25YM Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The 25YM CRF1100L Africa Twin carries a strong focus on core off-road ability, with the look and feel of a slim rally machine. Its 1,084cc parallel twin cylinder engine produces peak torque of 112Nm with peak power of 75kW.

Two options are available: The CRF1100L Africa Twin, with standard Showa suspension, and the CRF1100L Africa Twin ES, which features Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA™). Showa EERA™ offers optimised damping in all riding conditions, as well as the ability to change rear spring preload on the move. The CRF1100L Africa Twin ES also includes an ACC charging socket and heated grips as standard, just like its CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports sibling.

Both Africa Twin variants share a rugged steel frame, CRF450R-derived aluminium swingarm, chassis geometry, suspension travel and ground clearance. Tubeless tyres allow for easier repairs without the need to remove the wheel.

 A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controls 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. There are four default riding modes: URBAN, TOUR, GRAVEL and OFF-ROAD.

Tailored for complete control, the riding position features a slim section seat, and high-set handlebars. Dual LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) give optimum visibility, improving safety and Cruise Control is a standard fit.  Also, to make long-range road riding more comfortable, the aggressively styled front fairing mounts a 5-way adjustable screen for maximum forward visibility or increased wind protection depending on rider choice.

A full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen brings immersive engagement with the machine’s systems, plus Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto® and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 25YM CRF1100L Africa Twin will be available in three paint options that all feature bold new graphics:

• Grand Prix Red 

• Matt Ballistic Black Metallic

• Pearl Glare White with **NEW** Pearl Hawkseye Blue Metallic Tricolour (only available on the CRF1100L Africa Twin ES)

Chassis

• Option of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERATM) suspension; standard Showa suspension remains available

• Lightweight frame, with bolt-on aluminium subframe and light, rigid CRF450R-style swingarm for outstanding rear wheel traction and feel

• Six-axis Bosch IMU control; cornering ABS provides sure-footed braking and features an off-road setting 

• 21/18-inch wheels mount tubeless tyres

The Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA™) was specifically developed for the CRF1100L Africa Twin ES. Proven on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports and featuring the same stroke as the standard bike (230mm front/220mm rear), the system automatically provides optimum damping force relative to the stroke speed.

It adjusts the damping level based on information from three sources: bike speed (from the ECU), the bike’s stance and attitude (from the Inertial Measurement Unit) and the fork behaviour (from the stroke sensor). The Suspension Control Unit adjusts suspension behaviour within a mere 15 milliseconds (0.015 seconds) of these calculations being made.

The system’s flexibility means that damping adjustment can be programmed to change as the vehicle speed changes – allowing firmer damping at higher speeds, for example. In addition, it can adapt to specific circumstances such as ‘preparing’ the bike’s suspension for landing from a jump or reducing ‘dive’ under hard braking. 

The 24YM update included the option to adjust the rear preload between four modes; rider, rider with luggage, rider with passenger and rider with passenger and luggage, on the move at the touch of a button.

Quite simply, Showa EERA™ means the rider can select low-speed ride comfort, high speed stability, sporting on-road performance and off-road response at the touch of the screen.

Five suspension modes are available:

MID sits between hard and soft, for easy handling in a wide range of situations. It is automatically selected with Urban riding mode.

HARD is stable, responsive and the firmest damping for two-up and fully laden touring. It is automatically selected with Tour riding mode.

SOFT offers a comfortable, secure ride on poor roads with lowest damping force. It is automatically selected with Gravel riding mode.

OFF-ROAD gives optimum dirt performance, with gradually increasing fork damping relative to stroke speed and firmer all-round rear shock damping. It is automatically selected with Off-road riding mode.

Whereas the above suspension settings are automatically selected according to the riding mode, in USER riding mode, the rider can adjust spring preload finely, through 24 steps, front and rear.

The standard fully adjustable Showa setup is also available; the 45mm cartridge-type inverted front forks offer long-travel bump absorption with internal damping settings that provide high-quality on and off-road performance. A cast aluminium top yoke and forged bottom yoke, joined by hollow aluminium stem shaft, clamp the fork legs with two bolts each top and bottom. The Showa rear shock features a 46mm cylinder and remote reservoir for stable damping control in even the most extreme off-road riding conditions. Spring preload can be adjusted via a dial on the shock body.

