CRF1100L Africa Twin – Forged through toughness
During its illustrious 75-year history, Honda has successfully produced countless iconic motorcycles. With such a back catalogue, the trend of reviving legendary names of the past gave Honda plenty of choice.
In 2016, when the factory reimagined the Africa Twin, comparisons to the original were inevitable. New from the tyres up, the latest version had to be exceptional. Inevitably, the CRF1000 Africa Twin didn’t disappoint.
While the technology behind the engine, electronics and chassis were cutting edge, the essence of the original was captured perfectly.
The lightweight, balanced chassis and stump-pulling power of the new parallel twin engine epitomized the original’s go-anywhere attitude. Riders voted with their wallets, and the factory sold over 85,000 units (and counting).
In 2018, the CRF1000 became available in manual and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The model also featured throttle-by-wire engine management, 3 riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The two-year update cycle continued with the 20YM receiving a larger engine and significantly lighter chassis. The added agility and extra bump in torque aided the CRF1100’s genuine off-road ability.
The bike’s additional 6.8bhp also provided a wider spread of power through the rev range, cementing the 1100’s touring credentials. Improvements to the DCT followed, giving smoother handling in first and second gear and a rear aluminium carrier became standard.
The Africa Twin Becomes Even More Desirable
Today, the CRF1100 Africa Twin range is one of the best-selling big-bore adventure bikes in Europe. Moreover, improvements to the 24YM make the Africa Twin even more desirable.
Changes to the intake and exhaust porting have released a valuable 7% increase in peak torque. Meanwhile, wheels are shod in tubeless tyres. This addition eliminates the need to remove the wheel, making roadside repairs easier.
The most exciting change is the option of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA). Taking measurements from the ECU, whether you’re landing a jump or reducing dive under heavy braking, this kit takes only .015 of a second to adjust the suspension.
The 24YM CRF1100 Africa Twin’s chassis, engine and electrical package are an unbeatable combo. For adventures over dirt or across Europe, the latest Africa Twin remains true to the original’s go anywhere, do anything philosophy.
CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport
With sales of the second-generation Africa Twin going well, in 2018, Honda made the bold move of launching the Africa Twin Adventure Sport.
It’s not surprising that most big-bore ADV bikes on the road, will, during their lifetime encounter nothing looser than a gravel driveway. To be fair though, it’s easy to see why.
With upright ergonomics, comfortable accommodation and mile-devouring engines, big adventure motorcycles make excellent tourers. As Honda deliberately gave the reborn AT some serious off-road capabilities, rather than compromise its purity, they gave life to the more road-biased Adventure Sport.
The Adventure Sport is not just a touring bike with excellent ground clearance. It’s more than capable of taking the rough with the smooth. However, the Adventure Sport also featured enough touring-friendly additions to make it a true continent crosser.
First, while aiding maneuverability, a lower seat and higher screen gave more protection from the elements. The Showa electronically adjusted suspension came as standard. Plus, a larger gas tank allowed for more miles to the re-fill.
The Adventure Sport also benefitted from increased performance and fairing/graphics upgrades. Refined DCT settings also offered smoother transitions in the first two gears.
For 2024, the addition of a 19” front wheel increases chassis dynamics. With more power and DCT refinements, the 2024YM CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport is a grand tourer that keeps the fun rolling even when the road ends.
Honda NX500, New Experience - a Winner from the Get-Go
Honda takes its lively A2 compatible 500cc DOHC engine and places it in a long-legged chassis. To this, add dual sport bodywork, a huge portion of fun, and you have the NX500, a multi-award-winning mini-adventurer.
Like the rest of its siblings in the Honda 500cc stable, the NX500 has seen some major changes, not least of all to its name (N-eo X-over). Beginning life as the CB500X in 2013, the combination of an entry-level engine and big bike feel made it a winner from the get-go.
Despite its A2 license-friendly credentials, the 500cc dual-sport’s fun and frugal nature also made it a favourite with experienced riders.
As competent on daily commutes as it is weekend touring, Honda has, over the years, made many improvements. These include a larger fuel tank, a taller screen to provide added wind protection, LED lights and pre-load adjustable forks.
More recently, further upgrades include high-end Showa USD Big Piston forks, twin front discs, new wheels and a lightweight swingarm.
Compliance with A2 license requirements means a maximum engine output of 47bhp. Yet, through careful re-mapping of the FI system, low rpm acceleration and power delivery across the range are improved.
With excellent chassis manners both on and off-road, Honda achieves the impossible. The result is a motorcycle whose performance and fun factor far exceed its cubic capacity.
It speaks volumes that for the last five consecutive years, the CB500X/NX500 holds the title of MCN’s Best A2 Bike of the Year.
As difficult as it is to improve its blend of power, handling, flexibility and affordability, Honda appears to have succeeded. The 24YM NX500’s assist/slipper clutch is joined by Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). This feature manages rear wheel traction and, if required, can be turned off.
For the 2024 Honda NX500, the best just got better.
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