2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin: First Look at the Bigger, Lighter Adventure Flagship
A decade after it first appeared, Honda has revamped the Africa Twin for 2027, giving its flagship adventure-tourer a larger engine, a new and lighter frame, and an updated look. As before, the base Africa Twin is joined by a long-distance Adventure Sports variant and a more off-road focused Enduro Sports version, which we cover separately. Here is a look at the base 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin.
As the name suggests, the new model is powered by a larger parallel-twin, now displacing 1,131cc. Peak power is a claimed 117 hp at 7,500 rpm, a significant jump from the previous 1,084cc engine's 100.6 hp. Torque rises slightly to a claimed 87.8 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm. As before, the Africa Twin is offered with a choice of manual gearbox or Dual Clutch Transmission.
Frame and suspension
The steel frame and aluminum swingarm have been redesigned, with Honda claiming 3.1 pounds of weight savings. Claimed curb weight is 522 pounds for the manual and 545 pounds for the DCT, up 12 pounds either way versus the CRF1100L, but the center of gravity is lower thanks to a new fuel sub-tank that carries some fuel below the seat.
Honda replaced the previous 45mm inverted fork with a new 49mm unit, and Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment is now standard, updated with Skyhook technology that manages damping force according to the bike's pitch and vertical movement. A new Minimum setting lowers the bike by 0.4 inches on top of the adjustable seat height range of 33.4 to 34.3 inches.
Key details
- New 1,131cc parallel-twin, up from 1,084cc.
- Claimed 117 hp at 7,500 rpm and 87.8 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm.
- Choice of manual or Dual Clutch Transmission.
- Redesigned steel frame and aluminum swingarm, 3.1 lb lighter.
- Curb weight 522 lb (manual) or 545 lb (DCT), with a lower center of gravity.
- New 49mm fork with standard Showa EERA Skyhook electronic suspension.
- Adjustable seat height 33.4 to 34.3 in, plus a new Minimum setting that lowers it 0.4 in.
- New electronically adjustable windscreen and cornering headlights.
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 Dual Clutch Transmission |
| Curb weight | 522 lb (manual) / 545 lb (DCT), claimed |
| Front suspension | 49mm inverted fork, Showa EERA Skyhook electronic |
| Rear suspension | Showa EERA Skyhook electronic monoshock |
| Seat height | 33.4 to 34.3 in (plus Minimum setting, 0.4 in lower) |
| Features | Electronically adjustable windscreen, cornering headlights |
Gallery
Source: Motorcycle.com, EICMA 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Quick Look. Images and specifications are credited to the original source.
