Local Honda Motorcycle distributor Blue Wing Honda confirms the CRF1100L Africa Twin is bound for New Zealand dealerships.
Honda has jumped ahead of the year’s motorcycle shows by revealing the replacement for the CRF1000L Africa Twin.
For 2020, both the base CRF1100L and the Adventure Sports version of the Africa Twin grow in capacity by 86cc, now sitting at 1084cc thanks to a longer stroke.
The cylinder head has also been tweaked with an increase in valve lift, larger throttle body and injectors which give a more direct spray into the combustion chamber. The result is a small increase in power of roughly 6%.
The frame has also been updated for improved handling characteristics, while the rear subframe is now of aluminium construction and is detachable – making for easier repairs – while the CRF450R-style aluminium swingarm is lighter and more rigid.
While the old Africa Twin had its fair share of electronics for the time, times have changed. With that in mind, Honda hasn’t dropped the ball and have added a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) allowing for the addition of new rider aids including wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear-lift control, DCT cornering detection and cornering lights.
The LCD dash has been replaced and brought up to date with a new, 6.5-inch TFT colour touchscreen display which is compatible with Apple CarPlay. Cruise control is also now standard on both Africa Twin versions.
Despite sharing improvements, each Africa Twin variant maintains an individual role.
The standard version has an improved renewed focus in off-road use, with a shorter, fixed windscreen and a 19 Litre fuel tank in addition to its revised styling.
The Adventure Sports 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, aluminium rear rack and a massive 24.6 Litre tank.
Local distributors Blue Wing Honda have confirmed that we will be seeing the 2020 CRF1100L next year with pricing, colours and a specific date of arrival yet to be confirmed for our market.
2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin highlights
Engine: 1084cc parallel twin
Power: 100.5bhp
Torque: 105Nm
Seat Height: 850mm/870mm
Weight: 226kg (kerb)