ROAD NEWS
Honda ’ s flagship adventure machine has received revisions for the 2024 model year , with the touring-focused Adventure Sports variant receiving the lion ’ s share of changes . Engine-wise , both versions of the 2024 Africa Twin gain a boost in performance as Honda tweaks the 1084cc parallel-twin engine . 2024 sees the Africa Twin benefit from significant performance increases in both power and torque in the low and middle rev ranges . Peak power remains at 100hp , but Honda has managed to squeeze out a 7 % increase in maximum torque , now 112Nm , which is delivered earlier at 5500rpm rather than 6250rpm . Physical tweaks to the engine include a bump in compression ratio which goes from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1 , which alongside changes to the valve timing , intake ports , updated exhaust system all matched to new ECU settings which allow the engine to draw more performance from each stroke .
2024 AFRICA TWIN UPDATES
For the 2024 Africa Twin , Showa ’ s Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment is now an option for the CRF1100L . Previously only available on the Adventure Sports variant , the Showa EERA system offers optimised damping in all riding conditions , as well as the ability to change rear spring preload on the move via the 6.5-in touchscreen display . With five modes - SOFT , MID , HARD , OFF-ROAD and USER , the system ’ s flexibility means that damping adjustment can be programmed to suit the rider ’ s preference at the touch of a button . Visually the 2024 CRF1100L Africa Twin is differentiated from its predecessors with a new , aggressively-designed front fairing with a larger five-way adjustable screen which offers maximum forward visibility or increased wind protection depending on how the rider has it positioned . The Adventure Sports evolves further into its role as Honda ’ s premier adventure touring machine , with the 2024 model dropping its 21- inch front wheel in favour of a 19-incher . Honda has also altered the suspension stroke from the now standard fitment ( Adventure Sports only ) Showa EERA , which has been reduced by 20mm . Alongside the fitment of a wider front tyre on the new 19-inch wheel , Honda says these combine to give the rider more front-end grip and feedback , especially when fully loaded or two up , without dramatically compromising off-road performance . This change to the front end also lowers the centre of gravity of the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports , contributing to improved low-speed manoeuvrability and ground reach . Like the base Africa Twin , the Africa Twin Adventure Sports has had its front fairing aggressively redesigned to improve upper body wind deflection and aerodynamics . Like its sibling , it features a five-level height adjustable screen . Because of its more long-range focus , Honda has also given the Adventure Sports a new seat and uses a + 15mm thicker urethane foam cushion with optimised density to reduce long-distance riding fatigue . Blue Wing Honda , the New Zealand distributor for Honda Motorcycles , is yet to confirm when the new Africa Twins will arrive in New Zealand and whether the updated machines will come at a price premium .
KIWI RIDER 21