Since the return of the Africa Twin to the world stage in 2016 Honda’s flagship adventure bike has undergone many changes, including the addition of a long-range travel Adventure Sports model in 2018 and a complete revamp in 2020 that saw it get lighter, faster and gain an array of new technology. Considering the popularity of the current gen Africa Twin, it appears Big Red has opted to rest on its laurels for 2023 giving the proven adventurer new colors while keeping it otherwise unchanged.
For the new model year, the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin will be available in three paint options. A new Matte Ballistic Black Metallic with color matched wheels, forks and rear subframe to complete the stealthy look and a new ‘Glint Wave Blue Metallic Tricolore,’ which will replace the classic Tricolore option. This updated livery features a blue front ‘face,’ a blue front fender, and a tail section with red and white detailing. The third color is the classic ‘CRF’ Grand Prix Red carried over from last year, which pays homage to Honda’s off road racing heritage.
The long-range Adventure Sports model, which Honda says accounted for 57% of all Africa Twin sales in Europe, will be offered in two paint options for 2023. The Pearl Glare White Tricolor which features a classic red, blue and white color scheme complete with gold wheels plus a new Matte Iridium Gray Metallic, with black wheels.
As before, the 1084cc Africa Twin churns out 100.6 horsepower and 77.4 ft.-lbs of torque with both models offered in either a manual transmission or a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). And although automatic transmission is shunned by many riders, Honda has seen enough demand for the technology to justify its continued application — its success, in large part due to a constant evolution of the technology, which was refined in the Africa Twin last year. Interestingly, 2021 DCT versions of Africa Twin, including the Adventure Sports, accounted for 51% of the model’s sales. For the Africa Twin itself, the figure is 41%, whereas for the Adventure Sports version, it rises to 61%.
Official pricing for the new models has not been announced yet and we are still waiting for Honda America to confirm what colors, if not all, will come to this side of the pond.
Honda doesn’t have a motorcycle in the adv / enduro category that I’m interested in. This one is too big, the crf450 isn’t good on the highway and the cb500x is no good in the dirt. Honestly none of the big 4 are hitting that sweet spot. The closest would prob be the drz400 but give it a 6 speed tranny, fi and an abs switch for god sake. Maybe the T700 but still more than I need. FAIL!!
Don’t cry. I raced the crf450 at baja races and it does fine at 80mph in desert conditions. Also rode one from key west Florida to Seattle without any issues.
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