2016 Auto Expo: Honda Africa Twin to be locally assembled and launched in India by late 2016

Last year, Honda answered the prayers of enthusiasts worldwide when it launched the CRF1000L Africa Twin internationally. The Africa Twin, a name that has attained cult status in the adventure touring world, is finally back after a hiatus of two decades, and Honda has showcased the motorcycle at the 2016 Auto Expo.

But, more than just showcasing the Africa Twin and promising to launch it in the country later this year, HMSI went one step further and gave everyone a pleasant surprise by announcing that the bike would be assembled locally in the country too. This will make the Africa Twin the second large-capacity Honda to be assembled locally, the first being the Honda CBR650F, both a part of Honda’s “Make in India” campaign.

To recap, the 2015 Africa Twin is the spiritual successor to the XRV750 that, in turn, was the successor to the 4-time Paris-Dakar rally champ, the Honda NXR 750. Powered by a 998cc parallel-twin motor the Africa Twin makes 95PS of peak power and 98Nm of torque. That might not sound like particularly high numbers for a litre-class engine, but keep in mind that this is an adventure motorcycle. Honda has extensively tuned the engine for strong and linear power and torque along with instantaneous response throughout the rev range.

Internationally, Honda offers the Africa Twin with two gearbox options: a six-speed manual and a DCT dual-clutch automatic affair, the latter with buttons on the handlebar switchgear for manual shifting of gears. Honda has also provided the Africa Twin with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) which offers the rider three levels of control, traction control, and switchable ABS for the rear wheel. The 18.8-litre fuel tank gives the Africa Twin a range of 400km.

Suspended by long travel USD forks upfront and adjustable rear monoshock at the rear, the CRF100L Africa Twin is built to take on any sort of terrain the rider can throw at it. Seat height is 870mm, something that can be daunting to most Indians of shorter heights, but it is adjustable by a fair bit, and the ground clearance is also a whooping 250mm. Mooring it to the ground are 21-inch front tyres and 18-inch rear tyres, anchored by 310mm front discs with four piston calipers upfront and 256mm single piston caliper at the rear.

When it is assembled and launched here later this year, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin will compete against the likes of the Triumph Tiger series and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in India.