2016 Honda Africa TwinAfter months of teasing, Honda’s much anticipated big Adventure bike was unveiled – the CRF1000L Africa Twin.The official 2016 Honda Africa Twin specs show much promise, including a liquid-cooled 998cc parallel twin that takes performance designs from both the CRF450R and CBR1000RR. Though no horsepower numbers were released, the Honda Africa Twin should produce around 110 at the crank.
The engine is wrapped in a steel semi-double-cradle frame, and is hooked to a six-speed transmission. Honda is offering the Africa Twin with an optional automatic 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), which is specifically tuned for adventure riding (on road and off road).The official Honda Africa Twin specs also say the CRF1000L arrives with ABS, but only on models equipped with DTC. And at 503 lbs. wet (534 for DTC model), the 2016 Africa Twin will be the lightest adventure bike available in its class, which includes the 548-lbs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure.
2016 Honda Africa Twin Specs:
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Unicam
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
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed manual, or optional 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: Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
ABS system: 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-mount four-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Rear Brake: 256mm wave hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper and sintered metal pads.
Wheels: Wire spoke with aluminum rim
Front tire: 90/90-R21 tube type
Rear tire: 150/70-R18 tube type
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)
Fuel capacity: 4.96 gallons
Wheelbase: 62.0 inches
Seat height (standard position / low position): 34.3/33.5 inches
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
