Photos: Honda

Robust, agile, powerful and with valued all-round qualities – the popular Honda Africa Twin presents itself technically unchanged in model year 2023. The successful adventure bike offers convincing off-road performance, thanks to a lightweight chassis and slim appearance as well as a character and torque 1084 cc twin. The electronics package shines with six-axis gyro, HSTC traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control and curve detection functions on the DCT version. Multiple driving modes, cruise control, USB socket, 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® complete the equipment.

New to the 2023 model year are two of three available colours – Mat Ballistic Black Metallic (with black rear frame) and Glint Wave Blue Metallic as a tricolour variant.

1. Introduction

More than 30 years ago, Honda introduced the XRV650 as the first Africa Twin in Europe. The spirit and concept of this legendarily successful bike can also be felt in the current models, since the Africa Twin once again enriched the market for the 2016 season as a completely redesigned CRF1000L.

The unerring balance of performance and lightness once distinguished the original. This also applies to the current Africa Twin and its parallel Adventure Sports sister. The combination of an inviting look, an engine that combines high-torque dynamics with driving pleasure, as well as the convincing handling on and off-road results in the perfect adventure all-rounder. For globetrotters, tour riders and commuters – 85,000 machines have been in customer hands so far – the Africa Twin models are quite rightly the first choice.

For the 2018 model year, the models with conventionally operated manual transmission as well as with DCT dual-clutch transmission received an electronic throttle by wire, three driving modes and extended options for HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control). In addition, the intake and exhaust system has been revised to further optimize engine responsiveness and sound. In addition, the sister model was the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with improved wind protection, huge tank volume and longer spring travel, which is ideally equipped for particularly extensive adventure tours.

With the evolution for the year 2020 and the long-stroke two-cylinder with 1084 cm3 displacement in the improved chassis, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure

Sports* has been supplemented by a variant with electronically controlled Showa EERATM suspension (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment). The standard CRF1100L Africa Twin also received more power, higher torque and less weight, the dynamic, compact design in rally style moved it even more into the off-road segment.

*See also the separate press release for CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

2. 
   Model Overview

The CRF1100L Africa Twin, which was last revised in 2020, fascinates and inspires with a sharpened off-road focus, which is reflected in the look and feel of a real rally bike.
The bike presents itself athletically compact. The two-cylinder heart with 1084 cm3 displacement produces 102 hp (75 kW) of peak power as well as ample 109 Nm of torque and thus torque over a wide speed range. The lightweight steel chassis is equipped with an aluminium rear frame. The swingarm, also made of aluminum, is based on that of the motocross CRF450R.

The modern control electronics with six-axis gyro, which measures mass inertia and reacts to acceleration, rotational movements and changes in position, control the seven-stage HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control), three-stage wheelie control, rear lift control, cornering ABS and cornering detection of the DCT dual-clutch transmission. Depending on any driving situation, the driver can choose between the four driving modes Urban, Tour, Gravel and Offroad.

Ergonomically perfectly designed, also for off-road use, the slim seating area presents itself in combination with the ergonomically advantageously positioned handlebars. Dual-LED daytime running lights are more easily perceived by other road users and increase safety. Cruise control is standard equipment. Africa Twin owners can also access Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto® and Bluetooth connectivity via the Multi-Information Display (MID) with 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen.

The 2023 CRF1100L Africa Twin model year is available in three colours:

- Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, with blackened rear frame – NEW
- Glint Wave Blue Metallic (Tricolour) – NEW
- Grand Prix Red

3. 
   Features

3.1 Styling & equipment

- Compact bodywork, narrowly contoured seat and practice-oriented shaped handlebars support a comfortable sitting position
- Multi-information display (MID) with 6.5 inch TFT touch screen
- MID integrates Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto® and Bluetooth connectivity
- Cruise control and daytime running lights
- Two new colors for 2023

Dynamic and compact, that's how the bodywork design of the Africa Twin can be aptly described to support off-road capability. The permanently mounted windscreen is low for ideal terrain overview. The seat height is 850 to 870 mm, the handlebar is positioned for an upright posture. This guarantees, in conjunction with the carefully contoured seat, optimal control over the bike and maximum comfort, standing while off-road and in a sitting position. An aluminium luggage rack and sturdy hand protectors are also standard.

The LED twin headlights have integrated daytime running lights that automatically adjust their intensity to the lighting conditions, thus improving safety.

The 6.5-inch multi-information display (MID) with full-color TFT touchscreen allows easy control of system settings. The various driving modes can be called up and selected effortlessly on the display. The MID can be individually configured to display different information about the selected driving mode. It can be operated without any problems with gloves.

With the integrated Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, common smartphones can be used via the Africa Twin's touchscreen. This allows access to navigation apps, and calls can also be controlled via a Bluetooth headset in the helmet. Smartphones are connected to the MID via USB. iPhone® and Android devices® can also be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. The smartphone is operated via buttons on the left side of the handlebar.

