The Honda Africa Twin is a highly capable adventure motorcycle that has been designed to be equally at home on the tarmac as it is in off-road conditions. The bike was first introduced in 1988 and quickly gained a reputation for its reliability, comfort, and impressive off-road performance.
In recent years, Honda has updated the Africa Twin with new technology and features that make it an even more formidable machine. Today’s Africa Twin comes with advanced electronics, improved suspension systems, and powerful engines that deliver exceptional performance both on and off the road.
One of the standout features of the current generation of Africa Twins is their large displacement engines. The bikes come equipped with either a 998cc or 1084cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine depending on the model you choose. These engines have been designed to offer plenty of power while still being smooth and easy to manage even in challenging terrain.
Another area where Honda has focused its attention when updating the Africa Twin is suspension performance. Both front and rear suspensions are fully adjustable allowing riders to fine-tune their settings based on different riding conditions or personal preference. Additionally, all models come standard with an advanced electronic damping system which further enhances ride quality by automatically adjusting damping rates based on various inputs such as throttle position, brake pressure or wheel speed.
Other notable features include full LED lighting systems for improved visibility at night; a six-speed transmission coupled with slipper clutch technology for seamless shifting during fast-paced rides; cruise control system which allows riders to maintain constant speeds without having to hold down throttle grip continuously; TFT display screens providing all necessary information including fuel level warning indicator lights etc.; robust aluminum skid plates offering extra protection against rocks or other debris encountered during off-road excursions.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a comfortable touring bike or an adventure-focused machine capable of tackling some serious rough terrain challenges – Honda Africa Twin Specs provide everything you need to fully enjoy your ride.
History of Honda Africa Twin
The Honda Africa Twin is a legendary adventure motorcycle that has become an icon in the world of off-road riding. The bike first made its appearance in 1988 and was produced until 2003, with a brief hiatus between 2003 and 2016.
The original Africa Twin was designed to compete in the grueling Dakar Rally, which is known as one of the toughest off-road races on earth. The bike was powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-twin engine with a displacement of 647cc. It had long-travel suspension, excellent ground clearance, and rugged reliability that made it capable of tackling all kinds of terrain.
Over the years, the Africa Twin underwent several revisions and upgrades to improve its performance and capabilities. In 1990, Honda introduced a larger version of the bike with an engine displacement increased to 742cc. This new model also featured improved brakes, better suspension components, and more comfortable ergonomics for long-distance rides.
In 1993, Honda released an even bigger version called the XRV750T or “Transalp.” This model had an increased engine size of 749cc and came equipped with dual headlights mounted on either side of a large windscreen for better visibility at night or during inclement weather conditions.
Despite being discontinued in North America in 2003 due to tightening emissions regulations at home most notably those imposed by California’s ARB (Air Resources Board), Honda continued to produce slightly updated versions elsewhere up into this century including Europe where ABS became standard along with fuel injection for Euro4 compliance
Finally after nearly two decades since discontinuing production altogether throughout much if not all global marketplaces except Japan; following widespread rumors anticipation over what many thought would be reincarnation next generation AT having been witnessed undergoing testing German streets last year fans elation when official announcement finally came from company itself revealing that 2016 model year would indeed feature all-new Africa Twin which returned to North American showrooms after long absence.
Today, the Honda Africa Twin remains one of the most popular adventure bikes on the market. It is available in several different variations, including a standard version and an Adventure Sports model with longer suspension travel and more off-road-oriented features. With its legendary reliability, excellent performance capabilities, and rugged good looks, it’s no wonder why so many riders have fallen in love with this incredible machine over the years.
Engine and Performance Specifications
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel-twin engine with a capacity of 998cc. The engine utilizes a Unicam design; this means that it has only one camshaft to operate the valves in each cylinder head. This technology helps to reduce weight and increase performance.
The Africa Twin’s engine produces an impressive output of 94 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and torque of 72 lb-ft at 6,000 RPM. The power delivery is smooth and consistent throughout the rev range, making it easy to handle both on- and off-road conditions.
The motorcycle comes with two riding modes: Touring mode for everyday riding situations where you need more comfort while commuting long distances, and Sport mode for more aggressive riders looking to tackle off-road challenges or twisty mountain roads.
