Motorcycle specifications Honda CRF 1150 L Africa Twin Enduro Sports 2027

Althoughthe Africa Twin is an excellent bike on all types of roads (I often say that, like the BMW GS, it keeps going where many adventure bikes stop), there’s no denying that it has become more mainstream over time. That’s not a criticism—it’s simply the reality and a response to market demand.
But Honda is also thinking of those who want a more authentic off-road bike—one that’s more adventurous and rugged. So they created a sort of hybrid between a 450 Rally and the 1150 Africa Twin to produce the Enduro Sports version.

Right away, the tone is set. This machine’s profile is truly more aggressive than the standard version. The high fender, borrowed from the motocross lineup, points the way; the headlight, noticeably more tapered, cuts through the horizon with its gaze; the streamlined fairing panels suggest a more compact yet still substantial frame. Because even though this version is 9 kilos lighter, it’s first and foremost an Africa Twin before it’s an enduro.

A machine built for off-road dominance?

A mega-enduro, with 119 chevaux unleashed by the new 1131 cm³ twin and a weight of 228 kg to carry. That’s roughly twice as powerful and twice as heavy as a CRF 450 RX Rally. It’s not really the same ballpark, either.

Honda has partially stripped it down not only to lighten it but also to focus on use in more demanding terrain. Unlike other Africa Twins, the Enduro Sports doesn’t feature the EERA electronic suspension system. It prefers—as do true riding enthusiasts—purely mechanical suspension—the kind where sensation, experience, and a screwdriver preserve a more authentic feel and handling that’s just as (if not more) effective. The large 49-mm Showa inverted fork and the Pro-Link-mounted monoshock are fully manually adjustable and offer an additional 20 mm of travel. When faced with challenging terrain, the ATES 1150 features 240 mm of travel in the front, 230 mm in the rear, and 260 mm of ground clearance.

The 1150 Africa Twin Enduro Sports does everything necessary to ensure its rider stays in control. The windshield is short to provide a clear view and is not adjustable. The seat height ranges from 870 mm in the standard position to 890 mm in the high setting. Whether you’re tall or an experienced rider, this bike won’t make things any easier for you in that regard. In any case, if you’ve chosen this model, it’s not for touring like you would on an NC750X.

Range, Sport, and Rover

Once you’re up there, you’ll get a better feel for the challenges, the handlebars, and the controls, and you’ll occasionally get to enjoy the new instrument cluster from the 1150 Africa Twin. It still features a dual-screen setup, but the top screen is larger, with graphics designed for practicality; as for the second screen, it’s upgraded from LCD to color TFT, is now larger (5.7 inches), and displays more information. It’s a combination we’ll continue to appreciate, with the option to display the navigation system on top, on-board information below, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in the background.

So, there’s no adaptive suspension available on this Enduro Sports model. The luggage rack has also been removed. However, the DCT transmission is optional, as are the heated seats and grips. Standard equipment remains extensive, including 6 riding modes, HSTC traction control, anti-wheelie control, engine braking control, cruise control, the SmartKey system, tubeless spoked wheels, Nissin 4-piston radial brakes, and a two-part fuel tank with a total capacity of 18.8 liters.
The tire choice is fairly conservative with the Metzeler Karoo Street; For those who want to hit the trails right away, the Enduro Sports model offers Michelin Anakee Wild tires—both sizes are 90/90–21 and 150/70–18.

The Africa Twin family can now tackle three different terrains: standard use on all types of roads, touring with the Adventure Sports, and the thrilling bumps of rough terrain aboard the Enduro Sports. A new chapter for Honda’s big trail bike… or the realization of a path it has long sought?

M.B. – Manufacturer photos