honda africa twin tft display for sale

In an effort to help existing and potential customers better understand the extensive capabilities of the 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin’s advanced Multi-Information Display (MID), Honda has released a new interactive simulator on its consumer website.

All four CRF1100L Africa Twin versions—the manual and DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) iterations of the standard Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES—are equipped with a 6.5 inch touch-panel TFT LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) and handlebar controls that offer features including Apple CarPlay integration; activation/cancelation of ABS and G-mode; and adjustment of settings for Honda Selective Torque Control (HSTC), wheelie control, riding modes, user mode and—on applicable versions—suspension and DCT; as well as other data like time, speed, etc.

“The electronic technology of the 2020 Africa Twin is amazingly capable, and Honda’s new Multi-Information Display simulator enables customers to more easily get the most out of their machines,” said Chris Cox, Manager of Experiential Marketing & P.R. at American Honda. “We encourage customers—whether they already own an Africa Twin or are in the market for a new adventure bike—to give the tool a try.”

The tool is best experienced on desktop and can be accessed by scrolling down within the website’s Africa Twin section, clicking “Check it out,” selecting the appropriate language and distance units, and clicking “Start.” Users are encouraged to first explore the “Information” and “Navigation” sections, accessed via buttons in the top-righthand corner of the screen, in order to familiarize themselves with the simulator.

Honda has posted an online simulator that lets you play with the Africa Twin’s TFT display.   The online simulator offers current or potential future riders the means to introduce themselves to the display’s functions without having to be on or own one of the machines.

Perhaps the online resource is a hidden nod to the complexity that these types of displays bring.  But kudos to Honda.  They are taking the initiative to allow riders to use and understand the system before making an Africa Twin purchase.

The website provides a simulation of the Africa Twin’s TFT display and left and right-hand control switches.  The simulator allows a rider to adjust the multiple settings available on the bike.

Once at the website, you will see a simulated TFT LCD instrument cluster with technical information on the display.  The visitor can customize the readouts with a click of a button on the left-hand control switch.  It’s found on the lower right portion of your monitor.

Unfortunately, there are no detailed instructions on how to use the simulator.  So you’ll have to fiddle a bit with the controls to understand what they do and how to change its settings.  Still, it’s a decent way to get a feel for the display and what it can do for you.

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.

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED SUSPENSION: 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.

STEEL FRAME: This second generation of Africa Twin features a frame that is almost four pounds lighter than our earlier bikes. And while it may be lighter, we 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 factory Dakar racebike—a machine that’s designed to perform in the challenging Dakar rally and similar events.

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.

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. New engine settings for 2022 make a great feature even better.

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.

REAR SUSPENSION: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED SUSPENSION: 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.

STEEL FRAME: This second generation of Africa Twin features a frame that is almost four pounds lighter than our earlier bikes. And while it may be lighter, we 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 factory Dakar racebike—a machine that’s designed to perform in the challenging Dakar rally and similar events.

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.

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. New engine settings for 2022 make a great feature even better.

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.

REAR SUSPENSION: 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.

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.

Model updates: Honda’s definitive full-size adventurer was comprehensively updated for the 2020 with harder-edged off-road performance from a lighter chassis, slim rally-style bodywork and revised riding position; the newly-EURO5 compliant engine’s capacity was also increased, boosting power and torque. A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit was introduced to manage riding modes and HSTC as well as three additional systems - Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Rear Lift Control, plus cornering detection functionality on the DCT version. A new full colour 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen incorporated Apple CarPlayTM and Bluetooth connectivity, the new dual LED headlights featured Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and cruise control was fitted as standard.

2021 sees the addition of the much-loved Pearl Glare White Tricolour colour scheme, previously only available on the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports version, for the Africa Twin itself and, from February 2021, Android AutoTM functionality was added to the list of upgrades.

It’s been over three decades since the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin first rolled into Europe and while the motorcycle that now bears its name – launched in 2016 as the CRF1000L Africa Twin – was a brand-new machine from the wheels up, it fully inherited the essence and spirit of what made the original so popular.

It was the balance between power and weight that was at the heart of the original bike’s appeal, just as it was for the new model. With its unique, athletic appearance, an enjoyable, usable engine and capable, comfortable chassis, the CRF1000L Africa Twin proved itself a true modern-day all-rounder and has been hugely popular with round-the-world adventurers, around-town commuters and weekend tourers alike.

