READY FOR EVEN BIGGER ADVENTURES
Lighter, more powerful, and with more features than ever – that’s the new 2020 Africa Twin. Ready for even bigger adventures. Happy to carry you even farther. And offering the Honda quality, ruggedness and dependability you need when you’re miles from home. We’ve taken what we think is the world’s best adventure bike and made it even better, adding a whole suite of features including cruise control and a large touch-panel multi-information display that’s Apple CarPlay compatible.
Our standard Africa Twin is a great choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. And if you’re into a little long-distance adventure touring, our Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models are loaded with even more features, like electronically controlled suspension, an adjustable windscreen, larger fuel tank, heated grips, tubeless tires, and more. Let’s get out there and ride!
-POWER FEATURES-
NEW, BIGGER 1084cc ENGINE
We gave our new CRF1100L Africa Twin a bigger engine for 2020. By increasing the stroke by 6.4mm, you get more power and torque everywhere from idle to redline. You’ll have more grunt down low, and cruise easier on the open road.
PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE LAYOUT
The Africa Twin’s parallel-twin engine layout makes the bike shorter front-to-back. That means the front wheel can tuck in closer to the engine, shortening wheelbase and making the bike more nimble off road and on pavement.
TWIN INTAKES
The Africa Twin uses a unique twin air-intake design with two vertical filtration elements. All that clean air helps the engine deliver excellent performance, even under prolonged operation in dusty conditions.
UNICAM ENGINE DESIGN
Honda’s exclusive Unicam engine design helps us give the Africa Twin a compact cylinder head for optimal engine placement. But the engine also benefits from superior performance, thanks to the entire cylinder-head layout. It’s the best of both worlds!
COMPACT DUAL-CATALYZER EXHAUST
Using the same muffler-valve technology as our CBR1000RR Superbike, the Africa Twins’ new exhaust silencer helps lower emissions while highlighting ridability and power output.
-ENGINEERING FEATURES-
CRUISE CONTROL
Here’s one of the worst-kept secrets in the motorcycling world—Honda’s Africa Twins make great long-distance touring bikes. To that end, we’ve equipped our 2020 models with cruise control, just like our Gold Wings. Your next adventure really starts a couple of hundred miles away? No problem!
THROTTLE BY WIRE
Our throttle-by-wire system greatly expands the Africa Twin’s versatility. First, you get seven levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control. Second, you can choose from four power delivery modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, and a fourth that’s user-programmable. First used on our RC213V-S, throttle-by-wire is an excellent example of how Honda’s technology works for you.
270-DEGREE-PHASE CRANK
Most twins use a 180-degree crank. By phasing the Africa Twin’s at 270 degrees, you get a unique power delivery that’s easy to modulate, especially in terrain where traction is challenging.
SELECTABLE ABS
Our 2020 Africa Twin models offer two ABS modes: on-road and off-road. A third setting lets you turn the rear ABS off altogether for riding in the dirt.
CORNERING ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The Africa Twin’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) comes standard integrated with a 6-axis IMU, it knows when you’re leaned over, and compensates accordingly.
DRY-SUMP ENGINE
The Africa Twin’s dry-sump engine design is the only way to go. The more compact sump increases ground clearance and eliminates the vulnerability of a conventional wet sump.
LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY, COMPACT MASS
By locating heavy components like the battery as close to the bike’s center of gravity as possible, and using a compact engine, the Africa Twin provides a superior platform for excellent handling.
WATER PUMP
Can you see the Africa Twin’s water pump? Trick question! It’s tucked behind the right side cover, out of harm’s way. There are no vulnerable hoses leading to it either, a weakness on some bikes. Driven by the balancer shaft, in case of a tip-over or in rocky sections, it’s one less thing to worry about.
LIGHTWEIGHT LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Conventional batteries are notoriously heavy—that’s why we gave the Africa Twin a high-tech, lightweight lithium-ion battery. Compared with a similar lead-acid battery, it holds a charge approximately four times longer, and its shelf life is 1.6 times longer. Plus, it’s way lighter.
-CONVENIENCE FEATURES-
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay* seamlessly integrates your compatible iPhone* into your new Africa Twin. That means you can use your iPhone to access Apple Maps, Apple Music, and other services easily. You’ll have access to weather, playlists and telephone numbers while aboard. Available Bluetooth**-enabled wireless headsets let you communicate more easily than ever. And best of all, with more apps available every day, Apple CarPlay keeps your bike’s technology and convenience on the cutting edge.
*Apple CarPlay and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc.
**For using Apple CarPlay, connection to a commercially available Bluetooth headset is necessary. See owner’s manual for Bluetooth headset requirements.
NEW TFT TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
The new Africa Twins feature a 6.5-inch touch-panel LCD multi-information dash display. You can choose between three displays, too, depending on how much information you want to see at once. The screen also enables the Africa Twin to offer integrated Apple CarPlay.
