Honest and private review of the 2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

The adventure model Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was introduced at the end of 2022 (model year 2020), replacing the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. In addition to appearance, the new model received a number of technical changes:

• Engine
  . It increased its volume (998 → 1084 cm³), increased the compression ratio (10.0 → 10.1), received a new ignition system and lightening (reduced weight by 2 kg). Maximum performance increased: 95 → 102 hp; 99 → 105 Nm. The steel liners are replaced with aluminum ones, and the exhaust system is equipped with an electronic Exhaust Control Valve (ECV).
• Frame
  . New frame, subframe and swingarm. The frame has become stiffer and lighter, and the aluminum subframe is now a separate part that can be replaced if damaged.
• Electronic technologies
  . New TFT instrument panel with touchpad, new ABS (OnRoad / OffRoad modes, Cornering ABS), anti-wheelie control (Wheelie Control), anti-stoppie (Rear Lift Control), cruise control, heated steering wheel grips, automatic lights cornering lights (Cornering Lights, on the Adventure Sports version) and daytime running lights (Daytime Running Lights), auto-off turn signals, Showa EERA electronic suspension (on the Adventure Sports ES version).

Adventure Sports modification

differs from the basic version in additional equipment - an aluminum rear trunk, high glass (with 5-step height adjustment), tubeless tires, an increased fuel tank (24.8 l versus 18.8 l), Showa EERA electronic suspension (Adventure Sports ES). Also for both versions you can order arches, cases, protection, as well as various combinations of electronic assistants, including a quickshifter.

Like its predecessor, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is available in two transmission options - manual and robotic, with two clutches (DCT).

At the end of 2022, a cruiser model, the Honda CMX1100 Rebel, was built based on the engine from the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

In the fall of 2022, the Honda NT1100 touring model was introduced, also built on a single platform, the Honda Africa Twin 1100.

The main competitors of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin in the class:

• Suzuki V-Strom 1050
• Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Tenere

Brief history of the model

• end of 2022 (2020 model year) – start of production and sales.

Model

: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin + DCT, Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports + DCT + ES (all markets).
Factory designation:
CRF1100AL, CRF1100DL (DCT), CRF1100A2L (Adventure), CRF1100A4L (Adventure ES), CRF1100D2L (Adventure DCT), CRF1100D4L (Adventure ES DCT).

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin + DCT, Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports + DCT + ES (all markets).
Factory designation:
CRF1100AM, CRF1100DM (DCT), CRF1100A2M (Adventure), CRF1100A4M (Adventure ES), CRF1100D2M (Adventure DCT), CRF1100D4M (Adventure ES DCT).

• 2022 - This year's models receive updated livery and optimized DCT settings.

Model

: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin + DCT, Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports + DCT + ES (all markets).
Factory designation:
CRF1100AN, CRF1100DN (DCT), CRF1100A2N (Adventure), CRF1100A4N (Adventure ES), CRF1100D2N (Adventure DCT), CRF1100D4N (Adventure ES DCT).

Hello. My name is Oleg. I’ll start the story of my acquaintance with Africa with the fact that I have long been planning to buy a motorcycle for travel. I spent a year making my painful choice. I was hooked on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 a long time ago, but... in general, I didn’t have any particular preferences.

I looked through a lot of websites, recommendations and reviews from experienced travelers, and decided on a trio: Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, BMW R1250GSA and Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin - worthy motorcycles. It is clear that now many may exclaim “Definitely BMW!!!”, but for me everything turned out to be not so clear: the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro is a very beautiful and technologically advanced motorcycle. What can I say, it’s not for nothing that Italians are design geniuses. Of the trio, this is the most uncomfortable fit for me. Everything seems to be fine, but... it’s inconvenient. At least bite your elbows out of frustration. The second significant disadvantage is manufacturability. And where can I serve it outside of Krasnoyarsk or closer to the Far East? Maybe I’m wrong, but... I won’t be able to ride it into the wilds. Refused.

The BMW R1250GS Adventure is a stunning motorcycle. The fit is right under my “5th point”, everything is thought out and well done. But it’s wide (subjectively), and, perhaps, the cruise control button looks very flimsy, although I haven’t heard of them breaking off. In fact, by the fall of 2019 there was no alternative to the motorcycle. Africa 2018-19, in technical terms, frankly fell short of the parameters I needed (I emphasize “needed by me”), for example, such as cruise control. But in the fall, a phenomenon happened - the appearance of the 2022 Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin.

Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure - yes, it does not have the monstrously good BMW suspension, but the Japanese have significantly redesigned the models of recent years and produced a motorcycle that is close to ideal. A dry sump, a display that corresponds to the time, excellent optics, cruise control, balanced weight distribution, improved compactness - it no longer looks like a hippopotamus, a reliable 102-horsepower liter engine and a Honda-style excellent gearbox.

When the motorcycle arrived in Russia around December 25, 2022, I simply fell in love with it. He is unique and looks very good. Not a single photo conveys this animal charm. Most likely, in terms of technical solutions, the motorcycle is not up to par with the BMW, but if you believe those who have already taken Africa on long trips, it turns out that the motorcycle is not inferior to the Goose, and in some ways superior (subjectively). I was never able to get used to the appearance of the R1250GS, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself. I couldn't!

It should be noted that I need a motorcycle for long trips to places where asphalt is a fairy tale. And knowing my character, I will definitely go to places where “gravel” is a luxury. This means that the power reserve and reliability of a motorcycle are very important parameters.

And I couldn’t resist - pre-order, waiting, languor, heavy thoughts: “Do I need a motorcycle in 2022, when the infection is raging all over the world, and we are sitting in quarantine, which is cutely called self-isolation?” Here at Honda-Russia everyone went offline, stopping work, and the euro began to grow - “hello customs” and “agreed price” for the motorcycle. And... On May 8, 2022, I finally picked it up from the dealer! HOORAY! The guy is HOME!

Friends, don’t expect a full review from me now with rides - now only the first emotions. I still can’t believe that in the situation we all find ourselves in, the motorcycle is already at home. I can write a whole poem about how, within 14 (!!!) hours, the whole world took out MTPL insurance. The motorcycle is new, it is not in any catalogue. Most insurers immediately sent me on an erotic hiking trip. But we did it. OSAGO from May 14, I will try to get the numbers on the same dates. And then... the new GoPro is already waiting in the wings, and I'm ready to use one of my two weekly passes to shoot a good (hopefully) review of this motorcycle.

Next, I post photographs with descriptions that I took on May 8 and 11, 2022. Please take into account that I am chronically ill with the Honda X4, which I owned, own, and hopefully will continue to own, and therefore I already have a distortion of perception that needs to be treated. Or is it not necessary?

The motorcycle seems very well-built, lean, and harmonious. My height is 176 cm, but with a regular saddle in the lower position, I can reach the ground perfectly and there is no discomfort. We remove the films - START!

This version of Africa has a myriad of functions that require detailed study, but overall the bike is a “get in and go” style - everything is intuitive.

The saddle has 2 sections, under the back there are hidden keys, a screwdriver, a fuse puller, and also a helmet holder - very convenient, I must say. Under the front there is a place for storing documents (a separate box) and brackets for adjusting the height of the saddle.

The motorcycle is now completely stripped. There is only crankcase protection and heated grips. As soon as the quarantine is lifted, I will order a quick shifter, a center stand, arches, radiator protection, additional lighting, and preparation for mounting panniers. I won’t order the panniers themselves - I realized a long time ago that there is no need - I usually travel relatively lightly and I like soft, waterproof bags, which, along with additional tanks for gasoline and water, I will install on the standard mounts of the side panniers.

The gearshift foot is foldable - a small touch to reliability - a very long time ago, when I fell, I already broke a similar one.

Africa 2022 already has 2 displays. The first one is monochrome. It displays basic information about the life of the motorcycle. The second one is in color. All other functionality goes to it. It looks modern and informative. You can control it either from the remote control or by pressing, even if your hand is in a glove.

Speaking of the remote control: the first impression is that the volume of buttons is close to critical. BUT, after exactly 20 minutes, I controlled the functions of the motorcycle “blindly” almost without errors, although I was not entirely satisfied with a couple of points.

A motorcycle consists of a mass of all kinds of little things that should make life easier for the rider. For example, this is a cable for attaching a helmet to a motorcycle during stops. Simple and convenient! And this is the turn signal lamp. They are installed only on the Adventure version. They are mistakenly called fog lights, but they are not. Each lamp contains 3 LEDs, which turn on when the motorcycle is tilted. The lower the slope, the more light.

The wheels are already without tubes, which is more convenient and pleasant; the spoke heads are hidden in the rim and look harmonious. The front wheel is 21” - there are pros and cons, but no compromise.

