Honda is reportedly working on a middleweight version of its iconic adventure bike the Honda Africa Twin 650. This will sit below the powerful 1100cc model and target riders looking for a more manageable, affordable, and beginner-friendly ADV. It’s expected to inherit the legendary Africa Twin DNA while being lighter, more agile, and accessible to a wider audience.
Parallel Twin Engine Around 650cc
The Africa Twin 650 is likely to feature a parallel-twin 650cc liquid-cooled engine, producing approximately 65–75 bhp, tuned for strong low-end torque and off-road versatility. This puts it directly in competition with models like the KTM 790 Adventure, Yamaha Tenere 700, and Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT.
Proper ADV Chassis and Suspension Setup
Staying true to its adventure touring roots, the 650 version will likely come with:
- 21-inch front / 18-inch rear spoke wheels
- Long travel Showa USD front forks & rear monoshock
- Switchable ABS and traction control
- Off-road riding modes and dual-purpose tyres
Ground clearance, suspension travel, and seat height are expected to be well-optimized for real-world trails and touring.
Aggressive Styling & Dakar-Inspired Design
Design-wise, the Africa Twin 650 will mirror the bigger 1100cc sibling with a tall windscreen, split LED headlights, semi-faired bodywork, and rugged frame protectors. A digital TFT dash, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation could also be included to make it touring-ready.
Expected Price & India Launch Plans
If launched, the Honda Africa Twin 650 could be priced around ₹8.5 lakh to ₹9.5 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a strong rival in the mid-ADV segment. Honda could assemble it via CKD route in India to keep prices competitive. Launch is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on global debut.
Conclusion: The Honda Africa Twin 650 could be a game-changer in the middleweight ADV category offering big-bike Dakar styling, solid off-road hardware, and Honda’s reliability at a more affordable price. Perfect for Indian riders looking to upgrade from 300–500cc ADV bikes.
Disclaimer: Details are based on leaks and global reports. Honda has not officially confirmed the 650 Africa Twin model or its India launch timeline.
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