Honda launch Africa Twin for Rs.8.60lakh

Honda motorcycles have announced the pricing in America for the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin and have also revealed additional details on the adventure bike.  The Africa Twin is powered by a brand-new 998cc parallel-twin engine and will be available in two versions—one with a highly advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and another with a standard gearbox; pricing is set at $13,699() and $12,999, respectively. Which if you convert it to Indian currency is approx. 9lakh and approx. 8.6lakh respectively.  Both versions come standard with ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

No fewer than 32 patents have been applied for on the Africa Twin, and its specifications surpass the competition in several important areas. The Africa Twin was developed following the “True Adventure” concept, with an emphasis on achieving outstanding performance across a broad array of applications, from open highways to technical trails. The parallel-twin power plant was designed to have concentration of mass and a low center of gravity, with the Unicam head and dry-sump crankcase enabling a low engine height. In order to realize a compact package, components like the oil tank, oil pump and water pump have all been incorporated into the engine, and a number of components, including the battery, are located as near as possible to the vehicle’s center.

The Africa Twin has ample ground clearance, a tough aluminum skid plate, a high-tensile-steel semi-double-cradle frame and a minimum of projecting parts. A slim cross section and smooth layout simplify moving back and forth on the bike in order to maneuver through challenging sections. Between the standard adjustable saddle and an accessory low version, seat height can be adjusted between four different settings ranging between 34.3 and 32.3 inches. The Africa Twin has the most suspension travel in its class: 9.1 inches for the inverted 45mm Showa fork and 8.7 inches for the rear wheel. Adjustable compression and rebound damping are standard at both ends, as is hydraulic adjustable spring preload. Off-road-friendly features include tube tires, wire-spoke wheels, hollow aluminum axles, wave-design brake rotors and a rubber-mounted aluminum handlebar with a tapered design.