Motorcycle engine repair Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin (2015-2020)

Service information — cylinder head/valve/camshaft
General This section covers service of the valves, rocker arms and camshaft. These services can be done with the engine installed in the frame. When disassembling, mark and store the disassembled parts to ensure that they are reinstalled in their...

Troubleshooting — cylinder head/valve/camshaft
Engine top-end problems usually affect engine performance. These can be diagnosed by a compression test, or by tracing noises to the top-end with a sounding rod or stethoscope. If the performance is poor at low speeds, check for a white smoke in the...

Component location — cylinder head/valve/camshaft
Component location

Cylinder compression — cylinder head/valve/camshaft
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug caps and remove the spark plugs (page 3-5). Disconnect the fuel pump unit 3P (Black) connector (page 7-4). Install the compression gauge [1] into the...

Cylinder head cover — removal and installation
Removal Remove the ignition coil tray (page 5-9). Remove the bolts [1]. Remove the cylinder head cover [1] to the right side as shown. Remove the plug pipe seals [1] and cylinder head cover packing [2]. Installation Install new plug pipe seals [1]....

Rocker arm — removal, installation and inspection
Removal Remove the cylinder head cover (page 10-4). Remove the crankshaft hole cap and the timing hole cap (page 3-8). Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise and align the "T1" mark [1] on the flywheel with the index mark [2] of the alternator cover....

Cam chain tensioner lifter — removal, installation and inspection
Removal/installation Remove the cam chain tensioner lifter plug [1] and sealing washer [2]. Turn the cam chain tensioner lifter shaft fully in (clockwise) and secure it using the special tool. Tool: Tensioner holder B [1] 070MG-0010100 Remove the...

Camshaft — removal, installation and inspection
Removal Remove the rocker arms (page 10-6). Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise and align the "T2" mark [1] on the flywheel with the index mark [2] of the alternator cover. Make sure that the punch mark [3] on the cam sprocket align with the upper...

Cylinder head — removal, installation, disassembly, inspection and assembly
Removal Remove the engine (page 16-5). Remove the camshaft (page 10-9). Remove the 6 mm bolts [1]. Loosen the cylinder head bolts [2] in a crisscross pattern in 2 or 3 steps, and remove them. Remove the cylinder head [3]. Do not tap the cylinder...

Insulator — cylinder head/valve/camshaft
Remove the throttle body (page 7-12). Loosen the band screws [1] and remove the insulators [2]. Installation is in the reverse order of removal. Note: Align the insulator grooves [3] with the upper crankcase lugs [4]. Install the insulators with the...

Service information — crankcase/transmission/balancer
General (CRF1000/A) The crankcase must be separated to service the following: Transmission Crankshaft (page 15-4) Piston/cylinder (page 15-12) The following components must be removed before separating the crankcase: Engine (page 16-5) Clutch (page...

Troubleshooting — crankcase/transmission/balancer
Hard to shift Improper clutch operation Incorrect engine oil weight Bent shift fork Bent shift fork shaft Bent shift fork claw Damaged shift drum groove Bent gearshift spindle CRF1000/A (page 12-17) CRF1000D (page 13-74) Transmission jumps out of...

Component location — crankcase/transmission/balancer
Component location CRF1000/A CRF1000D

Front and rear balancer
Front balancer Removal Remove the flywheel (page 11-7). Install the special tool between the front balancer drive and driven gears. Tool: Gear holder, 2.5 [1] 07724-0010100 Remove the front balancer gear bolt [2] and washer [3]. Line up the front...

Crankcase separation — crankcase/transmission/balancer
For Service Information for removal of the necessary parts before separating the crankcase (page 14-2). Remove the bolts [1], water hose flange [2], and O-ring [3]. CRF1000D: Remove the cam chain tensioner pivot bolt [1], cam chain tensioner [2],...

Transmission — removal/disassembly
Removal/disassembly Countershaft Separate the crankcase halves (page 14-13). Remove the countershaft assembly [1]. Remove the dowel pin [2]. Disassemble the countershaft assembly. Clean all disassembled parts in solvent thoroughly. Note: Keep track...

Crankcase assembly — crankcase/transmission/balancer
Apply liquid sealant (TB1207B manufactured by Three Bond or equivalent) to the crankcase mating surface as shown. Note: Do not apply more liquid sealant than necessary. Do not apply liquid sealant to the crankcase main journal bolts area and the oil...

Service information — crankshaft/piston/cylinder
General The crankcase must be separated to service the crankshaft and pistons and connecting rods. Mark and store the connecting rods, bearing caps, and bearing inserts to be sure of their correct locations for reassembly. The crankpin and main...

Troubleshooting — crankshaft/piston/cylinder
Cylinder compression is too low, hard to starting, or poor performance at low speed Leaking cylinder head gasket Loose spark plug Worn, stuck or broken piston ring Worn or damaged cylinder and piston Cylinder compression too high, overheating, or...

Component location — crankshaft/piston/cylinder
Component location CRF1000D shown

Crankshaft — side clearance inspection
Separate the crankcase halves (page 14-13). Side clearance inspection Measure the connecting rod side clearance. Service limit: 0.35 mm (0.014 in) If the clearance exceeds the service limit, replace the connecting rod. Recheck and if still out of...

Main journal bearing — inspection
Notice: Do not interchange the bearing inserts. They must be installed in their original locations or the correct bearing oil clearance may not be obtained, resulting in engine damage. Remove the crankshaft (page 15-4). Bearing inspection Inspect...

Crankpin bearing — installation and inspection
Notice: Do not interchange the bearing inserts. They must be installed in their original locations or the correct bearing oil clearance may not be obtained, resulting in engine damage. Remove the crankshaft (page 15-4). Bearing inspection Check the...

Piston/cylinder — removal and installation
Piston/connecting rod removal Notice: Before piston removal, place a clean shop towel around the connecting rod to prevent damaging the cylinder sleeve. Do not try to remove the piston/connecting rod assembly from bottom of the cylinder; the...

Service information — engine removal/installation
General A hoist or equivalent is required to support the motorcycle when removing and installing the engine. When removing/installing the engine, tape the frame around the engine beforehand for frame protection. When installing the engine, be sure...

Component location — engine removal/installation
Component location CRF1000/A CRF1000D

Engine removal
Support the motorcycle using a safety stand or hoist. Remove the following: Muffler/exhaust pipe (page 2-16) Engine oil filter (page 3-12) Ignition coil tray (page 5-9) Radiator (page 8-6) Radiator reserve tank (page 8-10) Gearshift spindle cover...

Engine installation
Place the jack or other adjustable support under the engine. Place the engine in the frame, then loosely install all the bolts, nuts and collars into the correct position. During engine installation, hold the engine securely and be careful not to...