Should Honda develop a new Africa Twin?

[DaveS]

Does anyone have any contacts at Honda UK.
I want to write and let them know the strength of feeling suggesting that they should develop a new Africa Twin.
You never know.... and you don't get if you don't ask.
Seems worth it anyway.

Consider this a petition!

I'd like as many people as possible to sign up to this to see if we can demonstrate the strength of feeling. Pass on the link please.

[LaughingBob]

It would make my year if they did and I'd be the first to put down a deposit. With the success of the 1200GS outselling all other bikes over 1000cc they must realise there's a huge market for this type of machine. I love my 1200 but, deep down I'm a Honda man. IMHO no other manufacturer comes close to the build quality and reliability of Honda's. However, there aren't any models in the current line up that I'd swap my GS for. So come on Honda, build me a bang up to date Africa Twin that rivals the 1200GS and you'll get my money.

[iswoolley]

Mmm, don't think too many people are going to tick the 'No' box on this poll!

[DaveS]

Hmmmmm well maybe not.
But I tried to be fair and least offered a No and I don't care option....
I wasn't going to bother initially!

[Tikka]

I known that a couple of dutch riders from the transalpclub asked honda Netherlands for a new AT. They said they couldn't say something about it.
Mind you , there should be a new transalp next year

[modrover]

If they turned back a bit and actually made a heavy duty touring rallye bike... Honda would be untouchable. I mean, the name alone will sell the first batch for sure! :P

[Lord Stig]

I agree, they have the background for it. I'd have no problem with a Transalp version to take the ATs place though, although they would be daft not to trade into the Africa Twin name.

I can't see why a basic engine and frame can't have two or three variants perhaps in different states of tune, and with different biases for use. Likely Honda think the Varadero is their answer to the GS, but the only real current competitor is KTM's 950 Adventure.

There was a rumour of a 750 Transalp, what happened to that? A 750 Transalp with ~60 BHP and a 900 Africa Twin with ~95 BHP would fit the bill nicely.....

Stig

[Northy]

DOH ..... no brainer this one
Trouble is Honda better pull there fingers out or we would have wandered off to other makes by the time its get to the shops . Please hurry up as I 'm starting to get the 7 year itch
I suppose Honda have to look at the global sales just not UK , so we could end up with a variant of the C90 with a 21inch front wheel and matching hardwood panniers (OK I'm being silly now)
I've seen my self as a Honda man but the quality isn't was its used to be. In the past you used to marvel the welding on the jap frames no splatter marks etc (even though it flexed). Today the welding looks poor and the Vara's made in Spain.
So a word of caution if they do build one it may not have the quality feel of Honda's of old or it will be over priced, so we may end up keeping our @'s


Northy

[robelst]

Yes, of course we want a new AT! I am afraid my relationship with Honda has gone a bit rusty lately so I can't pull too many strings, but maybe Honda peeps use Internet as well and come across this website

Now that even Buell is building a bike like this, you'd think Honda has got to do something? There is the very capable Varadero of course, but that is more like a trimmed-down Pan European or an up-rated Transalp than a true replacement of the AT. And even after 6 six years of getting used to, it still is a shock to the eye and stomach when you look at it (no offence meant to anyone who owns one).

Just not convinced how a "new AT" would work out? The market will cry out for a much more powerful engine, which could mean the end of the cheap to run and DIY friendly powerplant. The (suggested?) 750 version of the Transalp could be the appropriate answer, but it would be quite a bland alternative to the AT imho.

Best option is to buy a large bucket of vaseline and buy all the spare parts you can find on eBay, and simply keep the old AT alive.

[Maverick]

I only voted yes due to group pressure

As long as they build them with less rust I think it is a brillaint trailly bike that does what it says on the tin.