The All-Purpose Globetrotter: A Long-Term Review of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
The name "Africa Twin" is more than just a model designation; it's a legend. Born from Honda's dominance in the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally, the Africa Twin has always stood for rugged capability and unyielding reliability. While its return in 2016 was celebrated, the latest generation—the CRF1100L—represents a significant evolution, pushing the bike further into the modern adventure-touring segment without sacrificing its core off-road DNA. It’s a machine designed to conquer continents, from vast stretches of asphalt to the most challenging dirt trails. After spending extensive time on the road and in the wilderness with the CRF1100L, it’s clear that this is a motorcycle that lives up to its legendary name.
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| The All-Purpose Globetrotter: A Long-Term Review of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin |
Design and Aesthetics: Modern Ruggedness
The CRF1100L's design is a masterful balance of its rally heritage and modern, functional aesthetics. It has a slimmer, more aggressive look than its predecessor, with a lean and purpose-built profile. The dual-LED headlights and rally-style fairing are a clear nod to its Dakar roots, while the compact bodywork keeps the bike's waistline narrow for easier off-road stand-up riding. The overall build quality is exceptional, with every component feeling robust and ready for a proper adventure.
A major visual and functional upgrade is the new 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display. It's bright, clear, and intuitive to use, even with gloves on, and it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration—a huge bonus for navigation and communication on long journeys. The display, along with the comprehensive switchgear, puts a vast array of electronic settings at the rider's fingertips.
The Heart of a Globetrotter: Engine and Performance
The soul of the Africa Twin is its parallel-twin engine, now with an increased displacement of 1084cc. This new motor delivers a powerful 101 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. But more important than the peak numbers is the way the power is delivered. The engine's character is defined by its immense low-end grunt, which is perfect for lifting the front wheel over obstacles or for navigating steep inclines. Power delivery is linear and predictable, making the bike easy to control in a variety of challenging conditions.
Honda offers two transmission options: a standard 6-speed manual and a sophisticated Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT is a game-changer for adventure riding, allowing for seamless, lightning-fast gear changes with the push of a button. It eliminates the need for a clutch lever, reducing rider fatigue in technical off-road situations and making stop-and-go city traffic effortless. The DCT's G-mode further optimizes traction for off-road use, making it an incredibly smart and capable system.
Handling and Chassis: A Balanced Beast
Despite its size, the Africa Twin feels remarkably agile and light on its feet. This is a testament to Honda's expert weight centralization and balanced chassis design. The bike's semi-double cradle frame, combined with the Showa long-travel suspension, provides an incredibly comfortable ride on the pavement while offering fantastic capability on dirt and gravel roads. The suspension soaks up bumps and undulations with ease, giving the rider a sense of confidence and control on any surface.
The ergonomics are a perfect blend of comfort and control. The upright riding position, tall handlebars, and well-padded seat make the CRF1100L a bike you can ride all day without fatigue. The bike's weight is centralized low, making it feel stable at high speeds and manageable in tight, low-speed turns.
A Digital Navigator: Technology and Features
The CRF1100L is equipped with a comprehensive electronics suite managed by a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This system controls a range of rider aids, including:
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Multi-level traction control for both on-road and off-road use.
Cornering ABS: Optimizes braking performance based on lean angle.
Wheelie Control: Prevents unintentional wheelies under hard acceleration.
Cruise Control: A must-have for long highway journeys.
The bike also offers six riding modes (four preset and two user-configurable), which adjust engine power, traction control, and ABS settings to suit different riding conditions, from Tour to Off-Road.
The Adventure Sports Variant: For the Long Haul
For those who want even more long-distance capability, Honda offers the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports. This variant adds a larger 24.8-liter fuel tank for a range of over 500 km, a taller windscreen, heated grips, and tubeless tires. The top-of-the-line model also comes with Showa EERA™ (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) semi-active suspension, which automatically adjusts damping based on riding conditions, providing the ultimate in comfort and performance.
Final Verdict: The Undisputed All-Rounder
The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is a motorcycle that lives up to its formidable reputation. It's a bike that is equally at home tackling a rocky trail as it is eating up miles on the highway. It offers a perfect blend of modern technology, rugged capability, and legendary Honda reliability. For riders who seek a machine that can truly take them anywhere, without the intimidating weight and complexity of a massive adventure bike, the Africa Twin is a perfect choice. It's a testament to Honda's ability to build a motorcycle that is not only highly capable but also a true joy to ride. The Africa Twin isn't just a bike; it's a call to adventure.
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