Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/575161
FOCUS PSB Metric bikes 22 • October 5, 2015 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com CRF1000L Africa Twin starts at $12,999 Following a series of information releases on the CRF1000L Africa Twin, American Honda has publicized pricing for the all-new model and also revealed additional details on the trailblazing adventure bike. At the same time, Honda officially announced a number of returning on-road models, several of which are offered in new colors for 2016. Powered by a brand-new 998cc parallel- twin engine, the Africa Twin is available in two versions — one with a highly advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and another with a standard gearbox; pricing is set at $13,699 and $12,999, respectively. Both versions come standard with ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and are extremely capable in highway and off-road applications. "The CRF1000L Africa Twin is one of the most exciting new products of the 2016 model year, and we're pleased to provide custom- ers with additional information, including details on our competitive pricing," said Lee Edmunds, manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. "No fewer than 32 patents have been applied for on this innovative model, and its specifications surpass the competition in several important areas. We know our customers have been hun- gry for a no-compromise, do-it-all adventure bike, and we're confident that the Africa Twin fits the bill." CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN The highly anticipated Africa Twin was devel- oped following the "True Adventure" concept, with an emphasis on achieving outstanding performance across a broad array of applica- tions, from open highways to technical trails. To that end, the parallel-twin power plant was designed to have concentration of mass and a low center of gravity, with the Unicam head and dry-sump crankcase enabling a low engine height. In order to realize a compact package, components like the oil tank, oil pump and water pump have all been incorporated into the engine, and a number of components, includ- ing the battery, are located as near as possible to the vehicle's center. Both the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin DCT come with ABS and HSTC. For cer- tain off-road conditions in which the ability to have differing wheel speeds is advantageous, the HSTC and rear ABS can both be switched off. On the highly advanced DCT version, an accessory foot-pedal shifter is offered for cus- tomers who want a traditional feel. (In stock form, the DCT is shifted either automatically or, when in manual mode, by buttons on the left handlebar.) Other available accessories include pannier cases, a top box, heated grips, an electrical socket and more. To help maximize durability off-road, the Africa Twin has ample ground clearance, a tough aluminum skid plate, a high-ten- sile-steel semi-double-cradle frame and a minimum of projecting parts. A slim cross section and smooth layout simplify mov- ing back and forth on the bike in order to maneuver through challenging sections. Between the standard adjustable saddle and an accessory low version, seat height can be adjusted between four different settings ranging between 34.3 and 32.3 inches. The Africa Twin has the most suspension travel in its class: 9.1 inches for the inverted 45mm Showa fork and 8.7 inches for the rear wheel. Adjustable compression and rebound damp- ing are standard at both ends, as is hydraulic adjustable spring preload (in order to more easily accommodate passengers or cargo). Off-road-friendly features include tube tires, wire-spoke wheels, hollow aluminum axles, wave-design brake rotors and a rubber- mounted aluminum handlebar with a tapered design. An innovative air-intake design makes it possible to access the viscous air filters without removing the fuel tank. The rally- style upright windscreen minimizes buffeting at high speeds, and the instrument panel has information efficiently arranged in a vertical layout. LED headlights are standard. Colors: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally, Silver Prices: CRF1000L Africa Twin — $12,999; CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT — $13,699 Availability: Spring 2016 CB300F Now entering its second model year, the Honda unveils 2016 lineup, Africa Twin pricing The 2016 Honda CB300F allows for a more upright rid- ing position.