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, Italy.

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.

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The 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.

It also comes standard with larger sump guard and front light bars, as well as brushed-aluminum cowling panels, rear mudguard, and easily removable steel rack.

The adjustable seat features a flatter profile and taller height, while its handlebar position is higher and placed more rearward. You’ll also benefit from a storage pocket on rear right.

Honda’s Adventure Sports model has updated, longer-travel, fully-adjustable Showa suspension, resulting in added ground clearance.

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Both CRF1000L Africa Twin models now have auto-canceling turn indicators, while 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.

They now have compact two-piece, radial-mount, four-piston front-brake calipers and wave floating rotors front and rear, plus the lightweight two-channel ABS can be turned off at the rear. The front and rear wheels are fitted in size 21 and 18 inches respectively, with stainless-steel spokes for improved durability.

The 998cc SOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine is updated with a new air-box, now featuring a 20mm longer funnel length and matched to redesigned exhaust internals that significantly improve mid-range response and sound quality. The engine’s balancer-shaft weights have been lightened for added character and feel in power delivery.

Water pumps are 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.

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New for 2018, a lithium-ion battery significantly lighter than the previous lead-acid unit, while both versions are available with Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), delivering consistent, quick, seamless gear changes on-road or off.

Riders 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. Africa Twin models now have a 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, while HSTC can also be completely switched off, and three levels of power and engine braking are available.

Local information including availability and pricing is yet to be released by Honda Motorcycles Australia. Keep an eye on www.hondamotorcycles.com.au for the latest upon release.