2018 saw the Africa Twin, in both manual transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) form, receive Throttle By Wire (TBW) control plus 3 riding modes, expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) options, as well as intake and exhaust development for improved engine response and sound. The platform also expanded: the Africa Twin Adventure Sports – with the same updates but featuring improved wind protection, greater tank range and longer-travel suspension – extended the machine even further into long-range territory.

Building on strong European (and global) demand for both models, with over 87,000 sold worldwide since its 2016 relaunch, 2020 was a landmark year for the evolution of the Africa Twin. The touring comfort, technology and ability of the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports* were further enhanced – adding the option of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (SHOWA EERA™). Meanwhile, the CRF1100L Africa Twin itself was comprehensively redrawn with an aggressive, compact rally style and even sharper off-road focus. Packing more power and torque, it was also significantly lighter – in keeping with the first principles set out all those years ago.

The 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin was given a sharply-renewed focus on off-road core ability, that brought with it the look – and feel – of a true rally machine. Smaller, slimmer and 4kg lighter than the previous model, it offered even more athletic performance, thanks also to changes to the engine, which produced 7% more peak power, 6% more peak torque and much greater strength everywhere in the rev-range. It also became Honda’s first EURO5 compliant engine.

The frame was completely revised and featured a new bolt-on aluminium subframe. The new swingarm, too, was aluminium and based on that of the CRF450R moto-crosser. And at the centre of the Africa Twin, the addition of a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controlled not only the 7-level HSTC but also 3-level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS (with off-road setting), Rear Lift Control and DCT cornering detection. An OFF-ROAD setting also joined the URBAN, TOUR and GRAVEL default riding modes.

Tailored for complete control, the riding position featured a new slim-section seat and high-set handlebars. A full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen brought immersive engagement with the machine’s systems, plus Apple CarPlayTM

For 21YM, the technical package is unchanged, but the new Pearl Glare White Tricolour brings the classic red, white and blue Africa Twin colour scheme back to the latest generation of the machine. From February 2021, Android AutoTM was also added to the list of upgrades.

Aggressive and compact. Two words that sum up the Africa Twin’s taut rally-style bodywork. And it’s for a reason – to work better off-road. The fixed screen is short to allow for easy scanning of the trail ahead and, with a seat height of 850-870mm, the handlebars mount 22.5mm higher than the previous 1000cc model, giving a more upright riding position and comfortable control, whether standing or seated.

The full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen keeps the rider in control of all of the Africa Twin’s systems, with each of the riding modes­ selectable through the top left of the screen. The MID can also be customised to show various levels of information relative to the riding mode chosen and is easy to use even when wearing gloves.

It also incorporates Apple CarPlayTM and from February 2021, Android AutoTM, allowing use of a smartphone through the touchscreen. Navigation apps can also be accessed and displayed and via a Bluetooth helmet headset calls can be made or received. The smartphone itself plugs into a USB charging port on the right of the MID. Hands-free wireless Bluetooth connectivity is also an option for an iPhoneTM or Android device and all control inputs are made from the left-hand switchgear.

The SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine’s essential architecture remained unchanged for the 2020 update, but displacement increased to 1,084cc, up from 998cc. And as a result peak power went from 70kW to 75kW @ 7,500rpm with peak torque going from 99Nm to 105Nm @ 6,250rpm. Significantly, the obvious increase in both power and torque made itself felt from 2,500rpm all the way through to the redline.

The 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s distinctive throb and feel for rear wheel traction. For 2020 the cylinder head was completely revised, as was the larger diameter 46mm throttle body; the bore and cylinder pitches were also aligned to create a smooth air intake profile. The ECU setting was updated and the injector angle was modified to deliver a more direct spray into re-shaped twin-spark combustion chambers.

Honda’s SOHC Unicam valve train is a feature of the MX competition-specification CRF450R and the low-set position of the cast camshaft contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head. For 2020 the valve timing was optimised and the inlet and exhaust valve lift was increased to 10.1mm inlet and 9.3mm exhaust (from 9.2/8.6mm).

The Africa Twin’s engine received the benefits of Throttle By Wire (TBW) control in 2018, allowing much finer management of engine output and character as well as expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for rear tyre grip; for 2020 the system evolved to work in conjunction with a six-axis IMU*.

Honda has sold over 140,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles across Europe since the system first appeared as an option on the VFR1200F a decade ago. Testament to its acceptance in the marketplace, in 2019 DCT versions of Africa Twin (including Adventure Sports version) accounted for 45% of the model’s sales in 2019.

The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth.

