Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) launched the much awaited Africa Twin CRF1000L yesterday, which is the first big bike to be assembled under their "Make in India" project. The Africa Twin was the first bike in our list of "Top 5 motorcycles that badly need an Indian launch". We expected the bike to be priced around 13 to 14 lakhs ex showroom, but Honda has actually priced it at 12.90 lakhs making it very competitive. The Africa Twin is to be brought via CKD method and assembled at Honda's new Rs. 1,000 crore manufacturing plant. Here is an overview of the all new Adventure motorcycle from Honda's stable.
Looks & Design:The Africa Twin CRF1000L is an one of its kind offering by Honda, which rivals the Triumph Tiger variants, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Ducati Multistrada. The design of the bike is very fresh and unique, that it doesn't resemble any of the outgoing models from Honda. The bike looks very large and grandeur, when compared with any other motorcycle in its class. It is definitely an eyeball grabber, thanks to its height, long travel suspension, DRL's and huge windscreens upfront. The rear of the bike has upswept large exhaust canisters with wide spoked wheels. The bike has kind of a bikini nose fairing which dons the Africa Twin logo and the signature Honda branding.
Engine & Performance:The bike has a new liquid cooled 998cc parallel twin mill which makes 94 Bhp at 7,500 rpm and 98 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. The clutch is a wet multi plate with aluminium cam assist and slipper unit . The transmission is an advanced 6 speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) unit with on and off road riding modes. There are 2 variants - manual and automatic DCT, but only the top end automatic transmission model comes to our shores. Honda has claimed the top speed to be 190 kmph, but it might be tad higher given the equipment and engine of the bike.
Brakes, Chassis and Suspension:The Africa Twin CRF1000L comes with large 310mm dual wave floating discs upfront with aluminium hub and radial 4 piston calipers. The brake pads are sintered metal pads for a better bite. The rear gets a single 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2 piston caliper, also with sintered brake pads. It comes with 2 channel ABS with an option to switch off ABS at the rear. It has a steel semi-double cradle type chassis with high tensile strength rear sub frame. Suspension duties are carried out by a long travel USD fork upfront and Pro link mono shock absorber at the rear. The motorcycle weighs 245 kgs wet and has a ground clearance of 250mm. The fuel tank can hold 18.8 litres of petrol, suitable for long rides. The bike has spoked wheels on both ends and the tyres have dimensions of 90/90 R21 for better traction at the front, and 150/70 R18 at the rear.
Electronics Package:
The motorcycle has Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system with 3 levels and switch off mode, to control the amount the torque from the engine. The dual channel ABS comes as standard equipment, in which the rear can be disabled.
Final Impression:
Honda has priced the Africa Twin very aggressively, given the fact that the bike is being assembled locally in India. This in reality makes the Africa Twin CRF1000L cheaper than a similar Triumph Tiger XCa, by a whopping 2 lakh Rupees. A smooth revving engine, high quality equipment, reputation and relatively cheaper pricing will make the Africa Twin a potential winner. The motorcycle is priced at Rs. 12,90,000 (ex showroom Delhi). Bookings are open for the first 50 customers on first come first served basis as a part of the first lot, which can be booked in any one of the Honda Wing World dealerships.
By: Aravind Rb
