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HONDA CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN (2020 - on) Review

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Owners' rating 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin on a trail
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Highlights

  • DCT transmission available
  • More agile than the Adventure Sports
  • Increased off-road focus

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £130
Power: 100 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight: Medium (498 lbs / 226 kg)

Prices

New £13,049
Used £7,500 - £13,000
View bikes for sale

Overall rating

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

The third generation of Honda Africa Twin has finally matured into the adventure 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?

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

Honda 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 AT'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.

2024 updates for Honda Africa Twin

Never ones to stand still with their Africa Twin models, 2024 sees Honda’s big-capacity adventure bike once again receive a few upgrades in what is starting to become something of a regular occurrence. In fact, despite only being launched in 2016, the Africa Twin is now in its fourth generation, a rate of upgrading that is quite out of the ordinary in the current cash-conscious motorcycle market. So what’s new this year? That’s a bit of a mixed bag because, as usual with an Africa Twin, it depends on the model you are looking at buying...

For 2024 there are now three versions of the Africa Twin (alongside two Africa Twin Adventure Sport models) where before there were just two Africa Twins variants – standard and with a DCT gearbox. What’s the new addition? The option of equipping the bike with Showa semi-active suspension (ES) taken from the Adventure Sport, which has had it as an option since 2020. However while the Africa Twin ES is yet to arrive in the UK, the standard suspension model is here and it benefits from some noticeable upgrades for 2024.

All Africa Twin models now come with an enhanced motor. While retaining the 1084cc capacity of before, tweaks to the intake, combustion and exhaust see its low and mid-range torque boosted with a 7% increase in its peak figure, upping it from 77.5ftlb to 82.7ftlb. Peak power is unchanged at 100.6bhp. Alongside this enhanced engine the Africa Twin’s spoke wheels are now tubeless, a 5-way adjustable screen added to improve weather protection and its electronics refined. If you pick a DCT model (49% of buyers do) the auto gearbox has also been improved with a ‘feathered clutch’ feel added. But there is a catch, if you want DCT you need to also have ES, there isn’t an Africa Twin DCT without ES as well. In this context the standard bike is tempting because it costs £13,199 where adding ES ups this by £1500 and then to have DCT and ES is £2700 more than stock.

Ride quality & brakes

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

A 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.

Front forks on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

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: 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 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.

Riding the Africa Twin on a light trail

2024 Honda Africa Twin performance

Ridden in isolation it is hard to spot much increase in torque on the 2024 motor when compared to memories of riding the 2023 one. You certainly don’t get on it and think ‘wow, they have upped their game here’ but it has to be said, the parallel twin is a fairly charming engine with a pleasing bit of spice.

A peppy and fun engine to ride, the Africa Twin’s motor certainly picks up with a decent bit of grunt but it is once into its stride that it really starts to shine. Allow it to rev and it suits the feel of the sporty chassis, encouraging you to ride the bike in a playful way where other more relaxed twins aren’t quite as enjoyable. It’s certainly not perfect, the gearbox is a bit rough (to be fair our bike was very low mileage, it may improve with use), the throttle pick-up quite abrupt and it also has quite a hit of engine braking (these traits can be dialled back slightly through the electronics) but overall it’s a good motor. Not necessarily that much of a memorable one but it is a solid performer with a touch of character and a quite pleasingly raw exhaust note.

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 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.

Our Honda Africa Twin owners' reviews show one issue with the DCT automatic gearbox, but other than that it appears to be a reliable steed.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin switchgear

Value vs rivals

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

At 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.

Fast-forward to 2024 and the price has crept up to £13,199, and its main rival is the £13,899 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE. We pit these two against one another in a rugged adventure bike group test.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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 Africa Twin models receive 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.

Equipment updates for 2024 Honda Africa Twin

It is a delight to see the new 5-way adjustable screen appear on the Africa Twin as this is something the old bike with its deliberately small screen (to stop you garrotting yourself while off-road...) was crying out for. I know the standard bike is the more off-road targeted Africa Twin model where the Adventure Sports is the tarmac-tourer but realistically, how many venture into the wilderness?

