Key Points
- Name: 2024 Honda Africa Twin
- Type: Adventure motorcycle
- Market: Global
- Size: 215 x 83 x 1,045 mm (L x W x H)
- Powertrain: 1,084cc parallel-twin engine with possible supercharger and direct fuel injection
- Availability: Late 2023 or early 2024
Honda is gearing up for an upgraded version of its CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure bike. This move is in line with the competitive nature of the adventure bike market, where manufacturers are constantly striving to enhance their flagship models.
Here are potential updates for the 2024 Africa Twin:
- Radar Technology: The Type Approval paperwork indicates that the new Africa Twin might come equipped with radar technology. This could enable features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, enhancing safety and rider assistance.
- New Generation Model: The changes are significant enough to warrant a new generation model designation, indicating substantial updates compared to the previous versions.
- Supercharging: There’s speculation that the 2024 Africa Twin might feature a supercharged engine. Patent filings suggest that Honda has been exploring the use of a supercharger on the Africa Twin, which could provide a steady and predictable boost in midrange torque. This would be particularly advantageous for adventure riding.
- Direct Fuel Injection: Patent filings also indicate a potential switch from the current engine’s Unicam to a double-overhead-cam cylinder head, along with a direct fuel injection system. This could help balance power and emissions to meet stricter environmental regulations while potentially being compatible with a supercharged setup.
- Competition and Timing: The timing of these updates appears to be influenced by the unveiling of BMW’s R1300GS, another prominent model in the adventure bike segment. Honda seems to be positioning its Africa Twin to compete with the new GS model, highlighting the competitive nature of the large-displacement adventure bike market.
- Continued Evolution: These potential updates reflect the ongoing evolution of adventure bikes, with manufacturers constantly striving to incorporate new technologies, enhance performance, and meet environmental standards.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda Africa Twin is expected to be a significant upgrade over the current model, with new features and technologies that will make it more capable and competitive in the adventure bike segment.
The most notable changes are likely to be the addition of front and rear radar, a possible supercharger, and a switch from the current engine’s Unicam to a double-overhead-cam cylinder head with direct fuel injection. These changes should make the Africa Twin more powerful, efficient, and comfortable, while also improving its safety and off-road capabilities.
It is still too early to say for sure when the 2024 Africa Twin will be released or how much it will cost, but it is clear that Honda is planning to make a big splash in the adventure bike market with this new model. If the rumours are true, the 2024 Africa Twin could be one of the most exciting adventure bikes on the market.