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ADV BikesHonda CRF1000L Africa Twin ‘Baja’ Build

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin ‘Baja’ Build

A fully-customized Africa Twin built to explore the rugged terrain of Baja.

Published on 07.03.2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin was introduced last year to rave reviews from the motorcycle press. Bucking the trend toward ever-larger and less off-road-capable Adventure Bikes, the Africa Twin set a new course for the industry with its compact, mass-centralized design. And with a package that includes a torquey 998cc parallel-twin engine, off-road wheel sizes and capable chassis, it’s an impressive performer in the dirt. Even more impressive, they brought it to market with a reasonable price tag that would cause every competing manufacturer to reevaluate their offerings.

Truth be told, it’s hard to knock the value and versatility of the Africa Twin but in order to achieve its aggressive price point, there were some concessions made — primarily in the durability of some components or lack there of (“where’s the center stand?”). Yet, Honda didn’t skimp on the most important parts and the foundation of the bike remains solid. That has made the Africa Twin ripe for customizing, especially for those dirt aficionados that want to explore the full potential of the Africa Twin off-road.

During our recent trip to Overland Expo West we caught up with Kurt Forgét, owner of Black Dog Cycle Works, who had a fully-customized Africa Twin on display. Kurt was just getting back from their winter headquarters in Baja, Mexico, where he put more than 1,500 miles on the bike scouting for the Black Dog Baja Trail. “The route will go from the Tecate Border all the way down to beautiful Mulege on the Sea of Cortez, with multiple track options for riders to put together their own journey based on available time and skill level,” Kurt said as he walked us through his Africa Twin build.


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Black Dog Honda Africa Twin Build

“The goal of the build was to armor the bike so it can survive travel over rugged terrain – Baja being a perfect example. Also to improve the carrying ability of the bike. Lighting is also important for night rides and for improved visibility during the day. This Africa Twin can now take a beating and carry what is necessary for extended travel over difficult terrain.”

This Africa Twin has been equipped with a selection of Black Dog Cycle Works components to improve its durability and carrying capacity. It also includes a variety of products from other top manufacturers, hand selected to enhance the bike’s overland travel capabilities. Kurt has already put the bike’s toughness to the test on some of the roughest routes in Baja and now with the bike back home in Idaho, he continues to explore its versatility in the rugged Bitteroot and Sawthooth mountains.

Below is a list of the aftermarket upgrades that make up the Black Dog Africa Twin Build:

Hepco-Becker Upper Crash Bars

Africa Twin Build: Hepco & Becker Upper Crash Bars

One of the first off-road upgrades an Africa Twin needs is a good set of crash bars to protect the bodywork when the inevitable fall or tip over occurs. Hepco & Becker Upper Crash Bars are unique for their double-walled 1-inch steel tubing design that offers increased strength with less bulk. They also feature direct mounting to the frame and a connecting crossbar that helps spread out impacts by transferring them to the opposite side of the bike. A powder coated black finish is also resistant to tarnishing, scratches and rock chips.

BDCW Lower Engine Bars and Connector Rods

Black Dog Africa Twin Lower Engine Bars

A set of lower crash bars are also essential for protecting the Africa Twin’s vulnerable engine casings. Black Dog Lower Engine Bars are made of 1-inch steel with a 0.83-inch wall thickness and are covered in a tough black powder coat finish. They mount directly to the frame and swingarm pivot for the strongest possible connection, and for extra piece of mind, Black Dog’s Billet Aluminum Connector Rods help provide additional strength and rigidity to the Upper Crash Bars by attaching them to the lower engine bars.

BDCW Ultimate Skid Plate

Africa Twin Build: Black Dog Skid Plate

The thin metal factory skid plate and exhaust header guard provide only minimal protection for parts that are some of the most susceptible to damage and expensive to repair. Black Dog skid plates are often considered to be the toughest on the planet and their ‘Ultimate’ Skid Plate offers complete protection for both the sump and the low-hanging exhaust header of the Africa Twin. It bolts directly to the frame, instead of the engine, and its 3/16-inch 5052 Plate Aluminum actually helps absorb impacts rather than transferring them. Designed to closely contour to the underbelly for maximum ground clearance and it features a completely smooth bottom surface that won’t snag on rocks or branches. It can also be removed quickly for maintenance with just two bolts. There are two versions of the skid plate — one that is compatible with a center stand and another that is not but provides extra coverage for the rear linkage. This Africa Twin build was equipped with a factory accessory center stand to make tire repairs in the field less of a hassle.