By the way, a few words about handling: the motorcycle gives the impression of a light bike - easy to steer, easy to shift, easy to turn at near-zero speed. I ordered myself an electronically controlled suspension - if you believe the reviews, then this is a quite reliable unit (practice will show), and with my height of 176 cm, it is a very pleasant necessity, since almost my entire foot touches the ground when I stand. With both feet.

So, the motorcycle is already at home, I have already ordered a good cover for it, I need to put it on the numbers, put it in extra. equipment and... wait for the virus to go away and the borders to open. This year I planned to travel about 20,000 km. But it is already clear that I will have to endure the journey, but I am not discouraged and wait. And in order not to sit still, I study the sights where I can go in the current situation. But I believe that everything will be fine! Do not be ill. Thank you for your attention!

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin:

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Africa Twin is a name that has stood for endurance and adventure for three decades. The Honda CRF1100L opens a new chapter in the brand's touring enduro history. The redesigned engine has become more powerful, and the new chassis is now even stronger and lighter. Refined handling and advanced electronics make the new Africa Twin one of the best motorcycles for touring, both on and off road.

Ready for any challenge

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is ready for any challenge. Long-travel, fully adjustable suspensions in combination with spoked off-road wheels will cope with any roads, and the latest electronics will take care of safety. Multi-level traction control, electronic throttle, ABS and a new generation of DCT robotic transmission, taking into account the angle of the motorcycle, take travel to a new level. And a modern dashboard with a color touchpad allows you to connect the motorcycle with the gadgets you need on the road.

With renewed vigor

Retaining the same architecture with the proprietary Honda Unicam SOHC gas distribution system, the 2-cylinder 8-valve engine increased in volume to 1084 cm3. Increased piston stroke and valve lift, combined with a new ignition circuit and Throttle By Wire (TBW) electronic throttle control, increased power and torque. Optimizing the operation of the balancer shafts made it possible to reduce vibrations, and thanks to a number of innovations, it was possible to reduce the engine weight by more than 2 kilograms.

Harder than steel

A redesigned steel frame adds rigidity, while a new aluminum subframe reduces weight. From now on it is a separate part, which, if damaged, can be replaced separately from the frame. The new swingarm is created based on the experience gained when creating motocross motorcycles, which has a beneficial effect on the handling weight of the new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022.

No fatigue

The new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has become even more comfortable. Calibrated ergonomics combined with thoughtful wind protection allow you to spend many hours behind the wheel without feeling tired. The height of the saddle is adjustable in one of two positions. A modern dashboard with a color touchpad allows you to connect the motorcycle with the gadgets you need on the road and charge your smartphone. The standard equipment includes cruise control, a system that automatically turns off turn signals and an assistant that turns on the hazard warning lights during heavy braking.

Ergonomics Africa Twin 2022

High steering wheel

Since last year, the Honda Africa Twin received a higher steering wheel - then the developers made it 22.5 mm higher. Together with the seat and windshield, it makes the seat more relaxed and works more conveniently in the stance.

Tapered steering wheel

Another premium element of the Honda Africa Twin is the aluminum tapered handlebar (variable section), lighter than steel, and extremely durable thanks to an increased diameter in the most loaded areas near the yoke and thinner tubes in the grip area.

Narrow seat

The Africa Twin's seat is not only comfortable to sit on, but it's also deliberately narrow to make it easier to move weight around the bike, as well as to make it easier to hold the bike with your foot when stopping.

Rear subframe

The subframe has an easily removable design for ease of maintenance and repair. Moreover, since last year it has become 40mm narrower - this has made the entire motorcycle narrower, which is very useful on difficult terrain.

Rally fairing

On long journeys, the aerodynamic shape of the front end of the motorcycle is extremely important - that's why the Africa Twin is equipped with a front fairing and windshield. They provide excellent wind protection without blocking your view or adding weight to the front.

Dimensions and weight

The car is well suited for off-road driving, but at the same time it has large dimensions. The latter make the equipment stable, for example, on a highway somewhere in the steppe. In such conditions, strong winds can tilt and drop even a light cruiser. But unless there's some kind of weather disaster involved, this bike will take a beating.

Dimensions:

• tank - 18.8 l;
• ground clearance – 250 mm;
• curb weight – 232 kg;
• height – 1475 mm;
• width – 930 mm;
• length – 2335 mm;
• seat height – 870 mm.

Taking into account fuel consumption, this car is convenient to operate. This is how it should be when using a touring enduro. The dimensions are chosen ideally so that this equipment becomes a reliable companion on a long journey for one or two people. It's hard to imagine a better enduro tourer.