• The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin may get an engine displacement bump to 1100cc for 2020.

• The increase prepares the bike for Euro 5 standards.

• Also, middleweight adventurers produce the same power as the current Africa Twin.

Motor Cycle News Australia’s networks of spies found that the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin may be upsized to 1100cc for 2020.

Their Japanese sources claim that the next generation of the Africa Twin will see a capacity upgrade from 998cc to 1080cc. There’s a gain of 5.4 hp along with the upsizing. It may not seem a lot but remember that 2020 is when Euro 5 regulations come into effect. The new emission standards will choke many bikes in terms of power.

The rumours also claimed that there’s minor upgrade to its styling. The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT – please fix the low speed drivability, Honda). Its fuel capacity may increase to 20 liters, while the Adventure Sport edition may retain the 24.2 litre tank. We may also see a new TFT screen.

Yes, Honda wants to take the middle ground between the 1200/1300cc and 800cc adventure bikes, but the middleweights are now producing the same horsepower from smaller engines. That’s before mentioning that the middleweights are lighter and have lower seat heights, too.

Honda truly needs to upgrade the Africa Twin to stay in the fight. Its current 94 hp is on the low side when compared to open-class adventurers, and on par with the middleweight segment. For example, the Triumph Tiger 800 produces the same amount of horsepower, besides the new BMW F 850 GS and KTM 790 Adventure.

Let’s wait for the 2019 Tokyo Motorshow in October.