Honda’s Africa Twin has been named Bike of the Year in Auto Trader’s 2016 awards.
Nick Campolucci, head of motorcycles at Honda, was delighted to be presented with the award: “What’s special about Africa Twin picking up the Auto Trader Bike of the Year prize is that everything the judges said about the bike matches precisely with what the design team wanted to achieve. For Honda to resurrect the legendary Africa Twin name, the bike had to be a comfortable but engaging road bike that’s also incredible off-road – a true, all-round adventure motorcycle. The new Africa Twin has surpassed all expectation and, when you look at the price-point, it’s no surprise to see it top the UK sales chart like it has.”
Experts from Auto Trader Bikes have ridden hundreds of miles, testing every new bike on sale in the UK to shortlist 12 category winners, as well as whittling down the entrants to find the overall Best Bike of 2016.
The judges were unanimous in their decision for the Honda Africa Twin, citing its staggering ability and composure both on-road and off-road. The combination of a superb engine and gearbox, excellent ergonomics and value for money make it a worthy winner.
Jon Quirk, editor-in-chief of Auto Trader, which claims to be the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace – and Best Bike judge, added: “The Africa Twin is a genuine dual-purpose adventure bike that puts Honda back at the very top of its game. In a market brimming with credible competitors, the Honda stands out with its clever combination of slim shape, superb engine and gearbox and excellent ergonomics. It is a phenomenal all-rounder.
“The UK motorcycle landscape has never looked so competitive, which is great news for the consumer. The retro revival continues at a phenomenal pace in 2016 and is now the most popular segment for young riders, while the availability of low rate finance is helping make it easier than ever to get onto two wheels.”
2016 Auto Trader Bike Award category winners:
Best Bike 2016
Winner: Honda Africa Twin
Best AM
Winner: Peugeot Django 50cc
Best A1
Winner: Honda CB125F
Best A2
Winner: Honda CB500F
Best Scooter
Winner: Vespa GTS 300
Best Commuter
Winner: Honda NC750X
Best Naked
Winner: Triumph Speed Triple R
Best Retro
Winner: Triumph Thruxton R
Best Adventure
Winner: Honda Africa Twin
Best Tourer
Winner: BMW S 1000 XR
Best Sports
Winner: Yamaha YZF-R1
Best Cruiser
Winner: Indian Springfield
Best Manufacturer
Winner: Triumph
For more information on the winning bikes and all runner-ups, please visit:
http://autotraderbestbikeawards.co.uk/2016