The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a 998 cc parallel-twin dual-sport motorcycle that revived the iconic Africa Twin name. It became available in the UK in late 2015 and early 2016 in the US, developed as a modern interpretation of its predecessors, the XRV 750 and Honda XRV650, based on the NXR-750 which won the Paris-Dakar rally four times in the late 1980s.
Throughout the development of the CRF1000L Africa Twin, the search for the optimal blend of off-road performance, touring comfort and agility was a constant theme. One motorcycle consistently impressed with its usability, poise and handling both on road and in the dirt: the original XRV750L Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark when set against today’s myriad choice of adventure bikes.
Key Features and Updates
In a first for the category, the Africa Twin has the option of an evolution of Honda's automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) technology, which remains unique to Honda in motorcycling. The first full prototype of the CRF1000 was revealed at the 2014 EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.
In 2018, the CRF1000L was updated with additional riding modes, more options for the Honda Selectable Torque Control, improved intake and exhaust tuning, throttle by wire and other refinements.
In 2020, Honda released the CRF1100L. The bike is significantly revised, with a new engine, suspension, frame and swingarm, a brand new instrument display/rider interface, and many other changes. The new six-axis IMU offers more data and many more ride modes, wheelie control, torque control, and more. The new rider interface offers more screens of data, bluetooth and Apple CarPlay.
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In late 2021, Honda released a software update that adds Android Auto to the 2020 and 2021 models. In 2022, Honda made a few subtle changes. Both models receive new colors and graphics. Both models support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The DCT transmission received optimized first and second gears for smoother movement from a stop and at low speeds. The 2023 Africa Twin is unchanged except for new color options.
The 2024 Africa Twin and Adventure Sport are receiving a "significant makeover". The base engine the same 1084cc parallel twin power plant but the compression ratio was increased from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1, which alongside changes to the valve timing, intake ports and ECU settings increased the torque and brings it earlier. They also include a new muffler, and DCT shifting improvements especially at low speed and during cornering. The base model (non AS) ES trim also includes heated grips and a charging socket.
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: 998cc 270° crank, parallel-twin
- Power Delivery: Strong and linear, with instant response
- Crankshaft: 270° phased crankshaft for distinct character and rear wheel traction feel
- Ground Clearance: 250mm
The CRF1000L Africa Twin’s engine has been engineered with a special focus on two key areas - tractable and usable all-day touring performance and a power and torque delivery that offers genuine feel for rear wheel traction. The parallel twin layout in 998cc form gives an optimum balance between power, torque, mass and physical dimension, especially when designed from the ground up with weight saving, mass centralisation and a low centre of gravity in mind.
The crankcases are split horizontally with a built-in oil tank (the first Honda to feature such a design). This allows a shorter hose length and frees up scope for appealing exterior design (also eliminating the external mounting bolts) while saving weight. The engine uses a semi-dry sump and in-tank lower crankcase oil storage, allowing a lower pan depth and reducing overall engine height.
The four-valve cylinder heads, fed by PGM-FI fuel injection, each employ twin spark plugs and dual and sequential ignition control for even combustion, and their phased firing order contributes to engine character and feel. Honda’s SOHC Unicam valve train is a feature of the CRF250/450R and the low-set position of the cast camshaft (as used on the CBR1000RR Fireblade) contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head and allows freedom for the included valve angle, and therefore an ideal combustion chamber shape. It’s also a lightweight design and helps with mass centralization, thus low centre of gravity.
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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. Bore and stroke is set at 92 x 75.1mm. This bore size is used to optimise the CAE-designed pistons’ balance of rigidity and strength and a resin coating on the skirts reduces friction.
The aluminium clutch centre and pressure plate use ‘assist’ cams to ease upshift and downshift (with lighter lever feel) and ‘slipper’ cams for deceleration and downshifting. As the six-speed gearbox is a brand new design - with ‘pierced’ shape dogs for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear - the clutch itself is physically smaller, saving 500g compared to conventional units. The shift cam design is the same as used by the CRF250/450R, giving secure gear shifting no matter the riding conditions.
Enhancing the rider’s experience, the unique internals of the exhaust muffler are designed through CAE to boost the sound and feel of the engine’s beat, and patented by Honda.
The new 1084 cc engine (previously 998 cc) has a host of changes including increased displacement by a 6.5 mm increase in stroke, new pistons, crank and cams with longer intake and exhaust-valve lifts (the intake is up from 9.2 mm to 10.1 mm while the exhaust is increased from 8.6 mm to 9.3 mm).
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 - In-depth review
Transmission and Control
In addition to the standard model, two further versions are available: the first with ABS and multiple mode Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and the second equipped with Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (featuring new off-road functionality), ABS and HSTC. On ABS-equipped models, it is possible for the rider to turn off the ABS system for the rear brake, allowing the rider to lock the rear wheel when riding off-road. There are four levels of control to choose from the Honda Selectable Torque Control: Level 1, 2, 3 and Off.
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The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode - allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers on the left handlebar - and two automatic modes. Of course, for the CRF1000L Africa Twin, DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button.
The Africa Twin’s DCT features a revised S mode offering three levels of sports performance (faster down changes and the ability to hold a higher/lower gear). The three modes make it possible to tailor gearbox response to preferred riding style. The selected level is stored, and acts as the default - thus making it possible to permanently ride in S mode.
The DCT also features ‘adaptive clutch capability control’ that gives a natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel at low speed on/off throttle situations for smooth gear changes at low-speed. For essential additional off-road DCT performance, the CRF1000L Africa Twin offers new functionality through the use of the G switch positioned on the right side of the instrument panel.
