Middleweight Honda Africa Twin to feature a 790cc engine

- Should arrive with a competitive price tag

- Will reportedly get Manual and DCT gearbox options

- May draw styling cues from the Africa Twin CRF1100L

Honda is working on a new, lower-displacement iteration of the Africa Twin adventure tourer, and the motorcycle is already under development. We recently stumbled upon leaked patent images that revealed two new models that would feature a CRF1100L derived parallel twin-cylinder motor. Now, a new report claims that the middleweight Africa Twin will come equipped with a 790cc engine.

The source report adds that the new bike will be an evolution of the NC series, which currently comprises of the NC750S and the NC750X. The bigger engine will comply with the Euro5 emission norms while getting a boost in power and torque output. Honda used a similar strategy while upgrading the litre-class Africa Twin (CRF1000L to CRF1100L) during the Euro5 transition.

Similar to the bigger Africa Twin (CRF1100L), the middleweight model will reportedly feature two gearbox options – Manual and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Honda’s existing NC750 series already uses a DCT gearbox.

In terms of design, the middleweight Honda Africa Twin should draw inspiration from the CRF1100L, and come equipped with twin-pod headlight, lean styling and a digital instrument cluster among others. Cycle parts should match the rivals in the segment and the middleweight Africa Twin should come equipped with inverted front forks, preload-adjustable rear mono-shock, dual discs at the front, a single rotor at the back and a comprehensive electronic package.

Similar to the Africa Twin CRF1100L, Honda should introduce the middleweight ADV model at competitive prices and make the motorcycle more accessible. The new Africa Twin CRF1100L Adventure Sports, for reference, is available at Rs 15,35,000 (Manual) and Rs 16,10,000 (DCT) in the Indian market.

Prices mentioned above are ex-showroom India

Source: MCN