– Detailed 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Review / Buyer’s Guide + Africa Twin VS Adventure Sports CRF1000L2 Differences Explained! –
It’s here! The 2018 Adventure Sports Africa Twin CRF1000L that was originally a concept motorcycle has now been released as a new production bike to add to the 2018 model lineup from Honda! The ‘standard’ Africa Twin CRF1000L or DCT models aren’t going anywhere for 2018, we’re getting this new model paired up right beside it that has been technically dubbed the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports.
This page will be covering the Adventure Sports version and I’ll have a separate page dedicated to the ‘standard’ model. There’s still some information that Honda is keeping under wraps for the time being so bare with me on some nitty-gritty pieces of information that I just can’t post at this time.
UPDATE | March 6, 2018: Honda released pricing today for the 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports 6-speed (CRF1000L2) and the DCT Automatic (CRF1000L2D) versions:
Prices / MSRP:
- 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports Price: $14,999 MSRP
- 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT Price: $15,699 MSRP
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 USA in summer of 2018. If you haven’t checked out the changes regular 2018 Africa Twin, click on the image below for a link to my overview on all od the changes for it:
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.
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Review Contents:
- 1 | Introduction
- 2 | Model Overview
- 3 | Key Features
- 4 | Accessories
- 5 | Pictures / Photo Gallery
- 6 | Technical Specifications
1. | Introduction
When the CRF1000L Africa Twin was introduced in 2016 as an homage to the successful XRV650 and XRV750, the full-scale adventure motorcycle was immediately heralded for being equally capable of crossing rugged continents and highway cruising. Now, the “True Adventure” spirit of the award-winning model expands with the introduction of the CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports, which pushes the platform even further into the long-range off-road-ready territory. In addition, the standard CRF1000L Africa Twin has received important updates.
The balance between power and weight is the Africa Twin’s secret, then and now. The renewed machine has proved itself a modern-day all-rounder, popular with casual tourers and off-road adventurers alike (plus all riders in between) because it offers enjoyable and usable engine performance in a chassis that works as well on-road as it does off.
For 2018 Honda is building on the Africa Twin’s strengths, and its success. The base model CRF1000L Africa Twin receives a host of detail upgrades to both manual transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) options that enhance the riding and owning experience, while the new CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports version extends the platform even further into long-range off-road ready territory. Similar in overarching design, both 2018 models offer a superb balance of power and light weight, a key component to the platform’s success and user-friendly nature. They also benefit from added electronic functionality and improved engine performance. To build on this and enhance its adventure-touring capabilities, the Adventure Sports model offers improved range through a larger fuel tank, more creature comforts for longer touring, and added ground clearance through increased suspension travel.
Mr K. Morita, Large Project Leader (LPL) 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports:
“Our CRF1000L Africa Twin has proven itself a worthy successor to the original and very much the ‘Go Anywhere’ machine that we set out to make. Over the last two years it’s a motorcycle that’s covered millions of miles, and we have received plentiful feedback from owners. For 2018, with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports we have used the revised CRF1000L as a starting point and added everything the long-distance rider needs to get the very most out of any adventure.”
Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications:
“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,” “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.”
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ styling is less minimalist than that of the Africa Twin; the dual headlights are shared but the new model has a larger fairing matched with an (80mm) 3.1 inch taller screen to offer greater wind protection. It also comes standard with heated grips and a 12V accessory socket, facilitating longer tours in wide-ranging conditions.
The Adventure Sports model comes standard with a larger sump guard and front light bars. Brushed-aluminum cowling panels add tough appeal and class to this adventure-ready machine, while the rear mudguard and steel rack can be easily removed. Aluminum side cases are available, as is an aluminum top box with mounting equipment specific to the CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Thanks to a 1.4-gallon larger, 6.37-gallon fuel tank (compared to 4.97 gallons on the standard model), range for the Adventure Sports model is extended.
On both Africa Twin models, the turn indicators now auto-cancel. Rather than using a simple timer, the system detects differences in front and rear wheel speed and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.
