2020 Honda Africa Twin

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. 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.

MCN's Jon Urry takes a look at both versions of Honda's all new award winning Africa Twin. Here's what he has to say about this winner:

Overall: The third generation of Honda Africa Twin has finally matured into the bike that so many of its fans hoped it would be from the outset. Armed with enough of the latest electronic technology and a bit more go in its super-sized motor, it is a serious contender in the adventure bike market.

Ride Quality and Brakes: The updated DCT gearbox (which is now linked to the IMU and responds to the bike’s angle when calculating if it should change gear or not) is excellent and now a worthy addition for either on or off-road fans. All the electronic systems perform excellently on the road and in the two off-road modes the traction control allows you to pull off a cheeky little slide while the ABS ensures you can use the front brake with confidence on gravel when it all gets a bit too wild.

Engine: The parallel twin has received an increase in capacity from 998cc to 1084cc for 2020 through a 6.4mm longer stroke, boosting peak power and torque by 6.8bhp and 4.4ftlb respectively while also delivering increases throughout the rev range.

Build Quality and Reliability: Early Africa Twins suffered badly from rusty spokes, however a new design of tubed wheel alongside stainless steel spokes should banish this concern. It feels and appears very solidly built, so we don’t expect any issues. Interestingly, the Adventure Sports has a tubeless wheel to cater for its more on-road focus.

Equipment: Most of the Africa Twin’s weaknesses in terms of tech have been rectified for 2020. The headline act is the all-new 6.5-inch touch screen TFT dash, which comes as standard. Incorporating Apple CarPlay, it is Bluetooth ready, can display navigation apps, has a USB charging point and can be accessed with a gloved hand. Also new is a six-axis IMU, bringing with it cornering ABS and traction control (seven levels) alongside cruise control (at last!), four power modes, three braking levels, three levels of wheelie control and four set riding modes plus two user modes. The ABS can also be turned off to the rear caliper for off-road use. There is a DCT version, whose performance has been significantly upgraded through it being linked to the IMU, making it gradient and corner responsive in its gear selection.

Check out our inventory of the 2020 Africa Twin