HONDA SHOWS OFF NEW AFRICA TWIN
H
onda has jumped ahead of the year’s
motorcycle shows by revealing its
replacement for the CRF1000L Africa Twin.
For 2020, both the base CRF1100L and the Adventure
Sports version of the Africa Twin grow in capacity by
86cc, now sitting at 1084cc thanks to a longer stroke.
The cylinder head has also been tweaked with
an increase in valve lift, larger throttle body
and injectors which give a more direct spray
into the combustion chamber. The result is a
claimed increase in power of roughly 6%.
The frame has been updated for improved handling
characteristics, while the rear subframe is now
of aluminium construction and is detachable –
making for easier repairs – while the CRF450R-style
aluminium swingarm is lighter and more rigid.
While the old Africa Twin had its fair share of
electronics for the time, times have changed. With
that in mind, Honda hasn’t dropped the ball and has
added a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU)
allowing for the addition of new rider aids including
wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear-lift control,
DCT cornering detection and cornering lights.
The LCD dash has been replaced and brought
up to date with a new, 6.5-inch TFT colour
touchscreen display which is compatible with
Apple CarPlay. Cruise control is also now
standard on both Africa Twin versions.
Despite sharing improvements, each Africa
Twin variant maintains an individual role.
The standard version has an improved renewed focus
in off-road use, with a shorter, fixed windscreen and
a 19-litre fuel tank in addition to its revised styling.
The Adventure Sports offers real long-haul
ability and practicality, boasting intelligent
Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment
suspension (EERA), tubeless wheels, heated grips,
accessory socket, larger skid plate, aluminium
rear rack and a massive 24.6 Litre tank.
Local distributors Blue Wing Honda has confirmed
that we will be seeing the 2020 CRF1100L next
year with pricing, colours and a specific date of
arrival yet to be confirmed for our market.
2020 CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN HIGHLIGHTS
ENGINE:
POWER:
TORQUE:
SEAT HEIGHT:
WEIGHT:
1084CC PARALLEL TWIN
100.5BHP
105NM
850MM/870MM
226KG (KERB)
KIWI RIDER 21