On both CRF1000L Africa Twin models, the rider’s foot pegs are now wider and affixed via beefed-up steel mounting plates. The passenger foot-peg hangers have been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing, and the instruments are positioned at a shallower angle to allow the rider to see them more easily from a standing position. These updates benefit riders in off-road situations, an area where the tractable Africa Twin already stands out thanks to its user-friendly performance and size.
Quick Overview of 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
2. | Model Overview
For extended off-road use, the Adventure Sports’ seat features a flatter profile, and seat height is 1.2 inches higher than the 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); there’s also a rear storage pocket tucked away on the right side. To match the raised seat height, the handlebar position is 1.3 inches higher and .2 inches further back than that of the standard model, resulting in a more upright riding position.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ comprehensive abilities start with its engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road, over long-range tours, short commutes and all points in between. As such, it provides an optimum balance between power, torque, mass and physical dimension.
The four-valve 998cc parallel twin Unicam unit’s tractable and usable all-day performance belies its extremely compact dimensions. They are the result of clever packaging touches such as housing the water pump within the clutch casing, and using the engine’s balancer shafts to also drive water and oil pumps. As a result, longitudinally, it is the same length as Honda’s popular 500cc engine, and its short height contributes to the Africa Twin Adventure Sport’s 270mm of ground clearance.
For 2018, a modified airbox improves the power unit’s mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and also contributes to the improved performance.
A significant addition to the Africa Twin platform for 2018 is its new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Also new is an extended range of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) input.
The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gearshifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.
The semi-double cradle steel frame provides the ideal balance of high-speed stability matched to genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The engine is mounted on 6 engine hangers, which keeps vibration to a minimum, avoiding the need for steering dampers. The new lithium-ion battery saves 5.1 lbs on the 2018 Africa Twin’s, and the Adventure Sports version shares several detail changes made to improve the platform’s off-road ability and durability.
Fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs are unchanged for 2018. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are constructed from stainless steel. In addition to the standard dual-purpose 90 front/150 rear rubber, block tires are also approved for fitment.
The new larger 6.37 gallon fuel tank on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports over the standard Africa Twin – and the engine’s fuel efficiency of 51 MPG – provides a range of over 310 miles.
The 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports will be available in one 30th anniversary Tricolor paint scheme to celebrate the XRV650’s launch in 1988.
Key 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Info:
- Colors:
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Colors: White / Blue / Red
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT Colors: White / Blue / Red
- Release Date:
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Release Date: Summer 2018
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT Release Date: Summer 2018
- Prices / MSRP:
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports Price: $14,999 MSRP
- 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT Price: $15,699 MSRP
3. | Key Features
3.1 | Chassis / Suspension
- Longer travel suspension, flatter seat and more upright riding position
- Extended fairing protection and taller screen
- Heated grips as standard plus AC charging socket
- Rider’s footpegs/pillion footpeg hangers designed for off-road use
- Stainless steel spokes offer durability and ease of care
- Emergency Stop Signal function for rear indicators
The 2018 Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports share a steel semi-double-cradle frame that provides nimble on-road manners plus stable high-speed characteristics, as well as genuine off-road capability. Thanks to updated Showa suspension, the Adventure Sports offers 10.6 inches of ground clearance (.8 inches more than the Africa Twin). Each has a wheelbase of 61.2 inches, and rake/trail figures of 27.5°/4.5 inches. Curb weight for the Adventure Sports is 533 pounds (556 pounds DCT), while the standard model weighs in at 507 lbs. (529 pounds DCT).
The Adventure Sports’ updated 45mm Showa cartridge-type inverted fork has 8.9 inches of suspension stroke (up .9 inches from the standard Africa Twin), offering excellent long-travel performance. A cast aluminum top yoke and forged bottom yoke – joined by hollow aluminum stem shaft – clamp the fork legs with two bolts each top and bottom.
