What saw as Honda’s grand comeback to the ADV world, the CRF 1000L Africa Twin was one of the perfectly balanced machines from the Honda stable, a trait that is synonymous to a majority of the brand’s line-up. A lot of time had gone to engineer it and making it work better on multiple riding conditions and so it does effortlessly without any compromise.

It does, however, has a major drawback. It’s like a double-edged sword actually. Being big, heavy and powerful, its perfect for pro-riders, but for folks entering the segment will steer away from it for the same reasons.

Luckily Honda knows this and is working on to get a smaller adventure motorcycle that can be more accessible and easier to ride for beginners, and for those who want something more nimble and down to earth.

Of course, you can argue that there are other models under the Red Wing’s umbrella to quench your adventure thirst. From the CRF250L, CB500X, NC750X, and even the NC800X to some extent can take you on the off-beaten tracks, but then again, they are nothing like the Africa Twin alternative for the millennials.

These machines from Honda don't cater to the pure-adventure market, and they indeed want to fill that gap with a smaller machine that will still be capable to traverse grueling tracks that any other wouldn’t.

The obvious engine choice for Honda will be a 750cc powerplant that is running on the current NC750X (and X-ADV). It will come right in the middle of the line of fire from new production models hitting the roads soon, like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and KTM 790 Adventure.

There are already the Triumph Tiger 800 and the BMW F 800 GS running the show currently for their practical accessibility and outstanding cross-country ability.

With such competitions spicing the game, Honda might also decide to go for a 650cc motor instead. There is also no adventure or touring model from Honda in this segment currently. As a matter of fact, Honda’s very first XRV650 Africa Twin ran in the mid-weight category using a 650cc mill.

Honda might just look to bring back the same magic with their Honda Africa Twin 'little brother', and allow more riders to taste the adventure life. Expect to see their concepts in the next couple of Tokyo Motorcycle Shows where it is considered prime time for revealing new models.

Reference

KTM 790 Adventure

Yamaha Ténéré 700