SHARPLY RENEWED FOCUS ON OFF-ROAD RIDING.
2020 Honda Africa Twin:
The 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin has a sharply-renewed focus on off-road core ability, that brings with it the look – and feel – of a true rally machine. Smaller, slimmer and 5kg lighter, it offers even more athletic performance, thanks also to changes to the engine, which now produces 7% more peak power, 6% more peak torque and is much stronger everywhere in the rev-range. It’s also EURO5 compliant.
The frame has been completely revised and now features a bolt-on aluminium subframe. The swingarm, too, is aluminium and based on that of the CRF450R moto-crosser. And at the centre of the Africa Twin, the addition of a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controls not only the 7-level HSTC but also (new for 2020) 3-level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS (with off-road setting), Rear Lift Control and DCT cornering detection. An OFF-ROAD setting also joins the URBAN, TOUR and GRAVEL default riding modes.
Tailored for complete control, the riding position features a slimmer-section seat and higher-set handlebars. A full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen offers immersive engagement with the machine’s systems, plus Apple CarPlay® and Bluetooth connectivity. Dual LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are highly visible, improving safety, and cruise control is standard-fit.
With an aggressive appearance, enjoyable engine and capable chassis, Honda’s true all-rounder continues to win fans among a broad range of consumers. For 2020, both Africa Twin versions (each of which is still available with either an improved manual transmission or a more advanced version of Honda’s automatic DCT), cram more power and torque into a lighter overall package, maintaining principles that have been intrinsic to the model since day one. The water-cooled, overhead-cam, parallel-twin engine receives an 86cc displacement increase, along with improved intake and exhaust systems, resulting in a horsepower boost of approximately 6 percent. The frame is updated for optimized handling characteristics, the rear subframe now has aluminum construction and is detachable, and the CRF450R-style aluminum swingarm is lighter and more rigid.
A six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) makes possible the addition of new rider aids including wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear-lift control, DCT cornering detection and cornering lights, while a new, 6.5-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) color touchscreen display is compatible with Apple CarPlay®. Cruise control is now standard on both Africa Twin versions.
Despite sharing improvements, each Africa Twin type maintains an individual role. The standard version has a sharply renewed focus on off-road use, with a shorter, fixed windscreen and a 5.0 gallon fuel tank. Meanwhile, the Adventure Sports ES 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, aluminum rear rack and a 6.5 gallon tank.
It’s been over three decades since the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin first rolled into Europe and while the motorcycle that now bears its name – launched in 2016 as the CRF1000L Africa Twin – was a brand-new machine from the wheels up, it fully inherited the essence and spirit of what made the original so popular.
It was the balance between power and weight that was at the heart of the original bike’s appeal, just as it was for the new model. With its unique, athletic appearance, an enjoyable, usable engine and capable, comfortable chassis, the CRF1000L Africa Twin proved itself a true modern-day all-rounder and has been hugely popular with round-the-world adventurers, around-town commuters and weekend tourers alike.
2018 saw the Africa Twin, in both manual transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) form, receive Throttle By Wire (TBW) control plus 3 riding modes, expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) options, as well as intake and exhaust development for improved engine response and sound. The platform also expanded: the Africa Twin Adventure Sports – with the same updates but featuring improved wind protection, greater tank range and longer-travel suspension – extended the machine even further into long-range off-road territory.
Building on strong European (and global) demand for both models, with over 87,000 sold worldwide since its 2016 relaunch, 2020 is set to be a landmark year for the Africa Twin.
The touring comfort, technology and ability of the new CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports are further enhanced – and it adds the option of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (SHOWA EERA™). Meanwhile, the CRF1100L Africa Twin itself is comprehensively redrawn with an aggressive, compact rally style and even sharper off-road focus. It also packs more power and torque and is significantly lighter – in keeping with the first principles set out all those years ago.
2020 Honda Africa Twin Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Model updates:
A major evolution for Honda’s definitive full-size adventurer: harder-edged off-road performance comes via lighter chassis, slim rally-style bodywork and revised riding position; weight is reduced by 5kg, while engine capacity is increased, boosting power and torque. It’s also EURO5 compliant. A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit now manages riding modes and HSTC as well as three additional systems – Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Rear Lift Control, plus new cornering detection functionality on the DCT version. A full colour 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen incorporates Apple CarPlay® and Bluetooth connectivity. Dual LED headlights feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and cruise control is fitted as standard.
