Many seasoned riders agree that the Africa Twin is one of the market’s most dependable dual-sport motorcycles. However, its dependability depends on proper ownership practices. The majority of owners have few troubles, and the majority of problems can be fixed quickly with a simple repair or warranty.
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How long is the Africa Twin?
A Honda Africa Twin can endure more than 15 years if it is properly cared for, stored, and used. The Africa Twin often lasts for well over 75,000 miles if the owner takes good care of it, whereas the average adventure motorbike is ridden 5,000 miles each year.
The Africa Twin was manufactured by Honda to withstand years of tough riding and is more off-road-rugged than any dual sport before it.
The Africa Twin’s engine, which is a powerhouse of dependability in and of itself, is protected by a steel double-cradle frame. This is a sturdy, stiff device made to roll over rocks over an extended period of time.
Aluminum makes up the subframe. It is still tough, but it is also removable for simple maintenance, extending the life of the bike.
What makes the Africa Twin so well-liked?
The Africa Twin is one of the most comfortable bikes available, despite not having cruise control. On a motorcycle, it appears that everything is in the right place thanks to one of the best weather protectors, plush seats, and excellent ergonomics. The incredibly comfortable and silky-smooth ride is enhanced by the lack of engine vibration, good suspension, and no sense of the roads. In addition to the comfort the Africa Twin provides, the fuel efficiency is out of this world, 4.6 liters per 62 miles, giving the Africa Twin a 249-mile fuel range, allowing you to put on your helmet and travel to the most remote regions of the planet without having to worry about running out of fuel.
How comfy is the Honda Africa Twin?
A month after receiving the keys to the Adventure Sports, my plans to travel abroad were abruptly scrapped, so I have yet to fulfill my dream of riding it through Romania’s Transfgran or the Moroccan desert roads. Instead, I made an attempt to go around the UK, and in 2020 I was fortunate enough to turn north and visit Scotland’s NC500, where I learned that the bike was a superb road tourer.
It cruises peacefully at speeds up to and even over 70 mph while traveling at motorway speeds, sitting rooted on the road like a barnacle on a ship, unaffected by crosswinds or the turbulent air from lorries. Because of the enormous 25l gasoline tank, it can run continuously and, if I ride carefully, has a 300-mile range.
In addition to providing a relaxed sitting position for a six-footer and enough weather protection, life in the saddle is also comfortable. Although the Africa Twin is a very capable and comfortable mile-eater, I would be eyeing at a comfort seat in the accessories catalog if I was frequently putting in long days.
The baggage on the standard model bike I’m currently riding appears to be situated about a half-inch too far forward, causing my better half to rub her legs uncomfortably against it when we’re riding. As a result, if you’re considering a two-up tour, bring your traveling companion along for the test ride to make sure they don’t experience the same problem.
Best Years: 2022, 2018-2019
The Dual Clutch Transmission on the newest 2022 Honda Africa Twin has been updated, giving the rider better shifting and more dependable transmission performance.
If you can’t afford the brand-new AT, look at the models from 2018 to 2019.
They have three-stage traction control, which is noticeably easier to operate than other TC systems.
Aside from the bevy of electronic extra upgrades like upgraded heated grips, fog lights, and a larger windscreen than the previous versions, they also include an off-road dedicated ABS option for increased traction on the trails.
Worst Years: 2016-2017
Even though there are many excellent reasons to purchase an AT from 2017 or 2018, these years tend to receive the most complaints due to fork wear inside the inner tube.
The fork tube develops stiction as a result of the tube anodizing wearing off, which causes the shock to stick and your suspension to become bumpy.
Although first their lack of involvement irritated riders, Honda eventually admitted fault and fixed the situation.
Are tall riders a good fit for Africa Twin?
Honda has accomplished its customary one-size-fits-all trick by making this bike suitable for practically everyone. It is praised for being both lower and narrower than most large capacity adventure bikes without sacrificing its off-road capability. Six-footers and over can dominate this bike and feel comfortable in the roomy riding posture, while riders of 5’9″ and more can comfortably handle it.
This bike will suit you perfectly whether you’re standing up to cross a tight ravine or hunkering down to avoid the wind. Ergonomics have been taken into account all the way down to the saddle.
What factory makes Honda Africa Twin?
When we reviewed the new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin motorcycle last month, we were rather impressed with how it performed. It can handle rougher off-road terrain than other adventure bikes would dare, making it a potent all-around bike.
The Africa Twin’s abilities are made possible by a lot of technical skill and top-tier parts. So, have you ever wondered how the Africa Twin is created?
