2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Announced for Europe

As of this writing, there is no indication of whether the updated 2024 Africa Twin models will be coming to America; we didn’t even get the 2023 models, though America Honda did continue to refer to the Africa Twin as its flagship of its adventure lineup when it announced the Transalp for the U.S. market. While we wait for word from American Honda, here’s what we know about the 2024 CRF1100L Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

The engine remains a 1,084cc Parallel-Twin, with a choice of either a manual or dual clutch transmission. Honda increased the compression ratio to 10.5:1 from 10.1:1, claiming improved power and torque delivery at low and mid-range engine speeds. Maximum power output remains the same 100.6 hp at 7,500 rpm claimed by the previous engine, while torque now peaks at a claimed 82.6 lb-ft. at 5,500 rpm, compared to the previously claimed 77.4 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm.

Honda increased the diameter of the airbox intake ducts by about a quarter inch to 1.4 inches, while the internal trumpets are now 2.6 inches longer. Honda also re-angled the fuel injectors to spray more directly into the twin-spark combustion chambers. The Unicam valve train remains, but the valve timing has been revised to match the new engine tune. The ECU settings were likewise optimized to accommodate the changes.

The exhaust system has also been updated with a lighter muffler, and it now produces a new “pulse” sound at lower rpm and a more bass-filled tone at higher engine speeds.

For 2024, the DCT settings have been updated to produce a more natural “feathered” clutch feel when setting off in first or second gears. Automatic downshifting now occurs earlier to adjust to the changes in torque delivery. Honda also further refined the shifting algorithms for more natural changes when the bike is leaned over. For the 2023 model year, Honda says 71% of Africa Twin Adventure Sports models sold were equipped with DCT while the regular Africa Twin was more evenly split with 49% equipped with DCT.

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

The most significant change for 2024 is the adoption of a 19-inch front wheel for the Adventure Sports variant. The wheel is paired with a wider 110/80-19 tire compared to the previous 90/90-21 tire. Honda says the new setup provides more front tire grip and feedback, producing better stability when riding on paved roads.

To suit its more road-oriented intentions, the suspension travel is now 8.3 inches up front and 7.9 inches at the rear, a 0.8-inch reduction to both ends compared to 2023. The previously optional Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment is now standard for European Adventure Sports models, just like it has been on U.S. models the last few years. The electronic suspension offers five modes, adjusting damping and preload dynamically to suit different conditions.

The front fairing has a new shape, designed to improve aerodynamics and wind deflection towards the upper body. The seat receives a thicker foam cushion to improve rider comfort and, combined with the shorter suspension travel, it is now adjustable from 32.9 to 33.7 inches, compared to the previous 33.4 and 34.3 inches. An accessory low seat further reduces the height to 31.3 inches or 32.1 inches.

The fuel tank remains at a 6.6 gallon capacity, cementing the Adventure Sports as the long-distance variant. Honda claims a range of over 311 miles on a single tank.

The changes to the regular Africa Twin aren’t quite as dramatic as with the Adventure Sports. Keeping it as the more capable off-road version, it retains the 21-inch front and 18-inch wheel combination as the 2023 model, but they are now fitted with tubeless tires. The 2024 Africa Twin comes with Metzeler Karoo Street tires, but can also be fitted with Michelin Anakee Wild block-pattern tires.

The fairing was also redesigned, and the windscreen is now larger than the previous version and adjustable through five stages.

The Africa Twin will be offered with a choice between regular or electronic suspension (ES) variants. The regular version is unchanged from 2023, with a fully-adjustable Showa 45mm cartridge-style fork and Pro-Link remote-reservoir shock. Wheel travel is 9.1 inches up front and 8.7 inches at the rear for both suspension options. The Africa Twin ES variant also adds heated grips and an accessory charging socket.

The fuel tank remains the same 5.0-gallon capacity, which Honda says should provide a range of more than 235 miles.

Like the Adventure Sports, the Africa Twin sees a weight increase for 2024. Even with a new lithium-ion battery, the manual transmission Africa Twin claims a weight of 509 pounds (514 pounds with ES), while the DCT version claims a weight of 535 pounds (538 pounds with ES).

The 2024 Honda Africa Twin will be available in Grand Prix Red or Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, while the ES version receives a third Pearl Glare White and Glint Wave Blue Metallic Tricolour option.