Front and rear turn signals have an emergency stop signal function. Abrupt emergency braking from speeds above 50 km/h is indicated to other road users via this hazard warning warning function. The emergency stop feature is equipped with an automatic shutdown function; this does not work by means of a simple timer, but by monitoring the different rotation speeds on the front and rear wheel. Cruise control is also part of the standard equipment, so that journeys over long distances can be made more pleasant.

The 2023 vintage is available in three paint options. The new colour Mat Ballistic Black Metallic completes a colour-coordinated rear subframe. The former tricolour option was renamed »Glint Wave Blue Metallic«; this has a blue fender to the blue front and a blue rear with red and white detailing. The third colour is the classic Grand Prix red, a tribute to Honda's heritage in off-road racing.

The 2023 CRF1100L Africa Twin is available in three colours:
- Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, with blackened rear frame – NEW
- Glint Wave Blue Metallic (Tricolour) – NEW
- Grand Prix Red

3.2 Engine

- 1,084^cm3 displacement, 75 kW (102 hp) peak power, 105 Nm torque
- Unicam cylinder heads and semi-dry sump lubrication
- Rear muffler with Exhaust Control Valve (ECV) for improved sound at low revs and more power at high revs

The parallel twin with 8 valves and 1,084 cm3 displacement delivers 102 hp/75 kW at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The bore is 92 mm, the stroke 81.5 mm and the compression ratio 10.1:1. Bore and cylinder spacing are thermodynamically optimized and support optimum performance characteristics over a wide speed range in harmony with clean combustion. This is due to the commands of the ECU control electronics and the injection angle, which feed the fuel mixture precisely via the 46 mm throttle valves to the combustion chambers, each of which is equipped with a dual ignition.

The Unicam valve train (from the Motocross CRF450R) allows compact cylinder heads, which are essential for the parallel twin concept for centralizing the masses as well as the slim "packaging" of the Africa Twin. The intake valves measure 10.1 mm in diameter and the exhaust valves 9.3 mm Ø. Aluminium cylinder liners help save weight, The crankshaft with 270 degree lifting pin offset supports the sympathetic pulsating running refinement in accordance with the irregular firing sequence – similar to a V-twin.

The engine housing of the CRF1100L two-cylinder is divided vertically, the thermostat positioned on the cylinder head to save space. The housing parts for the manual six-speed manual transmission and for DCT differ only minimally externally. The engine's two balance shafts drive both the water and oil pumps.

The engine has a semi-dry sump lubrication, whereby the oil tank is not housed externally, but inside the housing. This allows a flatter oil sump and thus an overall lower overall height of the engine. Since the pressure pump in turn sits directly in the oil tank, there is no need for additional lines for supplying and discharging the lubricant. Second-order vibrations are compensated by the counter-rotating pistons of the twin, two balance shafts additionally absorb first-order crankshaft vibrations and clutch vibrations.

The aluminium clutch hub and pressure plate use "Assist Cams" for simplified upshifts and "Slipper Cams" for sliding during braking and slight downshifts. Thanks to its low compression spring preload, the compact clutch helps to make the clutch lever easy to operate. The six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift drum design as the CRF450R motocrosser for precise, safe gear changes. A Quickshifter for the gearshift is optionally available.

The exhaust system is equipped with a variable exhaust control valve (ECV), which is similar to that of the Fireblade. This optimizes engine performance and efficiency by opening at higher revs and supporting a pleasant exhaust sound at lower revs.

3.3 Engine and chassis electronics

- Modern six-axis sensors optimize the safe function of traction control (for asphalt as well as off-road use)
- Three-stage wheelie control
- Four driving modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Offroad. In addition, two user driving modes

The Honda Africa Twin has state-of-the-art control electronics including electronic throttle by wire (TBW), for which the data of a gyro sensor are processed, which detects the mass inertia via 6 axes and thus determines the respective riding condition of the motorcycle. The system allows the engine power to be determined in four stages and the engine braking effect in three stages.

HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) traction control ensures secure grip on the rear wheel at all times and can be adjusted in seven stages, with processing
of gyro sensor data (positive/negative acceleration, rotational movements in all directions and changes in position up/down) in real time the exact function
supported. The differences between the individual stages are clearly noticeable, so that drivers can, for example, optimally control the slipping of the rear wheel in off-road use. The traction control can also be switched off completely if necessary.

Tour delivers maximum power delivery (1) for pillion and luggage tours, medium engine braking (2) and active cornering ABS for asphalt.

Urban offers medium power delivery (2), medium engine brake (2) and active on-road cornering ABS for a variety of requirements.

Gravel is the mode with the lowest power delivery (4) and engine braking (3). The cornering ABS is active in an off-road setting. The ABS of the rear brake cannot be switched off.

