Previously announced for European markets, Honda is finally confirming the newly-revised 2024 Africa Twin platform will be hitting US shores soon. Besides updates to the engine, chassis and technology, the two variants in the range are now even more specialized, with the standard version offering an off-road focus, while the Adventure Sports version receives a boost in on-road prowess.

Shared Updates

Both models still feature the same 1084cc parallel-twin engine but for 2024 the CRF1100L range “generates stronger power and torque in the low- to mid-rpm range.” Honda has not provided power specs for the US market but in Europe, Big Red reports the new models deliver a peak power of 100.5 ponies at 7,500 rpm and a 7% increase in maximum torque, now 82.6 ft-lbs, is delivered earlier at 5,500 rpm rather than 6,250 rpm. 

The boost in performance is in part due to increased compression (from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1), which alongside changes to the valve timing, intake ports and ECU settings, allows the engine to draw more power from each stroke. According to Honda, additional changes to the exhaust system also contribute to the increase in performance, with a new muffler delivering a pleasing pulse note at lower RPMs and a stronger bass tone as revs increase.

Given the popularity of the automatic transmission in the Africa Twin range, both models will continue to be available with either a manual or a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). However, for 2024, the DCT system on both models has been refined to benefit from a more natural ‘feathered’ feel on initial take off and at lower speeds. This improvement is the result of enhancements to the hydraulic control that enable better clutch response. Moreover, the system has been adjusted to make use of the engine’s increased torque, making down-shifts earlier.

As for the rider aid system, throttle-by-wire is used on the Africa Twin, featuring a Bosch MM7.10 IMU that performs real-time six-axis measurement (angle and rate for roll, pitch and yaw) to identify the motorcycle’s position and movement. The system has been updated for 2024 for refined feel, maximizing the accuracy of various controls and systems, including shifting, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), suspension, braking and lighting.

Both models also now feature a redesigned front fairing to improve upper body wind deflection and aerodynamics.

CRF1100L Africa Twin Updates

Rolling on 21”/18” wheels, the CRF1100L Africa Twin now features tubeless tires as standard fitment that allow for swift puncture repairs when riding without the need to remove a wheel. The standard Africa Twin also gets improved comfort thanks to the redesigned front fairing and, like the up-spec Adventure Sports variant, it now features a larger 5-way height-adjustable screen which Honda says offers maximum forward visibility or increased wind protection depending on rider choice.

American Honda’s press release reports the standard Africa Twin’s 45mm inverted Showa telescopic fork receives a reduction in suspension travel from 9.1 inches to 8 inches. However, ADV Pulse has reached out to Honda and they have confirmed that is a mistake — front suspension travel will not change. Out back, the Showa shock also remains the same at 8.7 inches of suspension travel while ground clearance is kept at 9.8 inches.

CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Updates

The 2024 Adventure Sports edition shares the frame and engine of the more off-road focused CRF1100L Africa Twin but is now more street-biased than the previous model. One of the notable updates is the change from a 21” front wheel to a smaller 19” inch with a wider 110/80-19 tire (from 90/90-21). This setup gives more front tire grip and feedback for better on-road stability and comfort when fully loaded. 

Suspension travel has also been reduced, front and rear, from 9.1”/ 8.7” to 8.3”/ 7.9” to match the road handling dynamic of the new front wheel and tire. As a result of the suspension changes and smaller front wheel, the ground clearance is reduced to 8.7 inches. As before, Adventure Sports versions are equipped with a larger 6.6-gallon fuel tank (compared to 5 gallons on the standard version) to maximize range.

Moreover, the seat foam is over half an inch thicker, with optimized density to reduce long-distance riding fatigue, and an eight-percent larger seating area plus tool-free seat-height adjustment enables high and low positions of 33.7 and 32.9 inches (down from 34.3 inches and 33.5 inches). Want to reach the ground even more? A low seat option is available as well which drops seat height down to 32.1 / 31.3 inches.

For 2024 the Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA ) is now standard. This high-tech system 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 behavior (from the stroke sensor). Once these calculations are made, the Suspension Control Unit makes adjustments to suspension damping within 15 milliseconds (0.015 seconds).

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. Showa EERA allows the rider to select between low-speed ride comfort, high-speed stability, sporting on-road performance and off-road response, at a touch of the screen.

Pricing, Colors And Availability

The new models are expected to hit US dealer floors in May 2024. The standard Africa Twin will be offered in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $14,799 for the manual variant and $15,599 for the DCT variant. As for the 2024 Adventure Sports Africa Twin, the bike will come in Pearl White with an MSRP of $17,599 for the manual option and $18,399 for the DCT option.

2024 Africa Twin Specs