Honda Africa Twin - Top 5 Facts

  • May 16, 2017
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With the recent launch of Honda’s Africa Twin, enthusiasts have certainly gone gung ho about its killer pricing. But, is there more to the bike than meets the eye? Let’s find out.

Honda Africa Twin

The Africa Twin was born out of Honda’s prowess in the legendary Dakar rally in the 1980’s. The latest iteration of the motorcycle, the CRF1000L aka the Africa Twin has been recently launched through the CKD route. At Rs 12.9 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, the bike is one of the best value for money adventure motorcycles in the segment. Here are top five interesting facts about it that would make you save up and buy one! Also read: Honda Africa Twin Launched In India

Transmission Modes And Shift functions:

Honda Africa Twin


The most talked about feature of this bike is the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which the engine is paired with. Honda chose to bring this variant to India in a bid to showcase their technology. It is a 6-speed unit with both automatic and manual modes. In automatic mode, the clutch and shift mechanisms are automated and the rider can select from ‘Neutral’, ‘Drive’ or ‘Sport’ modes. The ‘Sport’ mode has three options S1, S2 and S3 which offer progressively sportier power delivery. In manual mode, one can shift gears up and down using the two buttons on the left handlebar. 

Honda Africa Twin Instrumentation

The DCT system comprises of two clutches. One controls the odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd and 5th) and the other controls the even numbered ones (2st, 4rd and 6th). The two clutches work in unison to give optimum rideability and Honda claims it retains the direct acceleration feel of a manual transmission. The DCT also features hill climb detection. The ECU reads the throttle opening, engine rpm, vehicle speed and gear position and transmits data to the transmission to maintain a low ratio. During downhill, the system quickens downshifting for engine braking and optimum control of the bike. This feature is useful as the rider does not require to modulate the clutch and the rider also does not have to worry about stalling the bike. Another advantage of DCT is that it eliminates the constant need for the rider to read the scenario and shift gears accordingly. Instead, the rider can just focus on the riding and let the machine do the shifting. It is ideal for city riding and also for cruising down the highway.

The Parallel Twin Engine:

Honda Africa Twin engine
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The Africa Twin is powered by a parallel-twin liquid-cooled 999.1cc engine which (at crankshaft) generates 88.3PS of power at 7500rpm and 91.9Nm of torque at 6000rpm in its Indian spec. However, the model sold in UK makes about 95.1PS of power and 98Nm of torque at the same revs. Honda chose a parallel twin layout so that the powerplant is compact enough for an optimised wheelbase. The engine has a Unicam design which operates the four valves in each combustion chamber. It not only offers improved engine breathing for more power but also aids in keeping the cylinder head compact than its DOHC counterpart. The engine has a 270 degree firing order to minimise vibrations and optimise power delivery. The powerplant is also equipped with bi-axial counter-balancers that smoothen out both primary and coupling vibrations from the engine, thus improving refinement even further. The engine uses a dry-sump system which is relatively more compact than a wet sump system and aids in increasing ground clearance.

On-board electronics:

Honda Africa Twin Electronics


The Africa Twin comes with a plethora of rider-focussed electronics and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) System is one of them. When there is low traction and the rear wheel is losing grip, the system detects the slip and the control system limits the engine torque by modulating the fuel injection. The HSTC has three levels of intervention and it can also be disabled. The bike also has a dual channel ABS and it can be disabled for the rear wheel with just the touch of a button. 

Honda Africa Twin powerslide

Another interesting feature of the bike is the ‘G’ switch. When the ‘G’ switch is in the default ‘off’ position, the throttle transitions are smooth, without any jerky movements. But in off-road conditions, when the ‘G’ button is switched on, it provides half clutch control and ensures the throttle operation is immediate, to an extent that it feels as if the throttle and rear wheel are connected. This is ideal for expert riders and it can also let the rear wheel slide while off-roading. 

Ergonomics:

Honda Africa Twin ergonomics


The Africa Twin is equipped with an adjustable riding seat. The model on sale in India has a seat that can be adjusted from 840 to 820mm whereas the international model has a much higher seat in the range of 870 to 850mm. To put things in perspective, the India spec Africa Twin at its lowest seat height settings is just 20mm more than the seat height of the Royal Enfield Himalayan! The narrow riding position also ensures easier placement of foot on the ground. The ergonomics between the foot-pegs, handlebar and seat are designed in such a way that the rider can easily move around while manoeuvring the bike off the road. Additionally, the Africa Twin also comes with a windscreen which further reduces rider fatigue. With a top speed of 190kmph and an 18.8 litre fuel tank, the bike seems to be a promising tourer as well.

Suspension and ground clearance:

Honda Africa Twin ground clearance


The Africa Twin’s split double cradle frame is suspended by 45mm Showa inverted forks at the front and a pro-link monoshock at the rear. Both compression and rebound can be adjusted in the front suspension and the rear is also adjustable with a remote pre-load adjuster. Thanks to the heavy-duty suspension, the front wheel travel stands at a massive 228.6mm, while the rear wheel travel is at 220.9mm. The bike stands 250mm above ground, which makes it the highest in the segment. 

Though the Honda Africa Twin is sophisticated, it is a no-nonsense adventure motorcycle. While purists may scoff at the absence of manual variant in India, the Japanese engineering in the DCT version seems to be good enough to conquer any terrain thrown at it. In the Indian market, the Honda Africa Twin rivals the likes of Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom and the upcoming Ducati Multistrada 950.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Video Review

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