2016 Auto Expo: Honda Africa Twin showcased in India

The Africa Twin is one of the most iconic motorcycle of all time for Honda. The original Africa twin was inspired from the four time Paris Dakar champion, the NXR 750. This one is called the CRF 1000L and draws heavy inspiration not only from its predecessor but the CRF lineup as well. It features flat, wide bars with hand guards and ample dash space to house a sat-nav along with a comfortable seat height of 870mm coupled with a high fly-screen. There is also ample space to mount panniers and saddlebags.

The bike is powered by a 998cc parallel-twin motor compared to the 52 degree V-twins on the older XRV bikes. It makes 95PS of max power at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. The figures aren’t overwhelming but Honda says that the engine has been tuned for strong and linear power and torque along with instantaneous response anywhere in the rev range. With its 1000cc engine configuration the Africa Twin could form a segment of its own with Suzuki’s V-strom being the only direct competitor.

The gearbox is a 6-speed unit and Honda will also be offering an updated version its 6-speed dual clutch automatic that does duty on the VFR 1200. The gearbox will come with a ‘D’ and three ‘S’ modes. In addition the adventure bike will also come with ABS and a three stage traction control as a part of an electronics package. Both the systems can be turned off completely though the ABS can only be fully deactivated for the rear wheel only. The front suspension is 45mm fully adjustable forks with 230mm of travel and the rear monoshock is fully adjustable as well for damping, rebound and preload and features a travel of 220mm. The bike will also come with a height adjustable seat with the standard height being 870mm. However, high and low seating options are also available to suit all seat height requirements.  The braking duties will be take care of by two 310mm discs up front with radial mounted four-piston calipers and a 256mm single wave disc at the rear. The wheels are spoked 21inch in the front and 18inch at the rear.

We will be only able to tell how the bike handles, once we get to ride it. Watch this space for more.