Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin India launch in 2017

Honda India is getting ready to import, assemble and sell the CRF1000L Africa Twin in India by mid-2017. The adventure motorcycle will be brought in as a completely knocked down (CKD) kit and be assembled at its Manesar plant.

YS Guleria, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, HMSI, said, “The plan of bringing the Africa Twin to India was slightly delayed because the development in terms of making the kits, parts-study from assembly point of view is led by the engineers at the Hamamatsu factory, Japan. Unfortunately, following an earthquake there recently, the plans involving several projects were disturbed. However, now all plans are aligned and as per that alignment, there could be some delay (in the India launch). Hence, that model could come in by the middle of next calendar year or even later.”

Powering the Africa Twin is a 1000cc parallel-twin engine with compact overall dimensions. The engine puts out 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The Africa Twin offers ABS and traction control, both offering different modes for different conditions. The ABS can be only switched off for the rear wheel. Traction control has four settings, off and level 1-3. Level 1 being the most aggressive while level 3 being the most forgiving.

Once launched, the CRF1000L Africa Twin will take on the BMW 1200GS, Ducati Multistrada and the Triumph Tiger Explorer.

Source - Autocar India