Rally star, Moto GP Champ ride and talk about Honda’s new CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure machine.
Honda has released video of factory rally star Joan Barreda and fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez, the two-time and reigning MotoGP World Champion, taking the all-new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin for a spin in the dirt.
Watching the video, it is apparent that the The CRF1000L is clearly targeting the off-road edge of the adventure motorcycle spectrum, which could make it the ideal heavyweight streetbike for hard-core off-road riders as well as dual-sport riders. Its 1000cc parallel twin engine is claimed to draw heavily from Honda’s off-road racing experience, particularly from its CRF250R and CRF450R. The CRF1000L features the same compact four-valve Unicam head design as the motocross machines and is claimed to deliver srong and linear power and torque deliver with instant throttle response anywhere in the rev-range. A 270-degree phased crankshaft is used to give a distinctive power character as well excellent feel for rear wheel traction. Biaxial primary balance shafts are employed to cancel harmonic vibration.
The engine’s short height contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s ground clearance, which Honda feels is another prerequisite for a truly spirited adventure bike. To keep things as compact as possible, the water pump is housed within the clutch casing, and the water and oil pumps are driven by a shared balancer shaft. Further reducing engine size is the lower crankcase design, which stores the oil and houses the pressure-fed pump. A lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF250R/450R and is equipped with an assist slipper clutch.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin’s chassis was designed to display three key attributes of Honda’s previous XRV750 Africa Twin–-off-road performance, touring comfort and agility for day-to-day commuting. The 1000’s engine is housed in a steel semi-double cradle frame that focuses on mass centralization with tricks such as placing the battery at the rear of the cylinder head to lower the bike’s center of gravity.
Fully adjustable Showa inverted forks are used up front, and they carry dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm “wave” style floating discs for braking power. Out back, the Showa shock is adjustable for preload only. Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses 21/18-inch front rear spoked wheels shod with 90/90-21 (front) and 150/70-18 (rear) tires. To tailor the overall electronics package to capably tackle any conditions on or off-road, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)* system offers three levels of control, and it is possible for the rider to turn off the ABS system for the rear wheel.
The Africa Twin’s minimalist styling is still designed to offer weather protection for the rider while imparting a slim, agile look and feel. Dual headlights maintain the original’s signature presence, and the seat offers two-posiion height adjustability to either 870mm or 850mm. The CRF1000L’s 4.96-gallon fuel tank coupled with the engine’s fuel efficiency delivers a claimed range of up to 248 miles.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in four color options: CRF Rally, Tricolor, Silver and Black. There will be several versions of the CRF1000L Africa Twin, with prices starting from €12,100 (prices vary according to local taxes).
2016 Honda CRF1000L Specifications
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and uni-cam
Engine Displacement: 998cc
Bore & Stroke: 92.0 & 75.1mm
Claimed Max. Power: 95.2 hp @ 7500 rpm
Claimed Max. Torque: 72.3 lb.-ft. @ 6000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiplate with coil springs; Aluminium cam assist and slipper clutch
Final Drive: O-ring sealed chain
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed MT / 6-speed DCT with on and off-road riding modes
Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) *HSTC 3-levels + Switch Off (*ABS & DCT models only, not on STD model)
Frame Type: Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear subframe
Turning Radius: 8.2 feet
Claimed Dry Weight: 457.6 lbs. (STD), 466.4 lbs. (ABS), 488.4 lbs. (DCT)
Curb Weight: 501.6 lbs. (STD) / 510.4 lbs. (ABS) / 532.4 lbs. (DCT)
Fuel Capacity: 4.96 gallons
Length x Width x Height: 91.9 inches x 34.4 inches x 58.07 inches (STD), 91.9 inches x 36.6 inches x 58.07 inches (ABS/DCT)
Wheelbase: 62.0 inches
Seat Height: 34.25 inches (STD position) / 33.45 inches (Low position)
Ground Clearance: 9.8 inches
ABS System Type: ABS* 2-Channel with rear ABS off switch (*ABS & DCT models only, not on STD model)
Brakes, Front: 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers (*ABS) and sintered metal pads
Brakes, Rear: 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper (*ABS) and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System on DCT model.
Wheels, Front: Wire spoke with aluminium rim
Wheels, Rear: Wire spoke with aluminium rim
Rim Size, Front: 21M/C x MT2.15
Rim Size, Rear: 18M/C x MT4.00
Tires, Front: 90/90-R21 tube type
Tires, Rear: 150/70-R18 tube type
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