Search the Community

SEATTLE, WA – October 18, 2016 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Motorcycle accessory manufacturer AltRider is now stocking their DualControl Brake System for the 2016-17 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. This innovative device offers riders better control over their rear brake lever in both seated and standing positions, making it an ideal upgrade for adventure riders looking to leave the pavement. AltRider’s DualControl Brake System provides quick access to the Africa Twin’s rear brake, no matter what position the rider is in. “Most ADV riders change their foot position as they switch between standing and sitting,” explained AltRider Founder Jeremy LeBreton. “If your foot is not situated properly on the rear brake pedal, you’re potentially doubling reaction time and stopping distance, which can be especially hazardous when riding off-road. The DualControl Brake System aims to correct that problem so riders can maintain control over the rear brake at all times.” AltRider’s patent-pending DualControl Brake System features two pieces to help enhance a rider’s control and reaction time: a riser and an enlarger plate. When a rider transitions from a seated position to a standing position, the change in angle tends to bring the front of the foot higher and further away from the rear brake lever. The riser was designed to provide quick access to the rear brake, no matter what position the rider is in. The enlarger plate was designed to combat the effects of off-road terrain on the rider’s footpeg position. This piece provides a greater surface area to minimize slips or misses in bumpy riding conditions. With both pieces installed, the DualControl Brake System helps Africa Twin riders improve reaction time and control over the rear brake lever. Features Include: Patent pending design 25.4mm tall riser is constructed of billet aluminum Billet aluminum enlarger plate is precision fit to the Africa Twin Replaceable grip pins provide traction in all conditions Riser and enlarger available separately or as a kit Installs easily with included stainless steel hardware Available in silver or black finish 100% designed and manufactured in the USA] The AltRider DualControl Brake System is 100% engineered and manufactured in the United States. The riser and enlarger are offered separately or as a kit, and are available in a silver or black finish. AltRider DualControl Brake Systems are available at www.AltRider.com and through authorized AltRider dealers. About AltRider.com From their vast catalog of American-made protection pieces and other accessories to their annual signature rides, AltRider is all about giving riders the freedom of adventure. The Seattle-based company designs, tests and manufactures its products to function well, look good on the bike, and stand up to brutal riding conditions. Learn more at www.altrider.com.

Now that these bikes are starting to hit US shores I thought it would be good to start tracking some of the owner-reported problems. I heard they delayed the US launch to deal with many of them but I wanted to list what I've seen so far and ask others to include what they know. It's very common for bike buyers to search for "problems with Honda CRF1000L" before they buy. Known issues: Corrosion: spokes, bolts, fasteners Buttons: sticking/jamming Spokes: corrosion, breaking (too thin?) Heated grips: not working or weak; possibly heat controller under seat Rear rack coating: scratches/mars easily Sensor replacement: some internal engine sensor had to be replaced (oil?) Throttle control: jerky in slow technical situations Clutch cable: can pop out Peg mounts popping off Transmission sticking

HOLLISTER, CA - December 2, 2016 - (Motor Sports Newswire) - Corbin has replaced the two piece stock unit with a single piece model to provide more structural support and the ability to accept a removable passenger backrest. We've built two models, one to emulate the seat height of the stock seat in the upper position and one to provide an easier ground reach like the stock seat in the low position (Available Soon!) By designing each seat specifically, we were able to keep excellent ergonomics and a properly neutralized seating platform. Passenger seating area is designed with a neutralized platform to curb sliding forward in the saddle. Dished shaping provides an excellent contact patch while maintaining a clean look. This gives your passenger excellent comfort. For additional comfort and feeling of security, the Corbin saddle works with an optional removable passenger backrest. Simple to install with just a single bolt under the saddle and fully adjustable to provide a tailored fit. Corbin's saddle is designed to work with the optional Honda saddlebags. Mounts to the motorcycle similar to stock and secures with the Honda key lock system. All brackets are included and pre-mounted on the seat so it's ready for immediate installation. Fit, form, and function proudly Made in the U.S.A. The finest and most comfortable motorcycle saddles available. Part# H-AT-16-H High Dual Saddle no heat, 2016-2017 Honda Africa Twin M.S.R.P. $473 Part# H-AT-16-H-E High Dual Saddle With Heat, 2016-2017 Honda Africa Twin M.S.R.P. $593 For further details on this product and accessories, click here Source: Corbin-Pacific Inc.

This video came in my inbox while I was riding in Colorado... From AltRider Luggage rack Skid plate Upper & lower crash bars As for their crashbars, the salient points seem to be they're made of thicker tubing, don't have sharp bends (adds to strength) and are attached better.

