Honda has announced the updates for its flagship adventure bike, the CRF1100L Africa Twin, and its sibling, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports, for the 2024 model year. The new models feature more torque, a redesigned fairing, a larger windscreen, and other improvements to enhance the riding experience.
More Low-End Power For The Parallel-Twin Engine
The heart of the Africa Twin remains the same 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 102 hp at 7,500 rpm. However, Honda has tweaked the engine to produce more low-end torque for better performance in various riding conditions. The new engine delivers 112 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, which is a seven percent increase from the previous version that peaked at 6,250 rpm.
To achieve this improvement, Honda has changed the compression ratio from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1, adjusted the valve timing, modified the intake ports, and revised the engine control unit (ECU) settings. The exhaust system has also been updated to reduce weight and improve sound quality. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, and both models offer Honda’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option.
A New Fairing And A Larger Windscreen For Better Aerodynamics And Comfort
Both models of the Africa Twin get a new fairing that has been redesigned for better aerodynamics and wind protection. The fairing also features a new LED headlight and cornering lights that improve visibility and safety. The windscreen is now larger and electronically adjustable to five positions, allowing riders to customize their airflow and comfort.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports also gets a new seat that uses a urethane foam cushion that is 15 mm thicker than the previous version. The seat is designed to reduce fatigue and increase comfort for long-distance riding. The seat height is also adjustable between 835 mm and 855 mm.
New Wheels And Suspension Options For Different Riding Styles
The Africa Twin maintains its off-road-oriented wheel size of 21 inches in front and 18 inches in rear, but now comes with tubeless Metzeler Karoo Street tires as standard. These tires offer better grip and durability on various terrains. The suspension is manually adjustable with 45 mm diameter upside-down forks that have 230 mm of travel in front and a mono-shock that has 220 mm of travel in rear.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports gets a new 19-inch front wheel that lowers its center of gravity and improves its handling on paved roads. The suspension stroke is also reduced by 20 mm in both ends, resulting in 210 mm of travel in front and 200 mm of travel in rear. The suspension is electronically adjustable with Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA), which offers five modes: Soft, Mid, Hard, Off-Road, and User. The Showa EERA is also available as an option on the standard Africa Twin.
Other Features And Specifications
Both models of the Africa Twin come with a 5-inch TFT-LCD screen that has smartphone connectivity, five ride modes, cruise control, full LED lighting, USB charging socket, two-channel ABS, wheelie control, traction control, and emergency stop signal. The Adventure Sports also has heated grips, an aluminum rear carrier, an accessory socket, and tubeless tire repair kit as standard equipment.
The weight of the Africa Twin is reduced by 2 kg to 231 kg with 18.8 liters of fuel in the tank. The weight of the Adventure Sports is reduced by 4 kg to 243 kg with 24.8 liters of fuel in the tank.
The new models will be available in Europe and UK markets from October 2023. The prices have not been announced yet.