OPTIONAL ALUMINUM LUGGAGE
Our optional three-piece hard luggage is sure to be one of your favorite accessories. All three bags feature weather-resistant liners, and the top box is big enough to hold a full-face helmet. And all three boxes use the same locking key, too.
LARGE FUEL TANKS
Our Africa Twin and Africa Twin DCT feature 18.8-liter (5.0-gallon) fuel tanks, while our two Adventure Sports ES models increase that capacity to 24-liters (6.3 gallons), enough for super-sized adventures.
SIX-SPEED DCT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (Models – CRF1100LD & CRF1100L4D)
Available on the Africa Twin DCT and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT, this is the transmission of the future. Inside, it’s as tough as a conventional manual, with steel gears throughout. You can let it shift for you, or paddle shifters in the manual mode give you full control. Four settings (Drive, Sport 1, 2, and 3) let you pick what’s right for your riding conditions.
-COMFORT FEATURES-
TALLER HANDLEBAR
We raised the handlebar 22.5mm higher for 2020. That helps open up the cockpit, and works in concert with the new seat and windscreen to give you a more comfortable rider’s triangle for those long days in the saddle.
TAPERED ALUMINUM HANDLEBAR
Another example of fitting premium equipment to the Africa Twin wherever we can, the aluminum handlebar is lighter than a steel unit. The design tapers from a thinner diameter under your grips to a thicker section at the top clamp, and is fine-tuned for optimal flex and rigidity.
NARROWER SEAT
By narrowing the Africa Twin’s seat by 20mm, we’ve made it easier to move around on the bike, and also made it easier to get a foot on the ground at stoplights or in parking lots.
NARROWER REAR SUBFRAME
Two things here: First, the aluminum subframe is removable, to aid in servicing and repairs. Second, we narrowed it by 40mm for 2020. That helps the whole bike feel narrower and more nimble—a big plus in challenging terrain.
HEATED GRIPS
Standard on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models, these seem like a luxury until the first time you really need them. Then there’s never going back.
NEW FAIRING
We’ve changed the Africa Twin’s fairing to give you better wind management. We’ve also taken the opportunity to fine-tune the headlights. You’re sure to appreciate the changes on longer rides—plus the new fairing just looks great, too.
BIAXIAL COUNTERBALANCE
By using counterbalancing elements on two axes, Honda’s engineers can cancel out both primary and coupling vibrations from the engine. The result is that we can mount the engine solidly for superior strength and handling, yet you still get an extraordinarily smooth, vibration-free ride.
ATHLETIC RIDING POSITION
Adventure riding is an active sport, and that means you need to be able to move around on your bike naturally and athletically. The Africa Twin is extremely narrow where you sit, and the peg-bar-seat triangle lets you move up and forward and far back as well, to enhance handling, especially under demanding trail conditions.
FULL ACCESSORY LINEUP
Right from the start, you can outfit your new CRF1100L Africa Twin with a full range of Honda accessories, items like a centerstand, quick shifter, top and side boxes, a rally seat, rally footpegs, and much more.
ADJUSTABLE WINDSCREEN (Models – CRF1100L4 & CRF1100L4D)
Standard on the 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models, the new five-position windscreen offers excellent wind protection, and lets you set your bike up for off-road sections or long highway rides. Great for both taller and shorter riders. Other Africa Twin models come with fixed, Rally-style windscreens.
ADJUSTABLE SEAT (Models – CRF1100L4 & CRF1100L4D)
We changed up the seat on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports models for 2020. In addition to being lower (the same height now as the Africa Twin), it features two-position adjustability, from 850 to 870mm (33.5 to 34.3 inches) offers an adjustable rider’s seat. Seat adjustment is quick and positive, and lets the bike fit a wide range of riders.
-HANDLING FEATURES-
NEW STEEL FRAME
The 2020 Africa Twin’s frame is almost four pounds lighter than our previous model’s. Plus, we’ve fine-tuned it by making the steering head more resistant to twist.
SEMI-DOUBLE-CRADLE-FRAME
The Africa Twin’s semi-double-cradle frame layout has been proven in countless Honda dirtbikes. In principle it’s similar to the design we use on our CRF450R Rally bike—a machine that’s designed to perform in the challenging Dakar rally and similar events.
LONG-TRAVEL FRONT SUSPENSION
The Africa Twin doesn’t just look like an adventure bike—it’s the real deal. Exhibit A: Check out its long-travel front suspension. The inverted Showa fork is fully adjustable with huge 45mm tubes and 9.1 inches of travel—the most front-end travel in the 1000cc off-road class.
FOUR-PISTON CALIPERS
Up front, the Africa Twin features twin four-piston brake calipers for powerful braking performance. The radial-mount design also helps make them stiffer, increasing brake feel and control.
