2016 Honda Africa Twin Specs Leaked + Video

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

Someone over at Honda has an itchy trigger finger; a new video and specs for the CRF1000L Africa Twin have leaked onto the Internet.

The video was uncovered by ADVPulse, and appears to be the sixth episode of Honda’s “True Adventure” series. Meanwhile, the folks at AfricaTwinForum noticed a spec sheet posted onto Honda Portugal’s Facebook page (since removed but included here) purporting to show official details of the AT. We’ve translated the specifications into the table below.

Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission will be optional equipment, it appears, and will add 32 pounds to the bike, bringing it to 534 lbs. with a full 5-gallon fuel tank. Shift the 6-speed gearbox with your toe, and the claim drops to 502 lbs., which is pretty light in this class (the BMW R1200GS claims 525 pounds, fully-fuelled).

Discuss this at our Honda Africa Twin Forum.

Part of that lightness is down to Honda’s use of its “Unicam” system in the AT’s 998cc parallel Twin; one cam instead of two, using short rocker arms to control the 8 valves, works great in engines that don’t rev particularly high – and reduces complexity and weight. Honda claims maximum power at only 7500 rpm and max torque at 6000 rpm. A parallel Twin can also be lighter than a Vee, and the use of a 270-degree crank in this one means it should sound as good as, and reach out for traction as well as a V-twin.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is Honda-speak for traction control, and appears to be another item that will be absent on the standard version, along with ABS. Nice that they give people the option! There’s nothing about suspension in the leaked specs, so maybe Honda’s working on its first electronic system, to keep up with BMW and KTM?

Judging from its rolling stock (21- and 19-inch wire-spoke wheels), light weight and relatively low horsepower, the Africa Twin appears to be aimed more toward serious “adventure” riders than ones who stick mostly to pavement. In any case, it looks like we’ll know more soon. The bike in the photos looks production-ready.

Leaked 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Specifications

Engine TypeLiquid-cooled 4-stroke, 8-valve, two parallel cylinders, crankshaft 270 and Unicam system
Displacement Engine998cc
Maximum power70 kW (93.9hp) @ 7500 rpm
Maximum torque98 N.m (72.3 lb-ft.) @ 6000 rpm
Bore x Stroke92.0 x 75.1 mm
ClutchWet, multi-disc with coil springs
Final transmissionChain sealed by O-rings
Type Gearbox / Transmission6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with driving modes for on-road and off-road
HSTC system (Honda Selectable Torque Control)HSTC 3 levels + interrupter switch-off (only versions ABS and DCT, not the STD version)
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle steel; rear sub-frame in high-strength steel
Turning diameter2.5m
Dry weight208 kg/458 lb (STD), 212 kg/467 lb (ABS), 222kg/489 lb (DCT)
Curb weight228 kg/502 lb (STD), 232 kg/511 lb (ABS), 242kg/534 lb (DCT)
Fuel tank capacity18.8 l (5 gallons)
Length x Width x Height2,335mm x 875mm x 1,475mm (STD) 2,335mm x 930mm x 1,475mm (ABS / DCT)
Wheelbase1,575mm (62.0 inches)
Seat height (STD / lowered)870 / 850mm (34.3 inches/33.5 inches)
Ground clearance250mm (9.82 inches)
ABS systemABS 2 channels switch off the rear ABS (ABS and DCT versions only)
Front brakesTwo 310 mm floating discs, radial calipers hub and 4 pistons (ABS) and sintered pads
Rear brakesA floating disc 256 mm a 2-piston calipers (ABS) and sintered pads. DCT version also includes parking brake system.
Front wheelwire-spoke with aluminum rim
Rear wheelwire-spoke with aluminum rim
Front wheel21 m / c x MT2.15
Rear wheel18 m/c x MT4.00
Front tire90/90-R21 with tube
Rear Tire Size90/90-R21 with tube
Motorcycle.com Staff
Motorcycle.com Staff

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  • SRMark SRMark on Jul 24, 2015

    There has to be something to fill the gap between this barge and the XL650L. How about putting the 700 twin in the XL650L and redoing the goofy seat/peg/bar arrangement. 5 gallon tank would be nice too. These beastie bikes are all fun & games until you drop one on a snotty dirt road. Or put street legal stuff on a crf450x. Yes, I like to eat my cake too.

  • Michael franklin Michael franklin on Jul 24, 2015

    If you open the tap on purpose is that still considered a "leak"

    • Denchung Denchung on Jul 24, 2015

      Official details were released today, so on the surface of it, someone got the date wrong and posted it to social media. There's no significant PR advantage to be gained by leaking things the day before you're going to release it anyway.

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