Additional Specs and US Pricing Revealed for Africa Twin
Honda announces class-leading suspension travel, US pricing and more.
Today American Honda announced CRF1000L Africa Twin US pricing and also revealed additional details on the new off-road capable adventure bike. One of the more exciting details confirmed today are the suspension travel numbers. We can now confirm the new Africa Twin has the most suspension travel in its class — beating out the KTM 1190 Adventure R — while maintaining an almost 3-inch shorter seat height.
With a wet weight 7 pounds less (ABS version) than the KTM 1190 Adventure R and significant technologies developed to keep a low center of gravity, the CRF1000L could be a worthy contender to the reigning liter-class off-road King. The new Africa Twin will be a relative bargain as well, costing $4,000 less than the KTM 1190 Adventure R (non-DCT model).
Powered by a brand-new 998cc parallel-twin engine, the Africa Twin will be available in two versions—one with a highly advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and another with a standard gearbox; US pricing is set at $13,699 and $12,999, respectively. Both versions will come standard with ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and are extremely capable in highway and off-road applications.
“The CRF1000L Africa Twin is one of the most exciting new products of the 2016 model year, and we’re pleased to provide customers with additional information, including details on our competitive pricing,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “No fewer than 32 patents have been applied for on this innovative model, and its specifications surpass the competition in several important areas. We know our customers have been hungry for a no-compromise, do-it-all adventure bike, and we’re confident that the Africa Twin fits the bill.”
The highly anticipated Africa Twin was developed following the “True Adventure” concept, with an emphasis on achieving outstanding performance across a broad array of applications, from open highways to technical trails. To that end, the parallel-twin power plant was designed to have concentration of mass and a low center of gravity, with the Unicam® head and dry-sump crankcase enabling a low engine height. In order to realize a compact package, components like the oil tank, oil pump and water pump have all been incorporated into the engine, and a number of components, including the battery, are located as near as possible to the vehicle’s center.
Both the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin DCT come with ABS and HSTC. For certain off-road conditions in which the ability to have differing wheel-speeds is advantageous, the HSTC and rear ABS can both be switched off. On the highly advanced DCT version, an accessory foot-pedal shifter is offered for customers who want a traditional feel. (In stock form, the DCT is shifted either automatically or, when in manual mode, by buttons on the left handlebar.) Other available accessories include pannier cases, a top box, heated grips, an electrical socket and more.
To help maximize durability off-road, the Africa Twin has ample ground clearance, a tough aluminum skid plate, a high-tensile-steel semi-double-cradle frame and a minimum of projecting parts. A slim cross section and smooth layout simplify moving back and forth on the bike in order to maneuver through challenging sections. Between the standard adjustable saddle and an accessory low version, seat height can be adjusted between four different settings ranging between 34.3 and 32.3 inches.
The Africa Twin has the most suspension travel in its class: 9.1 inches for the inverted 45mm Showa® fork and 8.7 inches for the rear wheel. Adjustable compression and rebound damping are standard at both ends, as is hydraulic adjustable spring preload (in order to more easily accommodate passengers or cargo).
Off-road-friendly features include tube tires, wire-spoke wheels, hollow aluminum axles, wave-design brake rotors and a rubber-mounted aluminum handlebar with a tapered design. An innovative air-intake design makes it possible to access the viscous air filters without removing the fuel tank.
The rally-style upright windscreen minimizes buffeting at high speeds, and the instrument panel has information efficiently arranged in a vertical layout. LED headlights are standard.
• US Colors: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally, Silver
• US Pricing
CRF1000L Africa Twin: $12,999
CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT: $13,699
• US Availability: Spring 2016
Click here for full specs on the 2016 Honda Africa Twin
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.
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The first bike ii owned was a Honda. After 40+ years riding and nearly 20 in The Industry, maybe my last one will be Honda also….
Put crashbars and centerstand on it (like the 1190 R has out of the box) and see it become heavier than the 1190 R. But still 2/3 of the power.
I would be curious to see exactly where Honda does feel that “its specifications surpass the competition in several important areas”.
Price? While your points are valid . . . at least to some interested buyers, the price will catch some potential buyer’s eye even though it may lack some of the equipment other bikes may have.
Do ADV bike really need 140+ HP? Plus don’t get me started on KTMs utter lack of quality control and horrid design flaws on a bike costing $15k+.
The last Honda I owned (a 500 v-4) shoved one of its connecting rods through the crankcase. Hondas have had their problems over the years. I do own a KTM 1190R, and, no, the airbox didn’t leak. Weight is similar to this new Honda. I sometimes set traction control to the Off Road setting (100 hp max) to get a rough comparison to what the new Honda might feel like, with it’s 93 hp.I immediately begin to feel a little drowsy, and quickly reset it to the full 150 hp. A roll-on 3rd gear power wheely wakes you right up.
In my opinion one of the biggest selling points to me is the low seat height availability on the stock africa twin. I have very short legs and to get something around the right size like 32-33″ without having to HUGE suspension modifications like I’d need to with the KTM is AMAZING especially when it costs nearly half as much.
Why does Honda ALWAYS do the bait and switch with their colorways? Why not bring all the color options to the US?
Perfect!!! Miles of smiles ahead……..
Another stack of expensive plastic to die in your garage from lack of resale possibilities.
I’m with you on that one Dan !
Try selling a Veradero…another 1000cc overweight dog with a adventure badge on the side.
I don’t get it.
Hope the Canadian dollar gets a little stronger before April otherwise add another 30% on top that naked price – add boxes, heated grips, centre stand and yeah we’re in the price ballpark as a Tenere or KTM Adventure! Which both bikes have proven themselves to date!
I’m thinking “let somebody else iron out the wrinkles at that price on first go round bike”
Just what we all wanted…another bloated 500 lb + Adventure bike.
What about the Rally 250 (or with a 300 engine) ???
A motorcycle over 500 lbs IS NOT dirt worthy.
Please…someone step up to the plate and give us a light weight real adventure bike.
Deluxe KLR for twice the price. LOL
I would take the KLR over this in a heartbeat. Where on earth do the manufacturers get the idea that you need 1000 cc for adventure riding ?
Maybe Boss Hoss should put out a adv model….don’t laugh…in N America it would sell.
Good range. Skid plate. ABS able to be turned off. Engine looks like a good design. Adjustable seat height. Honda reliability. I’d buy one today. Nice job Honda!
How sweet would it be if Yamaha jumped into the game with that XT 660Z?
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Why are ADV comparing the new CRF1000L (998cc – 94HP) with the KTM 1190 Adventure R (1195cc – 148HP)? Engine capacity/output alone should dictate that the KTM machine to compare the new AT with would be the KTM 990 Adventure (999cc- 105HP) would it not?
Comparing the new AT with a larger capacity/more powerful machine such as the 1190 is surely not creating an even playing field.
990 is discontinued. At 1000cc Honda placed the bike among the current liter class bikes. They should have come out with a 800cc instead which is a less competitive market.
In about a year, they’ll be trying to unload these pooches for under 10k. Especially after the KTM/Husky 800cc twin real adventure bike is here!
It’s being compared to an 1190R because when you add a centerstand, basic crash bar, and (gasp) passenger pegs, like on the 1190R, the Honda is several pounds heavier, but is short 57hp to the KTM.
Hi FastFreddy. It’s true the weight numbers are deceptive on the Honda. The primary reason for the KTM 1190 Adventure R comparison is because of how the bikes match up in off-road scenarios. Both bikes have similar weight and suspension travel numbers. The HP number is also about the same when you put the KTM in off-road mode (limited to 100hp). We’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds after a true back-to-back comparison. Thanks for your comment!
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