43-DEGREE STEERING LOCK
With 43 degrees of steering lock both left and right, the Africa Twin provides excellent maneuverability on tight trails. This is one of the reasons the Africa Twin feels so much more nimble than many of the other bigger adventure bikes out there.
NEW SWINGARM
We shaved 500 grams from the 2020 Africa Twin’s swingarm—that’s more than a pound. This new piece uses technology developed on our CRF450R motocrosser. Any time you can take weight out of the suspension it’s a good thing, and helps handling and response.
HOLLOW AXLE SHAFTS
The Africa Twin uses large-diameter hollow steel axles front and rear. They’re super strong, durable, but also light: a combination which describes just about everything associated with this bike.
Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL
The Africa Twin’s throttle-by-wire system lets us offer Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). You can dial in exactly the kind of power delivery you want for the conditions at hand. Honda Selectable Torque Control features seven settings for a wide range of conditions, from pavement to fast, loose fire roads to challenging singletrack. You can also turn it off.
WHEELIE CONTROL
Front and rear wheel-speed sensors working with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) let you dial in three levels of wheelie control. There’s also an “off” position—you’re the wheelie control here.
RIDING MODES
Both manual-transmission and DCT models offer six riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1 and User 2. The last two let you customize the system to your individual preference.
TIRES AND WHEELS
Real adventure bikes use spoked wheels because they better survive the dings and hits of off-road riding. All Africa Twin models feature a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear for superior performance, especially when it comes to off-road riding.
REAR SUSPENSION (Models – CRF1100L & CRF1100LD)
Not only is the Africa Twin’s rising-rate Pro-Link rear suspension fully adjustable, it offers a 220mm stroke for 8.7 inches of rear-wheel travel. Even better, there’s a special remote preload adjuster—you just turn a convenient knob, and you can compensate for varying loads like a passenger or full panniers.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED SUSPENSION (Models – CRF1100L4 & CRF1100L4D)
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES and Adventure Sports ES DCT are equipped with SHOWA EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) electronically controlled suspension. You can choose between five suspension damper settings: hard, medium, soft, and off-road, as well as a customizable “user” setting. It’s easy to switch between them, too, so you can choose one for the highway and another when the going gets rougher.
ELECTRIC PRELOAD ADJUSTER (Models – CRF1100L4 & CRF1100L4D)
Changing your shock’s preload is a snap. Choose from one of four settings: solo, solo with luggage, two-up, and two-up with luggage. It’s all done electrically, so forget about wrenching on some hard-to-access shock collar.
TUBELESS TIRES (Models – CRF1100L4 & CRF1100L4D)
Standard on our 2020 Adventure Sports ES models. Tubeless tires run cooler, and there’s a great selection of adventure-bike rubber available today. Get a flat? Flat tire repairs are a lot easier too.
ENGINE
- Engine Type – 1084cc liquid-cooled Unicam four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin
- Bore & Stroke:
- CRF1100L – 92mm x 81.5mm
- CRF1100LD – 93mm x 81.5mm
- CRF1100L4 – 94mm x 81.5mm
- CRF1100L4D – 95mm x 81.5mm
- Valve Train – SOHC; four valves per cylinder
- Compression Ratio – 10.1:1
- Induction – PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (Throttle By Wire)
- Ignition – Full transistorized ignition
- Starter – Electric
DRIVE TRAIN
- Transmission – 6-speed Manual (or Automatic DCT)
- Final Drive – #525 Chain; 16T/42T
CHASSIS SUSPENSION BRAKES
- Front Suspension – 45mm inverted telescopic fork; 9.1 inches of travel
- Rear Suspension – Pro-Link system w/ single shock; 8.7 inches of travel
- Front Brake – Two four-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm disks; ABS
- Rear Brake – Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256mm disk; ABS
- Front Tire – 90/90-21
- Rear Tire – 150/70R-18
DIMENSIONS
- Wheelbase – 62 inches
- Seat Height – Standard position 34.3 inches/Low position 33.5 inches
- Curb Weight: (includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
- CRF1100L – 501 lbs
- CRF1100LD – 524 lbs
- CRF1100L4 – 530 lbs
- CRF1100L4D – 553 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- CRF1100L(D) – 5 gallons including 1.0-gallon reserve
- CRF1100L4(D) – 6.5 gallons including 1.0-gallon reserve
OTHER
- Models / MSRPs* / Colors:
- CRF1100L – Africa Twin / $14,399 / Matte Black Metallic
- CRF1100LD – Africa Twin DCT / $15,199 / Matte Black Metallic
- CRF1100L4 – Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES / $17,199 / Pearl Glare White/Blue
- CRF1100L4D – Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT / $17,999 / Pearl Glare White/Blue
- Emissions – Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
- Availability – March 2020
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $450.00 destination charge and dealer-installed options. Dealer prices may vary.
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
- One Year Included – Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
- Optional Extended – Extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan
Download Honda’s Official Model Spec Sheet below;
