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CRF1100L

In a fierce showdown set for 2024, Honda’s iconic Africa Twin is gearing up to challenge BMW’s highly anticipated R 1300 GS in the competitive open-class adventure motorcycle market.

  • the next-generation Honda Africa Twin to feature radar-assist technology. 
  • latest type-approval documents also confirmed the introduction of direct fuel-injection. 

As both manufacturers vie for dominance, riders can expect groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge technologies from these two renowned giants.

BMW has confirmed the imminent launch of its much-sought-after R 1300 GS in September of this year. Building on the success of the R 1250 GS, this latest iteration promises revolutionary construction and on-board innovations, signaling a significant leap forward in the world of adventure bikes.

On the other hand, Honda’s Africa Twin follows a different approach, placing an emphasis on off-road capability over on-road touring and raw power. Despite their distinct focus, these formidable machines will undoubtedly attract similar groups of adventurous enthusiasts, creating an exciting competition for customer loyalty in 2024. The stakes are high, and the stage is set for a remarkable showdown.

Amid the buzz and anticipation, evidence has emerged supporting the development of an extensively updated Africa Twin. Honda has discreetly filed type-approval paperwork for its 2024 model, which intriguingly carries the model code “SD14.” This move signals the manufacturer’s determination to deliver a game-changing offering that will challenge BMW head-on.

While specific details about the new Africa Twin remain scarce, Honda’s recent patent filings have shed some light on potential enhancements. Notably, the company is working on incorporating front and rear radars into the bike’s design, akin to rivals such as KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure, Ducati’s Multistrada V4, and the upcoming BMW R 1300 GS.

These radars, either offered optionally or as standard, are poised to improve rider safety and experience, ensuring the Africa Twin keeps pace with the rapidly evolving adventure bike segment.

Among the most thrilling developments is the prospect of a direct fuel-injected version of the Africa Twin’s SOHC engine. This innovation aims to elevate performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions, underscoring Honda’s commitment to environmental consciousness and engineering excellence.

Furthermore, enthusiasts and experts alike are buzzing about the intriguing possibility of a supercharged Africa Twin. If realized, this extraordinary advancement could propel Honda’s champion to new heights, rivaling the formidable powerhouses represented by KTM’s big V-twins and Ducati’s Multistrada V4 range, all without requiring the development of an entirely new engine.

An ongoing rumour is making its round in Japan that Honda will likely replace the outgoing CB1100 with a new motorcycle.

The bike in question is the much-talked-about Hawk, seen here in a rendered image from a Japanese publication, Young-Machine.

According to reports, Honda will utilize the parallel-twin CRF1100L powerplant found on the Africa Twin, Rebel 1100 and NT1100.

The name that Honda is going for is actually taken from the company’s past, specifically the 1977 CB400T that also carries a parallel-twin engine and is known as the Hawk in some parts of the world.

It is still uncertain as to when the new Hawk is set to make an appearance, but reports in Japan suggest that the bike will be revealed at two separate locations, one in Osaka and later at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

More importantly, Young-Machine reported that the new Transalp and Hornet would also make a surprise appearance alongside the Hawk 1100.

If any of the news is true, 2022 could be a busy year for the Japanese marquee. 

  • Picture of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin have emerged.

  • They were part of submissions for certification in Australia.

  • The regular and Adventure versions have slightly different looks.

Here’s how the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin looks like.

The grayscale photos were part of the file submitted for vehicle certification documents in Australia and shared by Motorcyclist.com.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure

The details also confirmed the speculation that the engine will be enlarged to gain more power in face of stifling Euro 5 regulations. It’s learned that displacement goes up to 1084cc from 998cc, bringing power output to 101 hp at 7,500 RPM. Motorcyclist didn’t disclose the torque figure.

Honda is offering the bike with their proprietary dual clutch transmission (DCT) and manual gearbox.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure – rear view

Perhaps more importantly, the low-resolution photos show that the manufacturer has reworked the bike’s styling. The dual headlights and distinctive radiator flanks are retained but updated.

The Adventure version retains the “google headlamps” and has a taller windscreen and aluminium panels as on its fuel tanks’ flanks. The side panels are also different but there is a large passenger grab bar and luggage rack at the back.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The regular, non-Adventure model, on the other hand, looks to be more streamlined and the headlamps are made more angular than the current model. There’s noticeably fewer details than its Adventure counterpart.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin – rear view

The new Africa Twin may be launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October or EICMA in November 2019.

Source: Motorcyclist.com

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