Honda opens bookings for 2018 Africa Twin

2018 Honda Africa Twin

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has opened the bookings for the 2018 Africa Twin and it will be available at Honda’s Wing World dealerships which are spread across 22 cities in the country. The adventure tourer costs Rs 13.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It was first launched in July last year. The updated motorcycle gets ride by wire, three riding modes and seven levels of traction control.  Also making an appearance is a rally style LCD instrument cluster.

Powering the motorcycle is the same liquid cooled 999.11cc parallel twin engine that makes 87.7bhp and 93.1Nm of torque that comes mated to the 6-speed DCT. The 2018 Honda Africa twin competes against the Triumph Tiger 800 and Ducati Multistrada 950. The 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 range is priced betweenRs 11.76 lakh and Rs 13.76 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ducati Multistrada 950 retails at Rs 12.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

Here is the official text of the press release from Honda:

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. today announced commencement of bookings for 2018 Africa Twin in India. Lucky customers will get a chance to witness their favourite riders live at MotoGP.

The bookings are open for first 50 lucky customers as it will be available in limited number of units. For booking enquiries, customers can contact or visit Honda’s exclusive sales & service Wing World outlets located across 22 cities in India. Customers can also log on to Honda2WheelersIndia.com for more details.

Showcased first at Auto Expo 2018, the motorcycle carries forward the three-decade old legacy of the iconic Africa Twin. The latest is no different, bringing together power, comfort and control like never before.

Speaking on how 2018 Africa Twin revolutionises adventure motorcycling in India, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The eagerly awaited 2018 Africa Twin is now ready to delight adventure enthusiasts in India. Offering new additional value, it offers several comprehensive updates. There is nothing to hold back an enthusiast on the Africa Twin, as it’s the most reliable, versatile and proven adventure touring motorcycle. Lucky few customers will get a chance to witness their favourite riders live at MotoGP.”

Key Features – 2018 Africa Twin

 Electronics Overhaul

The introduction of Throttle by Wire (TBW) greatly expands the choices available to the rider to manage engine output, feel and rear wheel traction. The new Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system features 7 Levels – from Level 1, for aggressive riding off-road to Level 7 for maximum sense of security on slippery, wet tarmac. It remains possible to turn HSTC completely OFF. The addition of a lithium-ion battery contributes to a 2.3kg overall weight saving, while several detail changes further improve the machine’s off-road ability and durability

Enhanced control

The engine is Parallel Twin – 999.11cc with Max Power of 65.4 kW (89PS) @7500rpm and 93.1 Nm Torque@6000rpm The Africa Twin retains Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission technology. An automated clutch and shift operation system that retains the direct acceleration feel of a manual transmission. Experience a more enjoyable ride by focusing on the sensations of accelerating, turning and braking your motorcycle.

Suit Yourself Riding Modes

In Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), three modes of operation are available. Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic S mode offers three levels of sportier riding as the ECU lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, and shifts down sooner when decelerating for extra engine braking. The MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift gear with the left handlebar trigger control buttons. The riding modes are comprised of different levels of Power (P) and Engine Braking (EB).

There are also 3 levels of Power and Engine Braking available which offer pre-set combinations of each parameter, suitable to different riding environments and scenarios:

 TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL

A fourth mode – USER – allows the rider to set and save his or her preferred combination of Power, EB and HSTC levels. Both riding mode and level of HSTC can be changed at any time using the controls on the left hand switchgear

Manual Shift Selector

In either D or S mode, DCT offers immediate manual intervention if required – the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers on the left handlebar. At an appropriate time DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode, depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position.

 Increased functionality

Rally style negative LCD instrument display including: Riding Modes, Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Gear position, HSTC, Odometer, Trip Meter, Clock and ABS Indicator

Front Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted (Upside Down) telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustment, 230mm stroke. Rear: Monoblock cast aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustment, 220 mm rear wheel travel.

Brakes

The brakes (ABS) feature 310mm ‘wave’ style, twin floating front discs with Nissin 4-pot radial calipers for plenty of feel and strong stopping power. Rear disc is a 256mm ‘wave’ style with a 1-pot caliper. With ABS off on the rear brake

With 360-degree value addition, 2018 Africa Twin is priced attractively at Rs. 13.23 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi) in GP Red colour scheme.

 About Africa Twin in India

Launched in India in July 2017, Africa Twin took the country in a storm with its first in segment Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Braking stereotypes, the unprecedented demand for Africa Twin saw 80 units sold in less than 100 days.