The bike also features Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which allows riders to choose between three different levels of traction control depending on the terrain they are navigating. HSTC works by detecting any loss of rear-wheel traction and automatically adjusting throttle response accordingly; this helps prevent wheelspin in challenging conditions such as wet or loose gravel surfaces.
To enhance its off-road capabilities further, the Africa Twin has an advanced suspension system featuring Showa forks at the front and a fully adjustable Showa monoshock at the rear. This gives riders complete control over their ride experience – whether they’re cruising down highways or tackling rougher terrains like rocky trails or muddy tracks.
Chassis and Suspension Specifications
The Honda Africa Twin features a strong, lightweight chassis that is designed to handle the rigors of off-road riding. The frame is made from high-strength steel, which helps to provide excellent rigidity and stability while also keeping weight down.
At the front of the bike, you’ll find a 45mm Showa inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and preload. This allows riders to fine-tune their suspension setup based on their personal preferences and specific riding conditions.
In the rear, there’s a Pro-Link Showa shock absorber with an adjustable rebound damping and hydraulic spring preload. This provides a comfortable ride over rough terrain while also allowing for quick adjustments when necessary.
Braking power comes from dual 310mm discs up front with four-piston calipers, as well as a single 256mm disc at the back with a single-piston caliper. ABS comes standard on all models for added safety and peace of mind.
Overall, the Africa Twin’s chassis and suspension are designed to be versatile enough to handle any type of terrain or riding style. Whether you’re cruising on smooth pavement or tackling rocky trails in remote wilderness areas, this bike has what it takes to get you there safely and comfortably.
Braking and Safety Features
The Honda Africa Twin is equipped with advanced braking and safety features that ensure a smooth ride, even on challenging terrains. The bike features a dual hydraulic disc brake system on the front wheel and a single hydraulic disc brake system on the rear wheel, which provide excellent stopping power in all conditions. Additionally, the bike also comes with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that ensures maximum control during sudden stops.
The Honda Africa Twin’s safety features go beyond its braking systems. The bike also features an advanced traction control system that offers three levels of intervention to suit different riding styles and conditions – from off-road adventure to urban commuting. Furthermore, the ABS works together with the traction control system to prevent skidding or loss of balance when braking suddenly.
In addition to these standard safety features, riders can opt for additional accessories such as crash bars, engine guards, and skid plates – all designed to protect both rider and machine in case of any mishap while exploring off-road trails.
Another notable feature of the Honda Africa Twin is its Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), which combines both manual and automatic transmission modes into one seamless shifting experience. This technology provides smooth gear changes without disturbing your riding rhythm or causing any loss of momentum – making it ideal for both off-road adventures as well as cruising along city streets.
In summary, if you are looking for a powerful adventure bike that delivers exceptional performance while keeping you safe on rugged terrains – then look no further than the Honda Africa Twin!
Design and Styling
The Honda Africa Twin boasts a sleek, modern design that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure. Its striking appearance is characterized by a sharp front cowl with dual LED headlights, which give the bike an aggressive look while also providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The bike’s tall windscreen and fairing offer additional protection from wind and weather, making it more comfortable to ride for extended periods.
One of the standout features of the Africa Twin’s design is its signature mass-forward stance, which gives it a powerful presence on the road or trail. This is achieved through careful weight distribution between the front and rear wheels, as well as a high-mounted exhaust system that enhances ground clearance.
In terms of style, the Honda Africa Twin is available in four different colors: Grand Prix Red, Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White Tricolor, and Adventure Sports SE Matte Black Metallic. Each color option has its own unique character and appeal.
The overall build quality of the Africa Twin is also impressive. The bike features robust construction materials like steel cradle frame with aluminum subframe for strength and durability. It also has rugged components such as handguards to protect your hands from flying debris during off-road adventures.
Overall, whether you’re looking to tackle challenging terrain or hit the open road for some long-distance touring, there’s no denying that the Honda Africa Twin delivers both in terms of performance capabilities as well as stylish aesthetics.
Technology and Connectivity Features
The Honda Africa Twin comes with a host of technology and connectivity features, making it one of the most advanced adventure bikes on the market. One of its standout features is the 6.5-inch TFT touch screen display that allows riders to access a variety of information and settings.
The display includes an instrument panel with speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, and more. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for pairing your smartphone or other compatible devices.
