FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

We get up close and personal with the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin to have a better look at its upgraded technology and styling

Honda Africa Twin

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was revealed to much fanfare last month and we have now had a chance to get our hands on the new-for-2020 model.

This week we’ll be throwing a leg over the latest generation in a long lineage of Africa Twins but before we give you our full verdict on (and off) the road later this week, we’ve had a closer look at the brand-new adventure tourer.

Watch the full first impressions video here

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Walkaround | Visordown

From the outset the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin boasts subtle but notable styling changes with an updated front-end treatment and a more premium finish than its predecessor, albeit crafted around the familiar Africa silhouette that stretches back to the early 1990s.

Under the skin there have been significant changes with a new 1084cc engine, raising power levels to 101HP and 105Nm of peak torque, whilst also complying with Euro5 emission regulations. 

Honda is claiming that the new non-DCT engine is 2.5kg lighter than before, with 2.2kg shaved off the weightier DCT version. The slimming here is mostly thanks to aluminium cylinder sleeves and redesigned engine casings.

An off-road riding mode joins the default Tour, Urban and Gravel options to inspire more hardcore riding off the beaten tracks, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin also gains gains a six-axis IMU, TFT touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth Connectivity – good to have when you’re in the middle of the Sahara.

Click here for more information on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin’s full specification options and here for Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin pricing and PCP offerings.