Africa Twin Features

Honda's Unicam® engine design, with its compact cylinder-head layout, allows for optimal engine placement and superior performance in terms of both handling-related weight distribution and airflow-related horsepower. Talk about a win-win.

Thanks to the parallel-twin engine layout, the bike's front wheel can tuck in closer to the engine. This shortens the wheelbase, making the bike more agile.

A unique twin air intake system featuring two vertical filtration elements results in excellent engine performance, even during extensive operation in dusty conditions.

The 10.5:1 compression ratio and updated valve timing increase the midrange horsepower and torque by more than 7 percent compared to the previous version, which is hard not to love.

Last year, we increased the size of the muffler-exit pipes on both models to enhance performance and sound quality.

Using the same muffler-valve technology as our CBR1000RR Superbike, the exhaust helps lower emissions while aiding rideability and increasing power output.

Most twins use a 180-degree crank, but the Africa Twin family has a 270-degree design. This setup provides a unique power delivery that’s easier to modulate in terrain where traction is challenging, not to mention a unique sound.

A dry-sump engine design is really the only viable option for a big adventure bike. The more compact sump increases ground clearance, eliminating the main vulnerability of a conventional wet sump powerplant.

The standard model's inverted 45mm Showa® fork is fully adjustable and has 8 inches of travel – the most in the 1000cc ADV class. The Adventure Sports ES models have 7.3 inches of front travel to match the more street-focused 19-inch front wheel.

These bikes come with a three-mode Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): On-Road, Off-Road, and a rear ABS removable mode that can be turned off for dirt riding.

By placing heavy components like the battery near the bike's center of gravity and using a compact engine, we've created a platform for excellent handling.

The integrated 6-axis IMU is a standard feature of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and is designed to add the correct amount of ABS based on the degree the rider is leaned over.

The Adventure Sports ES models come equipped with adjustable Showa EERA® suspension, which allows you to choose from five damper settings on the fly and change the suspension to match the terrain and conditions without ever stopping.

The semi-double-cradle lightweight steel frame is similar in design to those used on our Rally factory racebike—a machine designed to perform in the most challenging conditions with a history of winning the Dakar Rally twice.

This frame is almost 4 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and it has a stiffer steering head designed for added feedback and improved handling.

Twin, four-piston brake calipers up front provide powerful braking performance, while the radial-mount design also stiffens them, increasing feel and control.

The swingarm is lightweight and sturdy, thanks to the technology developed for our CRF450R motocrosser, and it has been beefed up to handle the rigors of the Africa Twin family.

Large-diameter hollow steel axles are used in the front and rear. They are extremely strong, durable, and lightweight, a combination that could describe just about everything on this bike.

The standard Africa Twin models feature fully adjustable rising-rate Pro-Link® rear suspension with 8.7 inches of rear-wheel travel. In comparison, the Adventure Sports ES models are equipped with electronic preload adjustment and offer 7.9 inches of travel.

Adjusting the preload on the Adventure Sports ES models is effortless. Four settings are tailored to your needs. There is no need to struggle with hard-to-reach collars – all adjustments are made electronically.

All Africa Twin models have wire-spoked wheels. The standard models feature 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels designed for better off-road performance, while the Adventure Sports ES models get a more road-focused 19-inch front wheel and wider rims.

Tubeless tires are standard on all four Africa Twin variations. They provide a cooler-running tire and a wide selection of adventure bike rubber. Flat tire repairs are also much easier.

Both models offer six selectable riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, and User 2. The last two allow you to customize them to your individual preferences.

The Africa Twin DCT and Adventure Sports ES DCT models feature a robust, steel-gear transmission that can be operated manually with paddle shifters or left in fully automatic mode, where it shifts entirely for you. This truly is the future of two-wheeled transmissions.

For those purists, a conventional six-speed manual gearbox with a traditional handlebar-mounted clutch lever is available on the standard Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models. This gearbox features Honda’s proven durability and is also slightly lighter than the DCT option.

The water pump is behind the cover and driven by a balancer shaft, so there is no need for external hoses that could snag or rupture in a fall.

Our throttle-by-wire system expands the ADV’s versatility with seven levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and four power delivery modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, and User, which can be custom programmed.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) lets you customize the bike’s power delivery to match conditions or rider skill level. It has seven different settings for various terrains and allows the bike to progress as you do.

Front and rear wheel-speed sensors work with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system to provide three levels of wheelie control. The system can also be manually turned off.

Standard on all Africa Twin DCT models, this special feature helps improve control when riding off-road by reducing clutch slip during throttle operation, which is especially critical when riding tough and technical terrain.

We used a lightweight lithium-ion battery to reduce the bike’s overall sprung mass for improved handling. It also happens to hold a charge four times longer than a conventional battery.

Good fairings are key, especially when the miles pile up. We spent hours perfecting both AT models, with the Adventure Sports ES cowl shape designed to reduce high-speed highway buffeting and the standard Africa Twin made for off-road agility.

You can equip your new CRF1100L with a full range of 48 different Honda accessories. These include a centerstand, quick-shifter, rally-style luggage boxes, seats, off-road footpegs, and much more.

Both standard Africa Twin models feature 5-gallon fuel tanks, while our two Adventure Sports ES models increase that capacity to 6.6 gallons for those of you looking to super-size your adventures.

Our three-piece hard luggage set is essential for every traveler. The bags have a weather-resistant lining, and the largest can accommodate a full-face helmet.

Fitting tall handlebars to both models opens up the cockpit, working with the seat and windscreen to create a comfortable rider triangle for long rides.

Our aluminum handlebars are lighter and more flexible than steel handlebars of the same size. They are designed to taper from a thin diameter under the outer grip area to a thicker section at the center for optimal flex and rigidity.

We took extra care to ensure the standard Africa Twin models' seat was as narrow as possible while still being comfortable. This makes maneuvering the bike at low speeds and placing a foot on the ground when stopping much easier.

The aluminum subframe is removable for servicing and repairs. Compared to previous AT models, the width has been reduced by 40mm for a narrower feel between the rider’s legs, making it more agile in challenging terrain.

Using counterbalancing elements on two axes, we have been able to cancel out a lot of the engine vibrations, resulting in a smooth ride that is easier over long distances.

Adventure riding requires nimble maneuvering on a slim bike. The peg-bar-seat triangle offers the perfect position for agile handling on challenging trails.

All Africa Twin models come factory-equipped with cruise control for touring, and you’ll thank us after those high-mileage rides.

A 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument touch panel features three displays and can show a multitude of information, depending on your needs.

Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are standard on all models and seamlessly integrate with your mobile device, allowing easy access to calls, texts, maps, music, and more.