The new adjustment system, which consists of a sliding system with release buttons either side, is smooth to use and the taller screen does add a touch more protection but as it requires two hands to release and activate, it probably shouldn’t be attempted while on the go (you do have cruise control...), which is a bit annoying. Surely the whole point of an adjustable screen is that you can quickly adjust it to suit the changing weather conditions?

As good as the updated Africa Twin is, it is still frustrating that Honda haven’t address a few of its well-documented irritations. For a start there is the simply terrible switchgear, which is a frustrating clutter of buttons, and it is disappointing on a £13,199 bike that adding a quickshifter is £297 and a centre stand a further £215. The dash’s Apple CarPlay system while great to use is also a bit annoying as your phone needs to be physically linked via a cable to the USB input to allow you to access its functions and Honda haven’t provided a cubby hole or anywhere to put your phone to make this easy. Small points but the adventure bike market is very competitive and ultimately, that’s why the Africa Twin still falls slightly short of the mark.

Specs
Engine size 1084cc
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
Average fuel consumption 57 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £130
New price £13,049
Used price £7,500 - £13,000
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term 2

Top speed & performance
Max power 100 bhp
Max torque 78 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 230 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Watch MCN's 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports video review:

Other versions

At it's launch, the Africa Twin stock model with DCT was priced at £13,949. The Adventure Sports is the 'big tank' version and as well as a larger fairing, it comes with a 24.8-litre tank, heated grips and cornering lights as standard, a five-way adjustable screen and the option of semi-active suspension.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES comes with electronic suspension as an extra and was yours for £16,049 at its launch.

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

14 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
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £130
5 out of 5
09 August 2024 by Elvis

Version: Honda africa twin adventure sports es

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £100

Good..engine abs not poblem... yes recommended..

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: $16000

5 out of 5 Go wild in the country!
27 June 2024 by Robert O'Toole

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £150

Update to my previous review. I'm now often riding off road. This bike is awesome on all surfaces. It handles with ease, and encourages fast exciting riding. The balance is perfect, not too high, but high enough to help it turn fast. Gravel mode is just right for all but the muddiest and gnarliest tracks. Even novices will find themselves doing amazing off road riding with confidence. I am using the stock AX41 Adventurecross knobbly tyres, which give great grip on and off road.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are great on and off road, with the right settings. I have traction control set to minimum, as it is too intrusive with knobbly tyres. The suspension works well off road and on, although some may find it a bit harsh. This is not a bike for softies!

Engine 5 out of 5

Don't expect a smooth ride. The engine is designed to feel like a big old twin, or even a thumper. It's a bit brutal and raw. Set engine braking to minimum, otherwise it is too intrusive and unnatural.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Seems excellent. No problems. No oil use. No coolant use. No sign of any corrosion.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

60mpg, but less efficient on shorter journeys. Cruise control helps to be as efficient as possible on long trips.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Great. But with a confusing interface. Carplay with iPhone for navigation and music works well, but requires a bluetooth intercom.

5 out of 5 Complicated but great bike
29 February 2024 by Robert O'Toole

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £150

Not a simple bike to understand. It took a couple of weeks to get the settings perfected. But now it is excellent.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Basic model, no electronic suspension, but it really doesn't need it.

Engine 5 out of 5

Very good once the settings are sorted. The default traction control setting, max at 7, ruins the ride. Especially with trail tyres. Turn it down, and reduce the engine braking level (adjustable) and it is smooth.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Seems very high quality.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

65+ mpg is doable.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Lots of it. I am a professor of design, and now use this as an example of terrible interface design. But once you learn the system it is good.

Buying experience: Used from Honda Nottingham, who were great.

5 out of 5 Great bike, great customer service but what was a simple offer with excellent products (the simple being ‘Friendly, helpful and no trouble attitude with most things)!?!?
01 August 2022 by PLB

Version: L

Year: 2020

Overall I cannot point at anything that I can really say is a large negative about my bike!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It works for me !! Clutch is really light, the brakes are fantastic and initially they can get you slipping towards the tank with what you really don’t want to slip towards anything!!

Engine 5 out of 5

I’m a real fan of the engine, I have been a large cc straight four engine and before I actually rode the.Africa Twin I had no interest in trying it!! I could perhaps knock off a bit of the score because I’m not a fan of first gear for road use, it can get a little snatchy but it comes to its own off road. You actually come to love it even though I have not been off-road much at all!!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It’s a Honda!!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I ended up getting 3 free servers so 3 years are free!! The fuel consumption is over 50 - 65 on a normal day!! If I really push it I cannot get it to drop much without nearly killing myself!!??

