Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports [2019-2022]: The Epitome of Refined Adventure

Introduction

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of intent. From the moment you swing a leg over its 850 mm (33.5-inch) seat, this machine whispers (or perhaps roars) that it’s built to devour continents. Introduced in 2019 as part of Honda’s relentless pursuit of adventure perfection, this generation refined the Africa Twin legacy with sharper technology, a larger 1,084cc engine, and a chassis that balances asphalt precision with dirt-road rebellion. Having spent time with this iconic ADV, I can confirm: it’s a Swiss Army knife for riders who refuse to choose between highway comfort and off-grid exploration.

---

Design & Ergonomics: Born for the Long Haul

Honda’s design philosophy here is “less brooding, more doing.” The CRF1100L sheds the bulkiness of some competitors, opting for a leaner silhouette that still radiates durability. The steel semi-double cradle frame keeps the weight manageable at 238–250 kg (524–551 lbs), depending on configuration, while the 24.8-liter (6.55-gallon) fuel tank bulges just enough to promise 400+ km (250+ mi) between stops—critical when you’re miles from the next gas station.

The 850 mm (33.5-inch) seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but Honda’s narrow frame design lets most riders plant at least one foot firmly. Standover clearance is generous, thanks to 250 mm (9.8 inches) of ground clearance—enough to glide over rocks without scraping the engine guard. Wind protection is stellar, with an adjustable screen that channels airflow over your helmet, and the optional heated grips (a common upgrade at MOTOPARTS.store) make frosty mornings tolerable.

Color schemes like Pearl Glare White Tricolour and Matte Ballistic Black lean into its rally heritage, while practical touches abound: crash-resistant mirrors, metal skid plates, and wire-spoked wheels (21-inch front/18-inch rear) wrapped in Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross tires.

---

Engine & Performance: Precision Meets Power

The heart of this beast is its 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 102 PS (75 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 105 Nm (77.4 lb-ft) of torque at 6,250 RPM. What’s remarkable isn’t just the numbers—it’s how Honda has tuned this mill. The 270° crank mimics a V-twin’s character, serving up a throaty growl and linear power delivery. Throttle response is crisp, whether you’re crawling through city traffic or pinning it on a desert trail.

Fuel injection is flawless, with no hiccups even at high altitudes. The DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) variant deserves special praise. Earlier Africa Twin DCTs could feel hesitant in technical terrain, but by 2022, Honda’s refinements made shifts buttery-smooth. In "G" mode (Gravel), the system holds gears longer, letting you focus on picking lines rather than feathering the clutch. Purists might still prefer the manual, but after a day of mixed riding, my wrist thanked me for opting for the DCT.

Fuel efficiency hovers around 4.9 L/100 km (48 mpg), translating to over 500 km (310 mi) per tank if you’re gentle. But let’s be honest—you’ll rarely be gentle. The engine’s addictive pull from 3,000 RPM onward ensures that.

---

Handling: Master of Two Worlds

Adventure bikes often compromise, but the Africa Twin thrives on duality. On pavement, the Showa 45mm inverted fork and rear Pro-Link suspension (230 mm/9.1 inches of front travel, 220 mm/8.7 inches rear) absorb bumps without wallowing. Lean into a corner, and the 1575 mm (62-inch) wheelbase keeps it stable, while the Bridgestone tires offer surprising grip.

Off-road, it’s even more impressive. The 21-inch front wheel rolls over obstacles like a trials bike, and the 248 kg (547 lbs) weight (wet) stays manageable thanks to a low center of gravity. Switch the ABS to rear-only in dirt mode, and the bike lets you slide the tail with control. My test ride included a rocky riverbed, and the Africa Twin tackled it with the confidence of a Dakar racer—though upgrading to knobbier tires from MOTOPARTS.store would unlock its full potential.

---

Technology: Smarter Than Your Average ADV

Honda packed this generation with tech that enhances—not complicates—the ride. The 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen is intuitive, offering navigation, music control, and ride stats. Apple CarPlay integration is a godsend for urban commutes, though Android users are left out (for now).

Six riding modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, User 2) tweak throttle response, ABS, and traction control. "Off-Road" mode disables rear ABS and lets the rear wheel spin freely, while "User" modes allow custom presets—ideal for riders who want softer suspension on highways but sharper throttle in the dirt. The LED headlights pierce through night rides, and cruise control maintains speed effortlessly on long hauls.

---

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The ADV segment is fierce, but here’s where the Africa Twin shines:
- BMW R1250GS: The GS’s boxer engine offers more torque (143 Nm), but its 259 kg (571 lbs) weight and higher seat height (850–870 mm) make it less nimble off-road. The Africa Twin wins for agility and lower maintenance costs.
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: KTM’s 160 HP brute is faster, but its aggressive ergonomics and twitchy throttle punish rookies. The Honda’s smoother power delivery and DCT appeal to those prioritizing control over bragging rights.
- Yamaha Ténéré 700: Yamaha’s lightweight (205 kg/452 lbs) challenger is cheaper and more off-road-focused, but its 72 HP engine struggles on highways. The Africa Twin dominates as a true all-rounder.

Honda’s ace? Reliability. While rivals require frequent dealer visits, the Africa Twin’s valve checks every 24,000 km (15,000 mi) and bulletproof engineering make it a favorite for globe-trotters.

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Adventure Alive

Ownership joy hinges on upkeep, and here’s where MOTOPARTS.store becomes your pit crew:
- Valve Adjustments: Every 24,000 km (15,000 mi). Intake valves: 0.16 ± 0.03 mm (0.006–0.007 in), exhaust: 0.23 ± 0.02 mm (0.009–0.0098 in). Use NGK SILMAR8A9S spark plugs (gap: 0.8–0.9 mm).
- Oil Changes: 4.2 liters (4.4 quarts) of SAE 10W-30 (API SG) with filter. Consider synthetic blends for extreme temperatures.
- Chain Care: 525-size chain with 124 links. Keep tension at 25–35 mm (1–1.4 in). A DID chain kit from MOTOPARTS.store ensures longevity.
- Tire Pressure: 2.25 bar (33 psi) front, 2.5–2.8 bar (36–41 psi) rear. Drop to 1.8–2.0 bar (26–29 psi) off-road for better traction.
- Brake Fluid: DOT 4 every 2 years. Flush kits are a must for maintaining ABS performance.

Pro tip: Upgrade the skid plate and auxiliary lights before that Sahara trip. Your future self will thank you.

---

Conclusion: The Journey Is the Destination

The CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports isn’t about raw power or gimmicks—it’s about trust. Trust that it’ll start in -10°C, trust that it’ll claw up a muddy hill, and trust that it’ll coddle you on a 12-hour highway slog. Honda’s updates during 2019–2022 honed an already brilliant machine into something that feels alive, whether you’re threading through traffic or chasing horizons.

Is it perfect? No bike is. But for riders who demand versatility without compromise, this Africa Twin isn’t just a choice—it’s a lifestyle. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog of upgrades, that lifestyle only gets sweeter.

Now, where’s your next adventure?

---

Specifications sheet

---