- Comes with new colours and graphics
- Uses the same 1084cc, parallel-twin engine
- Could be introduced in NZ later this year
Honda has rolled out a mild update to its flagship CRF1100L Africa Twin range for 2026, refreshing both the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with new colour options and updated graphics.
Mechanically, both models remain unchanged. The standard CRF1100L Africa Twin continues as the more off-road-oriented option, while the Adventure Sports version focuses on touring and long-distance comfort. Despite their different intentions, both bikes share the same chassis and engine.
Power comes from Honda’s familiar 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, producing 110.5bhp and 112Nm of torque. The CRF1100L Africa Twin is offered in two suspension setups. The standard version uses conventional Showa suspension, while the higher-spec model features Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA). This system automatically adjusts damping to suit riding conditions and allows riders to adjust rear spring preload while on the move.
The Africa Twin is well equipped electronically, featuring three-level wheelie control, cornering ABS with an off-road mode, rear lift control, and cornering detection for the optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Four preset riding modes are included as standard: Urban, Tour, Gravel and Off-Road.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports receives the same electronics and features and is also mechanically unchanged for 2026. This variant first gained Honda’s DCT system in 2022, before receiving a revised chassis in 2024.
For the new model year, the Adventure Sports is offered in Matt Iridium Grey Metallic, complete with a revised frame colour and updated graphics. It is also available in Pearl Glare White, which features a matching revised frame finish and Tricolour graphics.
The standard Africa Twin gains three new colour options for 2026: Grand Prix Red, Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, and Pearl Glare White. All three receive updated graphics and revised frame colours, with the Pearl Glare White version standing out thanks to gold wheels.
Both the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports continue to be offered with or without Honda’s DCT, giving riders the choice between traditional manual shifting or automatic clutch operation.
We can expect Honda NZ to bring in the motorcycle to our shores later this year.
