Are you curious about where the iconic Honda Africa Twin is made, especially when it comes to production in China? While the Honda Africa Twin is not primarily manufactured in China, it’s interesting to explore the global manufacturing landscape of Honda and how different facilities contribute to the production of this beloved motorcycle. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Honda’s manufacturing facilities, clarifying any misconceptions about the Africa Twin’s production and highlighting the key roles of various factories around the world. Let’s start

The Hengjian HJMoto HJ500-8 Is An Odd Honda …

Product Details: The Hengjian HJMoto HJ500-8 is a motorcycle that closely resembles Honda’s Africa Twin. It features a 471cc twin-cylinder engine, which is based on Honda’s CB500 engine. The engine is water-cooled and uses gasoline injection with four valves per cylinder. The bike has a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, typical of adventure-enduro motorcycles. It also includes radial brakes, a D.I.D. transmission chain, and adjustable suspensions. The HJ500-8 comes with a color TFT dashboard and auxiliary instruments, full LED lights, and Pirelli tires. The bike has a ground clearance of 220 millimeters and features a unique dual-tank system, allowing

for a total of 40 liters of fuel storage, which can be switched between two tanks to adjust the center of gravity[4][5].

Pros:
– Unique dual-tank system allowing for adjustable center of gravity
– Impressive ground clearance of 220 millimeters
– Adjustable suspensions and radial brakes for improved handling
– Color TFT dashboard and auxiliary instruments for enhanced user experience
– Full LED lights and Pirelli tires for better visibility and traction

Cons:
– Concerns over the quality of Chinese manufacturing, particularly with steel comp…
– Potential weight issues, though exact weight is not specified
– Limited technical details and reliability data available

Country of manufacture

Product Details: The Honda Africa Twin is manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This factory is a key production site for Honda’s mid-to-large displacement motorcycles and produces 292,000 motorcycles and ATVs annually. The Africa Twin, specifically the CRF1000L and CRF1100L models, is assembled here, involving a detailed process that includes engine assembly, frame and wheel installation, and final body panel fitting before undergoing quality assurance testing.

Pros:
– Manufactured in a well-established and reputable factory with a long history of…
– Detailed assembly process ensures high standards of quality and reliability.

Cons:
– No specific cons mentioned in the source regarding the manufacturing process or…

This Chinese bike is a doppelganger of Honda …

Product Details: The Chinese copy of the Honda Africa Twin, such as the Dahaidao 500 GS-ADV, is manufactured by Chongqing Hengjian Motorcycle Manufacturing. It is powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine, producing 48 hp and 43.4 Nm of torque. The bike features 19/17″ wire-spoked wheels, long-travel suspension, and dual discs up front. It also includes ample crash protection similar to the Honda Africa Twin’s skid plate and engine guards. The price is significantly lower, around Rs 3.09 lakh.

Pros:
– Significantly lower price compared to the original Honda Africa Twin
– Includes features like long-travel suspension and dual discs up front
– Ample crash protection similar to the Honda Africa Twin

Cons:
– Smaller and less powerful than the original Honda Africa Twin
– Quality concerns regarding Chinese manufacturing and materials
– Design is a direct copy, raising copyright and originality issues

[Moto] HJ500-8: THE CHINESE COPY OF HONDA’S …

Product Details: The HJ500-8 features a twin-cylinder engine based on Honda’s CB 500. It has water cooling, gasoline injection, and a displacement of 471 cc with four valves per cylinder. The engine produces a maximum power of 35 kW at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 43 Nm at 7000 rpm. The bike has a six-speed transmission with a manual wet multi-plate clutch and uses a high-strength steel tube braided frame. It includes features such as dual-channel ABS, front and rear disc brakes, and a seat height of 860 mm. The bike also has a total fuel tank capacity of 42

liters (25L front, 17L rear), and it is equipped with front and rear cameras and tire pressure monitors.

