The “go anywhere” 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 1000cc parallel twin power plant draws heavily on Honda’s off-road race experience in the form of 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 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, 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 the perfect balance of high-speed stability - also while fully loaded - matched to genuine
off-road ability, agility and sheer strength. Mass centralisation - with items like the battery packaged at the rear of the cylinder head - contributes to a low centre of gravity. The long-travel Showa inverted forks are fully adjustable and feature dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake callipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs. The Showa rear shock has hydraulic spring preload adjustment. Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses 21/18-inch front rear spoked wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18tyres.
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 20mm to either 870mm or 850mm. A large18.8-litre fuel tank - coupled with the engine’s fuel efficiency - provides a range of up to 400km.
