**ALL NEW 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin – From $16,499 R/A
Item **ALL NEW 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin – From $16,499 R/A
Description
The long awaited CRF1000L Africa Twin – Available in 3 models (Standard, ABS & Dual Clutch)
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.
For the CRF1000L Africa Twin’s chassis three key attributes were targeted: off-road performance, the comfort of a touring motorcycle 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 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.
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.