2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Specs & Review

The 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a true adventure motorcycle built to handle long-distance touring, gravel detours, and everyday riding with equal composure. This Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin review focuses on capability, comfort, and real-world usability, distilling the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin specs for riders comparing options in the big-ADV class.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and uni-cam
• Displacement: 998 cm³
• Max Power: 70 kW / 93.9 hp at 7,500 rpm
• Max Torque: 99 Nm / 73.0 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm
• Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin weight (kerb): MT 230 kg / 507.06 lbs; DCT 240 kg / 529.11 lbs
• Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin seat height: STD 870 mm / 34.25"; Low 850 mm / 33.46"

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Africa Twin is a 998 cm³ parallel twin with a 270° crank, delivering a characterful pulse and excellent traction feel on loose surfaces. Output is a strong 70 kW (93.9 hp) at 7,500 rpm, backed by 99 Nm (73.0 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm—numbers that translate into easy city loping, relaxed highway passing, and engaging backroad fun without constant downshifts.

You can choose between a constant mesh 6-speed manual transmission (MT) with a wet, multiplate assist/slipper clutch or a 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) with two wet clutches. Both offer on- and off-road riding modes, letting you tailor the power delivery to terrain and preference. Fuel capacity is 18.8 litres (4.97 gal), and fuel consumption is rated at 21.7 km/l (51.05 mpg) for the MT and 21.8 km/l (51.29 mpg) for the DCT—solid efficiency for a liter-class ADV.

Final drive is via an O-ring sealed chain, and the steel semi-double cradle frame with a high-tensile steel subframe supports luggage and real-world abuse without drama.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Seat Height

The Africa Twin’s chassis is built for control on and off the tarmac. A Showa 45 mm cartridge-type inverted fork offers a 230 mm (9.06") stroke and 204 mm (8.03") axle travel, with hydraulic dial-style preload and DF adjustment. Out back, a Pro-Link rear with a gas-charged damper delivers 220 mm (8.66") of rear wheel travel, plus hydraulic preload and rebound damping adjustment. The 21M/C x MT2.15 front and 18M/C x MT4.00 rear wire-spoke wheels run tube-type 90/90-R21 and 150/70-R18 tires, underscoring its off-road intent.

Geometry and dimensions support stability and clearance: wheelbase is 1,575 mm (62.01"), ground clearance is 250 mm (9.84"), and turning radius is 2.6 m (8.53 ft). For comfort and confidence, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin seat height can be set at 870 mm (34.25") or lowered to 850 mm (33.46"). Taller riders will appreciate the roomy stance; shorter riders may prefer the low position, especially when managing the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin weight—230 kg (507.06 lbs) for the MT and 240 kg (529.11 lbs) for the DCT—during low-speed maneuvers or tight U-turns.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by 310 mm dual wave floating discs up front with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and sintered pads, plus a 256 mm rear wave disc with a 1-piston caliper. A 2-channel ABS system is standard, and the rear ABS can be switched off for off-road sections. DCT models add a Lever-Lock Type Parking Brake System with an additional slide-type 1-piston caliper.

Electronics include a rally-style negative LCD display showing Riding Modes, Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Gear position, ABS, HSTC, Odometer, Trip, and Clock. Lighting is fully LED: dual LED headlight (1 high/1 low), LED taillight, and LED indicators. Practical touches—like the adjustable suspension, robust wire-spoke wheels with aluminum rims, and a durable steel subframe—round out its long-haul readiness.

Who Is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin For?

This ADV is ideal for riders who want a balanced platform for commuting during the week and gravel or trail exploring on weekends. The docile yet capable engine, riding modes, and available DCT make it approachable for progressing riders, while the suspension and 21/18 wheel combo satisfy experienced adventurers. Absolute beginners may find the seat height and mass a bit demanding, but those with basic skills will appreciate its forgiving nature and versatility.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2018 Africa Twin nails the sweet spot of real-world performance, comfort, and authentic off-road capability. The engine’s 99 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm gives you easy thrust, and the chassis—with quality Showa suspension, generous travel, and wire-spoke 21/18 wheels—delivers confidence on rough roads. Practical features like 2-channel ABS with a rear-off switch, clear LCD instrumentation with Riding Modes and HSTC indication, and efficient fuel consumption make it a compelling long-distance partner.

On the flip side, the tall seat and kerb mass can intimidate shorter or newer riders, and tube-type tires add a bit of maintenance complexity. Still, judged against its class, the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin specs show a bike that’s genuinely adventure-ready without sacrificing everyday usability.

FAQ

• Is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin good for beginners?
  It’s approachable thanks to smooth power delivery, riding modes, and the available 6-speed DCT, but the tall seat (up to 870 mm) and kerb weight (up to 240 kg for DCT) may challenge absolute beginners.

• What is the seat height of the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin?
  Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin seat height is 870 mm (34.25") standard, with a low position of 850 mm (33.46").

• How heavy is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin?
  Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin weight is 230 kg (507.06 lbs) for the 6-speed MT and 240 kg (529.11 lbs) for the DCT.

• What are the power and torque figures?
  Max power is 70 kW (93.9 hp) at 7,500 rpm and max torque is 99 Nm (73.0 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm.

• Does it have ABS and traction control?
  It features 2-channel ABS with a rear ABS off switch, and the instrument display includes HSTC (traction control) indication along with Riding Modes.