Africa Twin Chassis
- Longer travel suspension, flatter seat and more upright riding position
- Extended fairing protection and taller screen
- Heated grips as standard plus AC charging socket
- Rider’s footpegs/pillion footpeg hangers designed for off-road use
- Stainless steel spokes offer durability and ease of care
- Emergency Stop Signal function for rear indicators
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ steel semi-double cradle frame provides nimble on-road manners plus high-speed stability matched to genuine off-road ability, agility and strength. Ground clearance is 270mm (20mm more than the Africa Twin) with wheelbase of 1575mm and rake and trail of 27.5°/115. Wet weight is 243kg (253kg DCT).
With stroke length of 252mm (up 22mm on the standard Africa Twin) the 45mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork offers excellent long-travel performance and control; 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 an extra 20mm travel, at 240mm. Its upper mount is set low for mass centralisation and it features a 46mm cylinder 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.
There are some other updates shared between both Africa Twins that off-road riders are sure to appreciate: the rider’s 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 easily from a standing position.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ styling is less minimalist than the Africa Twin; the dual headlights are shared but it has a larger fairing matched with an 80mm taller screen to offer greater wind protection. It also features heated grips as standard plus an AC socket.
A large sump guard is unique to the machine and protects the underside while the front side pipes guard the bodywork. Brushed aluminium cowling panels add tough appeal and class; the rear mudguard and stainless steel rack are also easily removed. Aluminium side cases will be available.
For extended off-road use the seat features a flatter profile – and is 50mm taller – than the standard CRF1000L Africa Twin. It adjusts 20mm to either 900mm or 920mm (compared to 850mm and 870mm); there’s also a rear side pocket tucked away on the right. To match the raised seat height the handlebar position is 32.5mm higher and pulled back 5mm.
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, warning 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 Adventure Sports uses 21/18-inch front rear spoked wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres. The spokes are manufactured in stainless steel, for improved durability and ease of care.
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 fitment to take full advantage of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ off-road abilities.