Equipment 4 out of 5

I have had to play around and purchase a number of screens to get to anything like what I need!! I’m tall and you end up needing more than one screen!! The ‘Apple Car Play’ is fantastic when it works properly but on the few times it doesn’t you seem to remember these more!! When using the Sat Nav via this (I don’t actually use the guidance much) but using it for cameras, petrol stations, cafes, appointments etc.) it’s a pain.

Buying experience: I purchased this from a dealership in Kent, the experience was fantastic, again! Unfortunately the franchise has changed hands and I’m trying to be positive and ‘Change is good’ from my time in management!!! I’m going to try very hard to accept the change and communicate with the new franchise managers!! I really hope that the plans become reality and everybody gains from what could go either way!? I hope they continue with what I believe was great, customer facing, knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming etc.!!!??

5 out of 5 It’s your money
01 August 2022 by I P Leatherbarrow

Year: 2020

I have been looking for a bike that could do a lot of things I want to do, on a bike, without being average or worse for everything!! This, of course must be relevant on the cost!?!?! I have, mainly rode 4 straight cylinder, large capacity (1000 cc plus) motorbikes. Therefore was reticent to go to a twin! But, a a big but as well, after a small amount of time, I realised that the engine, frame and engine management system of the Africa Twin CRF1100 was more than the sum of its parts!! It seems to do most things really well, some things well and nothing other than! You can say it can’t do what a mid/large sports bike can do anywhere near? Although I’m 58 and it goes as quick and is not slower than I want it to be off the mark!? I’m sure I can actually get it around most corners as quick if not quicker than most corners (other than the small, narrow country lanes which seem to get hard work to punch/move a large bike around? Comfortable mile eater with a great engine that’s not £20k plus to buy and looks great!?!?

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda reliability!!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Zero for 3 years! Deal on purchase

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: No comment

5 out of 5 I’m a fan of boring old Honda, that starts every day and doesn’t break down and goes really slowly and well it’s just rubbish!!But I like it like that!!!
19 April 2022 by PLB

Year: 2020

I’m really struggling to think of bad things to bring up? No.1 - Screen is not great, came with a really small screen and have replaced this with a taller (what I call my ‘winter screen’). Not adjustable and I still have not got the exact one, or two - summer/winter!? No. 2 - Tyres with tubes! I’m just not sure!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It’s good at most and better than that at most! It’s not a Fireblade or a R1, it’s also not a BMW GT1600 but it more than works for me! I’ve found that the M25 is not a Brands Hatch or is it a muddy mountain with a desert on the other side and the way our roads are the pot holes and speed bumps need the large ground clearance with a gravelly entrance and exit!!

Engine 5 out of 5

This engine and management system is really very good!!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It’s a Honda!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Im not sure because I got 3 services with the deal!? Along with that I’m not a massive mileage person, it’s annually or 8000 miles per service. I’m going to be, until the world stops trying to end, on or around depending on weather and lots of other things that will only come with all of the above and of course my wife!!

Equipment 5 out of 5

I’m a fan, moans and groans are around about this doesn’t work and the amount of buttons etc. I don’t have a problem, it’s good!

Buying experience: I purchased new from an excellent dealership in the SE! It was more than £7,000 less than a BMW GS1250 and I have always driven a BMW car!!

4 out of 5 Great bike, I use for daily driver and self contained boondocking / touring.
30 December 2021 by Zug

Version: Base model

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £100

DCT is touchy especially in city driving. Drive by wire throttle control has no slack so you may launch yourself unexpectedly, there are accounts of this actually happening. Seat is painful for touring. Apple CarPlay will connect once each time it's set up, but that doesn't matter, using a QuadLock induction charging mount the map / music app won't turn off while it's getting power and you don't have to choose between your tach/fuel and map displays. At 12k miles I've had no problems just regular service like oil and tires. Stay out of "D", use S2 or 3. Manual shifting works wonderfully.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It's tall. It's heavy. A shorter bike would be less capable off road and a lighter one would be a nightmare on the highway. What can you do? The seat is uncomfortable after 50 miles or so, keep the tank topped up.