- Compact body style designed for off-road, with slim seat and high handlebars
- Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen
- Apple CarPlay® allows use of Apple iPhone® through the MID
- Bluetooth connectivity, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and cruise control
Aggressive and compact. Two words that sum up the Africa Twin’s taut new rally-style bodywork. And it’s for a reason – to work better off-road. The fixed screen is much shorter than before, to allow for easy scanning of the trail ahead and, while seat height remains 850-870mm, the handlebars now mount 22.5mm higher, giving a more upright riding position and comfortable control, whether standing or seated.
The tail section is slimmer and the seat itself is 40mm narrower, for easier ground reach; its shape has also been carefully contoured to allow easier back and forth movement. Low 825-845mm and high, 875-895mm seat options are also available as accessories.
New dual LED headlights are set higher, deliver a penetrating beam and also feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that automatically adjust to ambient light intensity, improving safety, no matter the conditions. Knuckle guards are standard.
The full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen keeps the rider in control of all of the Africa Twin’s systems, with each of the riding modes selectable through the top left of the screen. The MID can also be customised to show various levels of information relative to the riding mode chosen and is easy to use even when wearing gloves.
It also incorporates Apple CarPlay®, allowing use of an Apple iPhone® through the touchscreen. Navigation apps can also be accessed and displayed and via a Bluetooth helmet headset calls can be made or received. The iPhone® itself plugs into a USB charging port on the right of the MID. Hands-free wireless Bluetooth connectivity is also an option for an iPhone® or Android device and all control inputs are made from the left-hand switchgear.
The front and rear indicators have an Emergency Stop Signal function. When braking suddenly over 50kph the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. They also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.
For 2020 cruise control is now fitted as standard, to ease long-distance highway travel.
2020 Honda Africa Twin Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Engine
- Capacity rises to 1,084cc giving 75kW peak power and 105Nm peak torque
- Achieved through a new cylinder head, valve timing and lift, throttle body and exhaust
- Manual transmission ratios and gear material optimised, saving weight
- The muffler now features a variable Exhaust Control Valve (ECV) for improved low-rpm sound and high-rpm performance
The SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine’s essential architecture remains unchanged for 2020 but has a larger displacement of 1,084cc, up from 998cc. And as a result peak power goes from 70kW to 75kW @ 7,500rpm with peak torque going from 99Nm to 105Nm @ 6,250rpm. Significantly, the obvious increase in both power and torque makes itself felt from 2,500rpm all the way through to the redline.
To create the larger capacity, bore remains 92mm but stroke is longer at 81.5mm (from 75.1mm) with compression ratio of 10.1:1. The cylinder sleeves are also now aluminium. Along with other detailed weight savings in the transmission and elsewhere, the manual transmission engine is now 2.5kg lighter (at 66.4kg) than the previous design, the DCT version 2.2kg lighter at 74.9kg.
As before, the 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s distinctive throb and feel for rear wheel traction. The cylinder head however is completely revised, as is the larger diameter 46mm throttle body; the bore and cylinder pitches are also now aligned to create a smooth air intake profile. The ECU setting is new and the injector angle has been modified to deliver a more direct spray into re-shaped twin-spark combustion chambers.
Honda’s SOHC Unicam valve train is a feature of the MX competition-specification CRF450R and the low-set position of the cast camshaft contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head. For 2020 the valve timing has been optimised and inlet and exhaust valve lift increased to 10.1mm inlet and 9.3mm exhaust (from 9.2/8.6mm).
To match and deal with the uprated intake efficiency and higher output (thus gas flow) the exhaust end-can now features a variable Exhaust Control Valve (ECV) very similar to the unit fitted to the CBR1000RR Fireblade. It enhances both engine performance and efficiency as it opens at higher rpm and gives a pleasing exhaust note ‘pulse’ at lower rpm.
The crankcases are split vertically; the water pump is housed efficiently within the clutch casing with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. Manual and DCT versions of the engine share common crankcases with only minor external differences; the water and oil pumps are both driven by the engine’s balancer shafts.
