Honda Africa Twin 2016: A Comprehensive Review of the Off-Road Legend

The Return of a Legend

The return of the legendary Honda Africa Twin was big news back in 2016, but how has the reinvented ADV held up in the meantime? Here's our take after six years and hundreds of thousands of miles on the big CRF.

A True Adventure Machine

When Honda announced they were going to bring back the legendary Africa Twin in 2016 they caught the attention of a large number of riders. Over the years the Twinky as it is affectionately known had gained a huge fan base due to its rugged nature and adventuring spirit.

With enduros enjoying a continued rise in popularity for not only their off-road capabilities but long distance comfort, many riders are already familiar with what's on the market. But Honda's long-awaited big adventure bike spells trouble for the competition.

The Africa Twin inspires confidence on the dirt immediately, regardless of your ability or off-road experience. Its physical size makes it a breath of fresh air in the current 1200cc dominated adventure bike class; the parallel-twin motor making it both low and narrow. This, combined with the fuel tank ergonomics, means that when standing up the rider is able to get their weight forward over the front wheel while pushing with their legs for maximum traction.

Developed following a philosophy of True Adventure, the highly anticipated CRF1000L Africa Twin draws on Honda's Dakar Rally heritage and shares the DNA of its popular namesake, the seminal XRV750 Africa Twin. Prepared for anything from pavement running to full-scale off-road use, the CRF1000L is a true adventure machine that is ready to take you anywhere.

The CRF1000L Africa Twin is a great all-rounder with just enough bells and whistles. Honda have offered many adventure models since the demise of the XRV750, including the V4-powered VFR1200-derived Crosstourer and VFR800X Crossrunner, alongside the smaller CRF250L trail bike and commuter-friendly NC750X, however none have offered the same iconic presence as the Africa Twin ‒ despite being perfectly competent in their selected field.

Engine and Performance

The CRF1000L Africa Twin's 998cc parallel-twin power plant draws heavily on Honda's off-road race experience with the CRF250R/450R competition machines, and uses the same four-valve Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast camshaft using the same materials as that on the CBR1000RR operates the valve train, and twin spark plugs fire the fuel/air mixture in each combustion chamber.

Honda's claim for the new Africa Twin's Twin is 93.9 crank horsepower at 7500 rpm, and 72.3 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm ౼ enough to spin the rear tire on asphalt or dirt but not poised to steal any performance thunder from the likes of KTM's 1190 Adventure.

The 94bhp parallel twin engine is so plush with plenty of torque for overtaking or when a little surge is required. It is equally adept at cruising along the highway and battling the dirt.

When the Africa Twin re-appeared at the back end of 2015 ahead of general release in 2016, the anticipation was high. And while this was a motorcycle that was built for adventure, its performance on the road was impressive. The Africa Twin held its own for the planned route, and was perfect for the mostly fire-road and smooth trail route.

The chassis is very well balanced at any speed. Despite its mass on paper, you really don't notice the bike's heft. It carries that weight very well, and the Africa Twin feels like it has genuine off-road capability.

Off-Road Prowess

Unlike some rival adventure bikes, the Africa Twin feels like it has genuine off-road capability. As well as sitting quite tall on its long-travel suspension, the Africa Twin’s engine is also well-suited to off-road riding. The engine is very smooth and responsive, and the power delivery is linear and predictable. The Africa Twin’s suspension is also very well-damped, and it soaks up bumps and potholes with ease. The Africa Twin is very stable and predictable, even at high speeds. The Africa Twin's low center of gravity also contributes to its off-road prowess.

The Africa Twin is also very agile and maneuverable, making it easy to ride through tight trails. The bike's ground clearance is also excellent, allowing it to tackle obstacles with ease. The Africa Twin's 230mm front suspension travel and 220mm rear suspension travel mean that it can handle even the roughest terrain with ease.

The Africa Twin's off-road performance is further enhanced by its excellent brakes. The bike's brakes are powerful and progressive, giving the rider plenty of control when braking on dirt. The Africa Twin's standard tires are Dunlop Trailmax 90/10 tires, which are designed for both on-road and off-road use. These tires provide good grip on both asphalt and dirt.

The Africa Twin is a true adventure bike, and it is capable of tackling any terrain. The bike is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants an adventure bike that can handle it all.

On-Road Comfort and Handling

The Africa Twin’s comfort and convenience is bolstered by an effective screen and heated grips with handguards. Its not revolutionary, but it does work well, and the screen is adjustable for height, although there are a few gaps around the edges, allowing some wind buffeting.

The Africa Twin is a very comfortable bike to ride, both on the road and off. The seat is well-padded and supportive, and the rider triangle is relaxed and comfortable. The footpegs are also well-positioned, and the bars are a good height for most riders.

The Africa Twin’s handling is also excellent. The bike is stable and predictable, even at high speeds. The steering is precise, and the bike is easy to maneuver. The Africa Twin's suspension is very well-damped, and it soaks up bumps and potholes with ease. The bike is also very comfortable on long rides. The Africa Twin's standard tires are Dunlop Trailmax 90/10 tires, which are designed for both on-road and off-road use. These tires provide good grip on both asphalt and dirt.

The Africa Twin is a versatile bike, and it is capable of both on-road and off-road riding. The bike is comfortable and easy to ride, and its handling is excellent. The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants a bike that can handle it all.

The DCT Option

In fact, the main difference between the 16,199 DCT and the 15,099 traditional six-speed manual that Honda also offers for the Africa Twin is that⁚ a) it has two clutches instead of one, and b) yes, those two clutches and their attendant shifter forks can be made to change gears automatically, seamlessly and without the need for a conventional clutch lever.

The DCT gearbox is a revelation but you have to work out your own combination of settings to make it work for you. It's a great option for riders who want to focus on the riding experience, rather than shifting gears. The DCT gearbox is also a good option for riders who are new to motorcycles, as it makes it easier to learn to ride.

The DCT gearbox is available on both the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports model. The DCT gearbox is a great option for riders who want to focus on the riding experience, rather than shifting gears. It is also a good option for riders who are new to motorcycles, as it makes it easier to learn to ride.

The DCT gearbox is a great addition to the Africa Twin, and it makes it an even more versatile bike. The DCT gearbox is a great option for riders who want to focus on the riding experience, rather than shifting gears. It is also a good option for riders who are new to motorcycles, as it makes it easier to learn to ride.

A Worthy Successor

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a worthy successor to the legendary XRV750 Africa Twin. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants an adventure bike that can handle it all. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

The Africa Twin is a worthy successor to the legendary XRV750 Africa Twin. The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants an adventure bike that can handle it all. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

The Africa Twin is a worthy successor to the legendary XRV750 Africa Twin. The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants an adventure bike that can handle it all. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

A Bike for Every Adventure

Dream it. Do it. Ride it. For some people, a globe or a map isn't some route-finding device. It's a menu. Of all the places they can go, the things to see, the adventures to savor. But unless you plan on walking, you need a way to get there. And that's why we build the Africa Twin.

The Africa Twin is a bike for every adventure; Whether you're looking to explore the backroads of your local area or take on a long-distance adventure, the Africa Twin is up to the task. The Africa Twin is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

The Africa Twin is a great choice for anyone who wants an adventure bike that can handle it all. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

The Africa Twin is a worthy successor to the legendary XRV750 Africa Twin. It is a capable and versatile bike that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Africa Twin is comfortable and easy to ride, and its performance is excellent. The bike is also very reliable and well-built.

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