Engine 4 out of 5

Everyone pans it for having less horsepower than the KTM or BMW, but at 6'3" and 240 lbs. with full luggage and a trailer I've never noticed it slow or struggle with a hill.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No corrosion (though I live in a desert) and never had anything fail. This is why I got a Honda in the first place.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I think an oil change is about $30 total. You're not supposed to run full synthetic oil, I found the type specified at WalMart. If I didn't have to oil the chain it'd be 5/5.

Equipment 4 out of 5

DCT lacks finesse and in my opinion is borderline dangerous.* It took me a while to work out that the Honda stock touring (tall) windshield was not tall enough and bobbled the top of my helmet, fatiguing me on long rides. On the upside the cruise control paired with DCT and a strong engine works great. It's silly I know but the auto turn signals are awesome. Wish the ones on my car worked so well. *If you bump the throttle the bike will GO. There is no slop in the drive-by-wire throttle. So what do you do to stop a bike? Grab the front brake hard, right? Now you've got the throttle locked in its accidentally (slightly) open position because you're using it to pull on the brake lever. Your runaway bike may end up hitting the tube bumper of the truck in front of you at 3mph or so. Don't ask me how I know this.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. $17,000 after taxes and fees. Salespeople had no idea how anything on the bike worked so them walking me through the features was equal parts funny and awkward.

5 out of 5 Scottish AT
17 November 2021 by Simboy73

Version: CFR1100L Icelandic Edition

Year: 2021

I’m not a seasoned rider, I’m fairly new to riding, I’ve come from a VStrom 650XT to this. It’s a bigger bike, more cumbersome to move around the drive and garage but once on the bike, it rides so nicely, it’s economical and has the power and torque on tap.. Apple CarPlay is excellent too once all up and running.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The bike for me is really comfy on short and long rides, the longest run I’ve done is 330 miles, no issues. Brakes, powerful and certainly up to the job given the bulk of the bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

Power and Torque on tap. Love the standard sound to it too

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good, I’ve had Honda cars and wouldn’t anything less than reliable and so far it has been.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I got 3 years Honda Servicing thrown into the deal along with 3 years warranty and breakdown.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I’ve got all those modes to play with, I’ll get there. The Apple car play is excellent. Heated grips. And I had extra driving lights fitted by Honda too, their all integrated into the bikes standard switch gear. Being an Icelandic model, it comes with boxes, tank bag, radiator covers and heated grips etc. So a great package all round and it’s a limited edition too.

Buying experience: I bought from a local Edinburgh dealer after just wanting a demo, to falling for it and trading my VStrom and Katana for it. It’s a cracker and love going out on it.

2 out of 5 Africa Twin CRF1100 Problems
30 September 2021 by Andy

Version: Adventure Sport DCT ES

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £200

Great bike but seems to be cursed with all sorts of technical faults

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Nice ride and brakes work. They can require some persuasion to get the bike to stop.

Engine 1 out of 5

Rated 1 because of the DCT engine braking issues and stalls. When the bike works it is great with a brilliant engine sound. Shame Honda seem to be using customers to experiment the tech rather than get it right first.

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

DCT Stalls, engine braking and TFT faults. Bluetooth and Android auto constantly disconnecting.

Value vs rivals 1 out of 5

For the price the technical faults make the bike very poor value.

Equipment 1 out of 5

Most equipment is extra. The tech that comes with the bike i.e. TFT screen is unreliable at best, especially when combined with Android Auto. Honda panniers are great as are the stock tyres.

Buying experience: The dealership & Honda don't want to know about electrical issues or problems as they cannot always replicate or seem to worry. Happy to supply video of malfunction whilst operating. Honda didn't see it as a problem!

4 out of 5 Brilliant Africa Twin.
07 June 2021 by Didge

Version: Africa Twin adventure sports

Year: 2020

Screen could be wider and adjust with one hand not a deal breaker though. I’ve had a lot of bmw all of which had problems. Honda zilch as you would expect. Comfort tech and long distance hard to beat and the best looking adventure bike on the road .

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I alway stop after about 50 ish miles.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty of power . I’ve had no problems passing others .

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not had a service yet. But about 150 ish so I’m told

Equipment 5 out of 5

Haven’t added anything other than my top box.