DCT for the Africa Twin is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure environment, with off-road functionality enhanced by the G switch accessed via the TFT touch screen display. Activating the G switch in any riding mode improves the feel for available traction and machine control by reducing the amount of clutch slip during gear changes.

A new feature for the CRF1100L Africa Twin’s DCT system for the change to the 1100cc model for 2020 was cornering detection. When the IMU recognises the bike is cornering, the system subtly adjusts the shifting programme for the most natural gear changes.

At the very heart of the Africa Twin’s elevated on- and off-road performance is a Bosch MM7.10 six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) tucked away at the centre of the machine, that measures – in real-time – roll angle/rate, pitch angle/rate and yaw angle/rate. It manages rear wheel traction via TBW and HSTC, front braking grip through Cornering ABS, front wheel lift through Wheelie Control and also adds Rear Lift Control.

In conjunction with the addition of IMU control for its 2020 evolution, the strength and rigidity balance of the steel semi-double cradle frame was completely re-examined by Honda’s development engineers to boost off-road ability – at the same time reinforcing its all-round on-road manners. Rigidity around the steering head was optimised to enhance feel for front end grip; the main spars were made slimmer and straighter and did away with the front cross pipe. Frame weight of the CRF1100L Africa Twin is 1.8kg lighter than the previous 1000cc model.

The range of Honda Genuine Accessories for the Africa Twin includes premium (42L) aluminium top box and panniers plus large (58L) plastic top box and panniers, two seat heights (a lower 825-845mm and taller 870-895mm option), touring screen, radiator guards, engine guards and side pipes, knuckle guard extensions, heated grips and an ACC charging socket.

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

STEEL FRAME: This second generation of Africa Twin features a frame that is almost four pounds lighter than our earlier bikes. And while it may be lighter, we 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.

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.

REAR SUSPENSION: 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.

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.

The Africa Twin’s latest update came for the 2020 model year and was a fairly big revamp, introducing the larger 1,100cc engine, updated electronics package, better TFT display, improved seat, and better suspension among other enhancements. We took a spin on the revamped machine not long after it came to market and found the improvements to be impressive, especially the electronics suite and cockpit comfort. It remains a fantastic touring bike for riders that want to log real miles both on and off road.

It’s time. Time to soar. To be truly free and feel your tyres bite into dirt, seeking the grip and escape you need. The motorcycle beneath you is a tool, your tool. And you ride together as one. This is Africa Twin. Forged through the furnace of countless kilometres. For the ride of a lifetime.

The Africa Twin is designed to push limits. Sharp and agile handling in the dirt – whether storming a high-speed gravel trail or trickling up a rocky climb – is thanks to a lightweight main frame and CRF450R-style aluminium swingarm matched to long-travel Showa 45mm inverted front fork and remote reservoir rear shock.

Peak power and torque are up by 5Kw/5Nm and the parallel twin-cylinder engine is stronger, everywhere in the rev-range. Intake-exhaust efficiency has been carefully optimised with new Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and throttle body feeding a redesigned cylinder head, giving enhanced throttle feel and crisp response.

You’ll be fully engaged here. A full-colour 6.5-inch TFT touch-screen offers immersive selection of riding modes and easy control of navigation and Bluetooth smartphone/audio connectivity. Apple CarPlay® allows seamless mirroring and management of iPhone apps or calls via the touch screen.

Because control is everything in the dirt. So we completely redesigned the Africa Twin’s chassis and a lighter main frame; aluminium CRF450R-style swingarm and bolt-on aluminium rear subframe are matched to adjustable long-travel Showa front forks and rear shock. The riding position, too, is tailored for sitting and standing with high-set handlebars and contoured, slimmer seat width. Taut rally-style bodywork is equally slim with compact front fairing and screen. Dual headlights are full LED and have automatic DRL technology for piercing and consistent daytime visibility.

A real test of what and where is possible. So we’ve built the new Africa Twin to push limits. The engine’s increased cubic capacity boosts mid-range torque – with an extra 5Nm peak for linear, relentless drive – and brings with it an extra 5kW peak power. A competition-style exhaust breathes freely with a highly-tuned crackle.

A 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) constantly monitors dynamic movement for precise management of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Wheelie Control and Engine Brake through four default riding modes and two customisable user modes. Cornering ABS provides increased security on-road and features an off-road setting and rear ABS switch-off.

When you’re not scanning the trail ahead, you’ll be looking at the Africa Twin’s dash – so we’ve given it a 6.5-inch TFT touch screen display, with Apple CarPlay® and Bluetooth connectivity. The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) option offers manual and automatic shifting, as well as Gswitch setting for more direct drive when the road runs out.

