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

Overall rating

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.

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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.

Ride quality & brakes

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.

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

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

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.

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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

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.

Value vs rivals

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.

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

Equipment

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.

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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

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.

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