Buying experience: Dealer got a great deal.

5 out of 5 Honda africa twin CRF1100L
04 May 2021 by Sean's twin

Version: DCT version

Year: 2020

I have always liked a upright riding position, had numerous bikes then bought a new 2016 versys 1000 After 2 trips to Spain in 2 years, I fancied something different, so I traded in for a 2016 kawasaki GTR1400. Again it went abroad twice, then covid hit last year & cancelled the trips. This year wasn't sure if I could go again ? As GTR is a big touring bike, I found it heavy for using to work & Sunday trips out. I started using brothers Honda CrossTourer 1200. It was light agile compared to GTR so I decided time for a change. I had always fancied a go on a DCT bike. The dealer had a demo 6 months old, Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L. I had hour test ride & when came back, I arranged there & then to trade GTR in for it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Bike at best when u just hit downshift button & open it up (up to legal speed limit of course) No changing gear, very easy to ride. Ride by wire throttle (not cables) is very lively & takes little while to get used to. Bum aches after 2 hours, seat not as comfy as GTR. Take 12yr old grand daughter on back, she was nervous at 1st, because I had no topbox on & seat is lot higher than GTR, but she loves it now. Brakes are excellent, ABS front & rear

Engine 5 out of 5

Put it in tour S3 mode & it holds revs longer before changing gears, it just pulls away & because your not changing gear or have anything to to, you don't realise how fast your going, so you have to keep an eye on speedo. Have found in some settings, the engine braking is a bit severe when changing down. I have not mastered all settings yet.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Well built, looks great. Ridden daily & no issues with rust yet. Nothing has failed. Light, agile very easy to ride, falls into corners. Excellent riding position.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Had 1st service before I bought it. Next service due in 10 months Been told at Honda dealer its between £120 - £150 for next service

Equipment 5 out of 5

As the base model its OK. I would have liked luggage rack or passenger grab rails as standard. Tyres have plenty of grip. Could also done with heated grips as it's been freezing lately & with thick winter gloves on it makes controls a bit fiddlely.

Buying experience: Bought from dealer. Said I'd never buy a demo, as there thrashed & ridden like there stolen. But got great deal on trade in & wrangled a discount off listed price. 👍🏻

5 out of 5 Honda Africa Twin fulfils your dreams..
01 April 2021 by Pirate

Version: DCT Adventure

Year: 2021

Spectacular in all respects, the DCT is brilliant, with the manual flappy paddle option when off road gives you all the control, I have lower leg/ankle problems with conventional gear change, so this is a boon! Build quailty, is all Honda superbly finished, and durable. I live in portugal and spend much of my time on unmetaled roads, so the ease of swapping from road to gravel, to off road is a dream. On tarmac is nimble and you can really push on or coversly engage cruise control and sit back and watch the world go by.. All day comfy. Seems to sip fuel. And it sounds superb with the stock exhaust, I opted for the full honda protection pack, it's, robust, and does the job, the switch gear and electronic wizardry are brilliant, the traction control etc. Just does it's job, and isn't noticeably intrusive. The ride is sublime, fast becoming my favourite of the many bikes I've owned..

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Progressive and reassuring, braking, seamless acceleration and gear change, road for four hours in one stint, no problem easy all day riding, very comfy good leg position sitting or standing. On the soft surfaces, suspension just soaks up the bumps.

Engine 5 out of 5

Pulls and pulls and pulls....

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Have done the first thousand klm's so first service due soon. Cost TBA..

Equipment 4 out of 5

Does take a little getting used to, you definately need to read the instructions..

Buying experience: Purchased from Honda dealership in Portemão, Angel Honda, great people and sourced 2021 bike for me even with all the current Pandemic restrictions..

5 out of 5 Fantastic machine, go try one!
06 December 2020 by Neo

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.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It the strongest but adequate

Engine 4 out of 5

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

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Nothing failed nothing broken usual Honda reliability although early days

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

First 600 miler

Equipment 5 out of 5

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

5 out of 5 Best Big Trail 2020
25 August 2020 by Cattmobile Alexandre Figueiredo

Version: Adventure

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £120

Escolha acertada das Big Trail

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

motor superior aos Bmw

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

mais qualidade que qualquer gs Bmw

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
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