The strength and rigidity balance of the steel semi-double cradle frame revolves around outstanding off-road ability – at the same time reinforcing its all-round on-road manners. Rigidity around the steering head is optimised to enhance feel for front end grip; the main spars are slim and straight with no front cross pipe. Ground clearance is 250mm, with wheelbase of 1575mm and rake and trail of 27.5°/113mm. Wet weight is 231kg and 233kg for the ES (DCT 242kg/244kg).

A bolt-on aluminium subframe allows the CRF1100L Africa Twin to be narrow under the rider, at only 195mm which is crucial for easy ground reach. The lightweight aluminium swingarm – taking its direction from the design used by the CRF450R – maximises rear wheel traction and rider feel. The swingarm pivot points’ inner plates use 600MPa high-strength steel and the upper cross tube that connects them acts as the rear shock upper mount (through a pillow-ball joint) improving feel for rear wheel traction.

At the very heart of the Africa Twin’s all-round 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 aids the management of 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. It is also integral to the functioning of the EERATM suspension.

The IMU takes in lean angle, deceleration (from front/rear wheel speed sensors) and incorporates the slip rate of the front and rear wheels to manage braking pressure through the ABS; likewise if it detects sudden rear wheel lift, it finely controls brake force to maintain stability. There is an off-road ABS setting and, when stationary the rear ABS can be cancelled completely for off-road riding if required.

Compact two-piece radial-mount four-piston calipers work dual 310mm ‘wavy’ floating discs through sintered pads. The rear 256mm ‘wavy’ disc features specific hole punching and shaping for optimal rear wheel control.

21-inch front and 18-inch rear (stainless steel) spoked wheels wear 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tubeless tyres, which allow for easier repairs without the need to remove the wheel. Metzeler Karoo Street 90/90-21M/C 54H and 150/70-19-R18M/C 70H are approved as OEM tyres. Block pattern Michelin Anakee Wild 90/90-21M/C 54R TL and 150/70-18M/C 70R TL tyres are also approved for fitment.
 

Engine

• 1,084cc, twin-cylinder engine generates 112Nm peak torque, with strong performance in the low to mid-rpm range

• 75kW peak power

• Unicam 8-valve head, semi-dry sump and slipper clutch

With the 24YM updates concentrating on increasing torque in the most-used low, mid and upper mid-range, the 1,084cc, 8-valve parallel-twin engine produces 75kW @ 7,500rpm with peak torque of 112Nm @5,500rpm. Bore is set at 92mm with 81.5mm stroke and compression ratio of 10.5:1.

35mm airbox intake ducts draw air to twin, length-optimised internal trumpets. 46mm throttle bodies feed the inlet ports and the bore and cylinder pitches are aligned to create a smooth air intake profile. The injector angle delivers a direct spray into the 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 and entire engine package; inlet valves are 10.1mm in diameter, exhaust valves 9.3mm. Aluminium cylinder sleeves save weight while the 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s desirable signature ‘throb’ and character.

The 24YM updates saw the introduction of a reshape of the 270° crankshaft, reshaped and reinforced conrod and 0.4mm longer piston, which also featured a reshaped piston surface crown for optimal ignition and engine performance.

The crankcases are split horizontally; the water pump is housed efficiently within the clutch casing with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. Manual and DCT versions of the engine share common crankcases with only minor external differences; the water and oil pumps are both driven by the engine’s balancer shafts.

The engine features a semi-dry sump design with in-tank lower crankcase oil storage. This allows a lower pan depth that keeps overall engine height low. As the pressure-fed pump is located within the tank where it delivers its oil from, there is no need for a pressure-feed passage. Secondary vibrations are neutralised by the mutually reciprocating motion of the pistons, while primary inertial and coupling vibrations are cancelled by the use of biaxial balance shafts.

The aluminium clutch centre and pressure plate use ‘assist’ cams to ease upshifts and ‘slipper’ cams for deceleration and downshifting. The six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF450R to ensure positive changes.

The exhaust muffler, also updated for 24YM with increased lower pipe diameter, and revised internal structure, delivers enhanced engine performance in the low and mid-range and gives a pleasing exhaust ‘pulse’ at lower rpm, and more ‘bass-fuelled’ note at high-rpm.
 

Engine & Chassis Management Electronics

• IMU-managed HSTC intervention levels allow focus on off-road use

• Wheelie Control features 3 levels and IMU management

• Four riding modes: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL and OFF-ROAD

• Two USER modes allow for complete customisation

Throttle By Wire (TBW) management and the six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) are at the heart of the electronic package. The system offers 4 levels of power and 3 levels of engine braking. There are seven levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with each level’s amount of intervention being optimised to work with real-time input from the IMU. The spacing of the levels is optimised to allow the rider a finer choice of the amount of rear tyre slide for off-road riding. HSTC can also be turned off completely.

