1/12Tap to zoomHonda Africa Twin
Honda · Motorcycle
Africa Twin
₹16.02 Lakhex-showroom · last updated 2026
- Engine
- 1,082cc
- Power
- 97.89bhp
- Mileage
- 24kmpl
- Weight
- 249kg
Research by
IAF Editorial
Honda Africa Twin — Overview
Nearly a decade after it rebooted the adventure-touring segment in India, the Honda Africa Twin still makes European rivals sweat - and it does it at a price that actually makes sense. The CRF1100L packs a 1082.96 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin making 99.2 PS and 103 Nm, a genuine 24.5-litre tank, and the only factory DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) in its class - all starting at Rs 15.96 lakh. Whether you are threading through Mumbai traffic or grinding gravel on the way to Ladakh, the Africa Twin has a mode for it. It was pulled from India in May 2025 when BS6 Phase 2 norms kicked in, but Honda is bringing it back in 2026 with local assembly at its Manesar plant - which should keep the price competitive. If you have been waiting, this is the one to watch.
Honda Africa Twin Latest Updates
View allHonda India launched a voluntary recall campaign for the CRF1100L Africa Twin in the final week of January 2026, covering units manufactured between 2019 and 2025. The defect involves the left-hand switch wiring harness - repeated steering movement can cause the wire to bend and oxidise at the joint terminal, potentially affecting horn operation and high/low beam switching. Honda is replacing affected parts free of cost at BigWing Topline dealerships.
The 2026 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin range was globally unveiled on January 14, 2026, with updated colour options and new graphics across all variants - Grand Prix Red, Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, and Pearl Glare White for the standard model, plus Matt Iridium Gray Metallic for the Adventure Sports. No changes were made to the engine, suspension, electronics, or DCT system.
Honda India announced a voluntary recall of the CRF1100L Africa Twin on September 15, 2025, covering all units produced from 2019 to 2025. The issue is a potential wiring harness fault on the left-hand switch assembly that can cause oxidation over time, leading to horn failure or headlight switching problems. Owners can check VIN eligibility on Honda's website.
What We Like
- Best-in-class off-road capability: long-travel suspension, 210 mm ground clearance, and 21-inch front wheel eat up bad roads
- Segment-exclusive DCT option takes the stress out of city traffic and trail riding alike
- Rich electronics package - HSTC, switchable ABS, multiple riding modes, and wheelie control - at a price European rivals cannot match
- Good real-world fuel economy of 20-22 kmpl for a 1000 cc+ adventure tourer; 24.5 L tank means 500+ km range between fills
What Could Be Better
- 239 kg kerb weight makes U-turns and low-speed parking genuinely awkward, especially in tight city spots
- 810 mm seat height rules out many Indian riders under 5'7" unless you opt for the low-seat accessory
- DCT variant adds Rs 1.54 lakh to the price and has a more complex service procedure - not every Honda workshop is equally comfortable with it
Editor's Verdict
Should You Buy the Honda Africa Twin?
The Honda Africa Twin is the most complete adventure motorcycle you can buy in India under Rs 20 lakh on-road. It handles everything from NH44 highway blasts to actual off-road trails without feeling compromised, and the DCT makes it uniquely approachable. The weight and seat height are real barriers for shorter riders, and you need to budget for proper riding gear and accessories - but if you fit the bike, nothing in this price range touches it.