2018 Honda Africa Twin at RM80k, X-ADV below RM70k, CB1000R at RM90k – in Malaysia soon

During the launch of the Honda Big Wing Store in Kuala Lumpur, Boon Siew Honda (BSH) announced three new Honda motorcycle models will be launched in Malaysia by the second half of 2018. These are the 2018 Honda CRF1000L, with a provisional price of RM80,000, the Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe at below RM90,000 and the Honda X-ADV at below RM70,000.

Fully imported from Japan as CBU, these three motorcycles will be joined in the latter part of the year by another two big bikes, which might be the Honda CBR1000RR and the Honda Gold Wing. Both the Africa Twin and Gold Wing will have DCT gearboxes as added-cost options.

The Honda X-ADV is an adventure-styled scooter, powered by a two-cylinder 745 cc power plant, liquid-cooled and putting out 54 hp at 6,250 rpm and 68 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. Power gets to the ground via a six-speed DCT gearbox, controlled by a toggle switch on the left handlebar.

Adventure bike styling is brought to the fore with the X-ADV, with a 13.1-litre fuel tank, brush guards on the handlebars, sump guard and spoked wheels. Weighing 238 kg, the X-ADV comes with manually-adjustable windscreen, 21-liter under seat storage and keyless start.

On the proper adventure front, Boon Siew Honda is bringing in the Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L, and in two versions. The base version comes with a six-speed gearbox, while the other model option is equipped with a six-speed DCT gearbox, controllable with a switch on the handlebars.

Both Africa Twin versions are powered by a 998 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin with SOHC, and for 2018, upgraded with a new airbox and exhaust internals, lighter balancer shaft, air pump in the clutch housing, lithium-ion battery, ride-by-wire. Also new is four ride modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with seven settings, four more than the previous model’s three HSTC levels.

The Africa Twin trips the scales at 232 kg, and fuel is carried in an 18.8-litre fuel tank. Up front is a pair of 45 mm diameter telescopic forks, and pre-load and compression adjustable monoshock in the rear.

ABS is standard on the Africa Twin, with twin 310 mm discs in front clamped by four-piston callipers, and a single 256 disc in the back. The Africa Twin rolls on a 21-inch wheel in front and an 18-incher in the back.

Cashing in on the current trend for retro bikes is Honda’s third new motorcycle model for 2018, the Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe, with its 998 cc, inline-four, fed by PGM-Fi. The CB1000R is said to be putting out 143 hp at 10,500 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm, with power getting to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox.

The CB1000R weighs in at 212 kg, and comes with 310 mm diameter disc brakes in front, and with a 256 mm unit in the back. Suspension uses upside-down Showa forks in front, with a Showa BFRC monoshock in the rear, with fuel carried in a 16.2-litre tank.

GALLERY: 2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L