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2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L Review on Total Motorcycle:

2018 marks 30 years since the legendary Honda XRV650 Africa Twin first rolled into Europe and while the motorcycle that now bears its name – launched in 2016 as the CRF1000L Africa Twin – shares no common part with its fore-runner, the machine’s ‘True Adventure’ philosophy means that it fully inherits the essence and spirit of what made the original so popular.

The balance between power and weight is at the heart of the Africa Twin’s appeal, then and now. The current version has proved itself a modern-day all-rounder, hugely popular with round-the-world adventurers, commuters and casual tourers alike, because it offers enjoyable and usable engine performance in a chassis that works as well off-road as it does on.

Honda’s definitive full-size adventure machine gets a comprehensive update for 2018, with Throttle By Wire, 3 riding modes, expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control parameters, more responsive power delivery and engaging engine sound. It’s also 2kg lighter and features several detail improvements to enhance the riding and owning experience. Block tyres are now approved for fitment.

For 2018 Honda is building on the Africa Twin’s strengths, and its success. The base model receives a host of detail upgrades to both manual transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) options that enhance the riding and owning experience, while the new Adventure Sports version extends the platform even further into long-range off-road territory.

Honda’s Africa Twin platform grows today with the announcement of the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports, which was introduced alongside an updated standard 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Following a European release early next year, both models will be available in the U.S. in summer of 2018. Suggested retail price for the Adventure Sports model is approximately $2,000 higher than that of the current Africa Twin.

Displayed previously in concept form, and developed as a powerful extension of the “True Adventure” mantra that drives the Africa Twin platform, the new Adventure Sports version features increased suspension travel, added ground clearance, enhanced creature comforts, and a larger fuel tank for extended range. Both the Adventure Sports and the standard Africa Twin feature a long list of updates to the engine, electronics, and rider interface, while continuing to offer an ideal balance of power and light weight.

“The Africa Twin’s success on showroom floors and in comparison tests is evidence of the platform’s profound capabilities, but the Adventure Sports model expands the possibilities by making it possible to ride further and more comfortably,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “We’ve enjoyed seeing our customers put their own interpretations on the Africa Twin’s ‘True Adventure’ ethos, and with the increased capabilities of the new Adventure Sports, as well as those of the updated standard Africa Twin, we expect that spirit will be applied in new and exciting ways.”

Mr K. Morita, Large Project Leader (LPL) 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

“Our CRF1000L Africa Twin has proven itself a worthy successor to the original and very much the ‘Go Anywhere’ machine that we set out to make. Over the last two years it’s a motorcycle that’s covered millions of kilometres, and we have received plentiful feedback from owners. For 2018 we have improved the engine’s response, saved weight and given the rider real choice of engine performance and feel. ”

The secret to the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s wide-ranging abilities starts with its engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road, over long-range tours, short commutes and all points in between. As such, it provides an optimum balance between power, torque, mass and physical dimension.

The four-valve 998cc parallel twin Unicam unit’s tractable and usable all-day performance belies its extremely compact dimensions. They are the result of clever packaging touches such as housing the water pump within the clutch casing, and using the engine’s balancer shafts to also drive water and oil pumps. As a result, longitudinally, it is the same length as Honda’s popular 500cc engine, and its short height contributes to the Africa Twin’s all-important 250mm of ground clearance.

For 2018, a modified airbox improves the mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and also contributes to the improved performance.

Another significant addition for 2018 is the new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Also new is an extended range of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) input.

The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gearshifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.

The Africa Twin’s semi-double cradle steel frame provides the perfect balance of high-speed stability and genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The engine is mounted on 6 engine hangers, which keeps vibration to a minimum, avoiding the need for steering dampers. For 2018, the addition of a lithium-ion battery contributes to a 2.3kg overall weight saving, while several detail changes further improve the machine’s off-road ability and durability.

The fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs are unchanged for 2018. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are now constructed from stainless steel, and for 2018 block tyres are also approved for fitment.

The Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in a tough, lightweight form that offers both wind protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel. Dual LED headlights maintain the original’s presence, while the negative LCD meter closely follows the layout of the Dakar race machine. Seat height adjusts 20mm from the standard 870mm down to 850mm, and an 18.8-litre fuel tank – and the engine’s fuel efficiency of 21.8km/l (WMTC in DCT mode) – provides a range of over 400km.

The 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in four colour options: Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White (Tricolor), Grand Prix Red (Team HRC Rally colour), and Candy Chromosphere Red.

2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

•Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a larger fairing matched with an 80mm taller screen to offer greater wind protection, and comes standard with heated grips and a 12 volt accessory socket, facilitating longer tours in wide-ranging conditions
•Adventure Sports model comes standard with larger sump guard and front light bars, as well as brushed-aluminum cowling panels, rear mudguard, and easily removable steel rack
•Adventure Sports model has larger, 6.37-gallon fuel tank (compared to 4.97 gallons on the standard model), extending range
•Both CRF1000L Africa Twin models now have auto-canceling turn indicators
•Adventure Sports model’s seat features a flatter profile and a 1.2-inch-taller height than standard model. The seat adjusts .8 inches, for a seat height of either 35.4 inches or 36.2 inches (compared to 33.5 inches and 34.3 inches). Handlebar position is 1.3 inches higher and .2 inches rearward compared to the standard version
•Adventure Sports model has a storage pocket on rear right
•On both models, the rider’s foot pegs are now wider and affixed via stouter steel mounting plates, whereas the passenger foot-peg hangers have been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing
•On both models, instruments are positioned at a shallower angle to allow the rider to see them more easily from a standing position
•Adventure Sports model has updated, longer-travel Showa suspension, resulting in 10.6 inches of ground clearance (compared to 9.8 inches). On both models, shock preload, rebound damping, and compression damping are fully adjustable
•Both models have compact two-piece, radial-mount, four-piston front-brake calipers and “wave” floating rotors front and rear. The lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off at the rear
•Both models feature front and rear wheels in size 21 and 18 inches, respectively, with stainless-steel spokes for improved durability
•On both models, the 998cc SOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine is updated with a new airbox, now featuring a 20mm longer funnel length and matched to redesigned exhaust internals that significantly improve midrange response and sound quality
•On both models, the engine’s balancer-shaft weights have been lightened by 10.6 ounces for added character and feel in power delivery
•Water pump is housed within the clutch casing, with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head, while water and oil pumps are driven by the engine’s balancer shafts, contributing to a compact engine and optimum ground clearance
•New for 2018, a lithium-ion battery is 5.1 lbs. lighter than the previous lead-acid unit
•Both versions available with Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), delivering consistent, quick, seamless gear changes on-road or off. Rider can select from three different shifting modes, and a G switch enhances off-road functionality by reducing the amount of clutch slip during gear changes
•New for 2018, both Africa Twin models have Throttle-By-Wire system (TBW), opening the door to four individual riding modes and an expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system
•HSTC now features seven levels (up from three), to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. HSTC can also be completely switched off, and three levels of power and engine braking are available

2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine management electronics

• TBW brings with it 3 rider modes to tailor engine character and traction
• The riding modes are comprised of different levels of Power (P), Engine Braking (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• HSTC now has 7 levels and OFF

The CRF1000L Africa Twin’s 998cc SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine’s 2018 upgrade sees it receive Throttle By Wire (TBW) plus riding modes and expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The introduction of TBW greatly expands the choices available to the rider to manage engine output, feel and rear wheel traction. Whereas the outgoing model had 3 Levels of HSTC, plus OFF, the new system features 7 Levels – from Level 1, for aggressive riding off-road on block pattern tyres, to Level 7 for maximum sense of security on slippery, wet tarmac. It remains possible to turn HSTC completely OFF.

