2020 Honda Africa Twin debuts with more power and technology

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Honda’s adventure motorcycles Africa Twin and its Adventure Sports sibling have got major updates for the model year 2020, and will go on sale in Europe later this year.

Besides revised styling and new lamps, one of the major updates is a new frame with aluminium sub-frame—bolted rather than welded to the main frame. The new, lighter aluminium swingarm is based on the same design as the CRF450R moto-crosser, for an even better rear-wheel traction and rider feel.

Another big update is, of course, a new Euro5-compliant 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine (up from 998 cc). Revisions include a revised valve lift, aluminium cylinder sleeves and a new exhaust control valve. Maximum power output is up by 7% to 75 kW (102 metric hp) at 7,500 rpm, with maximum torque up 6% to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) at 6,250 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen comes as standard; it is also compatible with Apple CarPlay. A comprehensive electronics package managed by a new six-axis IMU includes Ride by Wire and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) plus new features including Cruise Control, Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Rear Lift Control, and Emergency Stop Signals.

Six riding modes are available: four have pre-set levels of power, engine braking and ABS characteristics for different riding scenarios: Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-road; two User modes allow the rider to set their own preferred combinations.

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports is fully equipped for the long haul. It gets a larger 24.8L tank with a range of over 500 km (310 mi), broader front fairing, five-stage adjustable screen, standard-fit heated grips and ACC socket. Further upgrades include new three-stage cornering lights, which apparently creates a wider beam of light as the bike leans over.

Buyers can add Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension. It is aligned to four pre-set riding modes, and adjustable in the two User modes.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin will be available in Grand Prix Red and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, both of which include a new red sub-frame. The Adventure Sports version comes in Pearl Glare White Tricolour—reminiscent of the original classic XRV650—and Darkness Black Metallic.