Yesterday, we had our first glimpse of the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin in action, and also got a look at the spec sheet. Today, Honda released the official details and photos for bike, although Honda Canada hasn’t said anything about Canadian availability, specs or pricing.
The spec sheet we saw yesterday was in Portuguese; below, we have the specs for the US version, so they should be a little more readable. As we pointed out yesterday, those waiting for this bike were all hoping for a little less weight, but making it lighter would cost more money and reduce reliability.
Even if the specs are a bit weaker than many fans hoped for, this is a bike that will have no direct competitors when it comes to market. Nobody else is making a 1000 cc adventure bike aimed at off-road use. The Versys and V-Strom 1000 models are both decidedly pavement-oriented.
While the Euro spec sheet seemed to indicate three models will be available there (standard, ABS-equipped and DCT-equipped), the US spec sheet below seems to indicate two bikes will be available in the States – one standard model, and one upscale model with both DCT and ABS.
Honda Canada has been slow to jump on the DCT bandwagon, so we may only see one model here. In a smaller market like Canada, a bike with fringe appeal might not sell well enough to bring in.
It seems the Africa Twin will have three-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a traction control system that’s already used on the Crossrunner (a street-friendly VFR800-based ADV bike sold in other markets).
Some other interesting details gleaned from Honda’s press release in the US: The bike will have an “assist slipper clutch,” the seat is adjustable for height, the Showa front forks are fully adjustable but the rear shock (also Showa) is only adjustable for preload. Off-roaders can turn off the rear wheel’s ABS system, and the bike will be available in Red/Black/White Dakar Rally and Silver (although those options might be different in Canada).
You can see the specs for the bike below, and there’s a photo gallery beneath with dozens of pictures of the new bike from all angles.
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and Unicam |
| Engine Displacement | 998cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 92.0 x 75.1 mm |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper clutch |
| Final Drive | O-ring sealed chain |
| Gearbox/Transmission Type | Constant mesh 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with on- and off-road riding modes |
| Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) | HSTC 3-levels + switch-off (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model) |
| Frame Type | Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame |
| Turning Radius | 8’2″ |
| Curb Weight | 503 lb. (STD), 534 lb. (DCT/ABS) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.96 gallons |
| Length x Width x Height | 91.9 x 34.4 x 58.1 inches (STD), 91.9 x 36.6 x 58.1 inches (DCT/ABS) |
| Wheelbase | 62.0 inches |
| Seat Height (STD position / Low position) | 34.3/33.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 9.8 inches |
| ABS system type | ABS 2-channel with rear ABS off switch (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model) |
| Front Brakes | 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminum hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads |
| Rear Brake | 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System on DCT/ABS model |
| Front Wheel | Wire spoke with aluminum rim |
| Rear Wheel | Wire spoke with aluminum rim |
| Front Rim Size | 21M/C x MT2.15 |
| Rear Rim Size | 18M/C x MT4.00 |
| Front Tire | 90/90-R21 tube type |
| Rear Tire | 150/70-R18 tube type |
GALLERY
Check out all the pics that go with this story! Click on the main sized pic to transition to the next or just press play to show in a slideshow.
[…] semi-automatic gearboxes, ranging in price by as much as $15,000, spearheaded by the much hyped reintroduction of an Africa Twin (pictured […]
[…] spec sheet sent through by Honda Canada seems to pretty much agree with the Euro specs we saw last week. The big number we’re waiting for, though, is still unavailable. Honda has yet to release a […]
The Euro price was just released on Visor Down. A direct conversion of 12,100 Euros puts it at $17,500 Canadian (ouch!). They also listed a comparative cost to the BMW 1200GS. According to the article the Honda was about 72% the cost of the GS. In Canada the base GS runs about $19,400 which would put the Africa Twin at $14,000 CAD. Lets hope the price comes in closer to the second estimate.
Automatic on a bike…… jeez if u need a automatic get a scooter
18 liter tank.
On an adventure bike.
Fail.
I don’t expect the Exxon Valdez like my GSA, but a 200 range is city bike sized.
rotopax
Well in honda canada havent hear they sell bike so maybe in 20 years tell will intruduce the 1956 new model
Common guys at honda grab a timies and wake up
Customer are waiting for you
I second whatever Mr. Maillet just laid down.