
HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN (2020 - on) Review

Highlights
- DCT transmission available
- More agile than the Adventure Sports
- Increased off-road focus
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Power: | 100 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (498 lbs / 226 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe third generation of Honda Africa Twin has finally matured into the bike that so many of its fans hoped it would be from the outset.
Armed with enough of the latest electronic technology and a bit more go in its super-sized motor, it is a serious contender in the adventure bike market. But is Honda’s decision to move the stock bike more towards the off-road side the right one?
- Related: Honda Africa twin equipped with Android Auto in 2021
- Related: 2020 Honda Africa Twin - the story
- Related: Best adventure motorbikes
- Related: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports review
- Related: How to ride a motorbike off-road
It may be more agile than the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, but I can’t help but feel UK riders will be swayed by the practicality offered by the Sports over the stock model’s rugged outlook on life and lighter overall weight. It may not be BMW R1250GS topping, but it is certainly a noticeable improvement.
From the 2021 model year, the standard Africa Twin will be available in the HRC-inspired paintjob previously reserved for the top-of-the-range Adventure Sports model.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin on UK roads
We took the Honda for a spin around the UK's toughest test route, the MCN 250, to see how it handles the lumps and bumps of real-world riding conditions.
When you stand next to it, the Honda seems tall with its 22.5mm higher bars and Dakar-style display giving it a very imposing front-end. However, throw a leg over the saddle and the Africa Twin’s narrow waist, courtesy of its compact parallel-twin motor, makes it easy to get feet flat on the floor.
But there is a downside as the Honda’s pegs are high, crunching up those who are longer in the limb, something that 250 miles of riding certainly highlighted, alongside the Honda’s firmer seat. But what of the taller suspension?
There was a time when long-travel suspension and a 21in front wheel equalled a wobbly ride and slightly unnerving feel from the front-end, but those days are long gone. Would I be happy keeping up with sportsbike-mounted mates? Hell yes, especially with the Africa Twin’s new motor.
Featuring more capacity for 2020, the Twin’s engine now has a much-needed dose of drama about it that the slightly gutless older version lacked. It’s not a night-and-day transformation but it is one that enhances the Twin’s character, making it a genuinely enjoyable bike to let rev out and work.
In making the base-model Africa Twin more off-road focused Honda could have totally ruined it as a road bike, however what they have actually done is make it more accomplished on the tarmac. Yes, the screen is slightly small and the seat a touch firm in direct comparison to Triumph’s Tiger 900, but the Honda’s spirit and fun-factor is now matched by top-rate electronics and even better comfort levels thanks to its higher bars.
If you are the kind of rider who occasionally ventures off-road but spends most time riding on the road, the Africa Twin will suit you right down to the ground.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineA smaller screen and 22.5mm taller bars than the previous generation, not to mention a new detachable 40mm narrower sub-frame, 1.8kg lighter chassis and revised swingarm see the Africa Twin’s off-road focus enhanced, but at the sacrifice of some road comfort levels.
While the higher bars are relaxed, the non-adjustable lower screen means you are exposed to the elements and its long distance ability is certainly compromised as a result. In an off-road environment it has certainly benefitted from these mods, but as a road bike for covering miles the Adventure Sports is a better bet.
The updated DCT gearbox (which is now linked to the IMU and responds to the bike’s angle when calculating if it should change gear or not) is excellent and now a worthy addition for either on or off-road fans.
All the electronic systems perform excellently on the road and in the two off-road modes the traction control allows you to pull off a cheeky little slide while the ABS ensures you can use the front brake with confidence on gravel when it all gets a bit too wild.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 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 and a slick gearbox. In an off-road environment, it has lots of low-down grunt to help it search out grip and a predictable throttle connection.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueEarly Africa Twins suffered badly from rusty spokes, however a new design of tubed wheel alongside stainless steel spokes should banish this concern. It feels and appears very solidly built, so we don’t expect any issues. Interestingly, the Adventure Sports has a tubeless wheel to cater for its more on-road focus.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt its launch, the third generation of Africa Twin saw its price jump up from £11,575 to £13,049 - a rise of nearly £1500. That said, it does gain a lot of new technology and that doesn’t come cheap.
Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 is far cheaper at £8399, but lacks the tech. At the time, a stock BMW R1250GS set you back £13,550 and the KTM 1290 Adventure S was £14,699.
How does the BMW R1250GS stack up? Watch the video review below:
Equipment
Most of the Africa Twin’s weaknesses in terms of tech have been rectified for 2020. The headline act is the all-new 6.5-inch touch screen TFT dash, which comes 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.
Also new is a six-axis IMU, bringing with it cornering ABS and traction control (seven levels) alongside cruise control (at last!), 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. While the Adventure Sports has the option of semi-active suspension, this isn’t available on the stock model.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin gets Android Auto for 2021
Honda have added integration for Android Auto to the CRF1100L Africa Twin range 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 |
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Engine size | 1084cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin |
Frame type | Steel semi-double cradle with aluminium sub-frame and swingarm |
Fuel capacity | 18.8 litres |
Seat height | 850mm |
Bike weight | 226kg |
Front suspension | Showa 45mm USD fork, fully adjustable |
Rear suspension | Showa monoshock, fully adjustable |
Front brake | Two 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 |
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Average fuel consumption | 57 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £93 |
Annual service cost | £120 |
New price | £13,049 |
Used price | £10,000 - £13,000 |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 100 bhp |
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Max torque | 78 ft-lb |
Top speed | - |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 230 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2016: Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is launched with a 1000cc motor and at a competitive price. It was the more road-focused bike at the time.
- 2018: Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sport arrives with a bigger fuel tank, longer travel suspension and new seven-stage traction control. It was the more off-road-focused bike.
Watch MCN's 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports video review:
Other versions
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN (2020 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN (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 (2020 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Version: L
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £120
Superbly balanced , feels quicker than the numbers suggest, everyone likes an underdog in that respect, you really need to ride it not just be a passenger so it’s really rewarding in that respect , mine is the manual with a quick shifter and it is not the smoothest but works ok, the bike sounds really good with the stock exhaust , it feels really premium and so far no rust anywhere (unlike my other well known German equivalent I had..) I have acf’d it. The steering lock is amazing, the bike does 230 miles to a tank, the lights are great, the gearbox smooth , neutral is easy to find, the technology is amazing , apple don’t believe the hype over the “overcomplicated switchgear” once you are used to it it’s amazing connectivity is amazing , apple maps , google maps, Waze , Spotify , bbc sounds it’s all there , phone, message I can’t speak highly enough it has been faultless , simply pair your headset plug in your phone job done ... heated grips are thermonuclear... in my opinion apple CarPlay is the cherry on the top it is simply sublime , once you switch your intercom on (you need this to be able to work Siri) the rest is all done via the switchgear , so you can use Waze to navigate, change song, and a just the volume all at once .. no menus no fuss all separate buttons, same with making a call , you can leave in a hurry speak to Siri ask it to message the wife “leaving now be about 15 mins” job done message sent .. it opens up a whole world whilst riding.. if and hopefully when android allow Honda to apply their version of CarPlay it may come with an update?? It will be even better as I think google assistant is way better than Siri. One thing worth mentioning .. yes the screen is touchscreen but it only works when stationary (for safety reasons). With the technology catering for so many options by the means of what application you use to navigate for example it must appeal to so many out there ... no more syncing this ,Pairing that , this does not talk to that , it’s just so frustrating.. the phone needs to be connected to the bike by cable and I zip mine in a handlebar bag. The bike handles all communication not the phone to the intercom.
It the strongest but adequate
By the seat of the pants it makes more than the figures suggest , it’s no 1290 but for the road it’s enough to dispatch cars and make you smile as you work the motor
Nothing failed nothing broken usual Honda reliability although early days
First 600 miler
Purely based on the standard electronics, the quick shifter was extra but worth it
Buying experience: I bought mine from doble , usual amazing service , polite efficient and keen to do business with healthy part exchange values no other main dealer like it if you ask me
Version: Adventure
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £120
Escolha acertada das Big Trail
motor superior aos Bmw
mais qualidade que qualquer gs Bmw