2018 Honda Africa Twin launch in July

The updated Honda Africa Twin was showcased earlier this year at the Auto Expo 2018

Honda brought in the Africa Twin to India exactly a year ago. The company had only got a limited number of units which were sold out rather quickly. Earlier this year, at the Auto Expo 2018, Honda showcased an updated version of the Africa Twin. Bookings for the 2018 iteration is likely to commence in a few weeks’ time and the bike is expected to be launched in July.

As part of the 2018 update, the Africa Twin now gets Throttle-by-wire technology that gives the rider the ability to manage engine output and the traction at the rear wheel. Moreover, the refreshed model also gets an update to the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). From just 3 levels of HSTC, the 2018 Africa Twin will now have 7 levels including the ability to switch the function off. Apart from the updated electronics, the new Africa Twin also gets a 20mm longer funnel for the airbox. In combination with a redesigned exhaust, this gives the motorcycle a stronger mid-range – something that should come in handy while off-roading. By fitting the Africa Twin with a Lithium-ion battery, Honda has managed to increase its durability and at the same time reduce weight by more than 2 kilograms.

There are minor cosmetic changes too – more on the function side of things than form. While the overall design remains more or less identical, the 2018 Africa Twin gets wider footpegs for better support along with wider heel plates. The angle of the instrument cluster too has been changed for better viewing angles.

Just like before, Honda will bring the Africa Twin to India via the CKD route. When it was first launched in May 2017, the Africa Twin carried a sticker price of Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Keeping in mind the revised tax structure on CKD offerings, expect the 2018 Africa Twin to be priced marginally higher. Honda is yet to announce how many units of the refreshed Africa Twin will be brought to Indian shores.