Honda Africa Twin
The use of forced induction via turbochargers and superchargers isn’t something entirely new when it comes to motorcycles. Especially Japan’s big four have had their fair share of fun with turbochargers for years now. Speaking of superchargers, BMW Motorrad stepped into the game with the BMW Type 255 Kompressor back in the 1930s. Fast-forwarding to 2020, one of the most sophisticated supercharged motorcycle that’s currently available in the market is Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 (series). Well, recent patents filed with the Japanese patent office suggests Honda is preparing to join the party with an addition of an all-new supercharged Honda Africa Twin.
Honda Africa Twin Supercharged Patent
To begin with, the patent showcases Honda’s current-gen Africa Twin 1084cc parallel-twin engine with a supercharger and related pipework. The non-aspirated 1084cc with uni-cam design (single overhead camshaft design that operates four valves per cylinder) is compact, light, torquey and produces 101 hp. Well, when it comes to adventure bikes it’s all about weight, power and of course torque. To increase the engine output using forced induction is actually smart as increasing the displacement of the engine to could also add up a few kgs. Yes, using a smaller block with the forced induction mechanism would sound like a better idea but remember, there is production cost that manufacturers aren’t a big fan of.
Speaking of Honda’s new forced-induction mechanism, the system uses twin-screw design positive-displacement supercharger. Unlike the centrifugal supercharger on the H2 which only boosts up at high RPMs, the positive displacement supercharger on the Honda moves air each rotation and as it is geared directly to the crankshaft, the positive displacement system would deliver the same amount of boost pressure at any rpm from idle to redline. This results in a flat, torque heavy curve which is usually prefered in adventure bikes.
Aside from this, the new Supercharged engine uses the same airbox design found on the current NA Africa Twin. However, as a supercharger is getting coupled with the engine, a tubing now runs straight to the supercharger which compresses the air before feeding it to the engine.
Honda has also added in a second injector to each cylinder which uses an extra fuel pump and the camshaft to operate. The purpose of this system is to provide a vast amount of fuel pressure in order to make the petrol atomise instantly.
By modulating which injectors are in use based on load, throttle opening and revs, Honda can significantly improve the fuel consumption, performance and emission of the new engine.
This isn’t the first time for Honda to explore around Superchargers. In fact, back in 2017 Honda filed a patent for a V-Twin supercharged engine. Although that didn’t come to life, we think this supercharged Africa Twin could actually make it out as a production model as this time Honda is using an already existing platform rather than an entirely new model or concept
Source: Cycleworld