Pros:
– Powerful twin-cylinder engine with 35 kW of power
– Advanced features including dual-channel ABS, front and rear cameras, and tire p…
– High fuel tank capacity of 42 liters
– Robust high-strength steel tube braided frame

Cons:
– Criticism for being a copy of Honda’s Africa Twin
– Limited brand reputation compared to established manufacturers
– Potential reliability and durability concerns due to its Chinese origin

Honda Africa Twin’s Chinese copy with 48 hp and …

Product Details: The Chinese copycat bike, named Dahaido 500 GS, has 19/17″ wire-spoked wheels with an optional 18/21″ set, long-travel suspension, and dual discs up front. It produces 48 hp.

Pros:
– Long-travel suspension for off-road capabilities
– Dual discs up front for improved braking

Cons:
– Significantly lower power output compared to the original Honda Africa Twin
– Lack of advanced features and technology found in the original Honda Africa Twin

Honda reveals ‘baby’ Africa Twin

Product Details: The Honda Africa Twin is an adventure motorcycle featuring a 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin engine. It has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DCT transmission, with a final drive via a #525 chain. The bike includes a 45mm inverted telescopic fork with 9.0 inches of travel and a Pro-Link® system with a single shock at the rear. It comes with dual 310mm discs at the front and a single 256mm disc at the rear, both with ABS. The seat height is adjustable between 33.5 and 34.3 inches, and it has a curb weight of 510 lbs for the

manual and 535 lbs for the DCT model.

Pros:
– Smooth torque delivery throughout the RPM range, suitable for off-road and highw…
– Cruise control for long-distance touring.
– Low center of gravity for excellent handling.
– TFT touchscreen display with multiple information displays.
– Six selectable riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, and User 2.
– Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with seven different settings.
– Tubeless tires for easier flat tire repairs and cooler running.
– Semi-double-cradle lightweight steel frame for robust performance.

Cons:
– Higher curb weight compared to some other adventure bikes.
– Limited ground clearance at 9.8 inches, which might be a concern in deep off-roa…
– Some riders may find the seat height still too high despite the adjustable optio…
– The DCT model is slightly heavier than the manual transmission model.

Honda Africa Twin? No, it’s an HJMoto GS ADV 500

Product Details: The Honda Africa Twin features a 1083cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 97.89 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 103 Nm of peak torque @ 6000 rpm. It is available in two transmission options: a six-speed manual and a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The bike has a kerb weight of 239 kg (manual) and 253 kg (DCT), a fuel tank capacity of 24.5 litres, and a seat height of 810 mm (manual) or adjustable heights for the Adventure Sports model. It includes features such as a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), ABS, HSTC, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The bike

also has four default riding modes and two customizable modes[1][3][4].

Pros:
– Powerful 1083cc engine with smooth torque delivery
– Long-distance comfort with adjustable windscreen and cruise control
– Advanced features including IMU, ABS, HSTC, and Bluetooth connectivity
– Multiple riding modes and customizable settings
– Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
– Comfortable seat and adjustable seat height options

Cons:
– High price point, especially for the DCT and Adventure Sports models
– Heavy weight which can be challenging for some riders
– Complex technology may require a learning curve for some users

Africa Twin’s prices all over the world

Product Details: The Honda Transalp is an adventure motorcycle featuring a 755cc liquid-cooled 24.5º parallel-twin four-stroke engine with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). It has a 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork, spoked wheels (21-inch front and 18-inch rear), and a rally-type fairing. The bike includes a 5-inch TFT display, long-travel front suspension, and a quick shifter. It also comes with five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and a custom setting.

Pros:
– Versatile riding experience suitable for urban, highway, mountain, and off-road…
– Compact and lightweight design for better maneuverability
– Long-travel front suspension for excellent on- and off-road handling
– Five riding modes with adjustable power delivery, engine braking, and ABS interv…
– Quick shifter for fast and decisive shifting
– Comfortable seat design for long trips

Cons:
– No mention of advanced electronic suspension like some other models
– Smaller fuel tank compared to some other adventure bikes
– No cruise control feature available

First Ride: 2018 Honda Africa Twin ‘Adventure Sports’

Product Details: The 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports features a 998cc liquid-cooled Unicam 4-stroke, 22.5° parallel-twin engine with a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (Throttle By Wire). It comes in both manual and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) options. The bike has a 6-speed transmission, 45mm inverted telescopic fork with 9.9 inches of travel, and a Pro-Link system with a single shock offering 9.4 inches of travel. It includes features such as heated grips, a larger 6.4-gallon fuel tank, and higher ground clearance of 10.7 inches. The bike also has multiple riding modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel, and User)

with adjustable Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and engine braking settings[1][2][5].