Wheelie Control is another feature. With the IMU measuring pitch angle and rate, and controlling engine torque via TBW, the rider can choose between 3 levels of input. Level 1 allows for intended wheel lift but suppresses any sudden movement. Level 3 stops any front wheel elevation and level 2 is mid-way between the two. Like HSTC, Wheelie Control can also be turned off completely.

There are four default riding mode settings: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL and OFF-ROAD to cover most riding conditions and situations plus two further customisable USER settings. Even within the default riding modes, it’s possible to change some parameters – HSTC between levels 1-7 (plus off), Wheelie Control between levels 1-3 (plus off) and DCT S mode shift pattern levels 1-3.

TOUR employs the highest level of Power (1), for touring with pillion and luggage plus mid-range Engine Braking (2) with active on-road Cornering ABS.

URBAN suits wide-ranging riding requirements and uses mid-level Power (2) and Engine Braking (2) with active on-road Cornering ABS.

GRAVEL delivers the lowest level of Power (4) and Engine Braking (3). Cornering ABS is active with an off-road setting; in this setting, the rear brake ABS cannot be switched off.

OFF-ROAD uses lower-mid level Power (3) and the lowest amount of Engine Braking (3). Cornering ABS is active with an off-road setting; the rear brake ABS can be switched off.

USER 1 & 2 modes offer the rider a choice of two distinct personalized setups - choosing between Power levels 1-4 and Engine Braking 1-3, plus HSTC, Wheelie Control and ABS (on-road/off-road) parameters. USER 1 starts out with level 2 Power and Engine Braking, USER 2 uses level 4 Power and 3 Engine Braking.

The power delivery characteristics remain consistent across all Rider Modes, delivering lower levels of power, depending on Power Mode, in the same way.

At low speeds, the power delivery in 1st and 2nd gears is the same across all Power Modes for optimum rider control and confidence.
 

Dual Clutch Transmission

• ‘Easy and direct’ system offers super-fast gear changes in either Manual Transmission (MT) or Automatic D and S modes

• Smooth, natural feel when first moving away and at low speed

• S mode (with 3 levels) revs higher and downshifts sooner than D, for more aggressive riding

• G Switch offers more feel for traction off-road

• Incline detection adapts shift pattern depending on gradient

• IMU allows corning detection function for improved shift timings

Honda has sold over 251,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles across Europe since the system first appeared as an option on the VFR1200F in 2009. Testament to its acceptance in the marketplace, in 2023 DCT versions of CRF1100L Africa Twin accounted for 41% of the model’s sales, rising to 63% for the Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin’s DCT gives a natural, ‘feathered’ clutch feel on initial take-off and at low speed thanks to a 24YM update that optimised the hydraulic control for better, more linear clutch response across all modes. It also benefitted from updated shift schedules to match the increased engine performance.

The system also makes use of the engine’s torque, shifting down earlier. It also uses cornering detection – when the IMU recognises the bike is leant over it subtly adjusts the shifting programme for the most natural gear changes.

DCT delivers consistent, super-fast seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature in use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears: the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.

Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

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.

The extra benefits of durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear), impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, reduced rider fatigue and greater ability to focus on cornering lines and braking points add to DCT’s appeal.

Three modes of operation are available. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic S mode offers three levels of sportier riding, with the ECU making the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, and shift down sooner when decelerating for extra engine braking.

In either D or S mode, DCT offers immediate manual intervention if required – the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers on the left handlebar. At an appropriate time, DCT seamlessly reverts to automatic mode, depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position.

DCT for the CRF1100L 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. Further functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, adapting the gear shift pattern depending on the grade of an incline to provide optimum control.
 

Styling & Equipment

• 5-way height adjustable screen and upper fairing extend on-road comfort

• Africa Twin ES equipped with heated grips and ACC charging socket

• Compact body style designed for off-road, with slim seat and high handlebars

• Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatible

• Bluetooth connectivity, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Cruise Control

Aggressive and compact. Two words that sum up the CRF1100L Africa Twin’s taut rally-style bodywork. And it’s for a reason – to work better off-road. A 5-stage height adjustable screen makes longer road rides, or commuting in and out of town, more comfortable.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin ES also gets heated grips and an ACC charging socket as standard for increased practicality.

