Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024

The best adventure bike for comfort-conscious adventurers?

In the history of 1000PS, this was the most elaborate off-road test production to date: Over three days, 13 current adventure bikes faced a comprehensive comparison test in selective enduro terrain. Despite scorching heat of nearly 35 degrees and long working days, the test crew demonstrated incredible endurance and showed commitment. The hard work and dedication resulted in detailed, insightful test impressions as well as, of course, fantastic photo and video material. Six editors were involved: three off-road professionals and three all-rounders from the 1000PS editorial team. Which model will lead the pack off-road in 2024? In this report, we take a look at the performance of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin!

Mex

Mex

published on 17/08/2024

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Where was the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin tested?

With the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag terrain, in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are plenty of opportunities for every riding level to let loose for an entire day. With our large adventure bikes, we were mostly on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test schedule to thoroughly put the big and noble bikes to the test.

Editor Mex on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Few other machines in our test were as comfortable to ride as the Honda Africa Twin. Road riders and beginners in the off-road sport will find an easy off-road experience thanks to the low seat height and a variety of well-functioning (albeit rather conservatively designed) assistance systems. Small drifts are allowed by the traction control on the lowest setting. The bike feels solid and stable on unpaved surfaces, which builds confidence. The engine delivers enough grunt from low revs and offers a great running smoothness. The power delivery matches the Honda's good-natured character and never overwhelms. However, at higher speeds and on rough terrain, the suspension reaches its limits and offers too little reserve for sporty, aggressive riding in serious situations. The higher the speed, the more the ergonomic layout reveals itself as a hindrance for truly sporty maneuvers. Specifically, the distance between the handlebars and the pegs is too short for my taste. This means that in steep sections, you have to hold on to the handlebars with considerable effort. But the Africa Twin does not want to position itself as overly sporty; it is a solid and exceptionally comfortable touring machine for globetrotters. It continues to handle light to medium terrain effortlessly. The high-quality workmanship and robust detail solutions make it clear that it can withstand quite a bit even in serious off-road use. It confidently leaves the sporty stage to other representatives in this category.

Off-road professional Sebastian "Busty" Wolter on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The Honda Africa Twin left me somewhat disappointed from a sports rider's perspective, but perhaps my expectations were simply too high, given the classic's consistently positive and sporty image. In practice, I experienced the Africa Twin as a good, solid travel companion, but it didn't impress me as much in sporty off-road riding. The engine character was a bit too tame for my taste, the chassis lacked some reserves, and the riding position was too conservative, more suited for long-distance seated riding than for aggressive off-road riding while standing. For example, during rocky uphill sections, the windscreen offered little room for the upper body to move forward. The electronic riding aids worked reasonably well, but the menu navigation was annoying, and having to re-enable or disable certain parameters after turning off the ignition was frustrating.

Editor Gregor on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The legend of Honda is rightly still one of the most popular protagonists in the adventure bike segment in 2024. Especially as a hobby rider, you appreciate its virtues, such as travel comfort, Japanese sovereignty, and reliability. However, it must be said that the competition is not sleeping, and the Africa Twin has been surpassed in some areas. The sportier and tougher it gets, the more you feel, even as an amateur, that the Honda is leaving its comfort zone. The new semi-active suspension successfully expands this comfort zone, but ergonomics and the high center of gravity make ambitious off-road riding a challenge. In summary, the Honda Africa Twin is a great machine for long distances and light off-road terrain. However, for really rough terrain, there are machines that make life easier for the hobby enduro rider.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2024 - Key Facts

Engine and Drive Train

Bore92 mm
Stroke81.5 mm
Engine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power7500 rpm
Torque112 Nm
Rpm at Torque5500 rpm
Compression Ratio10.5
StarterElectric
Clutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionTransistor
Transmission TypeGearshift
ValvesOHC
Displacement1084 ccm

Suspension Front

Diameter45 mm
Travel230 mm
AdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Shock absorberMonoshock
Travel220 mm
AdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame typeDouble cradle
Rake62.5 degree
Trail113 mm

Brakes Front

Diameter310 mm
Technologyradial, Wave

Brakes Rear

Diameter256 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width90 mm
Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameter18 inch
Length2330 mm
Width960 mm
Height1485 mm
Wheelbase1575 mm
Seat Height850 mm
Seat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)231 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyA
Range383 km
Combined CO2 emissions112 g/km
Combined fuel consumption4.9 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentAndroid Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display
Arai Tour-X5 and Leatt ADV MultiTour 7.5

Comfort Setup by Editor Gregor: Arai Tour-X5 and the versatile Leatt ADV MultiTour 7.5 Textile Suit

Arai Tour-X5: our choice for long and tough days with the adventure bikes

The intense off-road test conditions were optimal for putting our equipment to the test. When it came to helmets, the 1000PS crew uniformly trusted the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally comfortable. It provides a snug contact feeling over the entire head area. As is typical with Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone without creating any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The interior lining of the Tour-X5 feels luxurious and high-quality on the skin, even after a long, intense, and sweat-inducing day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and upper head area, you can get plenty of fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is top-notch - the helmets not only look elegant and beautiful when new, but they also remain in excellent condition even after several tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking mechanisms can be perfectly operated even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all kinds of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!

Leatt Adventure Gear put to the test in the 1000PS adventure bike comparison

During our adventure bike test, we uniformly wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Suit or the Multi Tour Suit. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard-enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in their new ADV Collection. The Flow Tour Jacket particularly impressed us with its outstanding ventilation, providing pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration bladder system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage for personal items and allowed for convenient access while riding. The Multi Tour Suit, on the other hand, scored points with its versatility and three-layer construction, offering optimal protection and adaptability to different weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, providing maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also offers high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved to be ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and providing the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.

How much does a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin cost?
Here you will find an overview of the price level of new and used motorbikes!
Mex

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2024 - Experiences and Expert Review

Mex

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin impresses with its high riding comfort and versatility. Thanks to the low seat height and a variety of well-functioning, albeit rather conservatively designed, assistance systems, it is ideal for road riders and off-road beginners. The proven, finely controllable engine and the responsive chassis offer a smooth riding experience. The long-distance comfort, including the deeply integrated seating position, matches the machine's good-natured character. The electronic control concept could be more intuitive and requires some getting used to. The ergonomics for standing riding in off-road conditions, as well as the chassis reserves for tougher off-road sections, need improvement. Additionally, the handguards prove to be not robust enough for intensive use off paved roads. Overall, however, the Africa Twin presents itself as a well-balanced, comfortable touring machine that also confidently handles light off-road terrain.


'finely controllable engine

various electronic riding aids

touch-screen color display

responsive chassis

long-distance comfort

well-integrated seating position

good-natured character'

'Operating concept of the electronics not intuitive

Ergonomics for standing riding not ideal

Suspension reserves not sufficient for tough terrain

Handguards not robust enough for off-road use'

What other models are there in the vicinity of the Honda Africa Twin?

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024 Images

Source: 1000PS

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