Matching the supple front suspension the Showa rear shock delivers an extra .8 inches travel, for a total of 9.4 inches. Its upper mount is set low for mass centralization and it features a 46mm cylinder remote reservoir for stable damping control under more extreme off-road riding conditions. Spring preload can be adjusted via a dial on the shock body; rebound and compression damping are also fully adjustable.
On both models, the shock has a low upper mount for mass centralization, and it features a 46mm remote reservoir for stable damping control under more extreme off-road conditions. Spring preload can be adjusted via a dial on the shock body; rebound and compression damping are also fully adjustable.
There are some other updates shared between both Africa Twins that off-road riders are sure to appreciate: the rider’s footpegs are now wider, and feature beefed-up steel mounting plates. The pillion footpeg hangers have also been redesigned to allow more room for the rider’s feet when standing and the instruments are angled at a shallower angle to allow the rider to see them easily from a standing position.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ styling is less minimalist than the Africa Twin; the dual headlights are shared but it has a larger fairing matched with an 80mm taller screen to offer greater wind protection. It also features heated grips as standard plus an AC socket.
A large sump guard is unique to the machine and protects the underside while the front side pipes guard the bodywork. Brushed aluminum cowling panels add tough appeal and class; the rear mudguard and stainless steel rack are also easily removed. aluminum side cases will be available.
To match the raised seat height the handlebar position is 32.5mm higher and pulled back 5mm.
The rear indicators now also offer an Emergency Stop Signal function. At a minimum speed of 32 MPH, with either brake working, if negative acceleration of a minimum of 6.0m/s2 is detected the hazard lights flash, warning other road users a hard stop is in process. At the same speed the threshold is reduced with ABS in play – for wet conditions – to a negative acceleration of a minimum 2.5m/s2.
The indicators now also auto-cancel. Rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.
Compact two-piece, radial-mount, four-piston calipers work dual 310mm “wave” floating rotors through sintered pads and serve up consistent stopping power and feel on-road or off. The rear rotor has a diameter of 256mm and also features a “wave” design. The lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off at the rear.
Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports uses 21/18-inch front rear spoked wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tires. The spokes are manufactured in stainless steel for improved durability and ease of care.
Block pattern tires (Continental 90/90-21M/C 545 and 150/70 B18M/C 70Q,) are now approved by Honda for fitment to take full advantage of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ off-road abilities.
3.2 | Engine Management Electronics / Technology
- Throttle By Wire (TBW) brings with it 3 rider modes to tailor engine character and traction
- The riding modes are comprised of different levels of Power (P), Engine Braking (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- HSTC now has 7 levels and OFF
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ 998cc SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine’s 2018 upgrade sees it receive Throttle By Wire (TBW) that opens the door to four individual riding modes and an expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system.
The use of TBW greatly expands the choices available to the rider to manage engine output, feel, and rear-wheel traction. Whereas the 2017 Africa Twin had three levels of HSTC, plus OFF, the new system features seven levels—from Level 1, for aggressive riding off-road on block-pattern tires, to Level 7, for maximum sense of security on slippery, wet tarmac. It is still possible to turn HSTC completely off.
There are also 3 levels of Power and Engine Braking available.
In a set-up first used on the RC213V-S – Honda’s street legal version of its MotoGP racer – three riding modes offer pre-set combinations of each parameter, suitable to different riding environments and scenarios:
- TOUR mode employs the lowest Power (1), medium Engine Braking (2), and high HSTC (6).
- URBAN mode uses mid-level Power (2) and Engine Braking (2), and high HSTC (6).
- GRAVEL mode allows maximum Power (3) and Engine Braking (1), with high HSTC (6).
- A fourth mode – USER – allows the rider to set and save his or her preferred combination of Power, engine braking, and HSTC levels. Riding mode and HSTC level can be changed at any time using the controls on the left switchgear.
