Description
ENGINE
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ comprehensive abilities start 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 Adventure Sport’s 270mm of ground clearance.
For 2018, a modified airbox improves the power unit’s mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and contributes to the improved performance. A significant addition to the Africa Twin platform for 2018 is its new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Also new is an extended range of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) input.
TRANSMISSION/DCT
The unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gearshifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and the G button enhances off-road functionality. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
The semi-double cradle steel frame provides the ideal balance of high-speed stability matched to 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 new lithium-ion battery saves 2.3kg on the 2017 Africa Twin’s lead unit, and the Adventure Sports version shares several detail changes made to improve the platform’s off-road ability and durability.
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 2018. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are stainless steel. In addition to the standard dual-purpose 90 front/150 rear rubber, block tyres are also approved for fitment.
OTHER FEATURES
Dual LED headlights maintain the original Africa Twin’s presence and the seat height adjusts 20mm from the 900mm to 920mm (both respectively 50mm higher than the standard model). The larger 24.2L fuel tank and the engine’s fuel efficiency provides an added range of over 500km.
Africa Twin ‘Adventure Sports’ is obviously taller, with a flatter seat profile and more upright riding position. The fairing and screen offer more wind protection and a large sump guard and side pipe fully protect the machine. An extra 5.4L fuel capacity extends range beyond 500km, while heated grips and a charging socket add comfort and convenience.
The 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports will be available in one 30th anniversary Tri-colour paint scheme to celebrate the XRV650’s launch in 1988.
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE – 998cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin
BORE AND STROKE – 92mm x 75mm
COMPRESSION RATIO – 10.0:1
STARTER – Electric
CARBURATION – PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (Throttle By Wire)
IGNITION – Full transistorized ignition
CLUTCH – 2 multiplate wet
TRANSMISSION – 6-speed automatic DCT with on and off-road riding modes
FINAL DRIVE – Chain
FRAME
DIMENSIONS (LXWXH) – 2,340 x 930 x 1,570mm
WHEELBASE – 1,580mm
SEAT HEIGHT – 900/920mm
GROUND CLEARANCE – 270mm
FUEL CAPACITY – 24.2 litres
KERB WEIGHT – 253kg
TYRES
FRONT – 90/90-21 tube type, stainless steel spokes with aluminium rim
REAR – 150/70-18 tube type, stainless steel spokes with aluminium rim
SUSPENSION
FRONT – Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with hydraulic dial-style preload and damping (compression & rebound) adjuster, 252mm stroke, 224mm axle travel
REAR – Monoblock cast aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustment, 240 mm rear wheel travel, 101 mm stroke
BRAKES
FRONT – 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads, 2-channel ABS
REAR – 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 1-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System on DCT model with additional slide type 1-piston, 2-channel ABS with rear switch off
NOTE
COLOUR – Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT will be available in one 30th anniversary Tri-colour paint scheme.
IMAGES – Images show overseas model – accessories NOT included
WARRANTY
WARRANTY PERIOD – 24 months
