changed.
Production of the 750 Africa Twin lasted for 14 years
until 2003, with little changes, especially to the reliable
52-degree V-twin. With a family history planted firmly
in the toughest of off-road races, its HRC heritage and
a colour scheme that reflected both the Africa Twin
became a favourite.
Then along came this thing. It certainly looks like a
racer although it’s hard to understand the connection
between Honda and Telefonica.
“I don’t know where that came from,” says Keith Luke,
owner of this 2000 version Africa Twin. “I’m not sure
whether the guys before me did it or the original owner
in Holland.”
Wait. What? This bike is from Holland? What’s it
doing in Australia?
“I’m not really sure,” shrugs Keith. He’s been trying to
trace the history of the bike but has fallen short in several
areas, not least the unique paint scheme. Perhaps one
of the previous owners was a fan of MotoGP, Telefonica
has sponsored two Honda teams in the past but is more
famous for its Movistar branded sponsorship of Yamaha
and Suzuki. The plot thickens.
Keith shrugs again when it’s suggested that perhaps the
someone was a fan of rally or Formula One, both have
had significant Telefonica sponsorship.
TRAVERSE 59