2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Specs & Review

The Adventure Sports variant takes Honda’s do-it-all Africa Twin platform and stretches its legs for bigger miles and rougher tracks. Wearing the 30th Anniversary Tricolor, it’s aimed at riders who want long-distance range, real off-road hardware, and the reassurance of Honda durability. If you’re comparing 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports specs, this Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports review highlights exactly what matters.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin (Unicam, 8-valve), 270° crank
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Power: 70 kW (94 hp) @ 7,500 rpm
• Torque: 99 Nm (73 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed DCT; assist & slipper clutch
• Kerb weight: 243 kg (manual) / 253 kg (DCT)
• Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports seat height: 900 mm (low) / 920 mm (standard)
• Fuel tank capacity: 24.2 L
• Wheels: 21 in front / 18 in rear, spoked (stainless steel spokes)
• Model ID: CRF1000L2 (Adventure Sports)

Engine & Performance

At the heart is a 998 cc Unicam parallel twin with a 270° crank, delivering 70 kW (94 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 99 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The firing order gives it a torquey, tractable character that’s friendly in the city and punchy enough for spirited backroad riding. Throttle response is managed by PGM-FI with Throttle By Wire (TBW), and you get 3 ride modes plus a User mode to tailor delivery to conditions.

On gravel or wet tarmac, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers 7 levels plus OFF, keeping the rear in check without feeling intrusive. The 6-speed manual works with an assist & slipper clutch for smooth downshifts; the optional 6-speed DCT adds a G-switch, sharpening clutch engagement for off-road. Final drive is an O-ring chain—simple, robust, and easy to service on long trips.

Fuel economy is a manufacturer-claimed ≈21.7–21.8 km/l (WMTC), and with a 24.2 L tank the Adventure Sports is built for days that stretch from dawn to dusk without frequent fuel stops.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Seat Height

This chassis is tuned for stability and control in mixed terrain. Up front, a Showa 45 mm USD cartridge fork is fully adjustable with 252 mm travel; the rear is a fully adjustable Showa Pro-Link monoshock with 240 mm travel. Combined with 270 mm of ground clearance and 21/18 in wheels, the bike stays composed over ruts, rocks, and broken pavement.

Geometry reads 27.5° rake and 115 mm trail with a 1,580 mm wheelbase—confidence-inspiring at speed yet predictable in tighter sections. The turning radius is a manageable 2.6 m, helping when U-turning on narrow trails or city streets. Tire sizes are adventure-classic: 90/90-21 front and 150/70-18 rear (both tube type), mounted to spoked wheels with stainless steel spokes.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports seat height is adjustable to 900 mm (low) or 920 mm (standard). Taller riders will appreciate the legroom and commanding view; shorter riders should try both settings to gauge footing at stops. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports weight comes in at 243 kg (manual) or 253 kg (DCT). At parking-lot speeds, that mass is noticeable, but the wide bar leverage and balanced geometry help it hide weight once rolling.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by dual 310 mm wave discs with radial 4-piston calipers and ABS up front, and a single 256 mm disc with ABS at the rear. Off-roaders will value the ability to switch the rear ABS off, and DCT models include a parking brake for security on slopes.

Electronics are comprehensive: HSTC with 7 levels + OFF, 3 ride modes + User, G-switch (DCT), Emergency Stop Signal, and auto-cancel indicators, powered by a lithium-ion battery. Lighting is dual LED headlights for clear nighttime visibility. The fuel system is PGM-FI with TBW, and final drive is an O-ring chain. Dimensions are 2,340 x 930 x 1,570 mm (L x W x H).

Wheels feature stainless steel spokes for durability, and the colorway is the distinctive 30th Anniversary Tricolor (Pearl Glare White/Blue/Red). US MSRP was $14,999 for the manual and $15,699 for the DCT.

Who Is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports For?

Riders who mix highways with unpaved exploration will feel right at home. Experienced riders will get the most from the long-travel Showa suspension, 21/18 wheel setup, and the electronics package. As a daily, it’s comfortable and capable, and for weekend adventures it brings serious range and resilience. Newer riders can benefit from the electronics and the optional DCT, but should consider the tall seat and overall size before jumping in.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports combines trustworthy power delivery, well-judged electronics, and a chassis built for real-world adventure. Highlights include the broad, usable torque, fully adjustable suspension with generous travel, and thoughtful touches like the G-switch and rear-off ABS for dirt use.

Potential drawbacks are the tall seat and tube-type tires for those who prefer tubeless convenience, plus the curb mass that may challenge smaller riders at walking pace. If those points fit your profile, the overall package stands out as a durable, long-legged ADV with the right bones for tough miles.

FAQ

• Is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports good for beginners? It can be, thanks to HSTC, ride modes, and the optional DCT, but the 900–920 mm seat height and 243–253 kg kerb weight may be challenging for smaller or brand-new riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports? It’s adjustable: 900 mm (low) or 920 mm (standard).

• How heavy is the 2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports? Kerb weight is 243 kg for the 6-speed manual and 253 kg for the DCT.

• What are the power and torque figures? 70 kW (94 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 99 Nm (73 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm.

• What’s the fuel capacity and economy? The tank holds 24.2 L, with a manufacturer-claimed ≈21.7–21.8 km/l (WMTC).