If you own a Honda Africa Twin manufactured between 2019 and 2025, your motorcycle’s horn might fail when you need it most.
And that’s just the beginning.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India dropped a bombshell yesterday, announcing a massive recall spanning six years of production. The culprit? A tiny wire that could leave you vulnerable on Indian roads.
⚡ Quick Facts:
• Affects: All Africa Twin owners in India (2019-2025 models)
• Cost/Savings: ₹0 (Free repair, saves ₹8,000-12,000)
• Deadline: Service starts January 26, 2026
• Verified by: Honda BigWing Official Statement
• Updated: December 13, 2025, 9:45 AM IST
The Immediate Impact
Here’s the thing:
Your left handlebar switch wiring is slowly dying. Every time you turn the handlebar – which happens thousands of times during a typical Mumbai-Pune ride – the wire bends. Oxidation builds up. Electrical connection weakens.
Suddenly, your horn doesn’t work in Bangalore traffic. Your headlight won’t switch from low to high beam on the dark Manali-Leh highway.
The ₹12,000 Question
BigWing dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are already receiving panic calls.
But wait:
Honda will replace everything for free – even if your warranty expired in 2021. That’s a ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 saving, according to service advisors at BigWing Topline Chennai.
| What Honda Said | What’s Actually Happening | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| “Precautionary recall” | Critical safety features failing | Don’t ride at night until checked |
| “Starting January 2026” | 6-week wait for parts | Book slot NOW to avoid delays |
| “Free replacement” | Saves ₹8,000-12,000 | No hidden charges confirmed |
What Competitors Won’t Tell You
This isn’t Honda’s first Africa Twin recall in India. Just last year, ECU programming issues triggered unexpected wheelie control activation.
The pattern? Honda’s global models need India-specific testing.
Triumph Tiger and BMW GS owners in Pune and Hyderabad WhatsApp groups are already discussing switching brands. “Six years of the same wiring fault? That’s concerning,” posted Rajesh Kumar, a Bangalore-based rider with 50,000km on his Africa Twin.
“Just checked my 2020 Africa Twin. Horn failed completely during testing. Heading to BigWing Whitefield tomorrow morning.”
– Vikram Singh, Bangalore Africa Twin Riders Group (2,847 members discussing this)
The India Twist
Indian riding conditions accelerate this problem.
Our pothole-riddled roads mean more handlebar movement. Monsoon humidity speeds up oxidation. The average Indian rider uses the horn 10x more than European riders.
BigWing dealerships in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are expecting the highest number of affected bikes due to coastal humidity.
Your Next Move
1. Today: Check your VIN on Honda’s BigWing website
2. This Week: Test your horn and headlight beam switching
3. Before January 15: Book your service slot (first-come, first-served)
4. January 26 onwards: Get free replacement at any BigWing Topline dealer
Riders in tier-2 cities like Indore, Nagpur, and Coimbatore should contact their nearest BigWing dealer immediately – parts allocation will be limited initially.
The Bigger Picture
With the updated Africa Twin launching in India in 2026 at an expected ₹18-20 lakh price point, this recall timing raises questions.
Is Honda clearing inventory issues before the new launch? Industry insiders at Auto Expo preparation meetings suggest otherwise – this is genuine safety concern.
FAQ – Your Real Questions Answered
Is this just another Honda hype?
No. We’ve verified reports from BigWing dealerships across 8 cities. The wiring fault is real and affects critical safety features. Three riders in our Telegram group confirmed horn failures.
What’s this going to cost me in INR?
Absolutely nothing. Honda confirmed zero charges for parts and labor, even for 2019 models with expired warranties. You only pay for your fuel to reach the dealership.
Will this work in my city?
All 52 BigWing Topline dealerships across India will handle repairs. Smaller cities might face 2-3 week delays for parts. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai get priority.
Is this better than the Triumph recall handling?
Honda’s offering free repairs regardless of warranty status – Triumph charged ₹6,000 for similar issues on expired warranties. However, Triumph completed repairs in 2 weeks vs Honda’s 6-week timeline.
Not everyone agrees with Honda’s timeline. What’s your take? Are you affected? Share your VIN check results below.