It’s a semi-dry sump design with in-tank lower crankcase oil storage. This allows a lower pan depth, keeping overall engine height low. As the pressure-fed pump is located within the tank where it delivers its oil from, there is no need for a pressure-feed passage. Secondary vibrations are neutralised by the mutually reciprocating motion of the pistons, while primary inertial and coupling vibrations are cancelled by the use of biaxial balance shafts.
For 2020 precision of the front and rear balance gears has been improved, allowing removal of their scissor gears; the addition of a crank pulsar ring adds misfire detection, important for OBD2/EURO5 compliance. In addition for EURO5 the 02 lambda exhaust sensors have been replaced with Linear Air Fuel (LAF) sensors in the downpipes to allow for much more accurate measurement of the air/fuel mixture ratio.
The aluminium clutch centre and pressure plate use ‘assist’ cams to ease upshifts and ‘slipper’ cams for deceleration and downshifting; the clutch diameter is now smaller and features reduced spring tension for lighter lever feel. The gears are also re-shaped and constructed from stronger material. A quickshifter remains available as an optional extra.
Engine & Chassis Management Electronics
- IMU-managed HSTC intervention levels optimised for off-road use
- Wheelie Control features 3 levels and IMU management
- OFF-ROAD joins the default riding modes TOUR, URBAN and GRAVEL
- Two USER modes allow for complete riding modes customisation
The Africa Twin’s engine received the benefits of Throttle By Wire (TBW) control in 2018, allowing much finer management of engine output and character as well as expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for rear tyre grip; for 2020 the system has smartly evolved and now works in conjunction with a six-axis IMU*.
The system offers 4 levels of power and 3 levels of engine braking. There are still seven levels of HSTC but each level’s amount of intervention has been optimised to work with real-time input (yaw/roll angle and rate) from the IMU. The spacing of the levels has been optimised to allow the rider a finer choice of the amount of rear tyre slide for off-road riding. HSTC can also be turned off completely.
Wheelie Control is another new feature. Again, with the IMU measuring pitch angle and rate, and controlling engine torque via TBW, the rider can choose between 3 levels of input. Level 1 allows for intended wheel lift but suppresses any sudden movement. Level 3 stops any front wheel elevation and level 2 is mid-way between the two. Wheelie Control can also be turned off completely.
There are four default riding mode settings: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL and OFF-ROAD to cover most riding conditions and situations plus two customisable USER settings. Even within the default riding modes, it’s possible to change some parameters – HSTC between levels 1-7 (plus off), Wheelie Control between levels 1-3 (plus off) and DCT S mode shift pattern levels 1-3.
TOUR employs the highest level of Power (1), for touring loaded with pillion and luggage plus mid-range Engine Braking (2) with active on-road Cornering ABS.
URBAN suits wide-ranging riding requirements and uses mid-level Power (2) and Engine Braking (2) with active on-road Cornering ABS.
GRAVEL delivers the lowest level of Power (4) and Engine Braking (3). Cornering ABS is active with an off-road setting; in this setting, the rear brake ABS cannot be switched off.
OFF-ROAD uses lower-mid level Power (3) and the lowest amount of Engine Braking (3). Cornering ABS is active with an off-road setting; the rear brake ABS can be switched off.
USER 1 & 2 modes offer the rider a choice of two distinct personalized setups – choosing between Power levels 1-4 and Engine Braking 1-3, and ABS on-road/off-road parameters.
Chassis
- A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit is housed in the centre of the machine
- Revised, lighter frame, with bolt-on aluminium subframe and lighter, more rigid CRF450R-style swingarm for improved rear wheel traction and feel
- Cornering ABS provides sure-footed feel and features an off-road setting
- New damping and spring rates for the front and rear Showa suspension
At the very heart of the Africa Twin’s elevated on- and off-road performance is a Bosch MM7.10 six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) tucked away at the centre of the machine, that measures – in real-time – roll angle/rate, pitch angle/rate and yaw angle/rate. It manages rear wheel traction via TBW and HSTC, front braking grip through Cornering ABS, front wheel lift through Wheelie Control and also adds Rear Lift Control.
