For riders looking for dirt-roading capabilities, the 21-inch front wheels are a reliable option! | CRF1100L Africa Twin Test Ride

CRF1100L Africa Twin <S> … 1,639,000 yen

The suspension with a large stroke enhances the off-road feel.

The CRF1000L Africa Twin, a revival of the "Africa Twin" name, was released in 2016. New features, such as the addition of a model equipped with a DCT (Dynamic Coupé Transmission) that eliminated the need for clutch operation, made it a model worthy of the name adventure tourer. Further refinements have been made, including the release of the Adventure Sports model with a larger fuel tank, throttle-by-wire system, riding modes, heated grips, and an ETC 2.0 onboard unit as standard equipment. 
In 2020, the CRF1100L Africa Twin was redesigned with an increased displacement and a lower ride height for easier riding. Meanwhile, the "s" model, featuring longer front and rear suspension strokes, was introduced to cater to off-road riders. Furthermore, the bike features Android Auto for enhanced convenience through smartphone connectivity and daytime running lights for improved daytime visibility. The engine also complies with the latest emissions regulations. The 
current 2024 model boasts an increased compression ratio and revised valve timing to improve maximum torque, as well as a redesigned front cowl. Furthermore, it is the world's first motorcycle to use bio-based, environmentally friendly bio-engineered plastic "DURABIO™" in its transparent front screen. The Adventure Sports ES also features a 19-inch front tire, clearly differentiating it from the <s>. 
The Africa Twin has evolved significantly in the less than 10 years since its launch, but the basic model is the manual-transmission equipped <s> that we test rode this time. Its large off-roader-like body design has been further refined, and its sheer size gives it an outstanding presence. While it may be a bit daunting to ride on Japan's narrow forest roads, it will surely be a valuable ally for adventure touring that incorporates forest roads into your route.

Six riding modes to suit any situation

Since it's designed for off-road riding, the vehicle height is high. The seat height can be adjusted to two positions: 870mm and 850mm. I think it's safer for Japanese riders to set it to the low 850mm position. Even so, you'll need to raise your feet high when riding, and it takes some effort to raise the bike with the side stand down. While the bike is certainly high, the initial action of the front and rear suspension is soft, so when you sit down firmly on the seat, it sinks in just enough, and it's not as difficult to reach the ground as you might imagine. Of course, this is on flat, paved roads; on rough dirt roads, the height is undoubtedly a cause for concern.

When I started up the water-cooled SOHC 4-valve parallel twin engine, which prioritizes low and mid-range speeds, a quiet sound emanated from the right-hand-mounted muffler. The greenhouse is also not harsh, so even long rides won't tire me out. 
I first set the riding mode to Tour and set off. This mode provides the most powerful characteristics, but it responds faithfully to throttle inputs and, while powerful, doesn't generate excessive power, making it suitable for a wide range of riding situations, from urban to touring. The engine's ability to achieve the desired acceleration with just a touch of the throttle makes riding a joy. Although the bike weighs 231 kg, the torquey engine made it feel lighter, which was a positive impression. 
While this model's intended use is probably not its primary environment, I focused my test ride on urban areas. While skilled off-road riders may appreciate this, I imagine that average riders will mostly be riding the Africa Twin on city streets, public roads, and highways. So, I chose to test ride it from that perspective. 
Having experienced firsthand that Tour mode is adaptable to any situation, I next switched to Urban mode. It provides a gentle power feeling overall, but there is no sense of a lack of torque across the entire range. Therefore, Urban mode is sufficient for normal riding. Also, judging from the ABS and traction control settings, Urban mode is likely the best choice in rainy or cold weather. There are also Gravel and Off-road modes, but I did not use them this time as I was not riding on dirt roads. There are also two modes that can be set by the rider, but I did not use these either. The optional modes are set according to the user's own usage situation and preferences.

Easy handling and high stability provide safe driving in any situation.

While the Adventure Sports ES has a 19-inch front tire, the Type <s> continues to use a 21-inch tire. Furthermore, the suspension stroke is 230mm front and 220mm rear, 20mm longer than the ES. Ground clearance is also 30mm higher. Naturally, the front trail is also different from the ES, resulting in different handling. Simply put, the ES with its 19-inch front and 18-inch rear is more suited to on-road riding, while the <s> with its 21-inch front is more suited to off-road riding. 
The tire sizes are 90/90-21 front and 150/70R18 rear, both fitted with tubeless tires. While the <s> is off-road oriented, that doesn't mean it's weak on the road. You can see this for yourself by riding it, but its high stability, including its straight-line stability, is a defining feature. While this might make it seem a bit heavy and sticky when banking, it actually turns with far more agility than you'd expect. Of course, it's not strangely light, but rather has straightforward handling characteristics. 
The front and rear suspensions move well, absorbing most of the impact even when passing over slightly rough roads, and the bike doesn't lose its balance. Although we didn't ride on dirt roads this time, I'm sure it would perform just as well off-road. The soft suspension also provides a comfortable ride, so I think it will reduce fatigue on long trips.

There's no doubt that the Africa Twin is one of the best models for riders who want to enjoy long-distance touring on an adventure tourer. I think whether you choose the Adventure Sports ES or this model is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While there are certainly differences, such as being more on-road or off-road oriented, both have excellent dual-purpose capabilities, so even if you come across a dirt forest road during your tour, you can easily tackle either one. At first, I wondered if they were over-quality for Japanese roads, but when I actually rode them, I found that they had the performance to handle everything from urban areas to regular roads. 
I think this model will be the perfect companion for riders planning a summer tour of Hokkaido.

Detailed explanation

Main specifications

Main specifications CRF1100L Africa Twin

[ ] indicates Dual Clutch Transmission

• ■Type designation application figures as per the Road Transport Vehicle Act (★ indicates Honda published specifications)
• ■ Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

• *1 Fuel consumption rates are values ​​under specified test conditions. They may vary depending on various conditions, such as the customer’s usage environment (weather, traffic congestion, etc.), driving method, vehicle condition (equipment, specifications), and maintenance status.
• *2 The steady-state fuel consumption value is the fuel consumption rate based on actual measurements taken while driving at a constant vehicle speed.
• *3 The WMTC mode value is a calculated value based on the results of exhaust gas tests measured in a driving mode that is an international standard and includes starting, accelerating, and stopping. Driving mode classes are classified according to engine displacement and maximum speed. For more information on the WMTC mode value, please also refer to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association website .

• *These specifications are subject to change without notice.
• *Africa Twin, CRF, PGM-FI, and PRO-LINK are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• *These main specifications are current as of February 2024.