2017 Honda Africa Twin Launched in Japan

The Honda Africa Twin or Honda CRF1000L as it is called, was released in Japan and is set to launch in India around mid 2017. The adventure motorcycle from Honda was first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in February 2016, generating a lot of interest among the motorcycle enthusiasts in India. We now know that only one variant will be available in the Indian Markets.

The specifications tell us that it’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 998 cc parallel-twin engine, which makes 94 bhp power and 97 Nm of torque. Earlier, Africa Twins were powered by V-twin motors. Internationally, the Africa Twin is available in two variants – one with a manual transmission and an auto shifting dual-clutch transmission (DCT). For India however, Honda will be introducing only the DCT variant.

The colour variants available are Pearl Glare White, Victory Red and Digital Silver Metallic…with the icing on the cake bring the Candy Prominence Red paint option! The bike is now also Euro 4 compliant and gets switchable rear ABS and multiple mode Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The Honda Africa Twin comes with a 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc, aluminum hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers, sintered metal pads up front. And a 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston callipers and sintered metal pads in the rear. The adventure bike gets 21-inch wheels in the front to overcome obstacles smoothly and a 150/70 section 18 inch wheel in the rear. Both the tyres are tube types.

When we check out the weight and the fuel compatibility, we see that the Honda Africa Twin scales at 232 kg and has a ground clearance of 250 mm. It boasts of a WMTC mode fuel economy of 21.6 km/l. Sales target in Japan for 2017 is 1,300 units. We expect the Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000L to be priced at least around Rs 17-18 lakh, if not more.