Honda Africa Twin Review: The Big Adventure Bike That Actually Feels Like a Dirt Bike
07.02.2026 - 15:22:45
You know that feeling when the highway ends and the map turns from clear lines into gray nothingness? The part of you that wants to turn around is loud. The part of you that wants to keep going is louder. The problem is, most big adventure bikes feel like wrestling a refrigerator the moment the pavement ends.
They’re heavy, intimidating, and packed with so many electronic modes and acronyms that you spend more time scrolling menus than actually riding. You want something that can chew up highway miles, dance on fire roads, and not punish you every time the trail gets sketchy.
This is where Honda’s answer comes in.
The Honda Africa Twin (CRF1100L) is built for riders who want real off-road capability without giving up long-distance comfort. It takes the reliability you expect from Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (ISIN: JP3854600008) and wraps it in a package that feels far more manageable than most of the 1000+ cc adventure crowd.
Why this specific model?
The modern Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L exists because riders were tired of choosing between two extremes: heavy, tech-laden adventure tourers that hate the dirt, and light dual-sports that beat you up on the highway. Honda’s pitch with the Africa Twin is simple: a big adventure bike that still feels like a dirt bike when the road disappears.
According to Honda’s official specs, the current CRF1100L Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine tuned for strong mid-range torque rather than pure peak power. In the real world, that means you get smooth, predictable pull when you’re climbing a loose hill or overtaking trucks on the highway, without the vicious hit that can spin the rear tire when you least want it.
Where this bike really differentiates itself is in usability:
- Manageable weight for the class: Its still a big ADV, but many riders on forums and Reddit note that it feels noticeably more nimble and off-road friendly than some of its heavyweight rivals.
- 21-inch front wheel: This is a dirt-focused choice that immediately signals intent. It tracks better in ruts, sand, and gravel than the 19-inch wheels youll find on more road-biased adventure bikes.
- Advanced electronics that stay in the background: Ride modes, torque control, wheelie and rear-lift control, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) are all there, but the Africa Twin doesnt feel like youre piloting a spaceship.
Many real-world riders highlight one standout feature: the optional DCT automatic gearbox. It can shift for you, or you can use paddle-style triggers on the handlebar. In tight off-road sections, that means no stalling from bad clutch timing, and in traffic or on long slogs, your left hand and foot get a vacation.
The ergonomics are also very deliberately adventure-focused. The tall stance, wide bars, and narrow seat/tank junction make it feel familiar to anyone coming from off-road or enduro bikes. Standing up on the pegs feels natural, which is exactly what you want when you hit long stretches of gravel or technical tracks.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine | Strong, usable torque for real-world overtakes, hill climbs, and loaded touring without needing to constantly rev the bike. |
| 21-inch front / 18-inch rear wheels | Off-road friendly geometry that improves stability in dirt, ruts, and sand compared with more road-biased adventure bikes. |
| Selectable riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control | Quickly tailor power delivery and traction to wet roads, gravel, or rough trails without needing expert-level throttle control. |
| Optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) | Clutch-free riding that reduces fatigue in traffic and on technical terrain, while still allowing manual gear selection via paddles. |
| Adventure-focused ergonomics | Comfortable standing and seated positions for long days in the saddle and better control off-road. |
| Advanced rider aids (such as wheelie control and rear-lift control, per trim) | Extra safety net under panic braking or aggressive acceleration, especially on loose surfaces. |
| Honda build quality and reliability reputation | Peace of mind for remote touring, with many owners reporting high mileages and low drama. |
What Users Are Saying
Dive into Reddit threads and owner forums and a clear sentiment emerges: the Honda Africa Twin is loved for its balance. Its not the fastest, not the lightest, and not the most extreme in any single metric. Instead, it nails that sweet spot between comfort, capability, and approachability.
Common praise includes:
- Off-road confidence: Riders regularly report that, compared with some rival adventure bikes, the Africa Twin feels more composed and less top-heavy in the dirt.
- DCT gearbox: Many owners who were skeptical of "automatic" motorcycles end up saying they wouldnt go back after living with DCT, especially for commuting and technical off-road riding.
- Comfort and range: The bike is widely seen as comfortable for full-day rides, and owners appreciate its ability to carry luggage and a passenger without feeling overwhelmed.
- Honda reliability: A recurring theme in user discussions is trust – riders feel comfortable taking the Africa Twin far from civilization.
Frequent criticisms and trade-offs:
- Weight: Even though it feels lighter than some competitors, its still a large adventure bike, and picking it up solo on a bad day is no joke.
- Wind protection vs. model variant: Some owners of the standard Africa Twin (as opposed to more touring-focused variants) wish for a taller screen or more wind protection for extended motorway use.
- Electronics learning curve: While generally praised, some riders mention that it takes time to fully understand all the settings and make the most of them.
Overall, the community tone is that this is a machine you grow into, not out of. As skills and ambition increase, the bike still has more to give.
Alternatives vs. Honda Africa Twin
The adventure bike space is brutally competitive, and you cant talk about the Honda Africa Twin without looking at its neighbors in the segment.
- Versus bigger adventure tourers: Compared with the biggest ADV flagships that focus heavily on on-road comfort and tech, the Africa Twin is usually perceived as more off-road oriented and less intimidating once you leave the tarmac.
- Versus middleweight adventure bikes: Mid-size machines often undercut the Africa Twin on weight and price, but they can feel strained when fully loaded with luggage and a passenger. The Africa Twins 1,084 cc engine gives more relaxed power for two-up touring and highway work.
- Versus performance-focused rivals: Some competitors might offer higher peak horsepower or more flamboyant electronics packages. The Africa Twin counters with a friendlier, more forgiving personality and a reputation for durability.
If your riding is 80% road, 20% gravel, and you want maximum highway luxury, other bikes might make more sense. But if your split is closer to 60/40 or you want to push further off the map, the Africa Twins geometry, wheel sizes, and ergonomics become its superpower.
Final Verdict
The Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L isnt about spec-sheet flexing. Its about that moment when the paved road ends and you dont feel the urge to turn around. It solves a very modern adventure rider problem: how to have a big, capable motorcycle that still feels like a willing partner when things get rough, loose, and unpredictable.
Backed by the engineering muscle of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and its long-standing reputation for durability, the Africa Twin offers a blend of off-road attitude, on-road comfort, and electronic assistance that feels like it was tuned by actual riders, not just engineers.
Choose it if:
- You want to do real off-road riding without sacrificing long-distance comfort.
- You value reliability and predictability over headline-grabbing horsepower numbers.
- Youre curious about DCT and open to letting the bike handle shifting so you can focus on the terrain.
Is it perfect? No big adventure bike is. But if youre the kind of rider who finds themselves staring at the end of the pavement and wondering whats beyond, the Honda Africa Twin might be the bike that finally gives you permission to find out.
For full technical details and trims, Hondas official site at honda.de is the definitive source – and likely your first step down a very long, very unpaved road.
