Personally, this is one of the bike I was the most excited about. Since early in 2019, there were speculations of a new Africa Twin in the works at Honda’s. In addition to its thorough upgrade, the new Twin was expected to receive a new, bigger engine.
The launch in September of the new CRF1100L proved that the rumors were true. The model received a fresh new design built on a revised chassis and a subframe inspired by the CRF450R’s. This allowed the model to shed a few pounds, now tipping the scales at 498 lb. Its height has also been reduced by a little less than an inch which, combined with the bike’s lighter weight, makes the model more accessible. The new 1,084cc twin now produces 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque.
There are six available driving modes including tour, urban, gravel, and off-road as well as two customizable settings. Pricing for the 2020 Africa Twin starts at $14,399.
Announced in May 2019, the updated CRF250R and RX feature a number of improvements. The trail-only models get an updated chassis, borrowing the CRF450R’s frame and swingarm. The 249cc single-cylinder engine receives an updated cam profile, a revised exhaust valve timing, as well as an updated second gear ratio which are meant to give the bikes more mid-range grunt. The Showa fork and shocks have also been revised.
Pricing for the 2020 CRF250R is set at $7,999 and at $8,299 for the CRF250RX.
How many Rs does it take for Honda to max out on performance? Three looks about right! Honda introduced the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade ahead of EICMA 2019. The quiet and tamed Honda is showing its teeth with this extreme new superbike.
Honda’s goal with the Fireblade was to channel the RC213V-S, the 2016 model that brought MotoGP to the streets. The RR-R borrows some of the aerodynamics of the racing Honda, including a pair of winglets integrated to the fairing that helps stabilize the bike.
The Fireblade uses a 999cc inline-four engine rated at 214 horsepower and 83.3 lb-ft of torque. Other features include a Bosch six-axis IMU as well as an Akrapovič titanium exhaust. The SP model also adds Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes to the list.
Honda showed its entry-lever cruisers a bit of love and gave them a few updates to keep them fresh. The two Rebels receive a new and stiffer fork at the front meant to improve their handling. The rear shock is also slightly stiffer to optimize support at the back. The models receive a thicker saddle which should make them more comfortable and as well as a new instrument cluster. The headlight and turn signals have also been upgraded to LED units.
The Rebel 300 and 500’s respective 286cc single and 471cc parallel-twin engines carry over unchanged but are now teamed with an assist-slipper clutch. The 2020 Rebel 300 starts at $4,499 while the 500 lineup starts at $6,199.
For 2020, the CRF450R and RX both receive a new selectable torque control as well as an update fuel delivery and launch control system. Like the pair of 250s, the 450s also receive an update Showa fork and shock.
The 2020 CRF450R is offered at $9,399 while the cross-country RX version starts at $9,699.
2019 has been a quieter year for Honda in terms of big launches compared to 2018. The few models that were unveiled, however, packed quite a punch.
Those hard-hitting big players garnered a lot of attention. It's all about the quality, not the quantity anyway. Let’s have a look at these hard-hitters we’ll be expecting on the market in 2020.
