The past decade has seen the rise of popularity of adventure motorcycles world over. Almost all manufacturers are now having individual flagships for on and off road. And taking this adventure sport segment to the next level is the Honda Africa Twin. A motorcycle that will be the first ever adventure motorcycle that will feature a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The Honda Africa Twin or the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin focuses more on ride experience and technology, but has its roots strongly based on the original XRV650 Africa Twin launched in 1988. The key principles of the original and the new Honda Africa Twin still remain its take it anywhere character, strong durability and easy rideability. The addition of Hondas DCT, which now has been tuned for off-road use only makes the DCT even more special and the Honda Africa Twin that much more attractive. First unveiled at the EICMA last year, the motorcycle will be available internationally by November 2015.
The video basically shows the Honda Africa Twin in action along with its creators and test riders having a discussion on what the motorcycle is all about. The question that remains is what are the specifications? The good news is that along with the video, the specifications have also leaked onto the internet. The liquid cooled parallel twin 998cc engine on the Honda Africa Twin produces 93.9 HP @ 7500 RPM and 98 Nm @ 6000 RPM, rather healthy numbers if you ask us. The Honda Africa Twin being a dedicated hardcore off road machine, one will almost never need more power. The weight is also interesting. There will be three versions, 228 kg for the standard version with a regular gearbox, 232 kg for the standard + ABS version, and 242 kg for the DCT + ABS version. The ABS system of course has the ability to be switched off for the rear wheel. The ABS and the DCT versions will also have three level torque control, which essentially is traction control. The DCT also has a manual mode which makes it more involving, the gears can be changed via dedicated switches on the handlebars. All versions will also have selectable riding modes for on and off road. Full Honda Africa Twin specifications below.
2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin specifications
- Engine Type: Cooling by liquid, 4-stroke, 8-valve, two parallel cylinders
- Displacement: 998 cc
- Maximum power: 70 kW (93.9hp) @ 7500 RPM
- Maximum torque 98 N.m (72.3 lb-ft.) @ 6000 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 92.0 x 75.1 mm
- Clutch: Wet, multi-disc with coil springs
- Final transmission: Chain sealed by O-rings
- Gearbox / Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with driving modes for on-road and off-road
- HSTC system (Honda Selectable Torque Control) HSTC 3 levels + interrupter switch-off (only versions ABS and DCT, not the STD version)
- Frame Type: Semi-double cradle steel; rear sub-frame in high-strength steel
- Turning diameter: 2.5m
- Curb weight: 228 kg (STD), 232 kg (ABS), 242kg (DCT)
- Fuel tank capacity: 18.8 litres
- Length x Width x Height: 2,335mm x 875mm x 1,475mm (STD) 2,335mm x 930mm x 1,475mm (ABS / DCT)
- Wheelbase: 1,575mm (62.0 inches)
- Seat height: (STD / lowered) 870 / 850mm (34.3 inches/33.5 inches)
- Ground clearance: 250mm (9.82 inches)
- ABS system: ABS 2 channels switch off the rear ABS (ABS and DCT versions only)
- Front brakes: Two 310 mm floating discs, radial calipers hub and 4 pistons (ABS) and sintered pads
- Rear brakes: A floating disc 256 mm a 2-piston calipers (ABS) and sintered pads. DCT version also includes parking brake system.
- Front wheel: wire-spoke with aluminum rim
- Rear wheel: wire-spoke with aluminum rim
- Front wheel: 21 m / c x MT2.15
- Rear wheel: 18 m/c x MT4.00
- Front tire: 90/90-R21 with tube
- Rear Tire: 90/90-R21 with tube
Source: Motorcycle.com