CHINO, CA - June 8, 2016 - (Motor Sports Newswire) - The much anticipated Adventure bike from Honda, the Africa Twin is finally here. Yoshimura is ready for the big red adventure enthusiast with the rock steady RS-4 slip-on . This RS-4, like every slip on we make, is specifically designed for the new Honda to unleash the power, sound and style that can only be Yoshimura. Removing the stock muffler saves over 4 pounds and makes the 988cc parallel twin engine growl! Oval ellipse shaped sleeve Yoshimura's Works Finish for increased durability & adventure friendly design Features an integrated inlet heat shield design for a seamless transition with the stock heat shield The 2016 Honda Africa Twin with the new Street Series RS-4 SS/SS/CF WF slip-on The 2016 Honda Africa Twin with the new Street Series RS-4 SS/SS/CF WF slip-on The Street Series RS-4 SS/SS/CF WF slip-on is a perfect fit on the Africa Twin 2016 Honda Africa Twin Street Series RS-4 pricing Honda Africa Twin 2016 Street RS-4 SO SS/SS/CF WF Part #12400BD520 MSRP:$549.00 Weight savings over stock 4.1 lbs Street Series by Yoshimura - All Street Series systems are Slip-on/Bolt-on applications do not require tampering with the vehicle's emissions control system, yet still deliver that special spirit the world has come to expect from the legendary company known as Yoshimura. Street Series applications cover all of the iconic profiles that Yoshimura has become famous for. From the legendary R-77 mufflers, our R-55 angular masterpieces, and now the new Alpha profile. Our Street Series exhaust offer street-legal options for almost everything on two wheels About Yoshimura R&D of America Yoshimura is "The Leader in Performance" and has been for 60 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket. Yoshimura exhaust systems are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that has been our trademark for six decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view our wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.

a little bird told me. Watch this space.

998cc adventure motorcycle to feature all-new compact parallel-twin engine TORRANCE, CA – July 24, 2015 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda is pleased to announce further technical details on the new CRF1000L Africa Twin, which will be in Honda showrooms across the United States in early 2016. Like its celebrated forerunners, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is thoroughly equipped for true adventure, with a potent engine and dynamic chassis ready to explore continents, on- or off-road. From the start of the CRF1000L Africa Twin project there was one motorcycle that consistently impressed with its balance of usability, poise and handling, on the road and in the dirt—the seminal XRV750 Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark, even when set against today's myriad choice of adventure motorcycles. The machine that now bears its name shares no common parts with the old model but it inherits the full the essence and spirit of what made the XRV750 Africa Twin so good. The "true adventure" approach starts with the engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road long-range touring and all points in between. The CRF1000L Africa Twin's 998cc parallel-twin power plant draws heavily on Honda's off-road race experience with the CRF250R/450R competition machines, and uses the same four-valve Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast camshaft—using the same materials as that on the CBR1000RR—operates the valve train, and twin spark plugs fire the fuel/air mixture in each combustion chamber. Strong and linear power and torque deliver instant response anywhere in the rev-range—accompanied by a satisfying, characterful deep growl as rpm rises. A 270° phased crankshaft gives the power delivery a distinct character as well, delivering excellent feel for rear-wheel traction. Biaxial primary balance shafts cancel vibration. The engine's short height contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin's excellent ground clearance—another prerequisite for a true adventure machine. It also uses clever packaging of componentry to both dynamic and aesthetic effect. The water pump is housed within the clutch casing, and the water and oil pumps are driven by a shared balancer shaft. Further reducing engine size is the lower crankcase design, which stores the oil and houses the pressure-fed pump. The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF250R/450R to ensure positive changes and is equipped with an assist slipper clutch. For the CRF1000L Africa Twin's chassis, three key attributes—highlights of the original XRV750—were targeted: off-road performance, touring comfort and the everyday agility that makes for a great all-rounder or day-to-day commuter. A steel semi-double cradle frame provides a balance of highway touring capability—even while fully loaded—genuine off-road performance, agility and sheer strength. Mass centralization—with items like the battery packaged at the rear of the cylinder head—contributes to a low center of gravity. The long-travel Showa inverted fork is fully adjustable and features dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm "wave" style floating discs. The Showa rear shock has hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses 21- and 18-inch front and rear spoke wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tires. Following its design theme of "unlimited adventure," the Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in a tough, lightweight form that offers both weather protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel. Dual headlights maintain the original's signature presence and the seat height adjusts .8 inches to either 34.3 or 33.5 inches. A large 4.96 gallon fuel tank—coupled with the engine's fuel efficiency—stretches the distances between refueling stops. To tailor the overall electronics package to capably tackle any conditions on- or off-road, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system offers three levels of control, and it is possible for the rider to turn off the ABS system for the rear wheel. (HSTC and ABS not available on base version; equipped as standard on DCT/ABS version.) The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in two color options: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally and Silver. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Honda's unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option on the CRF1000L Africa Twin, with the use of a common crankcase keeping the width the same as the manual transmission version. It features the standard manual mode—allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers on the left handlebar—and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel efficiency and comfort cruising. S mode gives extra levels of sport performance, with three different shift patterns to choose from: S1, S2 and S3. In certain situations on the road, such as during low-speed maneuvers, the DCT partially disengages the clutch to reduce the effect that quick throttle movements have on the chassis. Of course, DCT for the CRF1000L Africa Twin is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure environment. With the G switch on in any riding mode, the connection between the throttle and the rear wheel is more direct, which can be desirable in certain off-road situations. Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection. During ascents, upshifts are delayed in order to allow a higher rpm to be held; on descents, downshifts happen earlier to enable better engine braking.