Cycra Handguards and DoubleTake Adventure Mirrors

Africa Twin Build: Mirrors and Hand Guards

Honda was nice enough to include a set of hand guards on the Africa Twin but sadly they are made of thin plastic that easily breaks on the smallest of falls. The stock mirrors also won’t last long on the trail and sooner or later they will snap off or shatter. It’s a good idea to be proactive and replace both with something that can handle off-road abuses. Few hand guards have a reputation for being tough like the Cycras. Their frame is made of CNC machined 6061 Billet Aluminum so they’re very hard to bend or distort, and they feature large plastic covers that give excellent protection from tree branches or the wind. DoubleTake Adventure Mirrors are another proven off-road upgrade. Designed to collapse inward out of the way on impact, making them virtually unbreakable. And with stout RAM mounting hardware, they provide a stable rear view even when speeds approach triple digits.

BDCW Radiator Guards

Black Dog Africa Twin Radiator Guards

The stock plastic radiator guard may be enough protection against kicked up pebbles on the street but if you intend to venture off the beaten path, you’re going to need more than that. Branches and roosted stones can easily breach the stock guard, leaving you with a pierced radiator. And when your sights are focused on the trail ahead, you may not ever notice the warning light on until the engine has fully cooked itself. The aircraft-alloy Black Dog Radiator Guard is lightweight, durable and offers a significant upgrade in protection. Its precision-cut design also ensures adequate airflow to pass through to the radiator for proper cooling.

BDCW Multi-Function Rear Rack and Pillion Rack

Black Dog Africa Twin Rear Luggage Rack

A solid platform to securely mount your gear is essential for long-distance off-road travel. If you aren’t riding two-up, you can maximize storage space by removing the passenger seat and installing a Black Dog Pillion Rack. They come pre-drilled for RotopaX mounting hardware that allows you to safely transport 1 gallon of extra fuel or water that can really come in handy traveling to remote locations. For even more carrying capacity, the Black Dog Multi-Function Rear Rack was added. It bolts directly onto the Africa Twin’s stock grab rails, giving you a large flat surface to mount a top bag. Or for those that want to enhance their ‘go-anywhere’ capabilities, you can bolt on a WARN XT17 winch! Both the Pillion Rack and Multi-Function Rear Rack are made of heavy-gauge 1/4-inch aluminum with several oversized tie-down holes to make positioning and strapping loads a breeze.

ProTaper Pastrana FMX Bars with BDCW Risers

Africa Twin Build: Black Dog Bar Risers for

Tall riders, and even those of average height, often complain about feeling cramped on the stock Africa Twin when standing up on the pegs. A set of Black Dog Risers really helps open up the riding position and bring the ergos into alignment. The bar risers are made of anodized billet aluminum and are available in either 1″ or 2″ sizes. And for those that prefer more height and a more aggressive bend, a set of ProTaper Travis Pastrana bars (he’s 6’2″) can provide the extra leverage you need.

BDCW Traction Platform Footpegs

Africa Twin Build: Black Dog Platform Footpegs

We’re not sure what Honda was thinking when they equipped the off-road-capable Africa Twin with those tiny, flimsy factory footpegs that look like they were sourced from a CRF50. Aside from a lack of grip, they cause you to constantly balance yourself on the pegs when standing. The BDCW Traction Footpegs provide several advantages: First, they offer a larger platform that provides more stability and leverage for steering the bike with your feet; Second, they feature aggressive serrated teeth that help lock-in your footing on technical terrain, and they come with a set of spikes that can be screwed in for added traction in mud; Third, their unique design extends inward around the footpeg mounting bracket to get your feet as close to the frame as possible for optimal ergonomics and to reduce your chances of catching protruding rocks on the trail; Lastly, they’re milled from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, so they are virtually indestructible.

Touratech Headlight Guard

Africa Twin Build: Touratech Headlight Guard

The Africa Twin’s Dual Headlights are another vulnerability to be aware of because even though many of the bike’s parts are reasonable to replace (it’s a Honda Right?), the LED Headlight Assembly is not. Your buddy’s friendly attempt to roost you could result in a bill of more than $1100 to replace the stock unit. Not only is it costly, but it could be dangerous if it occurs when you are far from camp and nightfall is quickly approaching. A simple but effective solution is Touratech’s Quick-Release Headlight Guard. They’re like safety goggles for your bike, made of high-strength Macrolon clear plastic that can take a lot of of abuse. They’re also easily removed for cleaning, so you can get into those hard-to-reach crevices.