Another notable feature is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps prevent rear wheel spin in slippery conditions by adjusting engine torque delivery based on road surface conditions. Riders can also choose from three different levels of traction control depending on their preferences.
For added convenience, the Africa Twin comes equipped with cruise control as well as heated grips for those chilly rides. The bike also has a USB charging port so you can keep your devices charged while out on long trips.
Finally, the Africa Twin is compatible with Honda’s optional Adventure Sports app which provides turn-by-turn navigation along with weather updates, route planning tools and more – all accessible via the bike’s TFT display screen.
All these features make riding the Africa Twin not only fun but safe and convenient as well.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Honda Africa Twin comes with a range of accessories and customization options that allow riders to personalize their ride. One popular option is the Adventure Sports model, which features a larger windscreen, longer suspension travel, and a larger fuel tank for extended off-road trips.
Other available accessories include side panniers, top boxes, crash bars, heated grips, center stands, and more. These add-ons can enhance the functionality of the bike and make it more comfortable for long rides.
In terms of customization options, there are endless possibilities for riders looking to make their Africa Twin unique. Aftermarket exhaust systems can improve performance while giving the bike a distinct sound. Different seat options are available to help increase comfort on long journeys.
Riders can also customize their Africa Twin with additional lighting or graphics kits to give it an eye-catching appearance on or off-road. With so many accessories and customization options available for the Honda Africa Twin, riders have countless ways to make this adventure touring motorcycle their own.
Pros and Cons of Honda Africa Twin
The Honda Africa Twin is a popular adventure motorcycle that has been designed to tackle any terrain. It has received a lot of praise for its reliability, versatility, and performance. However, like every other motorcycle out there, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Pros:
- Off-road capabilities: The Africa Twin is an excellent off-road machine due to its long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and powerful engine.
- Durable build quality: The bike’s construction is solid and made to last. Its rugged bodywork can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrain.
- Ergonomics: The riding position on the Africa Twin is comfortable even for longer rides thanks to adjustable handlebars and footpegs.
- Traction control system (TCS):This system helps riders maintain traction by adjusting power delivery based on road conditions.
- Absorbs vibrations well: The engine produces minimal vibrations at low RPMs which reduces rider fatigue during long rides or when navigating uneven terrains.
Cons:
- Limited wind protection: The Africa twin does not come with a large windshield or fairing which makes it challenging for riders who often encounter strong winds while riding at higher speeds..
–*No cruise control:* There isn’t any cruise control feature available in this bike which may be a turn off for long-distance riders who rely on this feature to reduce fatigue. - Weight:The Africa Twin is a heavy bike which makes it challenging to maneuver at low speeds or when parking.
- Expensive:The price tag of the Honda Africa twin may be out of reach for some riders, especially those who are new to adventure riding and do not want to invest too much in their first bike.
In conclusion, the Honda Africa Twin is an excellent adventure motorcycle that offers great performance and reliability but does come with its own set of pros and cons. It’s important for potential buyers to weigh these factors before making a decision on whether this bike is right for them.
Conclusion
After analyzing the Honda Africa Twin specs, it’s evident that this adventure motorcycle is a true powerhouse. The bike boasts impressive features such as a powerful engine, advanced suspension system and an array of riding modes.
The CRF1100L Africa Twin has a liquid-cooled 1084cc parallel-twin engine that delivers smooth power and reliable performance. The six-speed manual transmission provides excellent control over acceleration while the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) makes gear shifts seamless.
The motorcycle also comes with advanced suspension consisting of Showa forks at the front and rear shock absorbers developed by Pro-Link. This combination allows for greater stability and comfort when navigating various terrains.
In addition to these features, riders can choose from four different riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-road. These modes adjust the engine power delivery, traction control settings, ABS intervention levels and other parameters based on ride conditions to optimize performance.
Safety is paramount when it comes to adventure touring motorcycles like the Africa Twin. That’s why Honda equipped this bike with advanced safety functions such as its patented Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) which balances brake force between front and rear wheels for improved braking efficiency.
Overall, Honda has once again delivered an exceptional motorcycle in the form of CRF1100L Africa Twin. With its impressive specs and cutting-edge technology designed specifically for off-road touring enthusiasts, this bike is set to dominate any terrain thrown its way!