If you are into luxury vehicles but like to take them off the road, this motorcycle could be your dream come true. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd has officially begun the delivery of the latest iteration of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. It is the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer’s flagship adventure-tourer and is the first 1000cc ‘Make in India’ model by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India.
The motorcycle is also the company’s first BSVI-compliant big bike in India. It was first launched in 2017 and has since garnered over 200 customers in the country. Its latest iteration was launched in March 2020 by Ricky Brabec (Reigning 2020 Dakar Rally World Champion from Monster Energy Honda Team).
Honda has made the 2020 Africa Twin better than before, making it smaller, slimmer and 5 kg lighter. This delivers 12 percent more peak power, 11 percent more peak torque and 10 percent increased power to weight ratio. It also gets cruise control via Throttle by Wire (TBW), as well as wheelie control, rear lift control and 3-stage cornering lights. The motorcycle also gets a bigger engine, new lightweight chassis, new electronics and new suspension units. Other updates include a bigger 24.8-litre fuel tank, 5-stage adjustable windscreen and heated grips. Honda has also equipped the motorcycle with Apple CarPlay, which can be accessed via a 6.5-inch MID TFT touch screen.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Starting the BSVI era of its premium motorcycle business, Honda introduced the brand new 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports in March this year. We are pleased to announce the first delivery to the proud #TrueAdventure lover. The 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports takes the ‘go anywhere’ spirit one step ahead. So, pack your bags & get ready as #TrueAdventure is back!”
For the first time, Honda has launched the Africa twin with the option of a manual gearbox. While the original Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) unit gets the Darkness Black Metallic colour, the new manual option gets a Pearl Glare White colour. Honda is also offering genuine accessories such as top box, visor, quick shifter, main stand, rally step, engine guard, front fog light, and a smoked wind screen for both the variants.
If you are looking to go for dedicated off-roading, the DCT variant poses as a better option, simply due to the option of changing gears with your hands. This will help the rider shift gears when it is not possible for him to reach the footpegs, such as while water wading. Other riders who wish to enjoy all the benefits of the motorcycle without shelling out extra can opt for the manual transmission option.
The Africa Twin has already set the benchmark as a potent off-roader in India. Now, with a relatively cheaper alternative of the manual transmission, the motorcycle is expected to garner a larger audience, especially fans of the manual gearbox. It commands an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 15,35,000, while its DCT counterpart sells for Rs 16,10,000 (ex-showroom).