I must say, I'm somewhat surprised at the discussion on the Adventure Rider website. This new Africa Twin has generated a lot of debate, multiple threads with endless speculation.
Quite a lot of the commentary is negative and I find that surprising. Here at last Honda, who has been missing from the true adventure market for many years, has finally shown a bike, albeit in prototype guise (although I personally believe this is closer to final market setup than many believe) that will be a serious adventure contender. Yes many questions remain to be answered and there is no confirmation on final specs. I eagerly await details on the bikes specifications, but until then what I do see is exciting.
Mind you, I'm not going to be selling my Crosstourer when this bike comes to the market, as the Crosstourer is aimed at a different market, one that I currently occupy. The comparisons I often use is for cars, we have 4 wheel drive vehicles and then SUV's. SUV's are a soft off-road car, whereas proper 4 wheel drive vehicles are aimed at both the road and serious off road stuff.
The Crosstourer is aimed at the road with limited off-road capabilities, it is the motorbike equivalent of an SUV. This bike is aimed at road duties but can be comfortably ridden off road so long as the roads are reasonably well formed. it's bias is on-road.
The new Africa Twin is a bike oriented for off-road duties than can be ridden on the road. It's bias is off-road.
It's fun watching the debate, each will have their own views. Cheers from downunder