Trail – Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas – Pre-owned HONDA

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Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Honda improves its spearhead maxitrail just two years after its release with new electronic features, more engine power and 2 kg less thanks to a lithium-ion battery. This refined Africa Twin, still offered with the optional DCT, will be available in February 2018 as well as its new Adventure Sports version..

A master stroke! By relaunching its in 2016, on the strength of a rich saga that began in 1988, Honda has returned to the maxi-trails segment with a very well-born motorcycle, sexy and above all really comfortable off-road..

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Two years later, this best-seller evolves through increased sophistication, even if it means a slight departure from its original positioning openly opposed to technological overbidding..

  • MNC special file :
  • MNC special file :

Thus, the Africa Twin 2018 swaps its cable accelerator for an electronic "throttle by wire" and at the same time adopts four new driving modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel and User. These pre-set modes influence the level of engine braking, the sensitivity of the traction control and the mechanical response via different maps..

  • Comparo MNC : Africa Twin DCT Vs Tiger 800 XCX Vs R1200GS
  • Comparo MNC : Africa Twin Vs Multistrada 950 Vs V-Strom 1000
  • MNC test :

If necessary, User mode allows you to adjust the "Engine Brake", "Power" and traction control functions as you wish, the range of settings for which goes from three to seven notches. The Honda maxi-trail also has an automatic turn signal ignition system in the event of emergency braking. In this, it rises to the level of sophistication now common in the maxi-trail category..

Its in-line twin of 998 cc does not evolve in depth (still 95 hp and 98 nm), but improvements would boost its responsiveness and sound: 20 mm longer intake ducts, revised exhaust and balancing masses lightened to reduce inertia (details below). Honda ensures that the driving character wins: so much the better, because it was one of the rare small shortcomings of the CRF1000L.

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Finally, replacing the lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion model makes it possible to lighten the motorcycle by 2.3 kg: the Africa Twin 2018 is announced at 230 kg fully loaded (232 kg in 2016) and 240 kg with the optional DCT dual-clutch transmission. More temper and less weight: a winning equation on paper that MNC can’t wait to try handlebars in hand !

On the chassis side, the double cradle frame is carried over to its excellent functions, as are the fully adjustable Showa suspensions with high travel (230 mm at the front and 220 at the rear), guaranteeing a substantial ground clearance (250 mm). Same observation for the 4-piston radial brake calipers identical to 2017: a very good device.

Only small downside: the Africa Twin renews its rims in 90/90/21 and 150/70/18 without tangential spokes, therefore incompatible with Tubeless tires. However, its saddle remains adjustable in height from 850 to 870 mm, far from the impressive 900 mm displayed by its new version! Hopefully its price will remain close to the 13,400 € currently requested…

  • MNC of 6 November 2017 : New Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Africa Twin 2018: the key points 

  • Engine 999cc in-line twin cylinder, set at 270 °, 95 hp and 98 Nm (same as 2017)
  • Balancing beam masses lightened by 300 gr, to the benefit of the engine responder
  • Stronger and lighter lithium-ion battery (- 2.3 kg)
  • Exhaust revised, with two catalysts (only 1 in 2017) and smaller silencer (4 l instead of 4.6 l)
  • Electronic accelerator with 4 driving modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel and User adjustable by hand
  • Responder and engine brake adjustable via new "Power" and "Engine Brake" functions
  • 7-level traction control (3 in 2017), can be deactivated
  • Double DCT clutch available as an option (+1000 €) with a manual mode "AM" (shifting gears on the handlebars) or fully automatic "D" or "S". Three more or less reactive sub-maps are always available in automatic mode S (S1, S2, S3). A button "G" – specific to DCT version – also allows a more direct transmission for off-road.
  • Frame double cradle identical to 2017
  • Adjustable saddle 870 mm and 890 mm (same as 2017). High or low seat available as an option
  • Extended footrests on reinforced supports
  • Repositioned instrumentation for better visibility
  • Fully adjustable suspensions with 230 mm and 220 mm travel (same as 2017)
  • Non-adjustable screen (same as 2017)
  • 230 kg with mechanical box and 240 kg with DCT box (-2.3 kg Vs 2017)
  • Introduction of an automatic turn signal ignition system during emergency braking from 53 km / h if deceleration greater than 6 m / s²
  • Introduction of automatic turn signal off
  • Continental homologated studded tires
  • Price : not communicated (MNC estimate: around € 14,000)
  • Availability: February 2018

Africa Twin 2018: photo gallery

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

Trail - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018: the maxi-trail catches fleas - Pre-owned HONDA

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