Honda expands its Africa Twin family for 2027 with the arrival of the new CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports, a variant that takes the country side of its maxitrail even further. Located next to the new Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports, this version is committed to a more specialized configuration for those seeking to explore complicated paths and tackle off-road routes with greater guarantees. To do this, it combines a specific chassis part, a revised driving position and a significant weight reduction compared to the more traveling versions.
The arrival of this new variant coincides with a profound update of the Africa Twin range, which debuts an evolution of its parallel twin, now with 1,131 cc and higher power and torque figures. It also incorporates new features in electronics, connectivity and equipment, in addition to a new chassis approach that seeks to centralize masses and improve agility. The Enduro Sports takes advantage of this new platform, but interprets its possibilities from a perspective much closer to enduro and rally raid.
The result is a motorcycle that retains the characteristic versatility of the Africa Twin, but that dispenses with a good part of the elements designed to prioritize road comfort to focus on off-road behavior. Its minimalist aesthetics, increased ground clearance and long-travel suspensions make its intentions clear.
Engine: 1,131 cc and 119 Nm to gain strength on any terrain
The heart of the new 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports is a 1,131 cc parallel twin, liquid cooling and Unicam SOHC distribution with four valves per cylinder. It is a profound evolution of the previous engine, with modifications in practically all elements related to intake, combustion and distribution.
Maximum power reaches 87.5 kW (119 HP) at 7,500 rpm, while torque is 119 Nm at 5,750 rpm. This represents a 16.5% increase in power compared to the previous CRF1100L Africa Twin, which claimed 75 kW, and a gain of 7 Nm in maximum torque.
To achieve this, Honda has increased the diameter of the cylinders to 94 mm, maintaining the stroke of 81.5 mm. The compression ratio has also been raised from 10.5:1 to 12.1:1, accompanied by a new cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. The intake system features 52mm throttle bodies, up from the previous 46mm, and the duct design has been revised to optimize airflow.
The Unicam distribution, inherited from Honda’s experience in competition, maintains a compact design that allows the height of the assembly to be reduced. Camshafts, lift and valve opening times have also been revised, while other internal components have been reinforced to handle the higher combustion pressures.
One of the elements that retains its personality is the crankshaft set at 270°, responsible for the characteristic irregular ignition interval of the twin-cylinder. This configuration improves the sensation of traction and the feel of the engine, especially interesting when driving on low-adhesion surfaces.
The transmission can be a six-speed manual or Honda’s well-known dual-clutch DCT. Both receive specific adjustments to take advantage of the increase in benefits. A revised clutch is incorporated in the manual version, while developments have been optimized to improve acceleration in the first gears and reduce the rotation speed during road travel.
The DCT version, for its part, adapts its shifting strategies to the new driving modes, with specific programs for off-road use. In addition, it incorporates inclination detection to modify operating patterns depending on the slope.
Chassis, suspension and brakes: a cycle part designed to leave the asphalt
The cycle part is one of the sections that best defines the character of the new Enduro Sports. Honda has started from the platform of the new Africa Twin, but introduces a specific configuration that seeks to improve performance on difficult terrain and reduce total weight.
The frame maintains a semi-double cradle type tubular steel structure, although it has been revised to improve its rigidity and lighten the assembly. The aluminum swingarm also receives modifications and its rigidity has been optimized to work in line with the new chassis. Between both components they manage to reduce 1.4 kg compared to the previous generation.
Another important novelty is the location of the fuel. Honda incorporates an auxiliary tank under the seat that allows the fuel level of the main tank to be lowered and improve mass centralization. This solution, inspired by the NXR750 competition, helps lower the center of gravity and facilitates direction changes.
The main feature of the front suspension is a 49 mm Showa inverted fork with a closed cartridge, fully adjustable and with specifications derived from the CRF450 Rally. It offers 240 mm of travel, compared to 220 mm for the conventional Africa Twin. Behind we find an adjustable Showa shock absorber that works through the Pro-Link system and provides 230 mm of travel on the rear axle.
Ground clearance reaches 260 mm, 20 mm more than the standard Africa Twin. The seat is also located at a higher height, with two positions available: 870 and 890 mm.