Off-road uses low to medium power delivery (3) and the lowest engine braking effect (3). The cornering ABS is active in an off-road setting. The ABS on the rear wheel can be switched off.

User 1 & 2 allows two personalized setups. The power delivery is adjustable in levels 1 to 4, the engine brake in stages 1 to 3. In addition, the ABS functions can be individually defined for on-road and off-road requirements.

*See also chapter 3.5 (Chassis) of this press release.

3.4 Dual-clutch transmission

- Enables smooth gear changes in D and S automatic modes as well as in manual MT mode
- Three-stage S mode allows higher speeds and shifts back earlier than D mode; ideal for dynamic sporty driving
- G-Switch for traction-optimized off-road tuning
- Slope detection automatically adjusts switching operations
- Gyro-based curve detection for improved shifting timing
- Software optimized since model year 2022 for smoother starting and optimized shifting in lower gears

Honda has already sold over 200,000 motorcycles with dual clutch transmission (DCT) in Europe. In 2009, the system debuted in the VFR1200F. In 2021, 51% of all Africa Twin models sold (including the Adventure Sports) were delivered to customers with DCT, further proof of the popularity of this advanced technology, which only Honda offers in the motorcycle sector.

The dual-clutch transmission makes driving easier by automatically changing gears without restricting typical motorcycle dynamics. The electronic-hydraulic control also takes over the metered actuation of the clutch for starting. That's why there is no clutch lever on DCT-Hondas. Simply turning the throttle after the driving mode has been activated is enough to drive off. The combination of ease of use, comfort and effortlessness, which Honda's DCT system allows, makes motorcycling much easier and quickly becomes a pleasant matter of course for users, which is subsequently reluctant to do without.

Technically, the system uses two clutches: one for starting and for gears one, three and five, the other is responsible for the second, fourth and sixth gears. For a compact design, both main shafts are plugged into each other. Each clutch is controlled by an electronic-hydraulic circuit. During automated shifting, the system selects the next gear using the clutch that is currently open. While it closes electronically, the other one opens at the same time – so that the newly selected gear can intervene without interrupting traction.

The result is smooth and fast gear changes without noticeable shifting pauses. The tractive force and torque at the rear wheel are also only minimally interrupted during DCT gear changes, which virtually eliminates the jerking and pitching movements of the machine.

Another benefit is the potentially increased service life, because gross or negligent shifting operations that can damage the gears are excluded by the system. Also stalling is not possible with DCT, since no clutch lever is to be operated. Especially in city traffic, a dual-clutch bike is pleasantly effortless and allows the rider to devote his attention fully to the traffic situation.

With Honda's dual-clutch transmission, there are three operating modes to choose from. The D-automatic mode offers maximum efficiency and is ideal for city and highway driving. S-Automatic enables sportier driving in three stages. The ECU makes the engine rev slightly higher before upshifting and shifts back earlier for more engine braking effect. In MT mode, the rider shifts gears manually using buttons for thumb and index finger on the left handlebar armature.

Even in automated D or S mode, the driver can intervene at any time by correcting gear selection via the manual DCT buttons. Depending on the throttle valve angle, vehicle speed and gear, the dual-clutch transmission then seamlessly switches back to automatic mode at the appropriate time.

Pressing the G button on the TFT touchscreen display activates an additional off-road mode. Less slip when shifting gears gives the driver a better sense of the available grip off-road. In addition, the DCT system has integrated inclination detection, which optimizes the shifting behavior depending on the incline or descent of the road or terrain, thus facilitating control.

Since 2020, the dual-clutch transmission of the CRF1100L Africa Twin has had curve detection. The shift program automatically adjusts when the gyro sensors detect that the motorcycle is taking a turn.

Since the 2022 model year, the CRF1000L Africa Twin has another software overhaul for smoother starting from standstill and optimized shifting behavior at low speeds in gears 1 + 2.

3.5 Chassis

- Steel frame, bolted aluminum rear frame, rigid aluminum swingarm with ProLink suspension for optimal traction and feedback
- Modern gyro sensors for the control electronics, which detect the vehicle movements over 6 axes
- Cornering ABS and additional special off-road setting
- Fully adjustable Showa suspension elements front and rear

The Bosch MM7.10 control electronics of the Africa Twin are equipped with a gyro sensor that detects the movements of the vehicle over 6 axes. Positioned centrally in the machine, rolling angle and rate, inclination angle and rate as well as yaw angle and rate are recorded in real time. The data on the respective state of movement allows the electronics to control precisely and precisely: the rear wheel traction (with the help of the electronic throttle grip and the HSTC traction control), the possible braking power on the front wheel controlled by the cornering ABS, the ground contact of the front wheel by the wheelie control and the rear wheel slip via the rear lift control.

