Honda Africa Twin for India likely to employ DCT auto gearbox, to be launched in early 2017

The CRF1000L Africa Twin, which was unveiled by Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) at the Auto Expo in February, will most likely make it to India with DCT automatic transmission. The motorcycle, which was making news since its unveiling, is offered globally with a six-speed manual and six-speed DCT automatic transmission. The Japanese company had confirmed local assembly and launch of the bike in India, but adventure biking enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting news about which transmission will make it to the country. Emerging reports now indicate that Honda has decided to go for DCT transmission.

The launch of the Africa Twin in India, which will go up against the Triumph Tiger series and Suzuki V-Storm 1000, was expected to take place in the upcoming festive season. However, an earthquake derailed the supply process at the Hamamatsu factory, Japan, where the kits of the Africa Twin are made. This seems to have pushed the launch to early 2017. The bike is expected to be priced around Rs. 14 lakh. It will be the second high-end Honda bike to be locally assembled in India, after the CBR 650F.

The Africa Twin falls in the adventure motorcycle segment that usually comes with lightweight frame for off-road performance, touring comfort and agile handling for daily use. The Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270 degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.

The Africa Twin boasts of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers the rider three levels of control and on/off ABS to the rear wheel. The motorcycle measures 2,335mm in length, 875mm in width and 1,475mm in height. It has 1,575mm wheelbase, 250mm ground clearance and weighs 208kg. Other off-road friendly bits include the tyre, which measures 21 inches up front and 18 inches at the rear, and the 18.8-litre fuel tank capacity.