2020 Africa Twin Is Here. the New Honda Rocks!

2020 Africa Twin is here. The new Honda Rocks! 1

Big time update for the Africa Twin: all that we needed and more

Honda addressed all the issues the old bike had. And more It’s not just the cruise control, tubeless tires, and higher quality panniers. The new Africa Twin Adventure Sports is lighter (4-5 kg), offers a new dash and six-axis IMU that controls the complete electronics pack. The top version features semi-active suspensions. There’s a more off-road oriented Africa Twin for those who want a less tech – less expensive – more fun motorcycle. For both versions, the engine offers a bit more power and torque, meets the new regulations, and the chassis is slightly revised. It will hit the market sooner than we expected – in late 2019. 

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It’s been four years since Honda relaunched the Africa Twin. More than 87,000 units were sold, and this update is the next step for Honda. After a powerful comeback, Honda has to keep up the pace with the strong rivals. This update is as essential as the relaunch itself was. 

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The new Africa Twin comes in two different versions: the lighter, off-road focused, Africa Twin, and the more touring-oriented Adventure Sports. The latter features all the goodies available on the market. What’s new for both versions:

  • Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit that manages the four riding modes and traction control. Plus: cornering ABS, Wheelie Control (three levels and off), Rear Lift control
  • Cornering detection on the DCT version, which means that the bike will no longer shift gears by itself when in turn. This was an issue we had with the old bike.
  • Full-Color TFT Dash with Apple Car Play and Bluetooth
  • Capacity increases to 1,084 cc – 100 horsepower and 105 NM. Bore remains 92mm, but stroke is longer at 81.5mm (from 75.1mm) with a compression ratio of 10.1:1. The power and torque increase is felt from 2,500 rpm onwards.
  • Completely revised frame with a bolt-on aluminum subframe 
  • Lighter than previous versions. The basic Africa Twin is 4 kg lighter, while the Adventure Sports is 5 kg lighter
  • Cruise control as standard
  • Four riding modes: Off-Road, Gravel, Tour, Urban. Two User modes are also available
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Revised standard suspension
  • Two versions of new panniers: aluminum and plastic. The latter one are different than on previous version and seems to be more resistant.

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The new CRF 1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

It’s the top of the range Africa Twin, with higher touring capabilities, high-end electronics, and semi-active suspensions. It shares the same frame, engine and riding position of the off-road version below, but it comes in “long-haul” touring shape. What’s different and what’s new:

  • 24.8 liters fuel tank – 500 km claimed range, 
  • extended wind protection, and height-adjustable screen,
  • large engine sump guard, aluminum rear carrier. 
  • tubeless wheels and tires. The off-road version comes with tube-type tires (Metzeler Karoo Street)
  • Optional Showa Electronically Adjustment Suspension – Semi-Active suspension that adjusts the damping force according to the riding mode and to the riding conditions – comfort alt slower speeds, stable at higher speeds. Electronically adjustable preload. 
  • Cornering lights located right under the headlight.
  • 5 kg lighter – 238 wet, 248 wet (DCT)

With these specs and features, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports gets into the R1250GS territory (excepting engine power). We’re curious about the price. 

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CRF 1100L Africa Twin – Off-Road Version

It's the basic, slimmer, lighter Africa Twin. It shares the same engine and electronics, same dash as the Adventure Sports, but no semi-active suspension and no tubeless tires. It comes with improved off-road ergonomics what’s new and different.

  • Weight reduced by 4 kg – 226 kg (236 kg – DCT). 
  • Non-adjustable screen, much shorter than before
  • Seat height remains 850-870mm, the handlebars now mount 22.5mm higher, giving a more upright riding position and easy control, whether standing or seated. 
  • The tail section is slimmer, and the seat itself is 40mm narrower, for easier ground reach; its shape has also been contoured to allow easier back and forth movement. Low 825-845mm and high, 875-895mm seat options are also available as accessories.
  • same ground clearance – 250 mm
  • revised internal setting for the Showa fork. revised rear shock

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