2020 CRF1100L Honda Africa Twin First Look

Honda has rolled out its new 2020 Africa Twin models, with the main change being a bump in engine displacement for both the standard version and the Adventure Sports ES to 1,100cc. The two new CRF1100Ls also get frame tweaks for lighter weight, as well as a more advanced suite of electronic rider aids which include wheelie control, cornering ABS, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and cruise control.

Each model still offers a slightly different focus in 2020, with the sportier standard (and lighter) Africa Twin dialing up off-road performance, while the Adventure Sports ES packs on more tech and comfort touches to smooth out longer distances. As we speculated back in July, the bodywork is refined and trimmed down for a more "rally" look, with shorter screens, revised seating and a slimmer back end for both.

But the headline news is the larger, more powerful engine; Honda boosted its liquid-cooled Unicam 998cc parallel twin to 1,084cc, giving it an extra 86cc by increasing the stroke by 6.4mm. Team Red figured they’d also reduce weight and bump performance along the way, so you’ll also find aluminum cylinder sleeves in the engine, a completely redesigned cylinder head, larger 46mm throttle bodies, a revised combustion chamber, and new ECU settings. Revised intake and exhaust systems improve sound, performance, and, more importantly, bring the bike into compliance with Euro 5 emissions regs. All those changes combine for an increase of 6 hp versus the outgoing model, giving the new CRF1100L a claimed 100 hp at 7,500 rpm, with peak torque also said to go up to 77.5 pound-feet—a significant increase over last year’s specs.

Honda’s made surgical nips and tucks to the undercarriage to boost rigidity and lessen weight as well, which means you’ll feel that extra power even more. The main frame beams are slimmer and straighter, with the entire frame claimed to be almost 4 pounds lighter and more rigid, while the subframe is completely revised, with the welded steel unit from last year ditched in favor of a narrower, lighter detachable aluminum design. Lastly, the redesigned CRF450R-style aluminum swingarm is also lighter and more rigid.

Electronics factor into the new CRF1100L’s feature set prominently, with both Africa Twins now gaining a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), which opens up the door for new rider aids like wheelie control, cornering ABS, DCT cornering detection, and rear-lift control. With its dated looks and limited functionality, the LCD display on the last Africa Twin didn’t exactly get glowing reviews, so Honda made welcome changes on that front by adding a full-color 6.5-inch TFT color touchscreen above the existing unit. The new square-ish screen also integrates Apple CarPlay for easier iPhone connectivity, also making it more compatible with third-party apps and easier to update as well.

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The large screen also makes it easy to dig into all those riding parameters and new electronic rider aids to ferret out what you need. For instance, you can select from four levels of power delivery, three levels of engine-braking, three levels of wheelie control, or seven levels of torque control. There are additional on- and off-road modes as well, or you can just go with the available Touring, Urban, or Gravel modes, which set the power levels for you.

Cruise control is now standard on both Africa Twin versions (though it’s positioned on the right grip), and Honda says it has revised the clutch to offer lighter lever effort, while the handlebar has been raised 22.5mm on both models to open up the cockpit. Even the adjustable seat has been narrowed, making it easier for shorter pilots to reach the ground.

On the up-spec Adventure Sports ES model, you get the benefit of features like Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment suspension (EERA), tubeless wheels, heated grips, an accessory socket, a larger and thicker skid plate, an aluminum rear rack, and a 6.5-gallon tank. Seat height ranges from a low of 33.5 inches to the 34.3-inch standard position (lower than last year's), and curb weight is 530 pounds. All those amenities add up however, to the tune of $17,199, with the DCT model going for $17,999. There's just one color option: Pearl Glare White/Blue.

The standard Africa Twin version is a bit more pared down, with a shorter, fixed windscreen and a 5.0-gallon fuel tank, and still running tube-type tires. It also has the same seat height as last year; 33.5–34.3 inches. The standard CRF1100L has a 501-pound curb weight and will retail for $14,399 ($15,199 DCT) in Matte Black Metallic.

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For 2020, both the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models are available in DCT versions as well, and all models are supported by a full line of accessories, including premium luggage, seats, screen, guards, and assorted components. We expect to see the newest Hondas in dealers by March of 2020.