Pros:
– Increased fuel capacity of 6.4 gallons for extended range
– Longer-travel suspension and higher ground clearance for improved off-road capab…
– Heated grips and a taller windscreen for enhanced comfort
– Multiple riding modes with adjustable HSTC and engine braking settings
– Wider and more comfortable footpegs
– Lighter lithium-ion battery contributing to overall weight reduction

Cons:
– DCT model is heavier by over 20 pounds compared to the manual transmission model
– DCT requires some getting used to, especially for riders accustomed to manual tr…
– Higher cost compared to the standard Africa Twin model

Chinese ADV model (with KTM power)

Product Details: The MBP T502X ADV and KTM 790 Adventure are notable models in the adventure bike segment. The MBP T502X features a 486cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 47 horsepower and 31.7 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed transmission and a tubular steel chassis. It includes long-travel suspension, 19/17-inch spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, and dual-channel ABS. The KTM 790 Adventure, built in partnership with CFMOTO, has a 799cc parallel twin engine producing 94hp at 8,000rpm and 65lb-ft at 6,600rpm, with a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, and various ride modes[1][4][5].

Pros:
– The MBP T502X offers a powerful engine with competitive horsepower and torque co…
– The KTM 790 Adventure boasts superb performance, technical specifications, and r…
– Both bikes feature advanced suspension and braking systems, including long-trave…
– The KTM 790 Adventure includes multiple ride modes, Motor Slip Regulation, and a…

Cons:
– The MBP T502X lacks advanced riding aids beyond dual-channel ABS, which might be…
– The KTM 790 Adventure’s tech features, such as the Quickshifter+ and cruise cont…
– The production of the KTM 790 Adventure in China might raise concerns about qual…
– The MBP T502X’s availability is limited, with no clear launch date for the Ameri…

