Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin ES 2024 Offroad Test

The Honda Enduro received an update in 2024. Along with a slight increase in performance and the transformation of the Adventure Sports model into a more road-oriented machine, the focus of this update was on the semi-active suspension. The EERA suspension is now standard on the Adventure Sports model and is also available for the first time on the standard Africa Twin model. During our test of the new Honda Adventure Sports, we were able to evaluate its performance on the road, but how does it fare off-road? Our winter excursion in the hills around Barcelona provided the perfect opportunity to put the Africa Twin to the test in rough terrain.

The Honda Enduro, unsurprisingly, excels on light unpaved roads. Gravel roads, wide forest tracks, and country lanes provide the perfect opportunity to appreciate the powerful engine and exceptional stability of the Honda. The relaxed ergonomics and upright "touristic" riding position make long rides on loose surfaces effortless for the rider. Despite the 18.8 liter tank being wide, it does not hinder maneuverability on easy terrain. Opting for the Rally footrests allows for an even wider and more secure standing position on the Africa Twin, which remains easy to handle thanks to the footrests and wide handlebars, despite its relatively high weight and center of gravity. The real highlight, however, is the precise throttle response and power delivery of the 1,084 cc in-line twin cylinder engine. The power is finely tuned yet potent, with torque readily available at low and medium revs, making it easy to control even on loose, low-grip surfaces.

This is a positive development, as the electronics of the Honda Enduro are designed in line with the Japanese safety concept. In the most aggressive setting of the lean angle-dependent traction control, slight drifts are allowed, but excessive power is reduced in loose terrain. The traction control deactivates quickly, but this is not an issue due to the precise and linear power delivery. The Enduro's relatively long wheelbase of 1575 mm provides excellent stability, preventing the rear from breaking loose too easily and keeping drifts under control. This stability is also complemented by the DCT dual-clutch transmission, especially when using one of the recommended sport modes that hold gears longer. The DCT's performance in off-road conditions has been praised in previous tests, such as the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT in Iceland. The 2024 update has further enhanced low-end engine response, although subtle differences may not be noticeable without a direct comparison to previous DCT generations. Notably, the new G-Switch, which activates the DCT's off-road mode, improves traction on loose surfaces by reducing clutch drag and transferring power more directly to the rear wheel. Overall, the Honda Enduro confidently handles light off-road terrain, offering a comfortable cruising experience or allowing for some playful riding, depending on the rider's preference.

However, when things get more demanding, such a large motorcycle reaches its limits. The Africa Twin should not be reduced to its weight alone, as there are other large touring enduros on the market that can still be driven through the countryside with great performance. The Africa Twin's biggest problem is its ergonomics. On the road and in easy terrain, you are happy about the relaxed sitting and standing position, but if you are going uphill and possibly even pull up the slope with the throttle open, the footrests are too far forward. The distance between them and the handlebars is not enough to bring your body far enough forward and balance your own mass on climbs. Instead, you hang on to the handlebars like a spider monkey, which leads to problems with sudden hits against the front wheel or places with little grip. The front wheel is additionally loaded by uncontrolled impulses via the handlebars and can then slip away or be thrown off the intended riding line.

In addition, the stability of the Honda Enduro continues even in moderately difficult terrain. Our test bike is somewhat limited by its Metzeler Karoo Street tires. The suspension, provided by Showa, can be adjusted in various modes at the touch of a button, allowing for a wide range of damping options. The suspension responds finely to uneven terrain, ironing out bumps and absorbing impacts smoothly. Despite a weight of 242 kg, the suspension never bottoms out, even on rough tracks. However, riders should be cautious of protruding stones when riding fast on rocky terrain, as the Honda Enduro only comes with tubeless rims, which can be susceptible to damage. Rims for tubular tires would be a desirable accessory for this model.

The weight distribution of the Honda Enduro is most noticeable during quick corrections and sideways movements. The kilograms are distributed very front-heavy and are positioned quite high up. When this mass needs to be quickly redirected, precise input is required through the footrests and handlebars. As Schaaf points out, "You have to handle the Honda Enduro." With time, you learn to gauge the necessary forces better, but there are still instances where you may apply too little or too much force, causing the tall Honda Enduro to lean unexpectedly. Particularly at low speeds, it can feel a bit unstable and require extra effort to maneuver. However, as is the case with off-road riding, the rider determines the limits, not the motorcycle. Among the larger touring enduros, there are models that offer a more playful and agile experience over varied terrain.

The Honda Enduro, known as the Africa Twin, has solidified its reputation as a comfortable, confident, and stable ride since its redesign in 2018. This remains true even when venturing off-road with its semi-active suspension. While there are certainly sportier and more agile options available, the new suspension system elevates comfort and stability to new heights. Particularly on mixed terrain tours, being able to adjust the suspension with the push of a button is a major advantage. This not only enhances overall performance by ensuring the suspension is optimized for the specific terrain, but also provides a smoother ride over bumps and inclines. While a traditional chassis may outperform the Africa Twin when customized by an expert, the ease of simply hopping on and riding off with the Africa Twin ES is a game-changer. The electronics system further enhances the riding experience by finding the perfect balance between road and adventure riding. The only area for improvement lies in the ergonomics, which could potentially be addressed in future updates of the Africa Twin.

This is the test conclusion and thus the end of this off-road test. Explanation: The following conclusions refer to the Africa Twin in general and, as they also appear in our 1000PS marketplace, have been taken from previous tests that are not just off-road specific.