Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), which was expected to launch the CRF1000L Africa Twin in the second half of this year, has postponed the launch of the motorcycle. The adventure motorcycle, unveiled by the Japanese company at the Auto Expo 2016 in February, was to enter the Indian markets via completely knocked down (CKD) kits line.
"The plan of bringing the Africa Twin to India is 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," YS Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, HMSI, told Autocar Professional. "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)." Guleria added that the model could make an entry by the middle of the next calendar year or even later.
The Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270 degree crank and uni-cam. The engine develops 94bhp at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The motorcycle will feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which offers the rider three levels of control and on/off ABS to the rear wheel.
The motorcycle measures 2,335mm in length, 875mm in width and 1,475mm in height. It has 1,575mm wheelbase, 250mm ground clearance and weighs 208kg. Other off-road friendly bits include the tyre, which measures 21 inches up front and 18 inches at the rear, and the 18.8-litre fuel tank capacity.
The Africa Twin caters to the adventure motorcycle segment that is the domain of Triumph Tiger series and Suzuki V-Storm 1000 in India.
