Africa Twin
INTRODUCING THE AFRICA TWIN
Intake design and exhaust aid mid-range response. Exhaust also designed to improve engine note. Lighter balance shaft weight. Lithium-ion battery saves 2.3 kg and enhances durability. Power is smooth and consistent, with linear torque delivery. Assist/slipper clutch helps upshifts and downshifts.TBW brings with it 3 rider modes to tailor engine character and traction, The riding modes are comprised of different levels of Power (P), Engine Braking (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) HSTC now 7 levels and OFF.
Rider footpegs and pillion footpeg hangers designed for off-road use Stainless steel spokes improve durability and ease of care. Emergency Stop Signal function for rear indicators.
ENGINE
The CRF1000L Africa Twin's 1000cc parallel twin power plant draws heavily on Honda's off-road race experience in the form of the CRF250R/450R and CRF450R Rally competition machines, and uses the same four-valve Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast camshaft - using the same materials as the CBR1000RR Fireblade - 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, 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, houses the pressure-fed pump.
TRANSMISSION / OPTIONAL DCT
The six-speed manual gearbox is both lightweight and robust; it uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF250R/450R to ensure positive changes. An assist slipper clutch manages the drivetrain on deceleration and downshifts, making for smooth clutch lever operation at any moment of gear change. 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 ensuring no width is added on the DCT versions.
Honda's unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option, featuring the standard manual mode - allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers on the handlebars - and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising. S mode has now been revised to give extra levels of sports performance, with three different shift patterns to choose from: S1, S2 and S3.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT is also fully equipped to operate in for adventure, with off-road functionality enhanced by the G switch. Pushing the G switch in any riding mode improves traction and machine control by reducing the amount of clutch slip during gear changes. Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, by means of which the gear shift pattern is adapted depending on the grade of any incline to provide optimum control.
ENGINE
The secret to the Africa Twin's wide-ranging abilities starts with its engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road, over long-range tours, short commutes and all points in between. As such, it provides an optimum balance between power, torque, mass and physical dimension.
The four-valve 998cc parallel twin Unicam unit's tractable and usable all-day performance belies its extremely compact dimensions. They are the result of clever packaging touches such as housing the water pump within the clutch casing, and using the engine's balancer shafts to also drive water and oil pumps. As a result, longitudinally, it is the same length as Honda's popular 500cc engine, and its short height contributes to the Africa Twin's all-important 250mm of ground clearance.
The airbox ensures a strong the mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and also contributes to the improved performance.
TRANSMISSION/ELECTRONICS
The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF450R to ensure positive changes, and is equipped with an aluminium assist slipper clutch. Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Riders will also enjoy Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
The Africa Twin's semi-double cradle steel frame provides the perfect balance of high-speed stability and genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The engine is mounted on 6 engine hangers, which keeps vibration to a minimum, avoiding the need for steering dampers. The lithium-ion battery contributes to a 2.3kg overall weight saving, while several detail changes further improve the machine's off-road ability and durability.
The fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm wave style floating discs are unchanged for 2019. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are constructed from stainless steel, and block tyres are also approved for fitment.
OTHER FEATURES
The Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in a tough, lightweight form that offers both wind protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel. Dual LED headlights maintain the original's presence, while the negative LCD meter closely follows the layout of the Dakar race machine. Seat height adjusts 20mm from the standard 870mm down to 850mm, and an 18.8-litre fuel tank provides great touring range.
The 2019 CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in Australia in Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE TYPE | 998cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270 degree crank and uni-Cam |
| BORE AND STROKE | 92.0 x 75.1mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 10.1 |
| STARTER | Electric |
| CARBURATION | Electronic fuel injection |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| FINAL DRIVE | Chain |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS (LxWxH) | 2,330 x 930 x 1,475mm |
| WHEELBASE | 1,575mm |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 870mm (standard pos.)/ 850mm (low pos.) |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 250mm |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 18.8 litres |
| KERB WEIGHT | 229kg |
| TYRES | |
|---|---|
| FRONT | 90/90-21 tube type, stainless steel spokes |
| REAR | 150/70-18 tube type, stainless steel spokes |
| SUSPENSION | |
|---|---|
| FRONT | Showa 45mm inverted fork, 204mm travel |
| REAR | Pro-link swingarm, 220mm travel |
| BRAKES | |
|---|---|
| FRONT | 2x 310mm discs |
| REAR | 1x 256mm disc |
| WARRANTY | |
|---|---|
| WARRANTY PERIOD | 24 months |
| NOTE | |
|---|---|
| COLOUR | Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red |
