Honda took the wraps off the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports at EICMA in Milan, Italy, this week. Updates to the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin were also announced, as well as a new styling direction for the CB1000R and a concept CB4 “Interceptor.”
Africa Twin
Honda’s Africa Twin platform grows today with the announcement of the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports, which was introduced alongside an updated standard 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Following a European release early next year, both models will be available in the U.S. in summer of 2018. Suggested retail price for the Adventure Sports model is approximately $2,000 higher than that of the current Africa Twin.
Displayed previously in concept form, and developed as a powerful extension of the “True Adventure” mantra that drives the Africa Twin platform, the new Adventure Sports version features increased suspension travel, added ground clearance, enhanced creature comforts, and a larger fuel tank for extended range. Both the Adventure Sports and the standard Africa Twin feature a long list of updates to the engine, electronics, and rider interface, while continuing to offer an ideal balance of power and light weight.
“The Africa Twin’s success on showroom floors and in comparison tests is evidence of the platform’s profound capabilities, but the Adventure Sports model expands the possibilities by making it possible to ride further and more comfortably,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “We’ve enjoyed seeing our customers put their own interpretations on the Africa Twin’s ‘True Adventure’ ethos, and with the increased capabilities of the new Adventure Sports, as well as those of the updated standard Africa Twin, we expect that spirit will be applied in new and exciting ways.”
Colors
CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports: White/Blue/Red
CRF1000L Africa Twin: TBA
Availability: Summer 2018
KEY FEATURES
- Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a larger fairing matched with an 80mm taller screen to offer greater wind protection, and comes standard with heated grips and a 12 volt accessory socket, facilitating longer tours in wide-ranging conditions
- Adventure Sports model comes standard with larger sump guard and front light bars, as well as brushed-aluminum cowling panels, rear mudguard, and easily removable steel rack
- Adventure Sports model has larger, 6.37-gallon fuel tank (compared to 4.97 gallons on the standard model), extending range
- Both CRF1000L Africa Twin models now have auto-canceling turn indicators
- Adventure Sports model’s seat features a flatter profile and a 1.2-inch-taller height than standard model. The seat adjusts .8 inches, for a seat height of either 35.4 inches or 36.2 inches (compared to 33.5 inches and 34.3 inches). Handlebar position is 1.3 inches higher and .2 inches rearward compared to the standard version
- Adventure Sports model has a storage pocket on rear right
- On both models, the rider’s foot pegs are now wider and affixed via stouter steel mounting plates, whereas the passenger foot-peg hangers have been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing
- On both models, instruments are positioned at a shallower angle to allow the rider to see them more easily from a standing position
- Adventure Sports model has updated, longer-travel Showa suspension, resulting in 10.6 inches of ground clearance (compared to 9.8 inches). On both models, shock preload, rebound damping, and compression damping are fully adjustable
- Both models have compact two-piece, radial-mount, four-piston front-brake calipers and “wave” floating rotors front and rear. The lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off at the rear
- Both models feature front and rear wheels in size 21 and 18 inches, respectively, with stainless-steel spokes for improved durability
- On both models, the 998cc SOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine is updated with a new airbox, now featuring a 20mm longer funnel length and matched to redesigned exhaust internals that significantly improve midrange response and sound quality
- On both models, the engine’s balancer-shaft weights have been lightened by 10.6 ounces for added character and feel in power delivery
- Water pump is housed within the clutch casing, with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head, while water and oil pumps are driven by the engine’s balancer shafts, contributing to a compact engine and optimum ground clearance
- New for 2018, a lithium-ion battery is 5.1 lbs. lighter than the previous lead-acid unit
- Both versions available with Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), delivering consistent, quick, seamless gear changes on-road or off. Rider can select from three different shifting modes, and a G switch enhances off-road functionality by reducing the amount of clutch slip during gear changes
- New for 2018, both Africa Twin models have Throttle-By-Wire system (TBW), opening the door to four individual riding modes and an expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system
- HSTC now features seven levels (up from three), to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. HSTC can also be completely switched off, and three levels of power and engine braking are available
CB1000R
Honda’s leading sport naked model is reborn today with the introduction of a minimalist but aggressively styled 2018 CB1000R. Unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show, the model is a production version of the Neo-Sports Café Concept showcased at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. Following an early-2018 European release, the new CB1000R will be available in the U.S. in summer of next year.
The CB1000R’s bold shift in identity is bolstered by an impressive list of updates to the chassis, engine, and electronics package, which deftly bridge the gap between performance and bare-boned café racer inspirations.
“The CB1000R has always represented high performance in a naked four-cylinder machine, and while we knew that retaining that approach was important, we also felt it was time to take the platform in a new direction,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Increasingly, customer expectations walk a line between high-end performance and character, so it’s vital that there be a strong, emotional connection between rider and machine. With the new approach of the 2018 CB1000R, customers will experience increased pride in ownership while also benefiting from greatly improved handling and engine performance.”
Availability: Summer 2018
KEY FEATURES
- Distinctly styled round headlight has 3.5-inch shorter overhang, while the swingarm-mounted rear mudguard unit (a first for Honda) contributes to compact, trapezoidal shape silhouette that offers more elegant, refined appearance
- Premium feel thanks to burnished-aluminum radiator shroud and airbox cover plus machined engine cases, cylinder head, and sprocket hub
- Flangeless tank offers elegant styling and provides plenty of knee room through distinct cutaways
- All-LED lighting and horseshoe-shaped light ring bring a modern flare to retro styling
- 0.5-inch wider tapered-aluminum handlebar sits .5 inches higher for more relaxed riding position, making the café-racer inspired model ideal for around-town rides
- Mono-backbone steel frame uses split-tightening aluminum pivot plates to save 5.5 pounds while still offering optimum handling characteristics
- Total curb weight has been reduced for improved handling and more rider-friendly performance
- Showa Separate Function Fr Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP) offers reduced weight and excellent on-road performance
- 190/55 ZR17 rear tire (compared to 180/55 ZR17 tire on previous model)
- 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine shares same architecture and layout as CBR1000RR and now employs forged pistons (rather than cast)
- Higher valve lift, larger valves (8.5mm intake and 8.1mm exhaust), larger-diameter inlet ports, and new combustion-chamber shape improve gas flow and offer improved torque in midrange, for more engaging riding experience
- 4% reduction in gear ratios improves acceleration for more exciting, rapid-roll-on acceleration
- Assist/slipper clutch offers light lever pull and helps manage aggressive downshifts
- New 4-2-1 exhaust system boosts torque at 5,000 rom and above, saves 10 pounds, and provides the CB1000R with a deeper, rawer exhaust note for added character and emotion
- Throttle By Wire opens the door to four riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain and User), as well as Engine Brake and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) — technological advances that bridge the gap between performance and café racer inspirations
CB4 ‘Interceptor’ concept
The 2017 Honda stand at EICMA will again feature a Design Studio area show-casing the design work of Honda’s R&D facility in Rome.
This year’s exhibit is the CB4 “Interceptor” — the result of ongoing research around the “Neo Sports Café” design theme which first bore fruit in the “CB4 Concept” shown at EICMA in 2015. The new concept model adds an evocative ‘Sport Endurance’ tone to the original design language of the CB4 Concept, creating a new perspective on the world of the Café Racer, on which the series is based.
The colour scheme is “total black,” combining elegance and sportiness while leaving room for a futuristic technology integrated into the flowing design lines. The front of the bike features a fan used to convert the motorcycle’s kinetic energy to power the touch-screen located on the tank. The screen provides constant connectivity, to allow the rider to follow the road through digital maps, make emergency calls or simply to connect devices.
