Honda and Yamaha looking into 250cc for next ADV model

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen many brands battle in the 1100 and 1200cc class for adventure bike dominance. Naturally, you have the likes of BMW and Ducati battling it out with their GS and Multistrada, but KTM and Honda are not that far behind. Kawasaki and Suzuki also have their own entries in the 1000cc class.

Yet not all trails can be taken on by these big advanture bikes. The growing popularity of enduro riding has shown that a 150 – 250cc is more than enough to conquer the tighter, more exciting trails.

As such, many brands are looking into offering smaller adventuer and touring bikes for more discerning buyers. Two of these are Honda and Yamaha.

We’ve heard quite a bit from Yamaha, with plans for a smaller Tenere and even a Tracer 125. Now, it seems Honda is joining the fight with a smaller Africa Twin.

Next Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Tracer could be 250cc image

According to Japanese motorcycle magazine, Young Machine, Honda may rebrand their CRF250L Rally into an Africa Twin 250. The rebranding will coincide with the bike’s upgrade to Euro5 emissions standards. That may be more appealing than the basic kit they slap on a CRF250L to make it a Rally.

It won’t go unchallenged as Yamaha may have plans to offer a Tracer 250. Though more road-biased, the Tracer would certainly have the advantage on paved or hard-pack roads.

The image posted on Young Machine’s site is just a computer-generated render, though the slimmer profile of the Africa Twin 250 would certainly work in the tighter trails found locally.

africa twin honda tracer yamaha