Cycle News

VOL. 53 ISSUE 44 NOVEMBER 8, 2016 P79 THE VITALS HONDA CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN Engine and gearbox: 998cc, V-Twin, six-speed Chassis, suspension and brakes: Steel double-cradle chassis, Showa inverted fork and single shock absorber, Nissin four-piston radially- mounted front brake calipers and 310mm disc, Nissin twin-piston rear brake caliper and 256mm disc, ABS Seat height: 34.3 in. Fuel capacity: 4.97 gal. Weight: 511 lbs. (wet, claimed) Electronics: Three-stage traction control, ABS Power: Not given Torque: Not given MSRP: $12,999 Kit Palmer: "The first thing I think about when it comes to adventure riding is long distance and for me the Africa Twin is the bike I want to be on for those endless days in the saddle. The Honda is an extremely comfortable motor- cycle for both street and dirt riding. Ergos are just right, the seat is firm yet not too firm (and just wide enough), and the bike as a whole is anything but intimidating. It doesn't feel overly big between your legs, seat heat is totally acceptable and the engine is extremely user-friendly, while still pump- ing out impressive power. The Honda just has that "cush" feel about it that really strikes the right chord with me. Suspension is outstanding and handling is solid, and the Africa Twin has just enough electronics to significantly reduce workload for those long days on the road. And the electronic controls are simple to use and easy to remember, which is a good thing since it resets itself every time you shut off the engine. That, I could do without. Overall, I found the Honda to be just as good on the street as it is on the dirt, and a complete overall package that, in my book, just can't be beat." (Above) The Honda's suspension provided the best compromise between road performance and dirt compliance. Sean Finley: "If you are going to spend a lot of time off-road, especially in more challenging roads or trails, the Africa Twin is the bike. The ergonomics are good for either sitting or standing in off-road conditions. The suspension works really well off-road and is better balanced than the KTM. It also works well on the road. As far as engine maps and ABS go, you have three options on the TC (which can be changed while riding) and you can turn off the rear ABS for off-road use with a simple button. I liked the simplicity. But, there's no standard center stand, which is a must for ADV bike. Honda OEM and aftermarket center stands are available in the $200 to $300 range. I think it is important to point out that the Honda has a lot of low-tech items that contribute to the significantly lower cost. Cable clutch and throttle, no center stand, spoked rims that require the use of tubes (rather than tubeless) and significantly reduced electronic options (fewer map options, no outside air temperature, tire pressure monitor, ABS that does not include lean angle monitoring). The BMW and Ducati also include electronic suspension control and setting options." Jesse Ziegler: "The AT simply blew me away with how capable it seemed and how well it performed at every single task I threw at it. Off-road sections were handled with ease—easier than with the KTM thanks to the smoother power delivery and easier-to-set TC and ABS. There isn't a place the Honda underperforms other than excitement. It is quite possibly the most versatile of the bunch and does everything with much less intimida- tion. It doesn't feel big; it feels nimble and light. It isn't overly tall—it just feels normal. And sort of boring. But boring is good if you're in the backcountry and need your machine to simply work. Highlights include a dialed-in suspension set up great for the U.S. market, roomy ergos without making it a towering beast, smooth controllable power, impressive street handling chops and simple electronic options. What holds it back are small things—a basic cable clutch and absolutely laughable footpegs seem almost embarrassing—but I give the clutch a pass because, again, it simply works. The footpegs are atrocious and the aftermarket is drooling at the chance to outfit AT owners in proper platforms."

• Cover