Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The Japanese maxi enduro, and the only one with an automatic DCT transmission
1,084 cc parallel twin, 21-inch front wheel, and chassis genuinely designed for dirt riding. DCT is its distinctive feature: no other model in the category offers a dual-clutch transmission, and it changes the way you ride off-road.
- In summaryReal off-road riding with advanced electronics and optional DCT.
- Do this immediatelyBHG-082 handguard kit, CJC321 kickstand plate, lighting.
- AttentionThe Adventure Sports has different pannier frames and decals.
- LightingComplete DENALI kits, with a CANsmart control unit or DialDim wiring.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, Kaoko.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You ride real dirt with a maxi: a 21-inch wheel and chassis designed specifically for it
- You are over 1.80 meters tall, or accept the adjustable seat between 850 and 870 mm as your limit
- You are interested in DCT: it takes one thing off your mind in slow off-road riding and traffic
- You want Honda's widespread support and reliability, even far from home
- You travel with soft or semi-rigid luggage, which withstands falls better than hard cases off-road
Look elsewhere if
- You ride long stretches without stopping: 18.8 liters is not much, and the Adventure Sports was made for this
- You mainly ride on motorways: aerodynamic protection is inferior to that of the faired version
- Weight is a concern: with DCT, it reaches 236 kg in running order
- You are looking for dedicated engine guards or crash protection: they are not in the catalog
- You assume the 1000L and 1100L are the same: the frame and bodywork changed between 2019 and 2020
In a nutshell: this is the Japanese maxi enduro for riders who really go off-road, not the most comfortable choice for long-distance riding. If you travel a lot and need more range, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a larger tank and more protection; if 226 kg is too much for your kind of dirt riding, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 does the same job with twenty kilos less.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 1,084 cc parallel twin, 270-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 102 hp at 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or dual-clutch DCT |
| Chassis | Steel semi-double-cradle frame, adjustable Showa fork |
| Wheels | 21-inch front, 18-inch rear, spoked |
| Weight | 226 kg ready to ride, 236 kg with DCT |
| Tank | 18.8 liters |
| Seat height | 850-870 mm adjustable |
| Production | from 2020, updated in 2022 and 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- 21-inch front wheel and chassis designed for real dirt riding
- The DCT eliminates the clutch in slow off-road riding and in the city
- Complete electronics with adjustable controls
- Lighter than most European maxi-enduros
- DENALI lighting kits already matched and plug-and-play
Cons
- 18.8-liter tank: for long-distance travel, you need the Adventure Sports
- The DCT adds ten kilos and complicates maintenance
- Less aerodynamic protection than the Adventure Sports version
- No skid plate or crash protection in the catalog
- Tall seat: at 850 mm, it is not for everyone
What to install, in order of priority
On a motorcycle that genuinely goes off-road, protect the hands and support points first, then add accessories.
- 1
Barkbusters BHG-082 handguard kitDeveloped for the CRF1100L, it fits the Africa Twin and Adventure Sports. Available in aluminum or black, to pair with a bar and shell. - 2
CJC321 kickstand plate, from 2020CNC aluminum, for the Africa Twin and Adventure Sports: at 226 kg, and ten more with the DCT, the kickstand sinks into grass and gravel. - 3
D7 PRO light kit with CANsmart control unitLights, mounts, wiring, and control unit already matched: they are operated using the standard buttons, without cutting anything. There is also the more basic DL4 kit, and the SoundBomb horn kit. - 4
Wanderer semi-rigid cases40+30 or 40+40 liters, IPX6 waterproof: on a dirt bike, they withstand falls better than hard cases. Alternatively, there are the aluminum PIKE TRACKER cases. - 5
Anti-slip tank stickers, from 2020Standing on the foot pegs, your knees work against the tank: the grip changes control off-road. - 6
Tank protective film, from 2020Transparent, it fits beneath the grip stickers: together they protect the paint from zippers, buckles, and debris. - 7
Kaoko mechanical cruise controlFor the CRF1000L and CRF1100L: a ring on the handlebar end that keeps the throttle open during long transfers. - 8
18-liter IPX7 bag for a suitcase or top caseAttaches on top of a suitcase or top case, genuinely waterproof, and can be carried as a backpack during stops. Pair it with a tank bag and folding mirrors.
Compatibility table
The two pitfalls: the Adventure Sports variant and the previous generation, the CRF1000L.
| Accessory | Adventure Sports 1100 | CRF1000L 2016-2019 |
|---|---|---|
| BHG-082 handguard kit | yes | no, the BHG-062 is required |
| CJC321 kickstand plate | yes | no |
| CANsmart control unit and auxiliary light kits | yes | no |
| Grip decals and films | no, its own code | no |
| Mechanical cruise control | yes | yes, same code |
| Soft luggage and tank bags | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
DENALILighting and electricalD7 PRO and DL4 auxiliary light kits, SoundBomb horn kit, CANsmart control unit, DialDim wiring and brake light, T3 adapters.
BarkbustersHandguardsBHG-082 kit for the CRF1100L, in aluminum or black. The CRF1000L instead requires the BHG-062.
LOBOOLuggage and ergonomicsCJC321 kickstand plate, Wanderer semi-rigid luggage and PIKE TRACKER aluminum luggage, tank bags, mirrors.
Eazi-GripGrip and filmsTank anti-slip decals and protective films, with separate codes by year and variant.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer, specified for the CRF1000L and CRF1100L.
Frequently asked questions
Which handguard kit is needed, BHG-082 or BHG-062?
The BHG-082 is for the CRF1100L, Africa Twin, and Adventure Sports. The BHG-062 is for the previous-generation CRF1000L and the X-ADV 750. They are not interchangeable.
Africa Twin or Adventure Sports: what changes for the accessories?
Handguards, kickstand plates, lighting, and handlebar-mounted accessories are shared. However, luggage racks, tank decals, and protective films are different because the Adventure Sports has a larger tank and its own bodywork.
How do I add auxiliary lights without touching the wiring system?
With the DENALI kits already paired: auxiliary lights, mounts, wiring, and the CANsmart control unit, which communicates with the motorcycle's network and lets you control the lights using the original buttons. The same control-unit code also applies to the NT1100.
Do CRF1000L accessories fit the 1100?
For the most part, no. Between 2019 and 2020, the frame and bodywork changed: handguards, plates, auxiliary light mounts, and decals have different codes. The mechanical cruise control, soft luggage, and universal accessories remain compatible.
Does the DCT change anything regarding the accessories?
Not in the luggage and lighting. It does matter for the weight: ten extra kilos are noticeable in stationary maneuvers, where the larger kickstand plate becomes even more useful.