Official details and specifications of new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike released with new images.
Honda has released official details surrounding its highly anticipated new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike. The bike stands as the long anticipated successor of its 1 adventure icon, the XRV750 Africa Twin from 1989.
The bike is built around a 998cc parallel-twin engine that offers 94hp and 97.5Nm of peak torque. The new Africa Twin has a kerb weight of 228.157kg (503lbs) in standard form, or at a slightly heavier 242.218kg (534lbs) for variants primed with DCT and ABS.
Whilst the power and weight figures may not entice off-road racers, it does actually stack up well against segment favourites such as the BMW R1200GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R.
Off-road riding enthusiast would be glad to know that the optional DCT gearbox offered in new CRF1000L Africa Twin stands as one of the most advanced transmission of its kind ever made by the mighty H-brand. The transmission is able to detect when the bike is going through an ascent or descent, and adjusts its shift points accordingly to the situation – delaying up-shifts during ascent to hold higher revs and setting them earlier during descent for greater engine-braking.
Additionally, the transmission will also offer riders with clutch-free operation much like a ‘Rekluse’ type clutch, which should allow for much easier off-road riding too. And, just like its segment rivals, the two-channel ABS brakes can be deactivated in the rear wheel, granting riders the ability to lock the rear for braking manoeuvres.
Other notable features include the bike’s respectable ground clearance of 9.8 inches and the presence of a pair of fully adjustable Showa front forks paired with a Showa rear shock with hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. Honda has however neglected to reveal the suspension system’s travel figures. Check out the specification sheet below for more.
2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and Unicam |
| Engine Displacement | 998cc |
| 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″ |
| Curb Weight | 503 lb. (STD), 534 lb. (DCT/ABS) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.96 gallons |
| 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 |
| Seat Height (STD position / Low position) | 34.3/33.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 9.8 inches |
| 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 |
Based on the images released, the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in either red/black/White Dakar Rally, or silver paint schemes. The new CRF1000L Africa Twin is slated to make showroom appearances starting early next year with European prices set at €12,400.
2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown
