2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Specs & Review

Honda’s go-anywhere twin is built to bridge real off-road chops with long-distance comfort. If you’re scanning for 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin specs and a quick reality check on how it rides, this Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin review has you covered.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin, SOHC Unicam, 8 valves, 270° crank
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Max power: 70 kW (95 PS / 93.9 hp) @ 7,500 rpm
• Max torque: 98 Nm (72.3 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
• Kerb weight: 228 kg (STD) / 232 kg (ABS) / 242 kg (DCT)
• Seat height: 870 / 850 mm (34.3 / 33.5 in) adjustable

Engine & Performance

The 998 cc parallel twin is the heart of the Africa Twin’s dual-sport character. Its 270° crank gives a tractable, V-twin-like pulse, while the SOHC Unicam head keeps mass compact. On paper, 70 kW (93.9 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 98 Nm at 6,000 rpm promise flexible performance—and on the road or trail that translates into easy drive off the bottom, a strong midrange, and just enough top-end to make highway passes without drama.

Fueling is clean via PGM-FI, and the assist & slipper clutch smooths aggressive downshifts on loose surfaces. Choose the 6-speed manual for full control or the optional 6-speed DCT if you want seamless, quick shifts with the option to let the bike manage gears when terrain or fatigue sets in. Final drive is via an O‑ring chain, keeping things simple and serviceable on long trips.

With 18.8 L (4.96 US gal) of fuel on board, the Africa Twin is set up for big days between fill-ups. The numbers are balanced rather than extreme, prioritizing usable power and torque where adventure riders live—city commutes during the week, gravel and backroads on weekends.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Seat Height

Showa hardware and generous travel give the bike its confident ride. Up front, a 45 mm cartridge-type inverted fork is fully adjustable with 230 mm of stroke. Out back, a Pro-Link Showa shock is fully adjustable with 220 mm of wheel travel. Combined with 250 mm of ground clearance and wire-spoke 21/18-inch wheels (90/90-21 front, 150/70-18 rear; tube type), the chassis feels planted over washboard and composed when you pick up the pace on rougher tracks.

Steering geometry—27.5° rake and 113 mm trail—delivers stability without feeling sluggish, and a 2.6 m turning radius makes tight U-turns less stressful than you might expect from a liter-class ADV. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin seat height is adjustable between 870 and 850 mm (34.3 / 33.5 in), which helps riders fine-tune reach to the ground. Taller riders will appreciate the roomy triangle; shorter riders will value the lower setting and the bike’s balanced weight distribution. As for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin weight, kerb figures are 228 kg (STD), 232 kg (ABS), and 242 kg (DCT). The DCT model carries more mass, but once moving it remains neutral and confidence-inspiring.

Equipment & Features

Stopping power comes from dual 310 mm wave front discs with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and a 256 mm wave rear disc. The ABS/HSTC package is adventure-focused: 2‑channel ABS with a rear off switch lets you lock the back in dirt, while Honda Selectable Torque Control offers 3 levels plus Off (on ABS/DCT versions) to meter slip as conditions change.

Other standout details include:

• Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed DCT; assist & slipper clutch
• Frame: Steel semi-double cradle with a steel rear subframe
• Wheels: Wire-spoke, 21 x 2.15 in (front) and 18 x 4.00 in (rear)
• Fuel system: PGM-FI
• Final drive: O‑ring sealed chain
• Wheelbase: 1,575 mm
• Colors (2016 launch): CRF Rally (Red/Black/White), Tricolor, Digital Silver Metallic, Matte Ballistic Black Metallic

At launch, pricing started from $12,999 (Manual) and $13,699 (DCT) in the US, and from €12,100 in the EU (market-dependent).

Who Is the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin For?

Riders who want real off-road capability without giving up long-distance comfort will feel right at home. The manual suits those who prefer clutch control, while the DCT is great for riders who want a less fatiguing experience in traffic and on technical terrain. Absolute beginners may find the seat height and kerb weight challenging; experienced and progressing riders will appreciate the composed chassis, tractable engine, and friendly electronics.

Torquepedia Verdict

The Africa Twin’s strength is balance: a flexible 998 cc twin, well-judged suspension travel, smart-but-simple electronics, and genuine adventure geometry. The 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin specs emphasize usability over spec-sheet bragging, which is exactly why it works in the real world.

Downsides? Tube-type tires and a tall seat won’t suit everyone, and the DCT’s added mass is noticeable at a standstill. But judged as an all-round ADV tool that’s equally at home commuting or crossing mountain passes, it remains a benchmark pick.

FAQ

• Is the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin good for beginners? It’s manageable and friendly, but the adjustable 870/850 mm seat height and 228–242 kg kerb weight can challenge new riders. Confident beginners may prefer the DCT for ease of use.

• What is the seat height of the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin? The seat is adjustable between 870 mm and 850 mm (34.3 / 33.5 in).

• How heavy is the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin? Kerb weight is 228 kg (STD), 232 kg (ABS), and 242 kg (DCT).

• Does it have ABS and traction control? Yes. It features 2‑channel ABS with a rear off switch and HSTC traction control with 3 levels plus Off (on ABS/DCT versions).

• What transmission options are available? A 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed DCT, both with an assist & slipper clutch.