HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS (2020 - on) Review

Highlights

  • DCT transmission available
  • Lower and narrower than previous model
  • Electronic suspension delivers plush ride

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £220
Power: 100 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight: High (525 lbs / 238 kg)

Prices

New £14,649
Used £9,700 - £14,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Out of the two models available on launch, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is certainly the one to opt for if you are a road rider who wants a mile-muncher and has limited interest in off-road riding.

The new engine injects a welcome boost in performance that while not R1250GS topping, is certainly a noticeable improvement.

The lower seat height and narrower waist mean it feels less intimidating at slow speed and the electronic suspension delivers a plush ride quality. The dash is a disappointment, but overall it delivers on its promise and will offer a sterner test for the BMW R1250GS – not to mention being a chunk cheaper.

Cornering on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Showa’s Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) is linked to the six-axis IMU as well as stroke sensors and has three road settings and an off-road setting and can have its shock’s preload adjusted while the bike is stationary to suit two-up or riding with luggage.

On the road the system responds extremely well with a noticeable difference in damping between settings and a feeling of compliance.

A frontal view of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

While lacking any self-levelling function, it delivers a plush ride quality and is a worthy addition. The Sports’ lowered seat height (dropped 50mm for 2020) and narrower waist makes it more reassuring at slow speed as your feet are planted on the ground and the five-way adjustable screen gives good shelter.

Overall, the Sports has more than enough comfort levels to let you see off its claimed 300-mile range from its 24.8-litre tank.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The parallel twin has received an increase in capacity from 998cc to 1084cc for 2020 through a 6.4mm longer stroke, boosting peak power and torque by 6.8bhp and 4.4ftlb respectively while also delivering increases throughout the rev range.

While lacking the outright performance and theatre you get from BMW’s ShiftCam boxer, Honda’s parallel twin has certainly benefitted from a very welcome bit of extra pep without losing its overall feeling of refinement. It’s not going to blow your socks off, but it is a definite improvement and certainty fulfills a touring brief with little vibes, a good throttle connection and slick gearbox.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Early Africa Twins suffered badly from rusty spokes, however a new design of tubeless wheel on the Adventure Sports alongside stainless steel spokes should banish this concern. It feels and appears very solidly built, so we don’t expect any issues.

A distanced shot of the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

When launched, the second generation of Adventure Sports was £2050 more than its predecessor, but it has gained a lot of technology.

Compared to the range-topping ES model, which adds electronic suspension and has an RRP of £16,049, it was nearly £2000 less than the equivalent spec of BMW R1250GS Adventure. However the KTM 1290 Adventure S is £1350 cheaper.


Find out what the KTM 1290 Adventure S is like to ride below:

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Most of the Africa Twin’s weaknesses in terms of tech have been rectified for 2020 with a six-axis IMU added, bringing with it cornering ABS and traction control (seven levels) alongside cornering lights, cruise control, heated grips, four power modes, three braking levels, three levels of wheelie control and four set riding modes plus two user modes.

The ABS can also be turned off to the rear caliper for off-road use. There is a DCT version, whose performance has been significantly upgraded through it being linked to the IMU, making it gradient and corner responsive in its gear selection.

Also new for 2020 is a 6.5-inch touch screen TFT dash as standard. Incorporating Apple CarPlay, it is Bluetooth ready, can display navigation apps, has a USB charging point and can be accessed with a gloved hand, however the touch screen is only available when the bike is stationary and Apple CarPlay requires a Bluetooth headset to be linked to function, which is annoying. An ES version of the Adventure Sports adds Showa’s semi-active suspension for a £1400 premium.


Android Auto added to the Africa Twin for 2021

Android Auto now available on the Honda Africa Twin range

If you don’t worship at the altar of Apple you might be delighted to hear Honda have added integration for Android Auto to the Africa Twin for 2021. Owners of Android smartphones will be able to plug into their bikes, revealing extra apps such as Google Maps or Spotify. The same applies to the Gold Wing, CB1000R, Forza 750, X-ADV and Forza 350.

Specs

Engine size 1084cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, SOHC 8v, parallel-twin
Frame type Steel semi-double cradle, aluminium subframe and swingarm
Fuel capacity 25 litres
Seat height 850mm
Bike weight 238kg
Front suspension Showa 45mm USD fork, fully adjustable (EERA optional)
Rear suspension Showa monoshock, fully adjustable (EERA optional)
Front brake 2 x 310mm wave discs with four-piston radial calipers. Cornering ABS
Rear brake 256mm single disc with single-piston caliper. Switchable ABS
Front tyre size 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 57 mpg
Annual road tax £111
Annual service cost £220
New price £14,649
Used price £9,700 - £14,500
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 100 bhp
Max torque 78 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 310 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2016: Honda launch an all-new generation of Africa Twin, the CRF1000L.
  • 2018: Second-generation Africa Twin gains a ride-by-wire throttle and some tech updates. It is joined in the range by a ‘big tank’ Adventure Sports model.


