Honda Africa Twin: What’s New For 2018

The year 2018 marks 30 years of the legendary Honda XRV650 Africa Twin. Launched in 2016 as the CRF1000L Africa Twin, the motorcycle shares no part with its predecessor. However, the machine’s ‘True Adventure’ philosophy means that it inherits all of the essence and spirit of the original.

For 2018, the base model receives a host of upgrades for both, the manual transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) variants. 

Engine Management Electronics

The CRF1000L Africa Twin’s 998cc SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine gets Throttle By Wire (TBW) plus riding modes and expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for 2018.

Throttle By Wire enables the rider to manage engine output, feel and rear wheel traction. While the outgoing model has only 3 levels of HSTC, plus OFF, the new one features 7 Levels – from Level 1, for aggressive riding off-road on block pattern tyres, to Level 7 for maximum sense of security on a slippery and wet tarmac. You also get the option of shutting down the HSTC.

There are also 3 levels of Power and Engine Braking modes available. The three riding modes offer pre-set combinations of each parameter, suitable to different riding environments and scenarios. For example, 

TOUR offers the highest level of Power (1), mid-range Engine Braking (2) and high HSTC (6).

URBAN delivers mid-level Power (2) and Engine Braking (2) and high HSTC (6).

GRAVEL mode allows the lowest level of Power (3), and EB (3) with high HSTC (6).

The fourth mode i.e. the USER mode, allows the rider to set and save his or her preferred combination of Power, EB and HSTC levels.

Engine

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Alongside the new engine management electronics for 2018, the airbox now features a 20mm longer funnel length, matched with the redesigned exhaust internals to significantly boost mid-range response and sound. 

Peak power of 95PS still arrives at 7500rpm, with 99 Nm of torque being produced at 6000rpm.

The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.

Another update for 2018 is the lithium-ion battery, which is 2.3kg lighter than the lead unit it replaces, and Honda claims that it offers greater longevity, both in terms of life and the ability to hold onto a charge. A quickshifter is available as well, although as an optional extra.  

Design & Chassis

For the 2018 model, wet weight has been reduced by 2kg and now stands at 240kg (DCT version).

Other updates will be welcomed by off-road fanatics as the footpegs are now wider with beefed-up steel mounting plates. The pillion footpeg hangers have also been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing. To make the readouts more legible while standing and riding, the instrument console has also been angled.

The rear indicators also offer an emergency stop signal function now. So at a minimum speed of 53kmph, with either brake working, if negative acceleration of a minimum of 6.0m/s2 is detected, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users about hard braking. Not only that, the indicators also auto-cancel. For this, the system compares the front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication.

The wheels also come with stainless steel spokes now, improving durability. Also new for 2018 are the block pattern tyres (Continental 90/90-21M/C 545 and 150/70 B18M/C 70Q).

The fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs are unchanged for 2018.

Accessories

The range of Honda accessories available for the CRF1000L Africa Twin include top box and inner bags, touring bags, frame guard, smoked screen, high screen, upper and lower wind deflectors, rubber pillion footpegs, DCT foot shifter, heated grips, 12V socket, fog lamps with cowl mounting bar, wheel stripes, alarm system, centre stand, sump guard, lower and higher seats and a quickshifter.