Honda has just announced more technical details for the upcoming 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin, the new ADV model that draws inspiration from the original XRV750 Africa Twin and is scheduled to arrive in the US in early 2016. As we already knew, the 2016 Africa Twin, closely related to the Honda True Adventure shown at EICMA in 2014, is intended to be a long-distance explorer, one that works well on paved and unpaved roads. It will be powered by a 998cc parallel twin, and be available with a six-speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch or an optional dual-clutch transmission that allows for fully automatic shifting. Some details about the engine: The parallel twin, a compact twin-plug SOHC design with four valves per cylinder, is equipped with a 270-degree crankshaft that is designed to give the rider a good feel for traction at the rear wheel, plus a distinct growl. Honda says the engine is tuned for “strong and linear” power and torque, as well as instant response anywhere in the rev range. Balance shafts are used to help cancel vibration. Off-roaders will be glad to learn that the bike has Honda Selectable Torque Control, which offers the rider three levels of control and, most important, ability to shut off ABS to the rear wheel. ABS and HSTC, for the record, will not be available on the base model, but they are standard on the DCT/ABS version. 
Honda says the short overall height of the engine contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s excellent ground clearance, an essential trait for a long-distance adventurer. Neat details include a cleverly packaged water pump housed within the clutch casing (the water and oil pumps are driven by a shared balancer shaft). A compact lower crankcase stores the oil and houses the oil pump. As for the chassis, the CRF1000L uses a steel semi-double cradle frame designed to balance highway comfort and rugged off-road ability. The battery, of note, is packaged right behind the engine’s cylinder head to help mass centralization. An inverted fully adjustable long-travel Showa fork is in duty up front, where it works with a pair of Nissin four-pot brake calipers and twin 310mm wave-style floating discs. In back, the Showa shock has hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. For good performance in the dirt, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is fitted with a 21-in. spoked front wheel and an 18-in. rear, shod with 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tires, respectively. As an ADV bike, the new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin wears fairly minimal plastic bodywork, enough to offer decent weather protection while keeping the bike slim. The seat height, not surprisingly, is a lofty 34.3 inches, but it can be lowered to 33.5. The fuel tank, at 4.96 gallons, will offer plenty of range between stops. Claimed curb weight is 503 lb. (534 for the DCT model), which means this new Honda is slightly lighter than the BMW R1200GS, which has a claimed wet weight of 516 lb. 
DCT DETAILS Honda also provided some details about the optional Dual Clutch Transmission. Since it uses a common crankcase, the DCT powertrain is the same width as that of the manual transmission version. In standard manual mode, the rider shifts using triggers on the left handlebar. Of the two automatic modes, D is designed fuel efficiency and comfort, while S is for extra performance. Additionally, there are three shift schedules from which to choose: S1, S2, and S3. For smoothness and improved control, the DCT will partially disengage the clutch in certain low-speed maneuvers to reduce the effects that quick throttle movements have on the machine. In G mode, the ADV mode, Honda has made the connection to the between throttle and rear wheel more direct (sounds like the one we’d like the best…). The new CRF1000L’s DCT also has one other neat feature: incline detection. While you’re riding uphill, upshifts are delayed to keep rpm in the thicker part of the powerband; while you’re going downhill, DCT downshifts sooner for more engine braking. When the new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin arrives early next year, it will be available in two colors: Red/Black/White or Silver. 
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| 2016 Honda CRF1000L | |
| ENGINE TYPE | Liquid-cooled SOHC 8-valve parallel twin with 270-degree crank |
| DISPLACEMENT | 998cc |
| BORE x STROKE | 92.0 x 75.1mm |
| 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 |
| TUNING RADIUS | 8 ft., 2 in. |
| CURB WEIGHT | 503 lb. (STD), 534 lb. (DCT/ABS) |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 4.96 gal. |
| WIDTH 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 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT (STD POSITION / LOW POSITION) | 34.3/33.5 in. |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 9.8 in. |
| ABS | 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 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 |
Gadget Reviews: mamaktalk.com
Car Reviews: automoview.com
Entertainment News: 38now.com
Today's Promotions: freepromotoday.com