3.3 | Engine
- New intake design and exhaust aid mid-range response
- New exhaust also designed to improve engine note
- New lighter balance shaft weight
- New lithium-ion battery saves 5.1 lbs and enhances durability
- Power is smooth and consistent, with linear torque delivery
- Assist / slipper clutch helps upshifts and downshifts
Alongside the new engine management electronics for 2018, the 998cc SOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine used in both Africa Twin models airbox now features a 20mm longer funnel length, matched with redesigned exhaust internals to significantly boost mid-range response and sound. The two-into-one downpipe now feeds exhaust through two catalyzers (up from one) into a simplified, smaller-volume muffler (4 liters instead of 4.6) that houses two chambers rather three.
Peak horsepower of 94 still arrives @ 7,500 RPM, with 73 ft/lb torque @ 6,000 RPM. Bore and stroke are set at 92 x 75.1mm, with compression ratio of 10.0:1; the 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s distinctive throb and feel for rear wheel traction.
Good ground clearance – crucial to off-road performance – starts with a compact, short engine. So the crankcases are split vertically; the water pump is housed within the clutch casing with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. Manual and DCT versions of the engine share common crankcases with only minor external differences.
For 2018, the engine’s balancer-shaft weights that drive the water and oil pumps have been lightened by 10.6 ounces for added character and feel in power delivery. As was the case before, the crankcases are split vertically; the water pump is housed within the clutch casing, with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. The water and oil pumps are driven by the engine’s balancer shafts. These features contribute to the engine being compact and short, and to optimum ground clearance, a crucial element to off-road performance.
Four-valve cylinder heads, fed by PGM-FI fuel injection, each employ twin spark plugs and dual and sequential ignition control for even combustion. Honda’s SOHC Unicam® valve train is a feature of the CRF450R and the low-set position of the cast camshaft contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head. The inlet valves are 36.5mm in diameter, whereas the exhaust valves are 31mm.
The engine uses a semi-dry sump and in-tank lower-crankcase oil storage, allowing a shallow pan depth and reducing overall engine height. As the pressure-fed pump is located within the oil tank, there is no need for a pressure-feed passage, again saving weight and space.
Secondary vibrations are neutralized by the mutually reciprocating motion of the pistons, while primary inertial and coupling vibrations are cancelled by the use of biaxial balance shafts. The front balancer shaft uses two weights, the rear only a single weight.
The aluminum clutch center and pressure plate use ‘assist’ cams to ease upshift and downshift (with light lever feel) and ‘slipper’ cams for deceleration and downshifting. The six-speed gearbox uses ‘pierced’ shape dogs for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear, allowing use of a smaller, lighter clutch. Oil gathering ribs on the main journal side of the primary gear ensure consistent lubrication for the gear, damper spring and primary sub-gear.
On the manual-transmission versions, the aluminum clutch center and pressure plate use “assist” cams to ease shifting (with light lever feel) and “slipper” cams for deceleration and downshifting. Oil-gathering ribs on the main journal side of the primary gear ensure consistent lubrication for the gear, damper spring, and primary sub-gear. The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF450R to ensure positive changes.
New for 2018, a lithium-ion battery is 5.1 lbs. lighter than the lead-acid unit of the 2017 Africa Twin and offers greater longevity, both in terms of life and the ability to retain a charge.
A quickshifter is available as an optional extra.
3.4 | Dual Clutch Transmission | DCT (Optional)
- Super-fast, seamless gear changes in Manual Transmission (MT) or Automatic D mode
- S mode (with 3 levels) revs higher and downshifts sooner, for aggressive riding
- G switch improves rear wheel traction when off-road
- Incline detection adapts shift pattern depending on road gradient
Honda’s unique and very advanced automatic DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) delivers consistent, rapid, seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature to use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears: the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.
Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear through the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as the second clutch simultaneously engages. As the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption to rear-wheel drive, gear-change shock and pitching of the machine are minimized, resulting in shifts that are not only smooth, but direct.
The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimized, making the change feel direct as well as smooth.
The extra benefits of durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a shift), impossibility of stalling, low-stress urban riding, and reduced rider fatigue add to the appeal of DCT.
