2016 Honda CRF100L Africa Adventure
Maybe a day late but but not short on dollars, Honda jumps into the Adventure bike business with the release of a parallel-twin cylinder 998cc powered adventure touring bike. Set to be available in the great United States of American in early 2016 via a Honda MC dealer. There is also an option for the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Check out the PR below. This bike is set to tackle the ever-growing adventure bike market. A bike that can handle basic off-road but still take on the pavement for hundreds of miles at a time. Until we get our hands on one, it is unknown how this bike will stack up against the likes of the BMW GS or the KTM Adventure.
Honda PR
Honda is pleased to announce further technical details on
the new CRF1000L Africa Twin, which will be in Honda showrooms across the United States in
early 2016. Like its celebrated forerunners, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is thoroughly equipped
for true adventure, with a potent engine and dynamic chassis ready to explore continents, on-
or off-road.
From the start of the CRF1000L Africa Twin project there was one motorcycle that consistently
impressed with its balance of usability, poise and handling, on the road and in the dirt—the
seminal XRV750 Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark, even when set against today’s
myriad choice of adventure motorcycles. The machine that now bears its name shares no
common parts with the old model but it inherits the full the essence and spirit of what made the
XRV750 Africa Twin so good.
The “true adventure” approach starts with the engine, which has to perform in off-road
situations as well as on-road long-range touring and all points in between. The CRF1000L
Africa Twin’s 998cc parallel-twin power plant draws heavily on Honda’s off-road race
experience with the CRF250R/450R competition machines, and uses the same four-valve
Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast camshaft—using the
same materials as that on the CBR1000RR—operates the valve train, and twin spark plugs fire
the fuel/air mixture in each combustion chamber.
Strong and linear power and torque deliver instant response anywhere in the rev-range—
accompanied by a satisfying, characterful deep growl as rpm rises. A 270° phased crankshaft
gives the power delivery a distinct character as well, delivering excellent feel for rear-wheel
traction. Biaxial primary balance shafts cancel vibration.
The engine’s short height contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s excellent ground
clearance—another prerequisite for a true adventure machine. It also uses clever packaging of
componentry to both dynamic and aesthetic effect. 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.
The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the
CRF250R/450R to ensure positive changes and is equipped with an assist slipper clutch.
For the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s chassis, three key attributes—highlights of the original
XRV750—were targeted: off-road performance, touring comfort and the everyday agility that
makes for a great all-rounder or day-to-day commuter.
A steel semi-double cradle frame provides a balance of highway touring capability—even while
fully loaded—genuine off-road performance, agility and sheer strength. Mass centralization—
with items like the battery packaged at the rear of the cylinder head—contributes to a low
center of gravity.
The long-travel Showa inverted fork is fully adjustable and features dual radial-mount Nissin
four-piston brake calipers and 310mm “wave” style floating discs. The Showa rear shock has
hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses
21- and 18-inch front and rear spoke wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tires.
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 headlights maintain the original’s signature presence and the seat height
adjusts .8 inches to either 34.3 or 33.5 inches. A large 4.96 gallon fuel tank—coupled with the
engine’s fuel efficiency—stretches the distances between refueling stops.
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. (HSTC and ABS not
available on base version; equipped as standard on DCT/ABS version.)
The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in two color options: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally
and Silver.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option on the
CRF1000L Africa Twin, with the use of a common crankcase keeping the width the same as
the manual transmission version.
It features the standard manual mode—allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers
on the left handlebar—and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel
efficiency and comfort cruising. S mode gives extra levels of sport performance, with three
different shift patterns to choose from: S1, S2 and S3.
In certain situations on the road, such as during low-speed maneuvers, the DCT partially
disengages the clutch to reduce the effect that quick throttle movements have on the chassis.
Of course, DCT for the CRF1000L Africa Twin is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure
environment. With the G switch on in any riding mode, the connection between the throttle and
the rear wheel is more direct, which can be desirable in certain off-road situations.
Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection. During
ascents, upshifts are delayed in order to allow a higher rpm to be held; on descents, downshifts
happen earlier to enable better engine braking.