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.

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.

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.

Rear Suspension: 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.

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.

In an effort to help existing and potential customers better understand the extensive capabilities of the 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin’s advanced Multi-Information Display, American Honda has released a new interactive simulator on its consumer website.

All four CRF1100L Africa Twin versions—the manual and Dual Clutch Transmission iterations of the standard Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES—are equipped with a 6.5 inch touch-panel TFT LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) and handlebar controls that offer features including Apple CarPlay™ integration; activation/cancelation of ABS and G-mode; and adjustment of settings for Honda Selective Torque Control (HSTC), wheelie control, riding modes, user mode and—on applicable versions—suspension and DCT; as well as other data like time, speed, etc.

“The electronic technology of the 2020 Africa Twin is amazingly capable, and Honda’s new Multi-Information Display simulator enables customers to more easily get the most out of their machines,” said Chris Cox, Manager of Experiential Marketing & P.R. at American Honda. “We encourage customers—whether they already own an Africa Twin or are in the market for a new adventure bike—to give the tool a try.”

The tool can be accessed by scrolling down within the website’s Africa Twin section, clicking “Check it out,” selecting the appropriate language and distance units, and clicking “Start.” Users are encouraged to first explore the “Information” and “Navigation” sections, accessed via buttons in the top-righthand corner of the screen, in order to familiarize themselves with the simulator.

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDAAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Powersports Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

Atop a ridgeline, I stopped to catch my breath. I’d been riding the 2022 Honda Africa Twin for nearly three hours off-road. I’d crossed two saddle-deep rivers, splashed through the mud and dirt, and bounced down some seriously steep grades of silty slick rock faces. But it had brought me here, overlooking this beautiful expansive valley.

It was early fall, and the cooler-than-normal temperatures and snow the week before had caused the aspen leaves to become a vibrant yellow. They fluttered in the wind, giving the forest ahead a shimmering effect. Very few folks had been to where I was standing, apart from those with little mechanical sympathy. Or horses. But with the Africa Twin, I could skirt around most obstacles, ducking and diving the hazards that stopped others in their tracks. Including this overlook.Jonathon Klein

Honda’s Africa Twin isn’t billed as the best, most hardcore adventure motorcycle on the planet. This particular bike even has the company’s dual-clutch automatic transmission and less-than-optimal dual-sport tires. Yet, after years of refinement and Honda’s penchant for delivering over-engineered everything, the Africa Twin is capable of so much more than what its spec sheet may suggest.

This is a motorcycle that’s comfortable, tall, athletic, and powerful, and it will give you the confidence to ride more. To ride further. And that’s exactly what you want in an adventure motorcycle. Something to push you off the map and find the untouched and peaceful. You want a motorcycle that helps you see a mountain, and the Africa Twin will do just that.

I’ve ridden the Africa Twin a few different times since its 2016 debut. From the twisty, turny mountain roads of Los Angeles to logging long-distance mileage, this is a motorcycle that’s always impressed me with its on-road capabilities. That sounds antithetical to something that bears the name “Africa” and conjures images of the Dakar, but a ton of folks are going to use the Africa Twin as a long-distance tourer and for good reason: it’s comfortable.

A height-adjustable seat takes center stage, as it accommodates riders of differing sizes—I’m six-foot-four—and allows them to comfortably plant their feet at a stop. Honda also paid special attention to the Africa Twin’s balance, as at 529 pounds wet, it’s a porker, and a top-heavy bike is the last thing you want. But there’s a sense of groundedness whenever you throw a leg over that can be lacking in other motorcycles of the same breed.Jonathon Klein

Powering the motorcycle is a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that puts out 100 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque. If I’m being honest, that’s pretty low compared to other full-size competitors, like the 170 hp in Ducati’s Multistrada V4 S. But throughout my travels with the Africa Twin, I’ve never been left wanting more. Power is delivered quickly and efficiently through the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and that DCT has been retooled over the years to be better than it was when first introduced.

The one option available from Honda that I would’ve liked on this particular bike was heated grips. The Africa Twin got dropped off late in the year and the temperatures dropped precipitously coming into November. While the brush guards kept the wind off my hands, and a set of Dainese and Alpinestars gloves did their best keeping my fingers warm, they couldn’t compete with 15-degree temperatures. Heated grips would’ve gone a long way.