Chassis and Suspension
The CRF1000L Africa Twin’s semi-double cradle steel frame provides the perfect balance of high-speed stability - while fully loaded - matched to genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The 45mm Showa inverted forks are fully adjustable and feature dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs. The Showa rear shock has hydraulic spring preload adjustment.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension is matched to a tough double cradle frame, with rigidity levels tuned for optimum handling. Wheels are 21/18-inch with 310mm ‘wave’ style floating front discs and radially mounted four-piston Nissin calipers.
Thanks to the compact design of both engine and frame ground clearance is 250mm, with wheelbase of 1,575mm and rake and trail of 27.5°/113mm. The lightweight subframe features diagonal cross bracing and will carry a cargo weight of 30kg. Compared to the XRV750L the distance between the swingarm pivot and front tyre is 8mm shorter at 931mm, with the new machine using a 20mm longer swingarm. Add packaging of items like the battery nearer the centre of mass (behind the engine cylinders) and load on the front tyre is increased, improving both stability and traction.
With stroke length of 230mm, the 45mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork offers class-leading levels of performance. The leading axle maintains the required fork offset and centre of gravity of the steering system (compared to a centre axle design) aids mass centralisation and saves weight.
Matching the supple front suspension and generous ground clearance 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 (as used by the CRF motocrossers) for stable damping control under more extreme off-road riding conditions.
The Monoblock cast aluminium swingarm in cross-section has hexagonal trapezoid spars, with the right (muffler) side thicker in depth - to maintain lateral rigidity balance - and shaped to clear the exhaust. Tough 6000-series forged aluminium is used for the Pro-Link linkage, saving weight while improving durability.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin uses the same wheel size as the CRF450R Rally, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear; this allows a useful choice of off-road tyres to be applied. Widths of the rims are 2.15-inch/4-inch and 20mm front and rear hollow axle shafts improves rigidity while saving weight.
Brakes and Wheels
- Front Brakes: Twin 310mm wave floating discs, four-piston calipers
- Rear Brakes: 256mm wave disc with 1-piston caliper and sintered metal pads
- Front Wheel: 21-inch spoked wheel
- Rear Wheel: 18-inch spoked wheel
Compact two-piece radial-mount four-piston calipers are designed to work the 310mm ‘wave’ floating discs through sintered pads (similar to the setup used by the CRF450R Rally) and serve up consistent stopping power and feel on-road or off. The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc is also CRF-derived and has been optimised for the Africa Twin, with hole punching and shaping to deliver secure braking performance.
Styling and Ergonomics
Following its design theme of “unlimited adventure”, the Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in a tough, lightweight form that offers both weather protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel. Dual LED headlights maintain the original’s presence and the seat height adjusts 20mm from the standard 870mm down to 850mm.
Minimal bodywork provides protection for the rider without bulk; the negative LCD display stacks rider information vertically rally-style for fast reading. New switchgear is ergonomically designed for ease of use and mounted on a tapered aluminium handlebar.
The styling concept of the CRF1000L Africa Twin is one of ‘unlimited adventure’. The compact power unit features minimum exterior parts and this is reflected in the slim body and 18.8L fuel tank, which is designed to increase rider control and movement. It also features limited overhang, greatly improving chance of damage in a minor spill. Fittingly dual LED headlights pay homage to the XRV750L Africa Twin, reinforced with a ‘twin ring’ signature halo of LED light.
To give maximum wind protection while touring - without hindering freedom off-road - the cowl and screen are an integrated unit. The screen’s centre duct controls turbulent air and allows a higher screen height, while dual side ducts deflect wind around shoulders and arms. Internal airflow for the engine has also been carefully managed with baffle plates, bypass conduits and doglegs.
A negative LCD meter, vertically stacked, follows closely the dash layout of a rally race bike, allowing information to be rapidly assessed with little eye movement left or right. Three rows (clock, gear position, HSTC, odometer. trip meter, ambient temperature gauge and fuel gauge) display in the bottom section, and can be switched around by the rider through use of a cursor. The upper section LCD displays the essential speed, rpm and fuel.
The switchgear for both manual and DCT machine has been designed to improve rider control and ease of use. The dash functions are controlled from a button on the left switchgear, as is control of HSTC, with the indicator switch set closer to the handlebar. To manage the CRF1000L Africa Twin in DCT form the left switchgear incorporates an ‘up’ shift trigger on its rear - in a place naturally found by a forefinger - with the ‘down’ shift trigger on the front ready for a thumb. The parking brake is operated by pulling a lever on the left handlebar, with four levels of braking force to suit conditions - up to an 18% gradient with two people and full load - and slipping on the small lock lever; it’s taken off by simply squeezing the lever.
The tapered aluminium handlebar is both tough and attractive. It’s made in Japan from a new grade material with a high strength to thickness ratio, meaning it’s manufactured with 3mm walled tubing. Racing is in Honda’s DNA and the CRF Rally, with its Extreme Red and Victory Red stripes, plus three-tone seat echoes HRC’s CRF450R Rally machine.
Additional Features
- Adjustable rider seat height (20mm range)
- 18.8L fuel tank for up to 400 km range
- Rubber-mounted handlebars for reduced vibration
Technical Specifications
Here's a summary of the key technical specifications for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 998cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 92 x 75.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or DCT |
| Front Suspension | 45mm Showa inverted fork, 230mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Showa monoshock, 220mm travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual 310mm wave discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | 256mm wave disc, 1-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tire | 150/70-18 |
| Seat Height | 870mm (adjustable to 850mm) |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.8 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 250mm |
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