Comparison Table

Company	Product Details	Pros	Cons	Website
The Hengjian HJMoto HJ500-8 Is An Odd Honda …	The Hengjian HJMoto HJ500-8 is a motorcycle that closely resembles Honda’s Africa Twin. It features a 471cc twin-cylinder engine, which is based on Ho…	– Unique dual-tank system allowing for adjustable center of gravity – Impressive ground clearance of 220 millimeters – Adjustable suspensions and radi…	– Concerns over the quality of Chinese manufacturing, particularly with steel comp… – Potential weight issues, though exact weight is not specified…	www.rideapart.com
Country of manufacture	The Honda Africa Twin is manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This factory is a key p…	– Manufactured in a well-established and reputable factory with a long history of… – Detailed assembly process ensures high standards of quality and…	– No specific cons mentioned in the source regarding the manufacturing process or…	www.africatwinforum.com
This Chinese bike is a doppelganger of Honda …	The Chinese copy of the Honda Africa Twin, such as the Dahaidao 500 GS-ADV, is manufactured by Chongqing Hengjian Motorcycle Manufacturing. It is powe…	– Significantly lower price compared to the original Honda Africa Twin – Includes features like long-travel suspension and dual discs up front – Ample…	– Smaller and less powerful than the original Honda Africa Twin – Quality concerns regarding Chinese manufacturing and materials – Design is a direct…	sg.finance.yahoo.com
[Moto] HJ500-8: THE CHINESE COPY OF HONDA’S …	The HJ500-8 features a twin-cylinder engine based on Honda’s CB 500. It has water cooling, gasoline injection, and a displacement of 471 cc with four…	– Powerful twin-cylinder engine with 35 kW of power – Advanced features including dual-channel ABS, front and rear cameras, and tire p… – High fuel…	– Criticism for being a copy of Honda’s Africa Twin – Limited brand reputation compared to established manufacturers – Potential reliability and durab…	csblackdevil.com
Honda Africa Twin’s Chinese copy with 48 hp and …	The Chinese copycat bike, named Dahaido 500 GS, has 19/17″ wire-spoked wheels with an optional 18/21″ set, long-travel suspension, and dual discs up f…	– Long-travel suspension for off-road capabilities – Dual discs up front for improved braking	– Significantly lower power output compared to the original Honda Africa Twin – Lack of advanced features and technology found in the original Honda A…	www.financialexpress.com
Honda reveals ‘baby’ Africa Twin	The Honda Africa Twin is an adventure motorcycle featuring a 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin engine. It has a 6-speed man…	– Smooth torque delivery throughout the RPM range, suitable for off-road and highw… – Cruise control for long-distance touring. – Low center of grav…	– Higher curb weight compared to some other adventure bikes. – Limited ground clearance at 9.8 inches, which might be a concern in deep off-roa… – S…	www.morebikes.co.uk
Honda Africa Twin? No, it’s an HJMoto GS ADV 500	The Honda Africa Twin features a 1083cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 97.89 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 103 Nm of peak torque @ 6000 rpm. It is…	– Powerful 1083cc engine with smooth torque delivery – Long-distance comfort with adjustable windscreen and cruise control – Advanced features includi…	– High price point, especially for the DCT and Adventure Sports models – Heavy weight which can be challenging for some riders – Complex technology ma…	www.motopinas.com
Africa Twin’s prices all over the world	The Honda Transalp is an adventure motorcycle featuring a 755cc liquid-cooled 24.5º parallel-twin four-stroke engine with Programmed Fuel Injection (P…	– Versatile riding experience suitable for urban, highway, mountain, and off-road… – Compact and lightweight design for better maneuverability – Lon…	– No mention of advanced electronic suspension like some other models – Smaller fuel tank compared to some other adventure bikes – No cruise control f…	honda-adventure-riders.com
First Ride: 2018 Honda Africa Twin ‘Adventure Sports’	The 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports features a 998cc liquid-cooled Unicam 4-stroke, 22.5° parallel-twin engine with a compression ratio of 10….	– Increased fuel capacity of 6.4 gallons for extended range – Longer-travel suspension and higher ground clearance for improved off-road capab… – He…	– DCT model is heavier by over 20 pounds compared to the manual transmission model – DCT requires some getting used to, especially for riders accustom…	www.rideasia.net
Chinese ADV model (with KTM power)	The MBP T502X ADV and KTM 790 Adventure are notable models in the adventure bike segment. The MBP T502X features a 486cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled…	– The MBP T502X offers a powerful engine with competitive horsepower and torque co… – The KTM 790 Adventure boasts superb performance, technical spe…	– The MBP T502X lacks advanced riding aids beyond dual-channel ABS, which might be… – The KTM 790 Adventure’s tech features, such as the Quickshifte…	dualsport-sd.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Honda Africa Twin motorcycles manufactured in China

No, Honda Africa Twin motorcycles are not manufactured in China. They are primarily produced at the Kumamoto Factory in Japan, which is Honda’s main motorcycle production facility in the country[2][4].

Do any Honda factories in China produce parts for the Africa Twin

While Honda does have manufacturing facilities in China, such as Honda Power Products (China) Co., Ltd., these facilities are focused on producing power products and not motorcycles or parts specifically for the Africa Twin[3].

Can I find Chinese copies or knock-offs of the Honda Africa Twin

Yes, there are Chinese manufacturers that produce motorcycles inspired by the Honda Africa Twin. For example, the Dahaidao 500 GS-ADV is a smaller, less powerful version that mimics some design elements of the Africa Twin[5].

Are there any plans for Honda to manufacture the Africa Twin in other countries, including China

There are no current plans or indications that Honda will start manufacturing the Africa Twin in China or any other country besides Japan. The Kumamoto Factory remains the primary production site for this model[2][4].

How can I ensure my Honda Africa Twin is genuine and not a Chinese copy

To ensure your Honda Africa Twin is genuine, purchase it from an authorized Honda dealer. Check the motorcycle’s VIN and other identification numbers, and look for the official Honda branding and quality standards that distinguish it from copies. Additionally, be wary of significantly lower prices, as this could be a sign of a counterfeit model[5].