Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Next up, something simple, well by comparison to the Lola T70…
https://i.imgur.com/NQ8T3nV.jpg
I'm building it straight out of the box, but not following the proper sequence as the instructions show because I wanted to see how the chain builds up. I considered getting the detail-up kit for the chain, but I thought I'd try to stick with the true OOB spirit just in case it looks good enough...
The kit provides a nice booklet of photos for reference and the instructions have detailed color call outs. However the two don't match on every item so I'm using both as a guide. The info for the chain falls in between the two.
https://i.imgur.com/2aTPimh.jpg

The rims are two pieces affairs and fit very well, but there is still a fine but unwanted seam where the halves meet.
https://i.imgur.com/NrolwKs.jpg
The color called out for the rims is Gold Leaf but I thought the anodized gold look in the reference photos looked cooler so I used Titanium Gold under Clear Yellow from the LP colors.
https://i.imgur.com/E9NwYI5.jpg
The spokes after being painted.
https://i.imgur.com/D7TQxiu.jpg

The instructions on how to assemble the wheels is very detailed and specific even down to the cements to be used. The jig that is provided to lace the wheels works great.
https://i.imgur.com/XVKhLtR.jpg
They also instruct to use the same jig to install the tires; unfortunately it has three little ribs to center the rim that chipped the paint when I tried to install the front tire. Since the spokes were cemented into the rim I had to repair the paint damage as an assembled unit, so I made cardstock mask and blended the two colors.
https://i.imgur.com/JzD6qqa.jpg

I did not use the jig for the rear tire or for the front after I repaired the paint damage. The tires fit without too much effort onto the rims. I guess if you don't paint the rims the jig is a good idea for mounting the tires.
https://i.imgur.com/AmwfzGh.jpg

Like most motorcycle models I build, I do the brake rotors early on if not the very first thing. Since these came pre-drilled all I had to do was paint them. But that took a couple days with drying times.
https://i.imgur.com/YP4zQhR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KgWOSnf.jpg

Time to go to the beginning of the instructions and build on the engine.
I think I spent more time painting bolts than anything else and now I can see that some of the details will get covered by guards.
https://i.imgur.com/IFwqLgf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TxrDgJK.jpg

ohhhh - following!

The frame has been built up and painted. I used the recommended colors and was pleasantly surprised at how the color, sheen and texture came out.
https://i.imgur.com/bJX0qb5.jpg
The engine is a tight fit, but the instructions are clear on how to easily to twist it into place.
https://i.imgur.com/IKowy6r.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aL388wD.jpg

Mono shock.
https://i.imgur.com/HHX1kLf.jpg

Since I did a lot of painting before assembly, it built up pretty quickly and is getting to be a good size already.
https://i.imgur.com/q5WCGDn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xmzD9p1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fcmL96d.jpg

Swing arm.
https://i.imgur.com/5QDzFYh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/I6BDtCz.jpg

It builds up pretty quickly, if you do a lot of paint work ahead of time…
https://i.imgur.com/Q91oKIG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ODefYQc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OghEbAu.jpg

There's a good amount of time invested in the radiators and fans, but I suspect they won't be seen when the model is done.
https://i.imgur.com/Bop0fu8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7tvEy2j.jpg

I thought I should get some of the six "body" panels painted so they could be drying while I build other parts. (I'm going to need the front fender soon.)
TS-45 Pearl White over TS-26 Pure White. I shot a coat of TS-13 Clear too. Can't hurt before the decals…
https://i.imgur.com/ySuPI0g.jpg

The forks are mostly metal and functional; they have springs in them too.
https://i.imgur.com/sI51vUM.jpg

Great progress! Very clean and well executed! Being 1/6 scale, things do look more realistic too.

Thanks!

I applied the decals to the front fender.
https://i.imgur.com/pAzJpbi.jpg

The kit provided masks for the tank work well. They aren't die cut; they have to be hand cut by the builder.
https://i.imgur.com/9APFuYF.jpg
I airbrushed the LP equivalent of the TS Pearl Blue called out in the instructions.
https://i.imgur.com/ET7C9mo.jpg
The tank decals fit fine, but be prepared to spend a good 30 minutes applying each one of these two.
https://i.imgur.com/kfUmWXo.jpg

The exhaust system is ready to be installed. Since the rest of the build is closer to showroom stock I decided not to heat stain the pipes.
https://i.imgur.com/KaLphWO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/32saIm5.jpg

I figured I should apply all the decals to the fairings so I could shoot clear on them together.
https://i.imgur.com/nbzlOgT.jpg

This is the main assembly so far. It's gaining mass at this point. https://i.imgur.com/AiiYOTp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tStorYG.jpg

I also applied the kit decals to a handful of other small parts and then decided to make the decals for the switches and controls on the handlebars. I made over a dozen decals for these two parts.
https://i.imgur.com/xSoJLDQ.jpg

Oooh, so tempted to buy one ;) Very nice build!

I'd say go for it! And thanks!


Fork assembly… ready for installation.
https://i.imgur.com/WgOEiBI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/79SvdJM.jpg

Those handle bar switches look like the actual thing.

Nice going, keep it up.

the handlebar switches are next level, it must be a lot of work to get those small decals readible

Thanks guys! The switches were a little tedious to do, but easily well worth the effort.


Handlebars ready for installation.
https://i.imgur.com/JfQ97JA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HHEZq0l.jpg

I wasn't going to cut and buff the clear after looking at the photos of the real thing, but then I decided it would look better if I did. After polishing I added the warning decal.
https://i.imgur.com/Riracaf.jpg

The seat…
https://i.imgur.com/3PpRoNt.jpg

Great job so far

The paint colors coming out nicely.
I wonder if you had to remove chrome parts and paint your own.
The metal parts do look real.

I will continue to follow to see how it turns out!

Thanks! I used the kit provided chrome parts.

It's done now and in the completed section.

Great build! What’s next??

Thanks Stuart!
I'm already two months into planning another long-term (Lotus inspired) project. Even made the wheels and tires (from scratch). But in the mean time I have a bunch more simpler projects to play with... I'll share them here.