Honda has introduced its updated Africa Twin, with a standard model and a rugged, offroad-optimized Adventure Sports edition again for 2020.
The biggest difference for 2020 is the new engine; as predicted, it’s now a 1,084 cc parallel twin, making 101 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque. The name has been changed to the CRF1100L to reflect the larger engine, which gained capacity by lengthening the stroke from 75.1 mm to 81.5 mm, keeping bore unchanged at 92 mm.
The engine’s head and EFI system also saw some changes to improve airflow and combustion; the throttle body has been increased to 43 mm. Honda also tweaked the gearbox to allow more efficient ratios, and toughen the components. The new engine is Euro5-legal, and has also been lightened due to re-design of the cases and cylinder sleeves.
Compression ratio is 10.1:1, and Honda’s included an exhaust valve that’s closed at lower rpms and opening at higher rpms to improve efficiency.
The electronics package is re-configured for 2020, with a six-axis IMU that controls the riding modes and traction control system. There are new riding modes for 2020: Touring, for max power and cornering ABS; Urban, for mid-range power and cornering ABS; Gravel, for lower power and an off-road cornering ABS setting, including rear ABS engaged; and two user modes, which allow the rider to select their own level of power output, ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine braking.
Cruise control, wheelie control, rear wheel lift control and cornering ABS are standard for 2020. LED daytime running lights are standard, and Honda’s included a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility and Apple CarPlay. There’s an accessory charger for your mobile device, and heated grips. Electronically-adjustable Showa suspension is optional, as well as an immobilizer/alarm.
Just like the outgoing Africa Twin model, the new CRF1100L comes in a standard Africa Twin model, a DCT model (with twist-and-go throttle, no shifting required) and an Adventure Sports version.
Front and rear wheels both run tubed tires, and are 21-18s, as you’d expect. Standard fuel tank size is 18.8 litres, curb weight is 226 kg for the standard model and 236 kg for the DCT model. The Adventure Sports model has a 24.8-litre tank, and weighs 238 kg at the curb (248 with DCT).
Both models have adjustable Showa suspension, and standard seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm.
Honda’s Canadian website doesn’t have pricing for the 2020 models at this point.
Long time Honda guy.
The Adventure sports DCT with Electronic Showa suspension is 21 k Canadian.
I’m guessing with luggage, “light” bars which are now optional and centre stand you would add another 2300….$23500 plus shipping “set up” and GST …..call it 28k
The amount of buttons on the handlebar controls plus a touch screen?
Really?
It’s probably an age thing but the new Royal Enfields are speaking to the essence of why I first got interested in motorcycles in the first place.
Simplicity ,economy and fun.
John
If Royal Enfield actually had decent availability, they’d be selling a crapload of them in Canada. They’re the motorcycle that many people want: simple, affordable, and (if they figure out quality control) reliable. The Himalayan will be the replacement for the KLR, if they tweak the design just a bit more. The 650s would crush the retro market, if people could actually find them and buy them.
The Continental GT in both 500 and 650 displacements are some of the prettiest bikes I’ve seen in a very, very long time.