The long-awaited street-legal replica of Honda‘s MotoGP racer has been unveiled in Milan at the EICMA show along with a surprise “Africa Twin” prototype.
The RC213V-S prototype has been put together by HRC and Honda’s road departments. Several legendary GP riders were also claimed to be involved in the development, but there is no word of whether Aussie legend Mick Doohan had a hand in the project.
Honda showed a static bike painted with a distinctive Japanese flag to mark 100 years of the EICMA show as well as a fully functioning, running version in carbon-fibre and ridden on stage by current two-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez.
Honda did not reveal any technical details, so we don’t know what the output is, nor when – or if – it will be available for sale. And if it does become available for sale, will it still be called an RC213V-S or will they think of an easier and catchier name?
The bike has been a long time coming after Honda boss Takanobu Ito confirmed plans for the replica back in 2012.
Honda also showed a tough, mud-spattered off-roader, called a “True Adventure Prototype”, that could become a replacement for Honda’s much-missed Africa Twin.
Honda hasn’t released a name or any details for the bike except that it is a 2015 model. However, we know it is powered by a 1000cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin and has no clutch lever, so it’s probably quipped with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission.
The spoked wheels are dirt-oriented 21-inch (front), 18-inch (rear) shods with Continental TKC80s.
Fingers are crossed all over Australia that it is the Africa Twin and that Honda Australia brings it in.
Is this the next Africa Twin?The rest of the 2105 fleet has already been unveiled, including the GS-looking VFR800X Crossrunner and updated CTX1300 and CTX700 with an updated seat that positions the rider 30mm closer to the handlebars for improved comfort.
Honda CTX1300