Vance & Hines Outfits The Africa Twin

May 16, 2023

Photo: Vance & Hines

The times, they are a-changin’. Harley-Davidson is making adventure bikes, and Vance & Hines is now making exhausts for adventure bikes. The US-based aftermarket manufacturer just announced the Adventure Hi-Output 450 Slip-On for Honda’s Africa Twin.

It’s not VH’s first adventure bike exhaust. After decades where it was best-known for building loud-pipe setups for big-bore V-twins, the company announced setups for Harley-Davidson’s Pan America and BMW’s R1250 GS back in 2021. Realistically, H-D’s expedition into the ADV market pretty much guaranteed Vance & Hines would follow.

In the case of the new Africa Twin exhaust, Vance & Hines says it’s built for the current-generation CRF1100L (2020-2023 models). It’s only a slip-on muffler, requiring Honda’s OEM header. The 4.5-inch diameter can is TIG-welded by hand from 304 stainless steel with brushed finish. The end cap is CNC-machined billet, with ceramic matte black twin. Vance & Hines says the new system “emits a growl that sounds good on the street or on the trail.” Maybe not what the Loud Pipes Lose Rights lobby wants to hear! But the PR goes on to say that the system meets the SAE J2825 sound standard, and is emissions-compliant in all 50 states. A USFS spark arrestor is also available, if needed.

These days, with environmental agencies clamping down on hot-rodders and EFI tuning realities making it harder for DIY types to boost power, Vance & Hines makes no claim of increased horsepower from the new exhaust. However, this system should at least cut a few pounds of weight from your Honda Africa Twin. Asking price is $599.99 in the US. See more photos of the system at Vance & Hines’ website here.