Watch our previous Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports video review below:

Other versions

The standard Africa Twin CRF1100L is more off-road focused and as such comes with tubed tyres, a shorter screen, slimmer bodywork and an 18.8-litre tank. It has all the same technological, engine and chassis updates as the Adventure Sports, but lacks the option of electronic suspension and doesn’t have cornering lights or heated grips as standard.

MCN Long term test reports

MCN Fleet: Would I buy the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports?

MCN Fleet: Would I buy the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports?

Last week, a reader asked me if I have a favourite manufacturer – not something I’ve really thought about before – and that got me thinking about my own bikes and the Honda Africa Twin I’ve now spent 8000 miles on. I reckon I’ve lost 4000 miles of riding thanks to Lockdown 1 & 2. That’s as frustrati

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS (2020 - on)

4 owners have reviewed their HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS (2020 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS (2020 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £220
4 out of 5 22' Africa twin adventure sports DCT
21 August 2023 by sahil

Version: DCT

Year: 2022

Very easy bike to ride, can tour, sport, or a bit of dirt with the right tires, comes well equipped, and has all day comfort

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Suspension is magic, fully electronically adjustable...brakes are good

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty of power and grunt everywhere, has a nice rumble to it

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

New bike, burns oil...taking it to the dealer, hopefully warranty is still intact..Also has a small leak on the right side that I need to look at..

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Uses regular gas, and a tank does 500 kms...have to top up on oil every 2 tanks of gas though...

Equipment 5 out of 5

Unlike certain brands, honda comes with everything (save the center stand...) I really like the DCT and stock heated grips...

4 out of 5 Better than you think
30 May 2023 by KGGZX10R

Version: ES

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £1

Great bike that feels greater than the sum of its parts. I have a few different bikes and do everything from enduros to trackdays. The AT is my primary road bike and I dont really venture off the black top with it. The bike goes and turns far better than you would expect for such a big bike with skinny tyres and limited BHP. I would happily ride it for 2 full tanks of gas without compliant. Main benefits, Engine and comfort.Negatives, its a very tall bike and it would benefit from adjustable front preload and another 30 bhp.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Very comfy, brakes could be a little sharper and the fronts could do with an option to firm up. Its good with a pillion but very slow especially if you have luggage onboard. I dont mind this though as chugging about when 2 up is good with me.

Engine 5 out of 5

Throaty and punchy, quickshifter really helps with getting the most out of it.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

A bit disappointed with the build quality, the bike doesnt like going into 6th all the time and is very fussy about chain tension. if it goes slack the clutch actuation becomes grabby. I also find the paint a little thin and easily chipped. The push button start has also been temperamental with it cutting out straight after starting. Not what you expect from a Honda really.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Bike came with 3 yrs free servicing

Equipment 5 out of 5

Almost everything you would want, tyre pressure monitoring would be nice.

Buying experience: Great used my local Honda dealer Craigs in Bradford

4 out of 5 Africa Twin does everything you need.
05 December 2022 by Rob.O.

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £450

Best features are build quality and ability to go anywhere. Worst feature is bit of vibration at motorway speed and wind buffeting.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Great all-round bike. Ridden NC500 twice this year riding up from Yorkshire and 300 mile trips between fill ups no issue

Engine 3 out of 5

Could do with a little more power when fully loaded .

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It's a Honda !!!!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I do around 14000 miles a year and had no issues .

Equipment 4 out of 5

Everything works well and heated grips are best I've ever had.

Buying experience: Superb. Bought from local dealer in Hull . Miles Kingsport.

5 out of 5 Don't be fooled by bikes with silly power
01 August 2021 by Ninjadrummer54

Version: Electric suspension

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £200

Best feature is it doesn't feel like the size it is when your riding it. Worst feature is wind deflection from std. You really need to buy the add ons to cope well at motorway speeds.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Take it out the garage. Point it and go. 300 miles per tank and that's about the miles the seat will let you do without getting a bit numb. Bit of vibs do make it through the pegs if your at the wrong rpm.

Engine 5 out of 5

So smooth. Doesn't have silly power and the electrics do a great job of letting you crack on without it ever trying to put you in the hedge.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Paint on tank scratches really easy also the sub frame paint can chip. Engine always bang on though, gearsbox has the std Honda feel. Brakes are good with the abs. Loose a bit of bite vs brembo so if your expecting superbike stopping dragging into an apex this isn't for you. However if you make a mistake the imu and abs will save you from 9/10 human F ups into corners.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Decent intervals althoughbbeing so complex getting to things like air filters isn't as easy as you would expect

Equipment 5 out of 5

Fully kitted out.USB power should really be the other way round as some cables can't fit well or at all in some cases.Touch screen is good. However you have to stop if you want to use it on the go. Honda safety thing but really annoying some times.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer fairly terrible experience but the bike was decent and as a value proposition I'd say its a bike you could have for 20 years

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