As for the brakes, Honda uses two 310 mm floating front discs, gripped by four-piston radial calipers. Behind we find a 256 mm disc. The ABS system is two channels and allows the intervention on the rear wheel to be disconnected to facilitate driving off the asphalt.
The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels complete a clearly country-style configuration. They mount Metzeler Karoo Street tubeless tires in sizes 90/90-21 and 150/70-18, although the possibility of equipping Michelin Anakee Wild is also contemplated for those seeking greater performance on complicated tracks and terrain.
The declared weight is 228 kg in running order for the manual version, while the DCT variant reaches 239 kg. A difference of 9 kg compared to the reference Africa Twin that is part of the philosophy of this new Enduro Sports.
Technology and equipment: six driving modes and new connectivity
Although its approach is more radical, the CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports does not give up the technology that characterizes the new generation of Honda. The electronic management is supported by a Throttle By Wire (TBW) electronic accelerator, a six-axis IMU and an ECU control unit that coordinate the different driving aids.
The range of driving modes increases to six settings: SPORT, TOURING, URBAN, RAIN, OFFROAD and the new OFFROAD+. Each one adapts the engine response and electronic parameters to the conditions of use. In addition, Honda allows you to modify the settings within each mode, so that each rider can personalize its operation.
The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system has seven levels of intervention, managed taking into account the information provided by the IMU. It also incorporates anti-wheelie control, engine brake management and two throttle response settings, Dynamic and Comfort.
The DCT variant adds its own operating programs. OFFROAD and OFFROAD+ modes modify clutch management and gear changes to offer more appropriate behavior on slippery surfaces and uneven terrain.
In the instrumentation section, Honda debuts a set consisting of a 5.7-inch vehicle information screen and a 7-inch color TFT touch panel. The latter incorporates a specific display for off-road driving, with an integrated compass. The system boot time has also been reduced by approximately 70%, to five seconds.
Connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation, music and communication information. A USB-C port located behind the screen allows you to charge devices on the go.
The standard equipment is completed with Honda SMART Key, which allows you to manage the ignition, the electronic steering lock and the fuel cap. It also incorporates cruise control, hand protectors, LED lighting, turn signals with automatic disconnection and the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system, which activates the emergency lights during sudden braking to warn vehicles driving behind.
Colors and options: exclusive aesthetics and three accessory packages
The new Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports 2027 will be available in an exclusive Extreme Red livery, a finish that reinforces its inspiration from the official Honda HRC motorcycles.
Its body adopts a very different silhouette from that of the more road-going versions. The front features two small LED headlights beneath a compact screen, while the raised front fender and minimalist rear end contribute to conveying an authentic rally bike image. The assembly maintains a clear orientation towards mass centralization, with a bodywork reduced to the essential minimum.
Ergonomics has also been adapted to this approach. The handlebar is 10 mm narrower and is positioned 10 mm higher and forward. The footpegs, for their part, have been moved 20 mm inwards and 10 mm backwards, making it easier to ride standing up and control the motorcycle in technical areas.
Honda offers a catalog of original accessories with different solutions to adapt the Enduro Sports to each use. Among them, three main packages stand out:
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Comfort Pack: includes a tank bag, heated seats for pilot and passenger, more comfortable passenger footpegs and heated grips.
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Rally Pack: adds black engine guard, radiator grille, tank side guard, quickshifter for the manual version, rim stickers, Rally footpegs and hand guard extensions.
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Travel Pack Soft: includes soft side suitcases and their corresponding fixing system, designed for those who want to maintain the lightness of the set without giving up loading capacity.
Added to these elements are other individual options, such as different 58 and 42 liter top cases, aluminum side cases, specific supports, central stand, low seat, alarm and Slip-on Rally exhaust signed by SC-Project.
Price and availability
Honda has not yet communicated the official price of the new CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports 2027 or its specific arrival date at dealers. The range includes two mechanical configurations, both with the new 1,131 cc engine: one with a six-speed manual transmission and another equipped with a DCT automatic transmission.
