Honda Motorcycles Australia says it is “pleased to announce the pricing for the anticipated 2018 Africa Twin variants”, however there is nothing pleasing about the price hike on the big adventure motorcycles.
The Africa Twin CRF100L has been updated with Throttle By Wire engine management with four riding modes, expanded seven-stage Honda Selectable Torque Control parameters, revised intake and exhaust for stronger mid-range response and a more rugged Adventure Sports with a 30-litre tank.
But it will cost an extra $3000 for a base model because there is no non-ABS model available anymore.
The current line-up is priced from $14,409 (+ORC) for the non-ABS base model up to $17,999 for the Dual-clutch transmission model.
For 2018, the Africa Twin Manual costs $17,499, the Adventure Sports Manual is $19,499 and the Adventure Sports DCT is $19,999. All now come standard with ABS which increases the price on each model by about $500.
Adventure Sport and standard modelYou have to wonder when too much tech overprices these models.
The Honda adventure bikes are still cheaper than most of the other big adventure bikes and around the same price as the Tiger 800 range.
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XR and XC rangeThis price hike could soften demand for the bikes which had been the top-selling adventure bike since their re-release in 2016.
However, in the first quarter of this year, Africa Twin sales dropped 47.6% from 191 to 100 and it was beaten by the Suzuki DR650SE.
That sales dip could have been caused by buyers holding off for the “anticipated” new model.
Lighter Africa Twin
Africa Twin is now 2kg lighter, thanks to a new lithium-ion battery and lighter balancer shaft.
Honda says the airbox has been modified for improved mid-range response and the exhaust now has an “evocative howl”.
The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are now made from stainless steel.
A quick shifter is available as an option overseas, but there is no word from Honda Australia about its availability here.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White (Tricolor) and Grand Prix Red (Team HRC Rally colour).
Adventure Sports variant
2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure SportsThe Adventure Sports model is taller with a flatter seat profile and more upright riding position.
It has a 5.4 litres larger fuel tank, longer travel suspension, larger screen, heated grips, an AC charging socket and extra-large skid plate and extended fairing with protective cowl bar.
They come in one 30th anniversary Tricolore paint scheme to celebrate the XRV650’s launch in 1988.