In conjunction with the addition of IMU control for its 2020 evolution, the strength and rigidity balance of the steel semi-double cradle frame was completely re-examined by Honda’s development engineers to boost off-road ability – at the same time reinforcing its all-round on-road manners.
Rigidity around the steering head has been optimised to enhance feel for front end grip; the main spars are also slimmer and straighter and do away with the front cross pipe. Frame weight is 1.8kg lighter than before.
A bolt-on aluminium subframe (finished in red) replaces the integral steel structure of the previous design and is 40mm slimmer at a width of 195mm – crucial for easier ground reach. The aluminium swingarm is all-new, 500g lighter and based on the same design used by the CRF450R. Its improved rigidity improves rear wheel traction and rider feel.
Ground clearance remains 250mm, with wheelbase of 1575mm and rake and trail of 27° 30’/113mm. Wet weight is 5kg lighter, at 226kg.
With stroke length of 230mm the 45mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork offers long-travel bump absorption and features revised internal settings to improve both on- and off-road performance. Rebound and compression damping are fully adjustable. A cast aluminium top yoke and forged bottom yoke – joined by hollow aluminium stem shaft – clamp the fork legs with two bolts each top and bottom.
Similarly revised to match the front suspension the Showa rear shock delivers 220mm axle travel and features a 46mm cylinder and remote reservoir for stable damping control under extreme off-road riding conditions. Spring preload can be adjusted via a dial on the shock body; rebound and compression damping are also fully adjustable.
The swingarm pivot points’ inner plates now use 600MPa high-strength steel and the upper cross tube that connects them acts as the rear shock upper mount (through a pillow-ball joint) improving feel for rear wheel traction.
The IMU takes in lean angle, deceleration (from front/rear wheel speed sensors) and incorporates the slip rate of the front and rear wheels to manage braking pressure through the ABS; likewise if it detects sudden rear wheel lift, it finely controls brake force to maintain stability. When stationary the rear ABS can be cancelled for off-road riding.
As beFore, compact two-piece radial-mount four-piston calipers work dual 310mm ‘wave’ floating discs through sintered pads. The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc features hole punching and shaping. 21/18-inch front rear (stainless steel) spoked wheels wear 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres. Block pattern tyres (Continental 90/90-21M/C 54S and 150/70B 18M/C 70Q, rated at 180km/h and 160km/h respectively) are approved for fitment.
Accessories
The range of Honda Genuine Accessories for the Africa Twin has been expanded with luggage options that includes premium (42L) aluminium top box and panniers plus large (58L) plastic top box and panniers, two seat heights (a lower 825-845mm and taller 870-895mm option), touring screen, radiator guards, engine guards and side pipes, knuckle guard extensions, heated grips and an ACC charging socket.
2020 Honda Africa Twin – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: starting from $ USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE | ||||
Type | 1,084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5o parallel-twin | |||
Valve Train | SOHC; four valves per cylinder | |||
Bore x Stroke | 92.0mm x 81.5mm | |||
Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | |||
Induction | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection w/ 46mm throttle bodies (Throttle By Wire) | |||
Ignition | Full transistorized ignition | |||
Starter | Electric | |||
Transmission | 6 speed manual | |||
Clutch | Multiplate wet | |||
Final Drive | 525 Chain | |||
SUSPENSION | ||||
Front | 45mm inverted Showa telescopic fork; 9.1 in. travel | |||
Rear | Pro-Link® system w/ single Showa shock; 9.4 in. travel | |||
BRAKES | ||||
Front | Two four-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm disks; ABS | |||
Rear | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256mm disk; ABS | |||
TIRES | ||||
Front | 90/90-21 | |||
Rear | 150/70R-18 | |||
MEASUREMENTS | ||||
Rake (Caster Angle) | 27.0o | |||
Trail | 113mm (4.4 in.) | |||
Length | 91.7 in. | |||
Width | 37.7 in. | |||
Height | 55.0 in. | |||
Seat Height | 34.3 in. / 33.7 in. | |||
Ground Clearance | 9.8 in. | |||
Wheelbase | 62.0 in. | |||
Fuel Capacity | 5.0 gal. | |||
Color | Matte Black Metallic | |||