Three modes of gear-change operation are available. Manual mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift with the handlebar triggers. Automatic Drive mode is ideal for city and highway riding, and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic Sport mode offers three levels of sportier riding, as the ECU lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, and shifts down sooner when decelerating, for extra engine braking.
In either Drive or Sport mode, immediate manual intervention is possible; the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers on the left side of the handlebar. After an appropriate interval (depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed, and gear position), the DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode.
The Africa Twin models’ DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure environment, with off-road functionality enhanced by the G switch positioned on the right side of the instrument panel. In any riding mode, pushing the G switch reduces the amount of clutch slip during gear changes.
Further functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, adapting the gear-shift pattern depending on the grade of an incline.
4. | Accessories
A full range of genuine Honda accessories is available for the CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports, including:
- Touring bags
- Aluminum luggage set
- Rubber passenger foot pegs
- DCT foot shifter
- Fog lamps
- Wheel stripes
- Alarm system
- Center stand
- Sump guard
- Lower and higher seats
- I’ll have pictures of the accessories uploaded shortly…
5. | Pictures / Photo Gallery
6. | Technical Specifications
| Model | CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT | CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports | CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT | CRF1000L Africa Twin |
| ENGINE | ||||
| Type | 998cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin | |||
| Valve Train | SOHC; four valves per cylinder | |||
| Bore x Stroke | 92.0mm x 75.0mm | |||
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | |||
| Induction | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (Throttle By Wire) | |||
| Ignition | Full transistorized ignition | |||
| Starter | Electric | |||
| Transmission | 6 speed automatic DCT | 6 speed manual | 6 speed automatic DCT | 6 speed manual |
| Clutch | 2 multiplate wet | Multiplate wet | 2 multiplate wet | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | Chain | |||
| SUSPENSION | ||||
| Front | 45mm inverted telescopic fork; 9.9 in. travel | 45mm inverted telescopic fork; 9.1 in. travel | ||
| Rear | Pro-Link® system w/ single shock; 9.4 in. travel | Pro-Link system w/ single shock; 8.7 in. travel | ||
| BRAKES | ||||
| Front | Two dual-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm disks; ABS | |||
| Rear | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256mm disk; ABS | |||
| TIRES | ||||
| Front | 90/90-21 | |||
| Rear | 150/70R-17 | |||
| MEASUREMENTS | ||||
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27º 30º | |||
| Trail | 111mm (4.37 in.) | 111mm (4.44 in.) | ||
| Length | 92.1 in. | 91.9 in. | ||
| Width | 36.6 in. | |||
| Height | 61.8 in. | 58.1 in. | ||
| Seat Height | 36.2 in. / 35.4 in. | 34.3 in. / 33.5 in. | ||
| Ground Clearance | 10.6 in. | 9.8 in. | ||
| Wheelbase | 62.2 in. | 62.0 in. | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 6.4 gal. | 4.97 gal. | ||
| Color | White/Blue/Red | TBA | ||
| Curb Weight* | 555.8 lbs. | 532.6 lbs. | 530.0 lbs. | 506.8 lbs. |
* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride. Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Hello, maybe you can help me with my question. I am used to manual motorcycles, harleys. And, while lane splitting (in california is legal) in traffic, i would pull the clutch lever and rev the engine so that the cars could hear me and i could safely ride in between cars. The DCT from Honda has a “N” button (neutral), if i ride the DCT on “manual” mode and i press the “N” button to rev the engine, and then go back to “D” or to “Manual” will the bike know which gear to come back to? Will i damage either the transmission or clutch? I don’t think this might ne good for the bike. I still don’t have the bike but i have this question. I hope you can help. Cheers!
Good question… The DCT electronics won’t allow you to shift into neutral while riding to rev the engine like that. You can hit the button and it won’t do anything. You can hit the kill switch and it will coast / freewheel and go to neutral when it stops.
Hi Kevin – Wet Curb weight is listed in specs … but where can I find dry weight to allow me to calculate the safe rider/passenger/cargo maximum weight?