Other than the lack of heated grips, I haven’t found too much to take issue with. But being the picky journalist I am, I’ll call out the dash interface. The bar-mounted controls and how it interacts with the TFT display feels needlessly complex when you first sit down. And if you’re not up on how to use it, it’s super annoying while riding and trying to scroll through the four riding modes—Tour, Urban, Gravel, and Off-road, plus two custom settings. I actually found myself picking a ride mode before I set off and sticking with it until I came to a stop. It could be more intuitive, especially when riding off-road.Jonathon Klein

Just after the Honda arrived, I suited up and pointed it at the mountains across our valley. While I started at a trailhead I’d been to before, I veered off onto one of the unknown branches just before a section littered with deep sand. It was a choice, and one I almost regretted.

This particular trail was not built for a full-size ADV, as it was narrow, tree-lined, and on a steep decline. But the Africa Twin actually handled it pretty well. That wasn’t necessarily my own experience, though. I felt a bit squeezed, but I kept chugging along with confidence, at least until I got to the base of the trail. Lying before me was a set of three two-foot-tall steps, and thank you, off-road ABS, for stopping me on a dime in the dirt.

Now, it’s more than likely that pro off-road riders would’ve seen this obstacle and just jumped it. But again, the Africa Twin is 529 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to just yeet off a seven-foot drop, especially when it’s not your motorcycle. I decided to hop off and walk it down which worked. But I wasn’t out of the proverbial woods.

A short distance after the steps, a small 30-foot-wide river welcomed me. Without thinking too hard, I grabbed a heaping, handful of throttle and powered the Africa Twin right through it. It didn’t even stutter and a smile crept onto my face. That elation quickly turned into anxiety as a mile up the trail, a far larger water crossing entered the picture.

What I want you to take away from those stories is two-fold. First, the Africa Twin showed up on dual-sport tires. They’re grippy, but they aren’t the off-road spec rubber that either the Ducati or the CRF300L Rally had equipped with. Yet, even with that handicap, it handled everything without issue thanks to a combination of excellent engineering and somewhat idiotic confidence on my part. This is a motorcycle that’s so well-engineered that you’d have to really put it out of its comfort zone to trip it up. Or be a complete moron.

Honda’s Africa Twin is seriously good as both an on-road tourer or far-flung adventurer, and it does little wrong, including how much cash it commands.

Priced at $15,299, it’s a bargain compared to its classmates. Just look at its competition: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 starts at $17,699, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure sits at $19,499, then you have the $22,500 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally, followed by the $24,495 Zero DSR/X, the $25,259 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, and finally the $27,195 Ducati Multistrada V4 S. The Honda might not have as much horsepower as some of those other motorcycles, but nothing comes close to its price-to-capability.

Even after all these years, the Africa Twin remains one of the best adventure motorcycles available. It’s a motorcycle that you can just jump onto and ride off into the wilderness, taking you somewhere you’ve never experienced. It’s the platonic ideal of an adventure motorcycle and you’ll love it for years to come.

In its basic form, it’s £12,399 (or £13,399 for the DCT model) – correct at the time of writing in April 2022 after Honda’s price increase of £400 on each model.

I can’t for the life of me understand why Honda clumped everything together in the messiest assortment of buttons I’ve ever seen. And then stuck it on the handlebars.

To make it worse, these buttons exist only because the touchscreen doesn’t work when the bike is moving. I wish Honda would either make it so the touchscreen works when riding or dispense with the touchscreen altogether and pass on the cost reductions to the customer!

It’s the same engine that’s in the Africa Twin. But to me, at least, it doesn’t feel like it! I’m pretty certain that my 2019 AT is quicker than the NT1100 – despite the smaller displacement.

Many people thought the original Honda Deauville was dull. And I can imagine them thinking the NT1100 is just as lacklustre. I must admit, I was expecting a little more oomph from its 1,084cc’s.

Lastly, the NT1100 appears to be less frugal than my Africa Twin. Throughout my ride, I averaged around 48mpg. And in a world where petrol prices are through the roof, that’s a concern.

One of the most important requirements for my next bike is that it’s lightweight. So I was somewhat bemused when I saw the DCT version of the NT1100 was a full 20kg heavier than my non-DCT Africa Twin.

I currently pay around £170 per month (over three years) for my Africa Twin on PCP. For the NT1100 with DCT, the payments work out (for me and my specific circumstances) at £185 over FOUR years, or £215 over three years.

That said, the NT is incredibly easy to ride and supremely comfortable. There’s not a doubt in my mind that Honda will sell lots and lots of NT1100 units!