2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports: First Look at the Rally-Bred Off-Roader
Honda's revamped CRF1150L Africa Twin lineup gains a new variant called the Enduro Sports. With longer-travel CRF450 Rally-spec suspension, increased ground clearance and a significant weight reduction, it slots in as the more off-road-ready model alongside the standard Africa Twin and the long-distance Adventure Sports.
The Enduro Sports starts with the updated CRF1150L Africa Twin as its base, carrying the same core changes over the previous generation: a new lighter frame and a new 1,131cc parallel-twin with a choice of manual transmission or Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission. As with its siblings, Honda claims 117 hp at 7,500 rpm and 87.8 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm.
The electronics package is shared too, with six ride modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel and Offroad, joined by new Offroad+ and Rain modes), selectable engine levels, engine braking control, IMU-backed lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control and two-channel ABS that can be switched off for off-road riding.
Rally styling and suspension
Visually, the Enduro Sports draws on Honda's CRF450 Rally race bike, standing apart from its Africa Twin siblings with slimmer bodywork and a high beak fender. Dual LED headlights give it a sportier face, and the windscreen is more compact with a concave curve.
The CRF450 Rally also lends its long-travel suspension. The fully adjustable Showa 49mm closed-cartridge inverted fork offers 9.4 inches of travel, up 0.8 inches on the standard Africa Twin, while the fully adjustable rear shock working through a Pro-Link linkage provides 9.1 inches of travel, also 0.8 inches more. The longer suspension raises ground clearance to 10.2 inches and the adjustable seat height to a 34.3 to 35.0 inch range.
Key details
- New off-road focused variant of the updated Africa Twin.
- 1,131cc parallel-twin, manual or DCT, claimed 117 hp and 87.8 lb-ft.
- Six ride modes including new Offroad+ and Rain, with switchable ABS.
- CRF450 Rally-inspired slim bodywork, high beak fender and dual LED headlights.
- Showa 49mm closed-cartridge fork with 9.4 in travel, rear Pro-Link shock with 9.1 in travel.
- Ground clearance of 10.2 in and seat height of 34.3 to 35.0 in.
Specifications
| Engine | 1,131cc parallel-twin |
| Power | 117 hp at 7,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 87.8 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or DCT |
| Front suspension | Fully adjustable Showa 49mm closed-cartridge fork, 9.4 in travel |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable shock with Pro-Link linkage, 9.1 in travel |
| Ground clearance | 10.2 in |
| Seat height | 34.3 to 35.0 in (adjustable) |
| Ride modes | Tour, Urban, Gravel, Offroad, Offroad+, Rain |
| Electronics | IMU traction control, wheelie control, switchable ABS |
Gallery
Source: Motorcycle.com, EICMA 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports Quick Look. Images and specifications are credited to the original source.
