The Call I Was Waiting For
It all started with a call from the dealership. My Honda Africa Twin had arrived. Not just arrived at the shop, but had literally landed in the delivery truck still boxed, still sealed, still untouched. I had asked them weeks earlier to do something unusual. I wanted to unbox the bike myself.
Breaking the Rules
Most dealerships would politely say no. There are rules, procedures, and checklists to follow. But to their credit, the team at the dealership understood. They knew I wasn’t just buying a new bike. I was buying an experience. They agreed to let me come in as soon as it arrived, to watch it being rolled off the truck and even help open the crate. That moment was everything.
The Crate
There is something about seeing a motorcycle still in its crate that is strangely magical. The Africa Twin came boxed inside a steel framed skeleton, wrapped in thick Honda branded cardboard panels. It looked more like a shipping container than something that held a precision machine. Inside, everything was tightly packed. The front wheel was removed and strapped to the frame to save space. No mirrors installed. The handlebars were turned slightly flatter. Every surface wrapped, every part tucked away with Japanese care and precision. It was like peeling open the biggest and best Christmas present imaginable.
The Unwrapping
Together with the tech from the shop, I started carefully removing the layers. Off came the top, the side panels, the straps, the foam. The bike inside was gleaming and perfect. Not a single fingerprint, not a smudge. There is no newer moment in the life of a motorcycle than this. The moment the crate is opened and the bike sees daylight for the very first time. You get one shot at that feeling. It was the kind of moment that reminds you why you love motorcycles in the first place. That mixture of engineering, emotion, and anticipation.
Reality Sets In
Of course, the job wasn’t done. As per Honda’s rules, the dealership still had to complete a full pre delivery inspection before handing over the keys. They had to install the wheel, align the handlebars, check fluid levels, test all electronics, and sign off on the setup.
I asked only half joking if I could help out in the workshop. I offered to turn a wrench, spin a bolt, maybe even torque a wheel nut. They smiled and politely declined. Insurance and procedure do not bend for enthusiasm.
The Wait
So I left the bike with them. Just one more night. But I walked away knowing I had shared in the first breath of this machine’s life. I had seen it unboxed, untouched, unsullied. That made the experience feel personal. Not just another bike purchase, but a memory I’ll always carry.
The next day, I returned to pick up the fully assembled, inspected, and road ready Africa Twin. And as I rode it home for the first time, I smiled knowing I had seen it from the very beginning. The ride was smooth, the controls light, and the seating position comfortable. I had taken delivery not just of a motorcycle, but of something more meaningful.
A Quick Look at the 2017 Honda Africa Twin
The 2017 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a bike built with genuine adventure in mind. It is powered by a 998cc parallel twin engine that delivers smooth torque throughout the rev range. With 94 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque, it feels relaxed on the road but strong enough to take on off road terrain with confidence. One of the most impressive aspects of the engine is its balance. It is tractable at low speeds and lively enough for highway cruising.
The chassis features a semi double cradle steel frame, long travel suspension with 45mm fully adjustable Showa forks, and a rear shock that can be dialed in for rider and luggage weight. Braking is handled by dual front discs with ABS and a rear disc that offers solid feel and control.
What really stands out is the Africa Twin’s balance of comfort and capability. It is not intimidating. It invites you to explore. The DCT version offers automatic shifting, but the manual version still provides that traditional rider connection many of us crave.
Ergonomically, the seating position is upright and commanding. The windscreen offers reasonable protection. Off road, the bike’s weight is manageable and its traction control system provides a useful safety net.
This is a motorcycle built for distance, but one that does not shy away from mud, gravel, or mountain trails. In many ways, the Africa Twin defines what a modern adventure bike should be.
A Memory Etched in Steel
There will be many miles ahead on this bike. Roads to ride. Trails to explore. But few moments will match that first one. Unboxing a brand new motorcycle, seeing it in its raw untouched form, is a rare privilege.
Sometimes, the smallest break from tradition makes the biggest impact. That crate held more than metal and rubber. It held excitement, anticipation, and joy. And now that the bike is on the road, every ride will carry a bit of that magic forward.
