1601</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Africa Twin.indd 47 2015/12/16 9:41 AM