Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin India Launch By July 2017

The Africa Twin was first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and was slated to launch by the end of 2016. But an earthquake hindered the process at the Hamamatsu factory, Japan, where the components of the Africa Twin are manufactured.

The adventure motorcycle from Honda will be brought to India as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and will be assembled at the firm's Manesar plant.

The Africa Twin is an adventure tourer motorcycle based on the lightweight frame for off-roading, touring comfort and sharp handling for the daily commute.

The Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc parallel twin liquid cooled engine with 270-degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp and 98Nm of peak torque.

The globally sold model is available with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) automatic gearbox, but it is expected that the India-spec model will only get the manual variant.

The motorcycle features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) which offers three levels of control and ABS On/Off for the rear wheel. For long touring capabilities, it has an 18.8 litre fuel tank and 21-inch tyres up front and 18-inch at the rear for off-roading.

As the Africa Twin will be locally assembled in the country, it is expected to be launched with a price tag of around Rs 14 lakh. At this price point, the Africa Twin will go head on with the likes of Triumph Tiger and Suzuki V-Storm 1000.