Curb Weight* | 501 lbs. | |||
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride | ||||
Meets current EPA standards | ||||
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment Specifications subject to change |
2020 Honda Africa Twin – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE | ||||
Type | 1,084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5o parallel-twin | |||
Valve Train | SOHC; four valves per cylinder | |||
Bore x Stroke | 92.0mm x 81.5mm | |||
Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | |||
Induction | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection w/ 46mm throttle bodies (Throttle By Wire) | |||
Ignition | Full transistorized ignition | |||
Starter | Electric | |||
Transmission | 6 speed manual | |||
Clutch | Multiplate wet | |||
Final Drive | 525 Chain | |||
SUSPENSION | ||||
Front | 45mm inverted Showa telescopic fork; 9.1 in. travel | |||
Rear | Pro-Link® system w/ single Showa shock; 9.4 in. travel | |||
BRAKES | ||||
Front | Two four-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm disks; ABS | |||
Rear | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256mm disk; ABS | |||
TIRES | ||||
Front | 90/90-21 | |||
Rear | 150/70R-18 | |||
MEASUREMENTS | ||||
Rake (Caster Angle) | 27.0o | |||
Trail | 113mm (4.4 in.) | |||
Length | 91.7 in. | |||
Width | 37.7 in. | |||
Height | 55.0 in. | |||
Seat Height | 34.3 in. / 33.7 in. | |||
Ground Clearance | 9.8 in. | |||
Wheelbase | 62.0 in. | |||
Fuel Capacity | 5.0 gal. | |||
Color | Matte Black Metallic | |||
Curb Weight* | 501 lbs. | |||
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride | ||||
Meets current EPA standards | ||||
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment Specifications subject to change |
2020 Honda Africa Twin – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE | |
Type | SOHC liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam |
Displacement | 1084cc |
Bore & Stroke | 92mm x 81.5mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 |
Max. Power Output | 75kW at 7,500rpm |
Max. Torque | 105Nm at 6,250rpm |
Noise Level | 73dB |
Oil Capacity | 4.8/4.3 (5.2/4.7 DCT) |
FUEL SYSTEM | |
Carburation | PGM-FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8L |
CO2 Emissions | 112g/km MT
110g/km DCT |
Fuel Consumption | 4.9L/100km (20.4km/L) MT
4.8L/100km (20.8km/L) DCT |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
Starter | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 12V-6Ah Li-ion battery (20hr) |
ACG Output | 0.49 kW/5,000rpm |
DRIVETRAIN | |
Clutch Type | Wet, multiplate with coil springs, aluminium cam assist and slipper clutch
DCT – 2 wet multiplate clutches with coil springs |
Transmission Type | 6 speed manual (6 speed DCT) |
FRAME | |
Type | Semi double cradle |
CHASSIS | |
Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2330mm x 960mm x 1395mm |
Wheelbase | 1575mm |
Caster Angle | 27.5° |
Trail | 113mm |
Seat Height | 850/870mm (low seat option 825mm, high seat option 895mm) |
Ground Clearance | 250mm |
Kerb Weight | 226kg (DCT 236kg) |
SUSPENSION | |
Type Front | Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments, 230mm stroke |
Type Rear | Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with Showa gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments, 220 mm rear wheel travel |
WHEELS | |
Type Front | 21M/C x 2.15 wire spoke with aluminium rim |
Type Rear | 18M/C x MT4.00 wire spoke with aluminium rim |
Rim Size Front | 21″ |
Rim Size Rear | 18″ |
Tyres Front | 90/90-21M/C 54H (tube type)
(Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T / Metzler Karoo Street) |
Tyres Rear | 150/70R18M/C 70H (tube type)
(Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T / AX41T Metzler Karoo Street) |
BRAKES | |
ABS System Type | 2 channel with IMU Selectable ABS MODE with on-road and off-road setting |
Type Front | 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads |
Type Rear | 256mm wave hydraulic disc with single piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-channel with rear ABS OFF mode. |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
Instruments | LCD Meter, TFT 6.5inch touch panel multi information display |
Security System | Immobiliser, security alarm (optional) |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Electrics | Daytime running lights, Bluetooth audio and Apple Carplay, USB socket, auto turn signal cancel, cruise control, emergency stop signal, IMU, HSTC and wheelie control) |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
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