Seat height adjusts between two settings, 850/870mm and the high-set handlebars give an upright, high-visibility riding position and comfortable control, whether standing or seated. The tail section is extremely slim, and the narrow seat is carefully contoured to allow good ground reach and easy back and forth movement while an aluminium rear carrier is standard fit for convenient carrying ability.

Holding 18.8L, the fuel tank offers a potential range of over 380km, thanks to fuel economy of 4.9L/100km 20.5km/l in both MT and DCT (WMTC mode).

Dual LED headlights are set high, delivering a penetrating beam, and feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that automatically adjust to ambient light intensity, improving safety, no matter the conditions. Knuckle guards are standard.

The full colour Multi Information Display (MID) 6.5-inch TFT touch screen keeps the rider in control of all of the CRF1100L 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.

The MID also incorporates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, 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 and all control inputs are made from the left-hand switchgear.

The front and rear indicators have an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function. When braking suddenly over 50kph the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. They also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation. The auto-cancel feature can be switched off and standard-fit cruise control eases long-distance highway travel.

A new high-performance, lightweight and compact lithium-ion battery is standard fit, contributing to mass centralisation.
 

Accessories

• Huge range of Genuine Honda Accessories ready to go, from tank pads to full Pannier/Top Box luggage solutions and each a perfect fit for the Africa Twin

• Accessories are available individually or in dedicated accessory packs

• Rally, Adventure, Urban and Travel Packs make perfect customisation easy

For a bike like the Africa Twin – which is going to cover a lot of ground, on or off-road – accessories really matter to an owner. And the range from Honda grows year on year with each part, no matter how small or large, driven by customer use, designed by R&D engineers in Japan and manufactured in Honda centres around the world to exacting standards.

It’s easy, too for a new owner to tailor their Africa Twin via the accessory pack system. Based on four distinct profiles of application they also, thanks to complete compatibly, allow almost limitless customisation options using the packs and individual parts, to build an owner’s ultimate Africa Twin.

Rally Pack
Designed to enhance the off-road durability and performance. The pack features wide Rally Footpegs for extra leverage and control and Engine Guards/Radiator Grill to minimise damage. For the Africa Twin with manual transmission a Quickshifter is included, while the DCT option gains a Foot Shift Lever. Colour-matched Knuckle Guard Extenders add weather protection, Wheel Stripes add an exclusive splash of colour that complement the overall look.

Adventure Pack
Ready for the long haul. New Front Side Pipes protect bodywork and are constructed from 25mm stainless steel with a polished, electrolytic coating that resists corrosion and is also easy to clean. They also mount the dual Fog Lights in a higher, more aggressive position that on previous models. A 4.5L tank bag provides flexible, easy-to-access storage, while new Side Tank Pads protect paint from knee scuffs and provide additional grip for off-road riding.

Urban Pack
Available in two options – plastic or aluminium. In plastic, a newly redesigned stripe design compliments the 58L Top Box (enough for 2 full-face helmets, comes with a Carrier Bracket, pillion Backrest and Inner Bag. The 42L aluminium Top Box features its own Carrier Bracket and Inner Bag. The Urban Packs also include new, easy-to-fit heated grips and ACC charging socket, which the Africa Twin ES has as standard. Finally a Main Stand makes for straightforward rear wheel/chain maintenance.

Travel Pack
Like the Urban Pack the Travel Pack comes in plastic or aluminium. 40L left/30L right plastic Pannier Cases – also featuring the new designed stripes – also feature one-size Inner Bags. The Aluminium Cases 37L left / 33L right come complete with mounting stays, and individual right/left inner bags. Redesigned Upper Deflectors channel airflow around arms and shoulders and Lower Deflectors for the legs improve comfort at highway speeds. Comfort Pillion Footpegs are the finishing touch.

Seat Options
Compared to the standard design the Comfort Seat has an 8% larger surface area compared to previous models and uses a +15mm thicker urethane foam cushion with optimised density to reduce long-distance riding fatigue. The Comfort Seat gives a seat height range of 865/885mm and is available in 3 colour choices: Black/Black, Red/Black and Blue/Black. The Low Seat option drops down to 825/845mm.

The line-up is complemented by a 38L Top Box, black rubber Side Tank Pads, and the SC-Project Slip-on Muffler, available in 2 colours, Titanium Silver and Matt Black.