The Africa Twin is an ADV motorcycle that has been in the works at Honda after they had decided to develop a bike based on the Africa Twin (XRV 750) that was used formerly in the infamous Dakar Rally. The new bike takes a series of inputs from Honda's journey in the off-road racing events while also taking notes from on-road as well. Called the CRF1000L Africa Twin, the litre-class all-rounder bike from Honda is aimed at being a motorcycle with multiple personalities, yet never confronting each other. It's designed to be easy to handle, zippy and comfortable. The Africa Twin was associated with enthusiasts for its reliability and off road performance, it was also one of the best in terms of survivability in long hazardous journeys.
The name CRF comes from Honda's Dirt Bike segment, and what Honda has tried to do is to integrate the characteristics of both a dirt bike and an adventurer. The new Africa Twin then gets a 998cc, parallel-twin engine, using the best of technology there is, including four-valve Unicam head design, slipper clutch, lightweight camshaft using casting. It also gets a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) that takes away the conventional pull-the-clutch-tap-the-shifter operation. However, the DCT comes optional and it depends on personal choice. The motorcycle also sports unique riding modes, the DCT offers two automatic modes – D for maximum efficiency and comfort – S mode for a more aggressive ride. There's also a G switch that restricts the clutch from slipping at low speeds.
Honda has been known for its gadgetry and it has certainly given the Africa Twin with a Honda Selectable Torque Control, that lets the rider to choose the amount of power and resultant torque. ABS is also selective, allowing it to be turned off, if the need arises. Both of these systems comes as add-ons and will not be available on the base model.
Although Honda has revealed all the technical elements concerned with the Africa Twin, there has been no updates regarding the final price of the bike and when Honda plans to launch it. When launched, the CRF1000L will compete directly against the Austrian KTM with their 1190 Adventure and the Suzuki V-Strom.
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and Unicam
Engine Displacement: 998cc
Max Power: 93.9 hp (70 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Max Torque: 72.3 lb-ft (98 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 92.0 x 75.1 mm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper clutch
Final Drive: O-ring sealed chain
Gearbox/Transmission Type: Constant mesh 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with on- and off-road riding modes
Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC): HSTC 3-levels + switch-off (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model)
Frame Type: Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
Turning Radius: 8’2”
Dry Weight: STD – 458 lbs (208kg), ABS – 467 lbs (212kg), DCT/ABS – 458 lbs (222kg)
Wet weight: STD – 503 lbs (228kg), ABS – 511 lbs (232kg), DCT/ABS – 534 lbs (242kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.96 gallons (18.8 liters)
Length x Width x Height: 91.9 x 34.4 x 58.1 inches (STD), 91.9 x 36.6 x 58.1 inches (DCT/ABS)
Wheelbase: 62.0 inches (1,575mm)
Seat Height (STD position / Low position): 34.3/33.5 inches (870/850mm)
Ground Clearance: 9.8 inches (250mm)
ABS system type: ABS 2-channel with rear ABS off switch (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model)
Front Brakes: 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminum hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Rear Brake: 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System on DCT/ABS model
Front Wheel: Wire spoke with aluminum rim
Rear Wheel: Wire spoke with aluminum rim
Front Rim Size: 21M/C x MT2.15
Rear Rim Size: 18M/C x MT4.00
Front Tire: 90/90-R21 tube type
Rear Tire: 150/70-R18 tube type
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