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Official Details & Photos of the 2016 Honda Africa Twin

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After leaking twice yesterday, Honda has officially dropped details and photos on its highly anticipated adventure-tourer, the 2016 Honda Africa Twin. A continuation of the legacy by the same name, the new Honda Africa Twin is an off-road focused machine that will go head-to-head with the big ADV bikes already on the market.

Built around a 998cc parallel-twin engine, which makes 94hp and 72 lbs•ft of torque, the Africa Twin tips the scales at the curb at 503 lbs (standard model, first photos after the jump) / 534 lbs (DCT/ABS models, shown above).

Spec-sheet off-road racers are likely not going to be happy with these numbers, though they measure well against the KTM 1190 Adventure R and BMW R1200GS Adventure.

What we think ADV riders will come around to is Honda’s off-road built dual-clutch transmission, which will have the benefit of making shifts while out of the saddle much easier, and giving clutch-free operation, much like a Rekluse clutch.

Of course the DCT from Honda is very advanced, and it can even sense when the Africa Twin is ascending or descending a steep hill. When it does so, the Africa Twin adjusts its shifting points accordingly: during ascents, upshifts are delayed in order to allow a higher rpm to be held; on descents, downshifts happen earlier to enable better engine braking.

As is the trend, the ABS can be switched off for the rear-wheel, allowing off-road riders to lock-up the real-wheel during braking maneuvers.

It’s strange that even in its official technical specifications, Honda doesn’t mention the suspension travel for the Africa Twin.

The only mention the company does make is that the long-travel Showa inverted fork is fully adjustable, while the Showa rear shock has hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. Ground clearance is a respectable 9.8 inches.

Available in either Red/Black/White Dakar Rally or Silver, we expect to see the Honda Africa Twin in dealers in early 2016.

Pricing in the European market is set at €12,400 — this should mean a price around $11,500 to $12,500 on the “standard” model for the US market, though we’ll have to wait to hear from American Honda for official confirmation on pricing.

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin

2016 Honda Africa Twin

Technical Specifications of the 2016 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L:

Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and Unicam
Engine Displacement 998cc
Bore x Stroke 92.0 x 75.1 mm
Clutch Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper clutch
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
Gearbox/Transmission Type Constant mesh 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT with on- and off-road riding modes
Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) HSTC 3-levels + switch-off (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model)
Frame Type Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
Turning Radius 8’2″
Curb Weight 503 lb. (STD), 534 lb. (DCT/ABS)
Fuel Capacity 4.96 gallons
Length x Width x Height 91.9 x 34.4 x 58.1 inches (STD), 91.9 x 36.6 x 58.1 inches (DCT/ABS)
Wheelbase 62.0 inches
Seat Height (STD position / Low position) 34.3/33.5 inches
Ground Clearance 9.8 inches
ABS system type ABS 2-channel with rear ABS off switch (DCT/ABS model only, not on STD model)
Front Brakes 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminum hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Rear Brake 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. Also Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System on DCT/ABS model
Front Wheel Wire spoke with aluminum rim
Rear Wheel Wire spoke with aluminum rim
Front Rim Size 21M/C x MT2.15
Rear Rim Size 18M/C x MT4.00
Front Tire 90/90-R21 tube type
Rear Tire 150/70-R18 tube type

Source: Honda

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