Test bike: Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin DCT

Unsurprisingly, the new Africa Twin was a hit, we European motorists received it well and the desire for this model was obviously really significant as it became the bestseller in the main markets. My first contact with her (we went to AM05 2016 or browsed the archive of tests on www.moto-magazin.si) was also full of positive impressions, so I was very interested in how she would perform on a test that lasts longer, and in everyday operation, when the motorcycle is thoroughly tested and the actual fuel consumption and usability are measured on different roads; we also share it with each other in the editor to get a second opinion.

I admit that after the Honda VFR test with DCT I was a little disappointed, it didn't convince me, so I sat skeptically on the Africa Twin with the latest generation of this dual clutch transmission. But I must admit that although I am not a fan of this idea, this time I was not disappointed. Personally, I would still think about this bike with a classic gearbox, because riding with the clutch is the most natural for me, not least with the clutch in the field I can help raise the front wheel, jump over an obstacle, in short, I am the perfect master their business on the engine. With the DCT transmission (if it's easier for you to understand, I can also call it DSG), the computer does a lot for me through sensors, sensors and technology. Which is great in principle because it works well, and I find that for 90 percent of riders this is a totally useful and good choice. However, if you are the type of person who travels a lot around the city or enjoys “riding a comet”, I highly recommend this gearbox. The addiction took exactly until the first traffic light. Again I accidentally extended my fingers to squeeze the clutch, but of course I grabbed it empty. There is no lever on the left side, just a long handbrake lever that is suitable for parking or driving off a hill, so you don't have to press the rear brake pedal with your right foot. I also didn't miss the gear lever, as the gearbox chose gears wisely, or I myself chose them to my liking by pressing the shift buttons up or down. Photographer Sasha, whom I took in for a photo in the backseat, was amazed at how well it works, but he is a motorist who has experienced the best automatic transmissions in the most modern cars. In this way, the DCT transmission provides a very comfortable ride that is also safe as one task is done, so you can focus more on driving and also better hold the steering wheel with both hands. It shifts quietly, quickly and smoothly from first to sixth gear, ensuring that the inline-two doesn't consume too much gas. In the test, the consumption ranged from 6,3 to 7,1 liters per 100 kilometers, which is certainly a lot, but taking into account the liter engine and the rather dynamic driving, it is still not superfluous. However, Honda still has a lot to work on.

On two occasions I have to praise the Africo Twin with DTC gearbox. On twisty rubble roads where I turned on the off-road program

On it, the rear ABS was turned off and the rear wheel traction was set to the minimum level (the first of three possible), the Africa Twin literally shone. Since it is shod with off-road tires (70 percent road, 30 percent rubble), I enjoyed precise and dynamic driving with a great sense of safety. Looking at the meter when I was driving in third gear at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour on narrow rubble in the middle of the forest, far from people (before I would have met a bear or a deer), I was still surprised at how fast it could go, and I was a little calmed down. The suspension works, the position on the motorcycle is excellent both sitting and standing, in short, enthusiasm!

It's even more fun when the traffic light turns green and you pull and then it pulls sporty, sings beautifully and catapults you forward. There is no need to change gears and use the clutches, it is completely "comatose". So Honda, put the DTCs on other models, please.

text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: € 14.490 XNUMX (z ABS in TCS) €

• Technical information

  engine: d + 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 6000 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed automatic, 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

  Fuel tank: 18,8

  Wheelbase: 1.575 mm

  Weight: 208 kg without ABS, 212 kg with ABS, 222 kg with ABS and DCT