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The Monoblock cast aluminium swingarm in cross-section has hexagonal trapezoid spars, with the right (muffler) side thicker in depth - to maintain lateral rigidity balance - and shaped to clear the exhaust. Tough 6000-series forged aluminium is used for the Pro-Link linkage, saving weight while improving durability. The swingarm mounts to the engine cases through 17mm hollowed co-axial bolts.

The CRF1000L Africa Twin uses the same wheel size as the CRF450R Rally, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear; this allows a useful choice of off-road tyres to be applied. Widths of the rims are 2.15-inch/4-inch and 20mm front and rear hollow axle shafts improves rigidity while saving weight. On the rear wheel’s left side the spokes are arranged tangentially, to make space, and on the right the layout is linear to the hub and rim for strength.

Compact two-piece radial-mount four-piston calipers are designed to work the 310mm ‘wave’ floating discs through sintered pads (similar to the setup used by the CRF450R Rally) and serve up consistent stopping power and feel on-road or off. The pads’ bracket cotter pins have been done away with, simplifying the design and shaving grams, while aluminium disc hubs - the first on any Honda - also save weight.

The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc is also CRF-derived and has been optimised for the Africa Twin, with hole punching and shaping to deliver secure braking performance. Lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off for the rear caliper only.

The OE 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 Dunlop tyres - featuring large groove widths and narrow pitches between adjacent grooves - use a carcass and compound developed specifically to work well on tarmac or trail.

Styling & equipment

Minimal bodywork provides protection for the rider without bulk; the negative LCD display stacks rider information vertically rally-style for fast reading. New switchgear is ergonomically designed for ease of use and mounted on a tapered aluminium handlebar. Lighting is full LED. The styling concept of the CRF1000L Africa Twin is one of ‘unlimited adventure’.

The compact power unit features minimum exterior parts and this is reflected in the slim body and 18.8L fuel tank, which is designed to increase rider control and movement. It also features limited overhang, greatly improving chance of damage in a minor spill. Fittingly dual LED headlights pay homage to the XRV750L Africa Twin, reinforced with a ‘twin ring’ signature halo of LED light. The rear light is also LED.

To give maximum wind protection while touring - without hindering freedom off-road - the cowl and screen are an integrated unit. The screen’s centre duct controls turbulent air and allows a higher screen height, while dual side ducts deflect wind around shoulders and arms. A 90mm taller/30mm wider screen is available as an option for extended touring.

Internal airflow for the engine has also been carefully managed with baffle plates, bypass conduits and doglegs. To channel consistent air to the airbox - while under acceleration or steady load - the four ducts feeding from the radiator area are supplemented by duct ports in three locations; three on the front spoiler, twelve on the inner cover and two on the rear of the inner cover.

A negative LCD meter, vertically stacked, follows closely the dash layout of a rally race bike, allowing information to be rapidly assessed with little eye movement left or right. Three rows (clock, gear position, HSTC, odometer. trip meter, ambient temperature gauge and fuel gauge) display in the bottom section, and can be switched around by the rider through use of a cursor. The upper section LCD displays the essential speed, rpm and fuel. DCT information - with D-S mode selection and G switch setup - is clustered together.

The switchgear for both manual and DCT machine has been designed to improve rider control and ease of use. The dash functions are controlled from a button on the left switchgear, as is control of HSTC, with the indicator switch set closer to the handlebar. The right hand switchgear has an integrated start/engine stop switch, plus a hazard light button.

To manage the CRF1000L Africa Twin in DCT form the left switchgear incorporates an ‘up’ shift trigger on its rear - in a place naturally found by a forefinger - with the ‘down’ shift trigger on the front ready for a thumb. The right switchgear features an AT/MT (automatic/manual) select button and N-D-S (neutral, drive, sport) switch.

The parking brake is operated by pulling a lever on the left handlebar, with four levels of braking force to suit conditions - up to an 18% gradient with two people and full load - and slipping on the small lock lever; it’s taken off by simply squeezing the lever. A plastic guard shields the parking brake caliper and rear disc.

The tapered aluminium handlebar is both tough and attractive. It’s made in Japan from a new grade material with a high strength to thickness ratio, meaning it’s manufactured with 3mm walled tubing. It clamps on a 28.45mm diameter, tapers to 22.2mm and is 50% lighter - and much stronger - than a conventional steel handlebar.

Rubber mounts reduce impact shock off-road while brass inserts minimise the vibration fatigue of long-distance touring; bar end weights incorporate with knuckle guards for hand protection.

The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in four colour options: two standard and two Special Edition colours:
CRF Rally (SE)
Africa Twin Tricolor (SE)
Digital Silver Metallic
Matte Ballistic Black Metallic

Racing is in Honda’s DNA and the CRF Rally, with its Extreme Red and Victory Red stripes, plus three-tone seat echoes HRC’s CRF450R Rally machine. The Tricolour option pays its dues to the heritage of the original XRV750L Africa Twin, with unmistakable lines and paint to celebrate the machine’s return.

Accessories

A full range of genuine Honda accessories will be available, including top box, panniers, smoke screen, high screen, upper and lower wind deflectors, rubber pillion step, DCT foot shifter, heated grips, 12V socket, fog lamp including cowl bar, wheel stripes and alarm system. Powersports.Honda.com

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