Rumour: Honda to launch Africa Twin in India in July 2017

Media reports suggest that Honda might launch its Africa Twin adventure touring motorcycle in India in the month of July 2017. While the automaker had earlier confirmed its plans to bring the bike to the country, no specific launch window has been officially revealed yet.

Honda had displayed the Africa Twin in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. The company is expected to bring the bike through the CKD route and assemble it locally in order to keep its price competitive. The motorcycle is expected to be assembled at its production facility in Manesar, Haryana.

The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 998 cc, twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that develops 94 BHP @ 7,500 rpm and 98 Nm of torque @ 6,000 rpm. In international markets, this engine can be opted for with a choice of two transmissions - a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT automatic. However, it is being reported that the India-spec bike will only come with the DCT option.

The bike is built on a steel semi-double cradle type frame with a high-tensile strength steel sub-frame at the rear. The braking setup consists of dual 310 mm floating hydraulic discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and a single 256 mm hydraulic disc with 2-piston calipers at the rear.

The Honda Africa Twin will compete against the likes of the Triumph Tiger, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Ducati Multistrada.

Source: Autocar India