We are taken inside one of Honda’s Japanese manufacturing plants in the video above by the YouTube channel Automotive Garage to see how the Africa Twin is created.
A technician installs or assembles each component as it moves along a conveyor, just like on other assembly lines, until the bike is finally finished. After that, it undergoes a quick test before being transported from the production floor onto delivery trucks and showrooms.
It truly is wonderful to watch how just 13 minutes can transform a little, isolated component into a fully functional adventure bike.
What class of motorcycle is the Honda Africa Twin?
Honda produced four different models of the dual-sport motorcycle known as the Africa Twin: the 650 cc (40 cu in) V-twin XRV650 from 1988 to 1989, the 750 cc (46 cu in) V-twin XRV750T from 1990 to 2003, the 1,000 cc (61 cu in) parallel-twin CRF1000L from 2016 to 2019, and the CRF1100L from 2020 to the present.
What distinguishes adventure sports from the Africa Twin?
The primary chassis and swingarm of the two bikes are identical, and the suspension is the only significant difference between them. The subframe and swingarm of the new Africa Twin were patterned after the CRF450R motocrosser. The swingarm is stiffer and a pound lighter than before, and the new, lighter subframe is now independent from the main frame and 40mm smaller at the seat rails.
The cross pipe at the top of the shock is eliminated from the main chassis and is now located in the center of the frame/swingarm. The steering head has also been strengthened for increased rigidity and front-end feel through the ‘bars. The main frame’s straighter main spars also contribute to this.
As for the standard model, suspension comprises of conventionally operated 45mm Showa inverted forks with 9.1 inches of travel, connected to a Showa shock giving 8.7 inches of travel.
The Adventure Sports differs in that it has a 45mm Showa fork, which also has 9.1 inches of travel, and a Showa monoshock with 8.7 inches of travel, but it also has an electronic preload adjustment system that has settings for Rider, Rider/Luggage, Passenger, and Rider/Passenger/Luggage. This system is part of the Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment Suspension (EERA) system. The Showa system is dynamic and monitors suspension behavior in real time while adjusting the damping, much like the hlins system installed on the Ducati Multistrada, for instance. The Showa’s do not, however, have a manual mode like the Hlins system does.
The brakes on both variants are identical, with a single piston caliper at the back and dual front four-piston Nissin radially mounted calipers biting 310mm discs. Naturally, cornering ABS is required, but it also has an off-road mode.
The base model now weighs 524 pounds for the DCT and 501 pounds for the manual, a reported six pounds less overall. The Adventure Sports now weighs 530 pounds for the manual and 553, respectively, after losing three pounds.
Are the tires on the Honda Africa Twin tubeless?
Here are the first images of the 2020 Africa Twin to surface online. We can see an enhanced Africa Twin with tubeless tires and a new TFT Dash by examining them. We cannot see if there is cruise control because the images are low resolution.
A new Africa Twin has been the subject of persistent rumors. We already knew it will be a CRF1100L with a bigger engine to comply with Euro 5 and 6 requirements without sacrificing horsepower. Though it appears that’s not all.
- a simple one with tube-type tires, a tiny windscreen, and a little engine guard
- A more advanced model, most likely the “Adventure Sports,” has additional LED lights installed directly under the headlight, large engine shield, larger fuel tank, higher windscreen, and silver (or gold) tubeless tires. You can also see that the spokes are mounted on the outside side of the rim, just like on BMW motorcycles. perhaps cornering lights?
Both variants are equipped with what appears to be a TFT Dash, which is a common feature in the adventure market.
The front-end was changed with a new headlight, a smaller air inlet, and sharper handguards, while the frame and subframe also appear to be slightly different.
Do DCT transmissions work well?
DCTs often offer smoother performance and more efficient fuel use than AMTs and manual transmissions. In the world of performance driving, they are frequently favoured since they shift easily and precisely.
Africa Twin Dual Clutch Transmission
The dual clutch transmission preserves the fundamental design and direct acceleration feel of a manual transmission while allowing automatic clutch and shift action. The rider is free to concentrate on using the throttle and brakes because clutch operation is not necessary. Additionally, Dual Clutch Transmission provides shifting and acceleration while reducing the power gaps that happen while shifting with a manual transmission.
Dual Clutch Transmission, as its name suggests, has two clutches: one for off-the-line acceleration and first, third, and fifth gears, and one for second, fourth, and sixth gears. This technology has never before been used in a motorcycle. A 7 speed DCT is included with the 2018 Gold Wing.