The next-gen Honda Africa Twin is expected to
feature direct injection, a technology previously used mostly in cars. New
patent images leaked suggest that the Honda Africa Twin will get this
technology to help meet the upcoming Euro 5 emission norms.
With indirect injection, fuel and air are mixed just
as they are entering the cylinder. While this does mean that the mixture is
properly atomised and is able to ignite completely when the spark plug fires.
However, during the valve overlap, some of the fuel-air mixture of unburnt
gases escape via the exhaust valve. In comparison, direct injection technology
allows the fuel and air mixture to stay separate until the very last moment.
This prevents unburnt fuel from escaping to the exhaust.
The Honda Africa Twin facelift will be powered by a
bigger engine with a displacement of 1,084 cc, up from 998 cc. In its present
tune, the twin-cylinder engine coupled to a DCT unit produces 95 PS of power
and 98 Nm of torque. Interestingly, though, the Indian version churns out a
reduced 88.91 PS of power and 93.1 Nm of torque. The new, bigger engine is
expected to have an increased output of 102 PS.
Like the current Honda Africa Twin, the next-gen
model will offer Honda Selectable Traction Control, riding modes and an option
to select from MT and DCT. In India, the old model is offered with only DCT and
that could be the case in the all-new model. The front suspension setup of the
former is fully adjustable and is sourced from Showa. We would love to see what
Honda offers this time around.
Other features to be carried forward include LED
headlamps, adjustable seat height, rally-inspired digital instrumentation.
Also, we would like to see keyless ignition and a smart key to make its way to
the Honda Africa Twin, both of which will add great convenience to customers.