Rigid Dually Side Shooter LED Auxiliary Lights Kit

Africa Twin Build: Rigid Dually Side Shooters

Rigid Lights are known for their durability and brightness, and their Dually LED Auxiliary lights have long been a top choice among both automotive and motorcycle off-road enthusiasts. Now the new Side Shooter model brings side illumination to the Dually line, allowing you to light up those side ditches and shine light ‘through’ turns. They put out an impressive 3,308 lumens of light with a beam throw of 134 meters, yet only draw 24 watts of power per light. A set of 1-inch Black Dog mounts come with the kit, giving you the option to mount the lights to the lower or upper crash bars. Also included are a set of snap-on amber light covers that provide better visibility in fog or dust and make the bike stand out more to other motorists.

Hyper-Lite Flashing LED Auxiliary Brake Lights

Africa Twin Build: Hyper-Lites auxiliary brake lights

One of the most common types of accidents for motorcyclist is getting rear ended. If you travel a lot of miles on a motorcycle, improving your visibility from the rear can really improve your odds of avoiding this type of accident. Hyper-Lights offer a unique solution. They work as running lights at 30% power during normal driving. Then under braking, they begin to flash at 100% power to really grab the attention of drivers behind you. The small LEDs are extremely durable, lightweight and waterproof. It’s an easy way to improve your safety during those adventures into the urban jungle we all take at one time or another.

BDCW Rear Brake Reservoir Guard

Africa Twin Build: black dog brake reservoir cover

Sometimes it’s the smallest part that is the weak link in your armor. And even though the rear brake reservoir on the Africa Twin is somewhat tucked into the frame, it’s still vulnerable to side impact during a tip over or the inadvertent kick from a boot. If the plastic reservoir cracks, you’ve got no rear brake — a real safety concern. On those big trips where sourcing parts can be difficult, it could cause a huge delay. The Black Dog Rear Brake Reservoir Guard provides extra protection that just might help you avoid being affected by Murphy’s Law, and it also adds a nice custom touch to the bike.

Mosko Moto Backcountry 35L Panniers

Africa Twin Build: Mosko Moto 35L Backcountry Panniers

A durable, lightweight, soft luggage solution is a must on the remote trails of Baja and Mosko Moto’s Backcountry Panniers are up to the task. Constructed with a Ballistic Nylon outer shell and a 100% waterproof PVC removable inner liner, they can take the abuse of rugged off-road rides. A roll-top closure provides easy access to personal items, while six compression straps let you cinch down gear tight when riding through the rough stuff. Combined they offer 70L of internal storage, plus a beavertail stash pouch and rear pocket provide external storage for things you need quick access to. And if you need more capacity, military style MOLLE panels allow you to hook on MOLLE compatible accessories. What’s more, you can get the bags on and off the bike in seconds using the quick-mount wedge plates that are bolted onto Hepco & Becker Side Carrier Racks.

Africa Twin Build Parts List

Aftermarket Product Price USD
 Hepco-Becker Upper Crash Bars $293.55
 BDCW Lower Engine Bars $285.00
 BDCW Connector Rods $160.00
 BDCW Ultimate Skid Plate $349.00
 Cycra Handguards $82.95
 DoubleTake Adventure Mirrors $120.00
 BDCW Radiator Guards $125.00
 BDCW Multi-Function Rear Rack $149.00
 BDCW Pillion Rack $159.00
 ProTaper Pastrana FMX Bars $74.99
 BDCW Risers $99.99
 BDCW Traction Platform Footpegs $229.00
 Touratech Headlight Guard $119.95
 Rigid Dually Side Shooter LED Auxiliary Lights Kit $550.00
 Hyper-Lite Flashing LED Auxiliary Brake Lights $73.95
 BDCW Rear Brake Reservoir Guard $37.00
 Mosko Moto Backcountry 35L Panniers $699.99
 Hepco & Becker Side Carrier Racks $247.75

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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nordicbiker
nordicbiker
July 3, 2017 12:40 pm

That huge luggage platform is no good idea at all. Honda specifies 10kg max load and with the additional long lever the platform acts as, for sure the plastic back will brake sooner or later. Some cases are already documented.

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
July 5, 2017 6:51 pm
Reply to  nordicbiker

Hey nordicbiker, all the manufacturers have a tendency to be conservative with their weight ratings on rear racks, possibly for liability reasons. Black Dog confirmed they thoroughly tested this rear rack, loaded with more than 25 pounds of tools, without experiencing any problems.

