2024 Honda Africa Twin

The Pulse of Adventure

     In the dynamic world of adventure motorcycling, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports have emerged as quintessential symbols of resilience and adaptability. Revered for their robust construction and agile handling, these models have earned a special place in the hearts of off-road aficionados and long-distance touring enthusiasts. Their blend of durability and finesse has attracted a loyal following and set a benchmark in the segment.

As we ride into 2024, Honda takes these celebrated models to unprecedented levels of excellence. This latest evolution is more than just a series of upgrades; it is a comprehensive reimagining that infuses state-of-the-art technology while paying homage to their rich heritage. The 2024 iterations of the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports are not merely incremental improvements. They represent a reinvigorated spirit of adventure, offering a riding experience that is both familiar and thrillingly new, redefining what riders can expect from an adventure motorcycle.

Engineering Excellence of the 2024 Models

     At the core of the 2024 Africa Twin models throbs the much-acclaimed 1084cc parallel twin engine. Honda’s engineers have meticulously refined this powerplant, enhancing its performance characteristics, especially in the crucial low and mid-rev ranges. The result? A motorcycle that responds with more vigor and assertiveness when you twist the throttle.

Torque Enhancements

The engine now boasts a 7% increase in maximum torque, peaking at 112Nm. The peak torque arrives earlier at 5,500 rpm, compared to the previous 6,250 rpm, making for a more responsive and exhilarating ride.

Fine-tuning for Superior Performance

The engineers delved deeper, increasing the compression ratio from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1. This modification, coupled with adjustments to the valve timing, intake ports, and ECU settings, ensures that each stroke of the engine vividly reflects Honda’s unwavering commitment to superior performance.

Exhaust System Redesign

The 2024 models feature an overhauled exhaust system. The new muffler is an experience. It creates a pleasing pulse note at lower RPMs, transitioning into a robust bass tone as the revs climb. This auditory feedback constantly reminds us of the machine’s enhanced capabilities.

DCT – A Step Ahead

The Africa Twins continue to offer Honda’s revolutionary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option. This system, a hallmark of Honda engineering, has been refined further to complement the engine’s increased performance. The DCT shifts down sooner, aligning with the engine’s more eager power delivery. It also features enhanced cornering detection, providing a smoother and more intuitive riding experience.

Natural Feel in Every Shift

The DCT system’s improvements extend to the rider’s tactile experience. The transition between the first and second gears feels more ‘feathered.’ This subtlety might seem minor on paper, but it translates to a more connected and engaging ride on the road.

These engineering enhancements raise the bar for what adventure motorcycles can achieve and reinforce the Africa Twin’s status as a machine that’s as thrilling to ride as reliable. Honda’s 2024 CRF1100L Africa Twin and CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports are a new chapter in the saga of motorcycling excellence.

Advanced Performance Features

     In 2024, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin models redefine the concept of power delivery. These motorcycles are about harnessing and utilizing that power for a smooth, exhilarating ride.

Intuitive Power Response: The core of these bikes, the refined 1084cc engine, now responds with a newfound immediacy. The power and torque are delivered in a way that feels intuitive and natural, offering a surge of acceleration just when the rider demands it. This enhanced responsiveness is particularly noticeable during adventurous off-road escapades and spirited highway runs.

Balancing Power and Control: With great power comes the need for precise control. The 2024 Africa Twin models excel in this balance. The improved engine output is matched by a chassis and transmission designed to handle this increased vigor, ensuring the power boost enhances the ride without overwhelming the rider.

Synchronized Systems: The upgrades extend beyond the engine. The motorcycle’s various systems, from the transmission to the brakes and suspension, work in concert to provide a ride as confident as it is thrilling. The harmonious interaction of these systems results in a fast, safe, and enjoyable motorcycle.

Close-up of Ducati DesertX Rally's high front mudguard and wheel.

Chassis and Suspension Innovations

     The 2024 Africa Twin models introduce the Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA™), a state-of-the-art suspension system that elevates the riding experience to new heights.

Dynamic Suspension Adjustability

The Showa EERA™ offers a range of suspension settings, from SOFT to HARD, OFF-ROAD, and USER-customizable modes. This adaptability means the bike can seamlessly transition from smooth highways to rugged trails, providing optimal damping in all conditions.

On-the-Fly Adjustments

The true marvel of the EERA™ system lies in its ability to allow adjustments on the move. Using the 6.5-inch touchscreen display, riders can tweak the rear spring preload to match their riding style, load, or terrain, ensuring the bike always performs at its best.

Chassis Upgrades

The CRF1100L Africa Twin maintains its focus on off-road prowess with a 21-inch front wheel, now shod with tubeless Metzler Karoo Street tires for quick, hassle-free puncture repairs. This choice of tires strikes an ideal balance between off-road grip and on-road agility.

Adventure Sports’ Enhanced Road Manners

In contrast, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports model slightly shifts its stance towards on-road performance. Introducing a 19-inch front wheel and reducing suspension travel improve front-end feedback and grip, especially under loaded touring or two-up riding demands. These changes subtly shift the bike’s character, making it an even more compelling choice for long-distance road adventures.

These chassis and suspension innovations exemplify Honda’s dedication to creating motorcycles that are powerful, versatile, and exceptionally rider-friendly. The 2024 CRF1100L Africa Twin and Adventure Sports models stand as pinnacles of this philosophy, offering an exhilarating and confidence-inspiring riding experience.

And remember:

Don’t just collect miles, collect memories.

Photos: HONDA MEDIA – Words: Thomas Ferrero

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BTA Magazine September 2023

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