There are also 3 levels of Power and Engine Braking available.

In a set-up first used on the RC213V-S – Honda’s street legal version of its MotoGP racer – three riding modes offer pre-set combinations of each parameter, suitable to different riding environments and scenarios:

TOUR employs the highest level of Power (1), mid-range Engine Braking (2) and high HSTC (6).

URBAN uses mid-level Power (2) and Engine Braking (2) and high HSTC (6).

GRAVEL mode allows the lowest level of Power (3), and EB (3) with high HSTC (6).

A fourth mode – USER – allows the rider to set and save his or her preferred combination of Power, EB and HSTC levels. Both riding mode and level of HSTC can be changed at any time using the controls on the left hand switchgear.

Engine

• New intake design and exhaust aid mid-range response
• New exhaust also designed to improve engine note
• New lighter balance shaft weight
• New lithium-ion battery saves 2.3 kg and enhances durability
• Power is smooth and consistent, with linear torque delivery
• Assist/slipper clutch helps upshifts and downshifts

Alongside the new engine management electronics for 2018, the airbox now features a 20mm longer funnel length, matched with redesigned exhaust internals to significantly boost mid-range response and sound. The 2-1 downpipe now feeds gas flow through two catalysers (rather than one) into a simplified, smaller volume (4.6L to 4L) muffler that houses two chambers rather three.

Peak power of 70Kw still arrives @ 7,500rpm, with 99Nm torque @ 6,000rpm. Bore and stroke are set at 92 x 75.1mm, with compression ratio of 10.0:1; the 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s distinctive throb and feel for rear wheel traction.

Good ground clearance – crucial to off-road performance – starts with a compact, short engine. So the crankcases are split vertically; the water pump is housed within the clutch casing with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. Manual and DCT versions of the engine share common crankcases with only minor external differences. The water and oil pumps are driven by the engine’s balancer shafts; for 2018 300g has been shaved from the balance weight, reducing inertia by 306g/cm², further adding to the character and feel of the power delivery.

Four-valve cylinder heads, fed by PGM-FI fuel injection each employ twin spark plugs and dual and sequential ignition control for even combustion. Honda’s SOHC Unicam valve train is a feature of the CRF450R and the low-set position of the cast camshaft contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head. The inlet valves are 36.5mm in diameter, the exhaust valves 31mm.

The engine uses a semi-dry sump and in-tank lower crankcase oil storage. This allows a lower pan depth, keeping overall engine height low. As the pressure-fed pump is located within the tank where it delivers its oil from, there is no need for a pressure-feed passage; again saving weight and space.

Secondary vibrations are neutralised by the mutually reciprocating motion of the pistons, while primary inertial and coupling vibrations are cancelled by the use of biaxial balance shafts. The front balancer shaft uses two weights, the rear only a single weight in order to save weight.

The aluminium clutch centre and pressure plate use ‘assist’ cams to ease upshifts (with light lever feel) and ‘slipper’ cams for deceleration and downshifting. The six-speed gearbox uses ‘pierced’ shape dogs for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th gear, allowing use of a smaller, lighter clutch. Oil gathering ribs on the main journal side of the primary gear ensure consistent lubrication for the gear, damper spring and primary sub-gear.

The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF450R to ensure positive changes, and is equipped with an aluminium assist slipper clutch.

New for 2018 a lithium-ion battery is 2.3kg lighter than the lead unit it replaces, and offers greater longevity, both in terms of life and the ability to hold onto a charge when left.

A quickshifter is available as an optional extra.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• Super-fast, seamless gear changes in Manual Transmission (MT) or Automatic D mode
• S mode (with 3 levels) revs higher and downshifts sooner, for aggressive riding
• G switch improves rear wheel traction when off-road
• Incline detection adapts shift pattern depending on road gradient

Honda’s unique DCT delivers consistent, super-fast seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature in use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th gears: the other for 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.

Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth.

The extra benefits of durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear) impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding and reduced rider fatigue add to the DCT’s appeal

Three modes of operation are available. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic S mode offers three levels of sportier riding, as the ECU lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, and shifts down sooner when decelerating for extra engine braking.

In either D or S mode, DCT offers immediate manual intervention if required – the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers on the left handlebar. At an appropriate time DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode, depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position.

DCT for the Africa Twin is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure environment, with off-road functionality enhanced by the G switch positioned on the right side of the instrument panel. Pushing the G switch in any riding mode improves traction and machine control by reducing the amount of clutch slip during gear changes.

Further functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, by means of which the gear shift pattern is adapted depending on the grade of an incline to provide optimum control.

Chassis

• Wet weight 2kg lighter at 230kg (MT version)
• Rider footepgs and pillion footpeg hangers redesigned for off-road use
• Stainless steel spokes improve durability and ease of care
• New Emergency Stop Signal function for rear indicators

The CRF1000L’s steel semi-double cradle frame provides nimble-on road manners plus high-speed stability matched to genuine off-road ability, agility and strength. Thanks to the compact design of both engine and frame, ground clearance is 250mm, with wheelbase of 1575mm and rake and trail of 27.5°/113mm. For the 2018 model, wet weight is 2kg lighter, at 230kg (240kg for DCT version).

A number of other updates for 2018 will be appreciated by off-road riders: the footpegs are now wider, and feature beefed-up steel mounting plates; the pillion footpeg hangers have also been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing, and the instruments are angled at a shallower angle to allow the rider to see them more easily from a standing position.

With stroke length of 230mm. the 45mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork offers class-leading levels of performance. For all-round compliance and feel the long extension stroke combines with a low spring rate and spring preload. Rebound and compression damping are fully adjustable. A cast aluminium top yoke and forged bottom yoke – joined by hollow aluminium stem shaft – clamp the fork legs with two bolts each top and bottom.

Matching the supple front suspension, the Showa rear shock delivers 220mm axle travel. Its upper mount is set low for mass centralisation and it features a 46mm cylinder and remote reservoir for stable damping control under more extreme off-road riding conditions. Spring preload can be adjusted via a dial on the shock body; rebound and compression damping are also fully adjustable.

The Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in tough, lightweight form that offers both weather protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel; the rear mudguard and carrier are also easily removed. Dual headlights maintain the original’s signature presence. The seat height adjusts 20mm to either 870mm or 850mm.

For 2018, the rear indicators now also offer an Emergency Stop Signal function. At a minimum speed of 53km/h, with either brake working if negative acceleration of a minimum of 6.0m/s² is detected, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. At the same speed the threshold is reduced with ABS in play – for wet conditions ­– to a negative acceleration of a minimum 2.5m/s².

The indicators now also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.

Compact two-piece radial-mount four-piston calipers work dual 310mm ‘wave’ floating discs through sintered pads and serve up consistent stopping power and feel on-road or off. The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc features hole punching and shaping to deliver secure braking performance. Lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off for the rear caliper only.

Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses 21/18-inch front rear spoked wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres. New for 2018, the spokes are manufactured in stainless steel, improving durability. Also new for 2018 block pattern tyres (Continental 90/90-21M/C 545 and 150/70 B18M/C 70Q, rated at 180km/h and 160km/h respectively) are now approved by Honda for aftermarket fitment and use.

Accessories

A full range of genuine Honda accessories are available for the CRF1000L Africa Twin, including:

Top box and inner bags

Touring bags

Frame guard

Smoke screen

High screen

Upper and lower wind deflectors

Rubber pillion footpegs

DCT foot shifter

Heated grips

12V socket

Fog lamps with cowl mounting bar

Wheel stripes

Alarm system.

Centre stand

Sump guard

Lower and higher seats

Quickshifter

2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

2018 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).