Paulo
Paulo
July 7, 2017 3:44 pm
Reply to  nordicbiker

LOL…..Thanks for the spec sheet reciting but I did the western have of the TAT on my Africa Twin with a Mosko setup, not to mention a set (TWO tires) of Tractionator ADV’s all striped to the back end (YOU SHOULD SEE THE PICTURES), had that thing WAY over your blah, blah, blah “no good idea”, “some cases already documented”…..broken rear ends. Go do this stuff instead of typing……you’d be amazed at what you read compared to what real life is like.

Kai
Kai
July 11, 2017 1:47 am
Reply to  Paulo

So far have done 19.000km on my AT since I bought it in September – scandinavian winter break of three months included. And yes, that was a lot of pavement but also quite some milage on gravel roads. Nothing like the TAT, admitted. However I am considering the design specifications of my equipment to avoid failures like this one, which I think is a clever thing to do! Others are ignoring those and then have to cope with the consequences, like expensive repairs and possibly a problem finishing the trip.

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/africa-twin-another-broken-rear-rack.1226040/

Dosser
Dosser
May 31, 2021 6:30 pm
Reply to  nordicbiker

I’m sure you follow the speed limits too?

Mark Peters
Mark Peters
July 3, 2017 1:04 pm

Adding these to my birthday wishlist! Great build!

Albert White
Albert White
July 3, 2017 1:05 pm

Great article!

Bob
Bob
July 3, 2017 5:32 pm

You’re parts list is a little short. You forgot the H&B side racks in the parts list. $700.00 for a couple roll top soft bags and mounting wedges, eh? Stuff’s expensive.

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
July 3, 2017 8:03 pm
Reply to  Bob

Good catch Bob! Added!

Darryl Cornell
Darryl Cornell
July 11, 2017 11:53 am

Well you’ve now added $4.000 (excluding any shop labor) to your ‘low priced’ Honda adventure bike? Probably still cheaper than a BMW GS but time will tell if it has long term mechanical endurance???

Steven
Steven
September 1, 2017 7:41 am

Were the break lines long enough for the added height? I’m looking to add pro taper ATV high bars…

Thanks

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
September 1, 2017 4:58 pm
Reply to  Steven

Hi Steven.

Here is the information you requested straight from Black Dog Cycle Works:

For the 2016 model there is plenty of lines / cable. We have found that Honda has significantly shortened the cables on the 2017 models. Some will accommodate a 1″ rise, others won’t and none of them will handle a 2″ riser. We had some special Galfer brake lines made up to accommodate the 1” and 2” risers on both the 2016s and 2017s.

Risers with optional brake lines: http://blackdogcw.com/handlebar-risers-honda-africa-twin/

Galfer complete set of stainless steel brake lines: http://blackdogcw.com/galfer-ss-brake-line-set-for-africa-twin-16/

Good Luck!

BRADYbish
BRADYbish
November 22, 2017 5:06 pm

I know this is older but I am just seeing it. Do you know what size clamp you used for the Cycra handguards? All I see is 1-1/8″ and 7/8″.

Thanks much!

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
November 22, 2017 5:11 pm
Reply to  BRADYbish

The Africa Twin has 1-1/8″ bars

Douie Quick
Douie Quick
February 9, 2019 12:16 am

How much does all this collectively weigh? Sheesh the bike already is well over 1/4 ton! Not to mention there is close to $4000 worth of gear there if you include tax….meaning at full MSRP with tax and licence one would be spending close to $30k for the bike and gear! A package that has to approach 600lbs if I am any judge! Plus whatever you pack along…dang! Who could pick it up if dropped?

Al
Al
March 6, 2019 1:28 pm

I’ve ridden heavy Dual Sports for years, been over most of Colorado’s high passes, NEVER missed a center stand, and once when I rode another fells bike, found the stand to be annoying and just extra weight.
I won’t be putting one on my AT.

Jeremy
Jeremy
March 24, 2019 11:12 pm

How much this bike?

Alex
Alex
June 17, 2020 2:24 am

BDCW Connector Rods – $160.00
and blah blah blah…

Eff-off!

Alex
Alex
June 17, 2020 2:37 am

$349.00 for an ordinary Skid Plate?

Seriously? F-off!
Oh my God!
jst, f-off!

Aksel Benjamin Hassel
Aksel Benjamin Hassel
September 1, 2020 8:22 am

I know this is an old article, but I’ll try commenting because I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere. It looks like you’ve adjusted the windscreen tilt angle for a more upright windscreen. How did you do that?

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