2018 Honda Africa Twin launched in India at Rs 13.23 lakhs

- Bookings open for a token amount of Rs 50,000

- Will be sold through Wing World dealerships in 22 cities

- Rs 33,000 pricier than older model

Honda has launched the 2018 Africa Twin CRF1000L in India at Rs 13.23 lakhs (ex-showroom). The adventure touring motorcycle will be sold exclusively through 22 Wing World dealerships across the country, and can be booked for a token amount of Rs 50,000.

The 2018 Africa Twin might look similar to the previous bike, but it gets a slew of technological upgrades. The redesigned instrument cluster offers a better view while standing up and riding. The 998cc parallel-twin engine gets a longer airbox and a lighter balancer shaft. The engine delivers 87bhp and 93Nm of torque. It also gets a lighter lithium-ion battery to cut down on weight. As for the electronics, the Africa Twin has been updated with four individual riding modes and a seven-level traction-control system.

The new Africa Twin will continue to be offered with a DCT gearbox. It also continues to ride on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels, shod with Bridgestone dual-sport tyres in place of Dunlops.  The suspension setup consists of 45mm cartridge-type Showa inverted front forks and a Pro-Link rear monoshock.  Stopping power is provided by dual 310mm petal discs at the front and a 256mm petal disc at the rear. ABS is offered as standard, and can be turned off for the rear wheel. 

Honda will bring only a limited number of motorcycles to the Indian market. The 2018 Africa Twin is available in a single paint scheme - red. It competes against the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, Ducati Multistrada 950 and the BMW F850GS. Deliveries are expected to commence in July.