If you are a Honda fan and if that love is focused on the legendary Africa Twin then there are few names more associated with the customization, both for Rally and long-distance travel, than African Queens. But few know about the man behind AQ; Stephan Jaspers. Himself a rally competitor and globetrotter he has been building, racing and touring a plethora of Honda’s adventure sports motorcycles since 1994. From the RD03 to the long-awaited CRF1000L. With his newest rally machine being aptly named the African Queens CRF 1000Rally Africa Twin.
“During the conception of the Rally, I mainly oriented myself towards the construction and look of Honda’s 450 rally bikes. The CRF1000L already comes with a sturdy steel frame, a reliable motor that has a very usable speed range.” So when it came to the engine, Stephan chose to stay with the original. “The power is strong but not too much, and it is transferred to the ground well. A balanced, powerful engine that is not feral but performs like a race engine without being difficult to handle.” The only weak point, according to Stephan, was discovered after a rider snapped off the right footpeg mid-rally and had to finish the race by standing on the swingarm. This Achilles heel has been remedied by a specially designed and machined mount for the right footpeg that allows for the AQ “Sport” footpegs to be fitted.
To better match the standard machine to competition terrain the gearing has been changed to a 16 front sprocket instead of 15 and a rear sprocket of 43 instead of 45 teeth. A K&N air filter lets the engine breathe more freely. Heavy duty water houses improve over the issue of swelling with the stock ones. While an AQ “Adventure Sport” performance manifold with an SC Project performance silencer delivers power and very a pleasing note to the sound of the Rally.
The suspension has been reworked to allow for more significant suspension travel and better damping to deal with the rough terrain encountered in rally conditions. The stock forks have been upgraded with an AQ Race Cartridge System that adds 1.57 inches / 40 mm to the length giving it 10.6 inches / 270 mm’s of suspension travel. A Öhlins TTX “Special Edition” Race shock has been fitted to the rear. “Suspension can be adjusted to the pilot’s individual needs and matched to the specific terrain they are covering.”
The fairing & cockpit has had some major remodeling done to it and now features the specially designed AQ “Rallye Sport” fairing kit made out of ABS plastic with an aluminum subframe that can both function with the original display or a rally style display. The rally style display features two RNS trip masters and a Roadbook holder. “The tower is not only based on the HRC original but its also designed to save weight and provide space for a comprehensive race-ready cockpit.” Up-front the lumens are supplied by EC certified PIAA LED lights.
Further, in the cockpit, all the original controls have been removed to make way for the bare necessities required to operate the road book, RNS trip masters, lights, etc. They sit on a Pro Taper handlebar with a Magura quick action throttle that provides a short stroke. Cycra Probend hand guards protect the Titax brake and clutch levers. Quite an upgrade from the showroom model.
The standard 4.96 gal / 18.8 L fuel tank was retained but with a newly designed set of side panels that leads into the front fairing. Stephan has also created a rear fuel tank and fender system that was launched at last years Eicma show in Milan. A narrow cut AQ sports seat helps with the long stretches of standing required for the conditions encountered in rally riding. With a rear steel tube rack completing the lines of the CRF 1000R.
Excel rims with specially milled hubs and AQ stainless steel spokes round out the wheels while Metzeler tires cover the miles. Stopping power in the front is provided by a single front disc and caliper. The standard issue second one having been removed to save weight. The front hub also features a specially installed Bluetooth sensor that communicates with the RNS trip masters doing the job of a speedometer. “We would repeatedly destroy the original wire speedometer sensor and had to find a more durable solution.”
Replacing the standard issue aluminum skid plate is one made out of carbon fiber which weighs in at 1.76 lb / 800 grams including attachments. And even with the traces of several completed rallies on it, Stephan says he’s “pleasantly surprised that it’s still not broken.” The engine itself is also protected by molded carbon fiber panels. Especially in the sensitive areas where a rock strike could punch a hole in the case and effectively end a race. The frame and swing arm also getting the custom carbon fiber protective treatment. Wrapping up the protection are AQ radiator and reservoir guards laser cut from aluminum.
At a fully fueled weight of 478 lbs / 217 kgs, it is no ordinary dirt bike. But then with several completed rallies, podium finishes and some gold medals after its name, it’s clear that Stephan approaches building a genuine rally bike not only with attention to detail but with the real world experience that comes from decades racing and customizing off-road and road-going adventure bikes.
With these specifications in mind, it might be no surprise then that the price for a true rally ready Africa Twin, without the working hours, painting and the necessary TÜV registration (required in the EU) can already run in the region of 20 000 USD / 17 000 Euros. But with the final product only being determined by the specific conversions required by the customer that list could get temptingly long.
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