HONDA has presented the new Africa Twin at its pre-Eicma press event in Milan.

Thanks to teaser videos, picture leaks and a steady stream of information over the last few months, we already know a fair bit about the new CRF1000L Africa Twin.

Here’s a quick recap though. For 2016 the Africa Twin comes with a new model designation – CRF instead of the XRV applied to the previous incarnation. It’s because the Africa Twin is heavily influenced by Honda’s CRF off-road range – using an all-new 998cc parallel-twin engine that makes a claimed 94hp and 72lbft and borrows the CRF’s Unicam head design to the keep the motor compact.

Honda says the the CRF influence is present elsewhere too – the Afrcia Twin uses a semi-double steel cradle frame with a similar design to the CRF45R Rally’s – which along with the compact engine, plays a key role in governing the bike’s dimensions. Like a CRF, the Africa Twin looks like it’s fun, agile and capable off-road, but Honda says it’s just at home on tarmac. It certainly looks capable on the dirty stuff, although so does it’s newest competitor – Ducati’s new Multistrada 1200 Enduro.

The engine has a 270 degree phased crank for power delivery with a ‘distinct character’, 250mm ground clearance, an 870mm seat height (adjustable down to 850mm). The 18.8 litre fuel tank gives the Africa Twin a claimed range of up to 400km – just what you want for your own rally adventure.

The new Africa Twin gets will be available with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option, and will be available with ABS. Without ABS and DCT, the Africa Twin has a claimed dry weight of 208kg.

Here’s what else Honda says about it:

‘Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.  In addition to the standard model, two further versions are available: the first with switchable rear ABS and multiple mode Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and the second equipped with Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (featuring new off-road functionality), switchable rear ABS and HSTC.

‘The essential features of an adventure motorcycle – strong engine, tough chassis with long travel suspension, upright riding position and wide handlebars – ensure its usability whatever the terrain. This practicality has been key to the popularity of these machines: they are easy to ride, comfortable and adaptable, at home on the road whether touring mountain passes and highways, or filtering through jammed city streets. And when the desire for a true adventure takes hold, they’re capable of traversing great swathes of distance after the tarmac runs out. 

‘Throughout the development of the CRF1000L Africa Twin, the search for the optimal blend of off-road performance, touring comfort and agility was a constant theme. One motorcycle consistently impressed with its usability, poise and handling both on road and in the dirt: the original XRV750L Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark when set against today’s myriad choice of adventure bikes. The machine that now bears its name may share no common part with the old model but – on road or off-road – it inherits to the full the essence and spirit of what made the XRV750L Africa Twin so popular.’

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