Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports: specifications and compatible accessories
Twenty-four liters and long-travel suspension: the Africa Twin designed for serious stages
Same mechanical package as the standard CRF1100L, but with a 24.8-liter tank, larger windscreen, and long-travel suspension, with the Showa EERA electronic option. It’s the version for those who rack up the miles, and it has its own racks and protection.
- In summaryOver 400 km of range and serious wind protection.
- Do this immediatelyCJC321 skid plate, BHG-082 handguards, dedicated pannier racks.
- WarningThe standard’s pannier racks do not fit here.
- Shared with the standardHandguards, skid plate, CANsmart control unit.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, DENALI, Eazi-Grip.
Who it is recommended for
It’s the right motorcycle if
- You ride long stages: 24.8 liters means more than 400 km between fuel stops
- You travel with a passenger and luggage, using dedicated pannier racks
- You want off-road capability without giving up comfort: the 21-inch wheel remains
- You are tall and solidly built: 240 kg ready to ride, 250 with DCT, and a seat height of up to 870 mm
- You are happy to buy the correct part numbers: the racks, decals, and protective films here are specific
Look elsewhere if
- You ride technical off-road: with a full tank, the weight and center of gravity are noticeable during slow maneuvers
- Budget matters: it costs considerably more than the standard version
- You dislike a wide tank that changes where your knees rest when standing on the footpegs
- You plan to reuse the standard pannier racks: they do not fit
- You often need to move the motorcycle by hand or load it onto a van on your own
In two words: it’s the long-distance Africa Twin, not the one for technical off-road riding. If your stages are short and off-road capability matters more, the standard CRF1100L weighs fourteen kilos less and costs less; if you want the same attitude in a much lighter and simpler motorcycle, the XL750 Transalp is the alternative in the range.
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 half-cradle frame, long-travel suspension, optional Showa EERA |
| Wheels | 21-inch front, 18-inch rear, spoked |
| Weight | 240 kg in running order, 250 kg with DCT |
| Tank | 24.8 liters, range of over 400 km |
| Seat height | 850-870 mm adjustable |
| Production | from 2020, updated in 2022 and 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Six liters more than the standard version: true touring range
- Windshield and fairing that make highway stages different
- Long-travel suspension, with optional EERA electronics
- Retains the 21-inch front wheel and off-road capability
- Handguards, kickstand plate, and controller shared with the standard version
Cons
- Fourteen kilos more than the standard version, twenty-five with the DCT
- Wide tank that changes where your knees rest
- The luggage frames and protection parts are specific and cannot be taken from the standard version
- Higher seat and higher center of gravity when fully loaded
- Significantly higher price than the base version
What to install, in order of priority
- 1
CJC321 kickstand plateCNC-machined aluminum, compatible with the Africa Twin and Adventure Sports from 2020 onward. At 240 kg and with a full tank, it's almost essential. - 2
Barkbusters BHG-082 handguard kitDeveloped for the CRF1100L, compatible with both versions. To be paired with a bar and shell of your choice. - 3
Dedicated side case framesSpecific to the Adventure Sports from 2020 onward, with hardware and tool included. The standard version's do not fit. - 4
Aluminum side casesTo be paired with the dedicated frames: the long-distance touring solution on a bike built for it. - 5
Top case plateMounts on the original luggage rack: no modifications, and supports an aluminum top case. - 6
CANsmart accessory controllerControl auxiliary lights and the horn from the original buttons. Compatible with the CRF1100L and NT1100. - 7
Tank grip stickersSpecific part number for the Adventure Sports from 2020: the tank is wider, and the cutout is different. - 8
4.5-6.5-liter tank bagWith a mounting ring: on the wide tank, a compact size is preferable so it does not cover the dashboard.
Compatibility table
It shares everything mounted on the handlebars and kickstand with the standard version, but nothing that supports the luggage.
| Accessory | From the standard CRF1100L | From the CRF1000L |
|---|---|---|
| Pannier frames | no | no |
| Grip decals and protective films | no, specific part number | no |
| CJC321 kickstand plate | yes | no |
| BHG-082 handguard kit | yes | no |
| CANsmart control unit | yes | no |
| Soft luggage and tank bags | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOLuggage and ergonomicsDedicated pannier frames, side panniers, top-case plate, CJC321 kickstand plate.
BarkbustersHandguardsBHG-082 kit in aluminum or black, suitable for the Africa Twin and Adventure Sports.
DENALILighting and electricalCANsmart control unit, DialDim wiring harnesses, and plug-and-play brake light.
Eazi-GripGrip and protective filmsGrip decals and protective films cut specifically for the larger tank.
Frequently asked questions
Do the standard Africa Twin pannier frames fit here?
No. The larger tank and bodywork change the overall dimensions, and the frames are specific to the Adventure Sports. The pannier cases themselves can be reused.
What does it share with the standard version?
Everything mounted on the handlebars and kickstand: BHG-082 handguards, CJC321 kickstand plate, and CANsmart control unit. The frames, tank decals, and protective films are different.
What range does it really get?
With 24.8 liters, you can comfortably exceed 400 km when traveling at a steady pace. That is the main reason to choose this version instead of the standard one.
Can you feel the extra weight off-road?
Yes, especially with a full tank and during slow maneuvers. On the other hand, the long-travel suspension works better under load than the standard setup.
Is the electronic EERA worth it?
If you often travel with a passenger and luggage, yes: adjusting the preload from the dashboard changes the setup in a few seconds. It does not affect the accessories, because the mounting points remain the same.