Motorcycle specifications HondaCRF 1000 L AFRICA TWIN Adventure Sports 2018 In search of the free continent

"- Didn't you say right?!?
- Not sure. But that's okay. It's rolling, isn't it?!!!?
- But no, bazar... It's rolling for you, but for my crossover. I don't have an Africa Twin, you freak...
- Hey oh, calm down !!! It's okay, let's go back. Even my Africa can't keep up anyway."
When a tall, proud-looking silhouette appears, rumbling with twin-cylinder power and no hesitation in the adventures ahead. The crew heads off to where their companions are heading back.
"- Look!!! What's that nutcase? And it looks like he's got the same bike as you.
- No, you've got it all wrong. He's got an Africa Twin Adventure Sports."

And that's how Jean and Robb came across Honda's TT heyday. While the brand has skilfully revived the spirit of the big off-road trail with its CRF 1000, and retained its maxi-trail clientele thanks to the presence of the Crosstourer, it lacked a little something to take it across the border. Where other kinds of adventurers dare to terrify the rocks. Their names are BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Adventure R, or even Ducati 1200 Multistrada Enduro Pro or Triumph 1200 Tiger Explorer XC. And now there's the more adventurous Adventure Sports version of the 1000 Africa Twin.

Its snout leaves no room for doubt, with its protective hoop in place of a jaw. It's not afraid to take a bite out of a bowl, and neither are the more or less treacherous asperities of lands forgotten by Caterpillars. The manufacturer has optimized it in this direction, with a number of welcome features. These include a much more enveloping engine cowling, an 80 mm higher bubble, a wider fairing and a rally-raid feel for the rider. The riding position has also evolved, with a flatter, 3 cm higher seat, wider footrests mounted on reinforced supports, higher handlebars and repositioned instrumentation. The Adventure knows that its rider will need to ride upright, and it's designed to make the task easier. For far and long. The fuel tank has been enlarged by 5.4 liters. Honda claims a range in excess of 500 kms.
But there will also be difficult, technical terrain, to the taste of Indiana Jones. This Africa Twin + isn't afraid to put its rims to the test. No changes to the spoked wheels - it's the suspension that's up for grabs. At 252 mm, the upside-down fork slides an extra 22 mm. The rear shock offers 20 mm more travel, for a total of 240 mm. The Adventure Sports thus gains 20 mm of ground clearance, for a total of 270 mm.

No need for extra power to go beyond the horizon. The twin, however, has been given a great deal of care and attention to make it even more enjoyable to ride. A better intake, a revised exhaust system and lightened balancers provide more mid-range response. Power from the 998 cm3 remains fixed at 95 hp and 10 mkg.
The arrival of Driving Modes will be much more noticeable. The transfer of technology from the racing side to the TT side for the winged firm. We already had 3-level traction control on the Africa Twin; now it's up to 7. Now we can play with mood on the engine side. There are 4 modes to choose from:
- Tour" mode features the most measured power (Power 1), an intermediate level of engine braking (2) and a high level of HSTC intervention (6).
- The "Urban" mode features intermediate power and engine braking (2), and a high level of HSTC traction control (6).
- Finally, the "Gravel" mode offers maximum power, low engine braking (1) and high traction control (6).
- A fourth mode - "User" - allows the rider to select and save his or her own settings for power, engine braking and traction control.

Honda has managed to keep the weight increase to a minimum. Among other things, this is thanks to a 2300-gram lighter Lithium-Ion battery. The Adventure Sports is 10 kilos heavier than the Africa Twin. Reasonable, especially as this is not where the weight will be felt. That's once you've packed your suitcases, tent, shovel, sleeping bag and all the other gear you'll need for your expedition.
An Africa Twin can be driven with two types of transmission. Classic, with a manual gearbox. Or robotized, with a DCT gearbox. You can vary the tempo by selecting gears at will and on the fly. Or automatic, with a choice of programs. A convenient D that manages everything for the rider. A more dynamic S with 3 levels of reactivity: S1 - S2 - S3. And a specific mode for Africans, the G. More suited to track and greasy terrain, it optimizes traction and limits slippage during gear changes.

Time to set off. Cold? Heated grips are standard, as is the 12V socket for plugging in... GPS? Phone? The real ones will use a map and compass. Gags from another era, perhaps. The 1000 Africa Twin Adventure Sports won't take sides. As long as the road is anything but smooth and short.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos