HONDA CRF1000L Africa Twin (2016-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda CRF1000L was a 998cc parallel-twin dual-sports motorcycle that returned the Africa Twin name for the 2016 model year. The bike became available in the UK in late 2015 and in the US in early 2016.

The first original Africa Twin model was sold in Europe from 1988 until 2003. It was never sold in the American market. It was intended as a response to road-focused adventure machines such as the BMW R1200GS, Ducati Multistrada, and Triumph Tiger Explorer.

In 2016, the Japanese motorcycle maker introduced the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, an adventure motorcycle also available in a DCT version. Both models were available with ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The bike was built around a semi-double-cradle steel frame, with a 45 mm cartridge-type inverted Showa telescopic fork on the front that offered 230 mm of travel and a cast-aluminum Pro-Link swingarm with a gas-charged adjustable shock on the rear that provided 220 mm of travel.

The braking performance was achieved by two 310 mm floating brake discs clamped by four-piston calipers on the front and a 256 mm brake rotor with a dual-piston caliper on the rear.

Regarding power, the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin had installed a 998cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 95 hp at 7,500 rpm and 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.