Unleashing the Beast: Exploring the Horsepower of the 2017 Honda Africa Twin

Introduction

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, released in 2016 for the 2017 model year, marked a triumphant return for the legendary adventure bike. It inherited the spirit of its predecessor, the XRV750 Africa Twin, and brought back the iconic name with a modern twist. While the Africa Twin wasn't designed to be the most powerful adventure bike on the market, it was engineered for true adventure, blending off-road prowess with on-road comfort and capability. This article delves into the heart of the Africa Twin, exploring its engine's power output and how it translates to a thrilling riding experience.

The Africa Twin's Engine

At the heart of the 2017 Honda Africa Twin lies a 998cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke Unicam 8-valve parallel-twin engine. This powerplant, drawing heavily from Honda's winning off-road racing bikes like the CRF250R and CRF450R, produces a claimed 95 horsepower and 72.2 ft-lb of torque. The engine features a 270-degree crank, which gives it a V-twin-like feel and a lively response, making it enjoyable to ride both on and off-road. While the Africa Twin might not boast the highest horsepower figures in its class, its engine is designed to deliver a balanced and usable power output, making it well-suited for a variety of riding scenarios.

Performance and Handling

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin's performance is characterized by its smooth and predictable power delivery. The engine's 270-degree crank gives it a character that feels more akin to a V-twin, making it responsive and fun to ride. The Africa Twin's handling is equally impressive, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and long-travel Showa suspension. With 9 inches of travel at both ends, the Africa Twin can easily tackle rough terrain, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The bike's 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel contribute to its off-road prowess, allowing it to roll over obstacles with ease. Whether you're navigating winding roads or tackling challenging trails, the Africa Twin's performance and handling combine to deliver a truly enjoyable riding experience.

Power Output and Comparison

The 2017 Honda Africa Twin's 95 horsepower output places it firmly in the middleweight adventure bike category. While it may not match the raw power of some of its competitors, like the KTM Super Adventure or BMW 1200, the Africa Twin's engine is designed for versatility and usability. It delivers smooth power delivery across the rev range and a generous amount of torque, making it capable of handling both highway cruising and off-road exploration with ease. The Africa Twin's focus on practicality and all-around capability makes it a compelling option for riders who prioritize versatility and a balanced riding experience over pure horsepower figures.

Tags: Africa,

Similar posts: