2016-2017 Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin
998cc parallel twin 94bhp 232/242kg
Recycling the name of its V-twin adventure bike from the 80s and 90s, the 2016 Africa Twin owed the original no heritage other than its concept. The CRF1000L — a 998cc parallel twin in a steel-cradle frame, available with standard transmission or with Honda’s DCT auto-box — generated excitement when it was announced for 2016.
And the excitement was well-founded for most owners. The Africa Twin’s blend of peppy performance and Honda’s build quality was an immediate winner, as the bike hit an adventure sweet spot with less bulk than a 1200 GS but more big-bike presence than a BMW F800 GS or Triumph Tiger 800. A few hardier off-road types found it a bit too fragile in an off-road spill — a bike with panniers would be capable of twisting the subframe and writing the bike off (it was replaced with a bolt-on subframe in 2020). And the wire spokes quickly corroded — initially made from a mild-chromed steel for strength and weight, a partial solution of extra corrosion treatment didn’t work and they were replaced under warranty with thicker stainless steel spokes.
The CRF was revised in 2018 (and again in 2020), adding an Adventure version with a larger tank and fly-bywire electronics with traction control and rider mode options. However, the first bike remains popular enough to make it to number four in our Top 50; the only bike with such a short model lifespan to do so.
Look out for Too soon for mechanical woes; check the bike hasn’t been bent in a spill and if it’s been off-road, check suspension and steering. Remember the valve-clearance check is 16,000 miles on the AT and it’s not a cheap or quick job. Pay £6800 to £7200 for a 15,000plus miles 16 bike, up to £8500 for a bike with luggage and under 10,000 miles.