The Africa Twin's carefully designed semi-double-loop tubular steel frame enables superior off-road driving and ensures superior all-round performance on the road. The stiffened steering head area in conjunction with slim and straightened main frame tubes always allows optimal front wheel feeling. The ground clearance is 250 mm, the wheelbase 1,575 mm, the steering head angle 27.3°, the fork caster 113 mm and the weight fully fueled 229 kg (DCT 240 kg).

The bolted aluminium rear frame is slim (195 mm wide) and helps the driver to better reach the ground via the reduced crotch curve. The aluminium swingarm, whose construction is based on the CRF450R, improves traction at the rear wheel due to its high rigidity.

Showa's 45mm Upside Down fork offers 230mm travel for top performance on and off the road. For spring preloading, both the rebound and compression stages are infinitely adjustable during damping. The upper triple clamp made of cast aluminium and the lower triple clamp made of forged aluminium, connected by a hollow aluminium fork yoke, fix the fork legs via solid double clamps with two screws each at the top and bottom.

The Showa shock absorber on the rear wheel offers 220 mm travel, a 45 mm cartridge and an external reservoir for sustained stable damping even in extreme terrain. The spring preload can be adjusted in practice via a rotary knob; The damping rebound and compression stages are also fully customizable.

The swingarm bearing holders are made of high-strength forged steel. The ProLink lever linkage with progressive deflection is supported by a ball joint on a cross-connecting pipe. This gives the driver better feedback on rear-wheel traction.

In order to ideally dose the ABS brake pressure, the gyro sensors analyze the angle of inclination of the machine, the deceleration (via speed sensors on the front and rear wheel) and the slip rate on the front and rear wheels. If the rear wheel is lifted unintentionally, the electronics regulate the braking force so that the machine stabilises. Optionally, the rear ABS can be deactivated for off-road driving.

On the front wheel, floating 310 mm Wave double discs with two-piece four-piston radial calipers and sintered metal brake pads decelerate. The perforated Wave brake disc at the rear measures 256 mm in diameter. On the 21/18-inch wheels front and rear (with aluminum rim bed and stainless steel spokes) are Bridgestone Battlax AX41T
Adventurecross Tourer tires or Metzeler Karoo Street tires in sizes 90/90-21M/C 54H and 150/70R18 M/C 70H.

Coarsely profiled TKC80 studded tires from Continental in 90/90-21 M/C 54S and 150/70B18 M/C 70Q are also approved for installation, but a limited top speed of 160 km/h must be observed.

4. 
   Accessories

The Honda original accessories for the Africa Twin leave nothing to be desired. It includes a 42-litre top case and side cases made of aluminium as well as a 58-litre top case and side cases made of plastic. Benches can be retrofitted in different heights: A low version (minus 25 mm) covers the range from 825 to 845 mm, a higher version (plus 25 mm) the range 875 to 895 mm. Furthermore, touring window, two tank bags, radiator protection, engine protection, crash bar as well as hand protector extensions, heated grips, protective sticker kits, center stand and a 12 volt on-board socket are available.

A particularly practical and cost-effective alternative (with a 10% price advantage) are complete package offers:

The Super Package Alu includes front crash bar incl. mounting kit, 42 liter aluminum top case, aluminum side case set incl. carrier system, inner panniers, tank bag 4.5 liters, front LED fog lamp set, handle heating, 12 V socket, high windscreen, wind deflector replacement bottom/top and main stand.

The super package plastic consists of front crash bar incl. mounting kit, 58 liter plastic top case with back cushion and mounting plate, side case set made of plastic, inner panniers, tank bag 4.5 liters, front LED fog lamp set, handle heating, 12 V socket, high windshield, wind deflector replacement bottom/top and main stand.

The electric package offers a front LED fog lamp set, handle heating with mounting kit and a 12 volt socket.

The travel package Alu includes front crash bar incl. mounting kit, 42 liter aluminum top case, aluminum side case set incl. carrier system, inner panniers, tank bag 4.5 liters and center stand.

The travel package plastic consists of front crash bar incl. mounting kit, 58 liter plastic top case with back cushion and mounting plate, side case set made of plastic, inner panniers, tank bag 4.5 liters and main stand.

The off-road package for the Africa Twin with DCT includes radiator grille, side tank protectors, front crash bar incl. mounting kit, engine protection bar incl. mounting kit, rally footrest set, foot shift lever for DCT, tinted windscreen, rim décor sticker set (matching the paintwork) and hand protectors (matching the paintwork).

The off-road package for the Africa Twin with manual transmission includes radiator grille, side tank protectors, front crash bar incl. mounting kit, engine protection bar incl. mounting kit, rally footrest set, shift assistant, tinted windscreen, rim décor sticker set (matching the paintwork) and hand protectors (matching the paintwork).

5. Specifications