Test: Honda Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin Adventure Sports // Test: Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Balance is something we don't often think about, but it's very important, especially around us, in nature, in life and, of course, in ourselves. When a person manages to create a machine that is the balance of everything he brings, we can say that he has succeeded.
Sofa
Even when I first saw the Africa Twin Adventure Sports at the EICMA show in Milan in November and got on it too, I knew it was a bike I couldn't wait to ride. When nature has suddenly woken up from a surprisingly long slumber this year, it's time to take a ride on the new Africa Twin, built for big adventure travel. By increasing the suspension travel by 20 millimeters, this also increases the distance of the engine from the ground, and not only improves the damping of bumps on bad roads, gravel or off-road. The seat is in two parts, but following the example of the Dakar rally, it is flat and therefore more suitable for off-road riding. The wide handlebar is positioned higher and closer to the rider for an exceptionally good neutral body position; Thus, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports experience is extremely balanced and tireless and suitable for both off-road and off-road riding. An enlarged fuel tank (an additional five liters of volume) provides a range of up to 500 kilometers, and with a larger windshield, much better wind protection.
Thus, the bike is also large and comfortable. When you sit on it or watch it from afar, it makes a very startling impression. Also contributing an important part of the truly sophisticated look is the classic Honda color combination, which is a faithful successor to the original Africa Twin, along with gold spoke wheels, extra pipe guards and a large fuel tank.
The 998cc inline-two-cylinder engine is capable of developing 95 “horsepower” and 99 Nm of torque, which is enough for dynamic off-road driving and more than enough when there is sand under the wheels. The balanced performance of the entire motorcycle is felt on any surface and in any conditions. Whether in the city, highway, winding country road or even rubble, it always proves to be reliable and calm. The brakes are very good and with precise feel on the lever. Also accurate is riding the bike on narrow tires, which are a great compromise for 70% tarmac and 30% gravel. All this is also noticeable in the handling, which is extremely light thanks to the 21-inch front wheel. For more serious adventures, I'd put it on tires with a rougher profile myself. Honda reaches its limits when, instead of dynamic driving, the driver demands that he be sporty. I'm talking about the extreme, not the motorcycle tour that you enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere, and it's not your goal to take the serpentine to the top in the shortest possible time or dive into the Adriatic Sea in record time. No, Honda has different models for this. Whether you're looking for comfort on a long full day tour or even a multi-day trip, we're talking about a world where Africa Twin's balance is at its best. For such a trip, the suspension is not too soft, but just right. The same suspension will take you to the finish line both on asphalt and on a paved cart track. This is the main part of the story. However, they could not completely ignore electronics and the control they provided. The fuel injector throttle is now electronically connected and works without delay or squeal. They have also taken a very ingenious approach to the rear wheel anti-skid system, which can be determined on the fly, and the traction is adjusted according to driving conditions at the push of a button. The seventh level activates the system very quickly, which is great for slippery roads, and the position on the enk allows you to control turns on the rubble or overcome obstacles on the field. Unfortunately, it can’t be completely turned off like this on the road, and it still takes engine power too sharply when you drive, say, from asphalt to gravel. To restore engine power, you need to lower the throttle and continue the sensations. This is especially evident at the higher levels. To enjoy the landscape or rubble, you must set the anti-skid control to the “one” position.
And finally, a few words about the height of the seat. A colleague who joined me for a short ride on his motorcycle watched in awe at the unwieldy size of the bike. Yes, it's true, a seat height of 900 millimeters above the ground is a big deal, but for an experienced rider who knows how to ride tall motorcycles, this is not a hindrance. Therefore, Africa Twin Adventure Sports is for those riders who know how to ride big bikes and don't panic when they don't reach the ground with both feet in front of traffic lights. Sam wouldn't install it any other way than they shipped it from the Honda factory in Japan. At just under $15k, this is an extremely good package that will comfortably ride two people, no matter what the adventure is under the bikes.
Basic data
Sales: Motocentr As Domžale
Test model cost: 14.990 €
Technical information
engine: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 998 cc, fuel injection, motor start, 3 ° shaft rotation
Power: 70 kW / 95 KM pri 7500 vrt./min
Torque: 98 Nm at 6.000 rpm
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: tubular steel, chromium-molybdenum
brakes: front double disc 2mm, rear disc 310mm, ABS standard
Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable single shock
Tires: 90/90-21, 150/70-18
Growth: 900 / 920 mm
Fuel tank: 24,2 liters
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Weight: 243 kg
We praise and reproach
amazing video
ease of use on the road and in the field
workmanship
durable wind protection
rich standard equipment
price of money
sensors are not best visible in the sun
there is not enough legroom in the side drawers
the rear wheel traction control system reacts too strongly to activation and takes too much power
seat height from the ground (difficult for less experienced drivers)
final grade
Two years later, the Africa Twin underwent a minor refurbishment and a model was created with the name saying that it is intended for those who are passionate about adventure. It is a very large and flamboyant motorcycle with exceptional balance. Feels very good both on the road and in the field.
