Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin, new styling and mechanical upgrades for the Japanese trail bike

It was in 2016 that Honda decided to venture back into the world of trail bikes with the CRF1000L Africa Twin, a motorcycle designed to inherit the spirit of the XRV650 Africa Twin but with a completely new design adapted to today’s technology. In 2018 it underwent a revision to add even more technology and, by 2020, it has been renewed in numerous areas, including the engine, which allows it to now be named CRF1100L Africa Twin.

In 2018, apart from improvements such as electronic throttle, new riding modes, updates to the exhaust and intake system and a new selectable torque control, the Africa Twin added a new variant called Adventure Sports loaded with extras to make it more capable for those who wanted it for long journeys. For 2020, Honda has wanted to continue the success achieved and offer it in three versions: aimed at off-road use, aimed at asphalt use and aimed at long journeys, again under the Adventure Sports name.

The most important change will undoubtedly be found in its engine: the new CRF1100L Africa Twin adopts a new twin-cylinder engine displacing 1,084 cc, which increases its power by 7 hp to now reach 102 CV and also its torque, which rises from 99 Nm to 105 Nm. As was the case until now, it will also be available with a conventional gearbox or a DCT gearbox, the latter being the new evolution, which includes three levels within S mode for more aggressive riding, allowing gear changes at higher revs as well as faster downshifts.

The figures achieved by the new twin-cylinder are due to the improvements made, such as a longer stroke of 81.5 mm while keeping the 92 mm bore, aluminium cylinder liners have been fitted, the valve timing has been optimised, the valve lift has been increased for both intake and exhaust, and the final exhaust chamber incorporates a new variable Exhaust Control Valve, quite similar to the one fitted on the CBR1000RR Fireblade. All these changes also help achieve a lighter engine block, reducing weight by 2.5 kg in the conventional gearbox version and 2.2 kg in the DCT version.

All these engine changes can be taken advantage of more effectively thanks to the installation of a Bosch-signed IMU or Inertial Measurement Unit, which is capable of measuring in real time the lateral lean angle and rate, the sinking or rising angle and rate, and the pitch angle and rate, in addition to incorporating Wheelie Control and Rear Lift Control. On top of this come the four riding modes available (Tour, Urban, Off-Road and Gravel), as well as the User 1 and 2 modes, which allow us to make adjustments to suit our tastes and preferences.

The chassis remains the same steel frame, but it has been updated with narrower and straighter sections for its main tubes, which according to Honda also helps reduce weight by 1.8 kg compared to the version still on the market. In addition, the subframe is now aluminium, 45 mm narrower and bolted rather than welded like the previous steel one; while the swingarm updates its lines to resemble the one Honda fits on the CRF450R motocross bike.

In terms of styling, regardless of the version chosen, the new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin becomes more compact and easier to handle, thanks to a seat 40 mm narrower and its new contoured shapes that make low-speed manoeuvring easier, but it will also be more comfortable, thanks to handlebars 22.5 mm higher which, together with a standard seat height of 850-870 mm, forces a more upright riding position, also offering more precise control over the whole machine.

At its controls we will find a renewed 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen, customisable and easy to use without needing to remove our gloves. This new display incorporates Apple CarPlay, USB connection and Bluetooth connectivity compatible with Android and Apple devices. We will also find a new twin LED headlight with LED daytime running lights, now positioned higher, along with the new indicators with Emergency Stop Signal function that flash during sudden braking from 50 km/h, and cruise control fitted as standard.