Fri, 3 Jul 1998 01:33:58 +0200
- Message No. 3511
From: "Jorn Ronnow"
Subject: RE: New infos on Hondas 1000cc enduro
Achim wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> this is brand new information, collected at the disyears "Transalp Rally",
> organized by Honda Austria. I asked them about the new Africa Twin, and
> this is what they told me:
>
> - IT IS NOT AN AFRICA TWIN, but an seperate model instead (couldn't
> remember the name, but it's called like a beach in Cuba)
> - engine from the VTR, but smaller carbs
> - power: 96 hp !!!!!!!!!!!
> - face from the CBR900
> - casted wheels, no spoke wheels
> - it will be presented at thisyears Intermot
Sounds like just another version of the VTR.
> So it will be definitely not the Africa most of us wished themselves.
> BUT, as they told me, the current Africa Twin model will be built one more
> year and then be replaced with a more Rallye-like bike.
That sounds more like it, let's hope it isn't "vaporware". On the other hand, Honda doesn't have any competition right now, so unfortunately they have no strong reason to develop the @.
Yamaha, on the other hand, hasn't done anything for ten years in spite of their Paris-Dakar wins. All they would have to do, is to start producing a street version of Peterhansels YZE 850 T (which VERY different from the on-road, low torque XTZ 750).
Conclusion: The bike we're longing for might have "Yamaha" written on the tank instead of "Honda". Personally, I don't care: I like the @ because it's a good bike, and it doesn't matter who builds it as long as they do it well.
Keep sliding
-Jorn
www@atic.org