Honda’s new CRF1000L Africa Twin has exceeded the 400 sales mark, since arriving in dealerships in January.
The public appetite for the go-anywhere bike, with its 70% off-road bias, sees Honda more than double its market share in the adventure-sport sector. Having closed 2015 with a 17% market share, the impact of Africa Twin’s arrival now sees 35% of all adventure bike buyers choosing a new Honda.
Broadening its adventure appeal, Honda has also just launched a much-updated ‘X’ range of adventure bikes and the sales figures show that Honda is giving bikers what they want, as Head of Motorcycles, Nick Campolucci, explains:
“Honda’s new CB500X has received more than 200 changes, delivering a premium package at exceptional value and the mid-weight NC750X also enjoys a revamp, with major suspension and cosmetic upgrades.
“With its heritage and the proven fact that the new Africa Twin is a true off and on-roader, Africa Twin sells itself to some extent but, with our ‘X’ range, we appeal to a wide range of riders, from the commuter who buys the 250-mile range NC750X to the A2 licence holder, setting out on their first adventures on the CB500X.
“Across the board, people are looking for different reasons to get out on their bikes and, being honest, for the first time in a long time, Honda can cater for all. Honda is back and hungry for adventure. Bring it on.”
Coinciding with the launch of Africa Twin, Honda UK has opened a new Honda Adventure Centre, based on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Would-be purchasers of Africa Twin, CB500X and NC750X, or just those who want to get out and enjoy the Welsh countryside, can book a two-day riding experience, to sample the capabilities of the bikes. Details are available at hondaadventurecentre.com.
Africa Twin is priced at £10,499 for the ABS model and £11,299, to specify the all-new Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system, complete with off-road ‘G’ mode.
The on the road price of CB500X is £5,549. NC750X retails at £6,649 and NC750X with DCT, £7,049.
Full information on Africa Twin, the ‘X’ range of bikes and the rest of the Honda range can be found athonda.co.uk.