Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
It is the premium, road-focused variant of Honda’s iconic adventure motorcycle lineup, designed for long-distance touring with enhanced on-road comfort and moderate off-road capability. Powered by a refined 1,083cc parallel-twin engine, it features a larger fuel tank, Showa EERA® electronic suspension, and advanced electronics, including a 6-axis IMU and optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). With a 19-inch front wheel and tubeless tires, it prioritizes highway stability and touring refinement, competing with the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, and BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications and features.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, Unicam® SOHC, 4-stroke, 22.5° parallel-twin, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 1,083 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 92.0 mm x 81.5 mm |
| Power Output | 100.5 hp (75 kW) at 7,500 rpm (European spec; US spec not disclosed but similar) |
| Torque | 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (European spec; 7% increase over previous model) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 (increased from 10.1:1 for 2024) |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, throttle-by-wire, 46 mm throttle body |
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded, 95 RON |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters |
| Clutch | Manual: Wet, multi-plate with slip/assist; DCT: Steel-gear, automatic/manual modes |
| Final Drive | #525 chain; 16T/42T |
| Frame | Semi-double cradle steel frame, aluminum subframe |
| Front Suspension | Showa EERA® 45 mm inverted telescopic fork, electronic adjustment, 8.3 in (210 mm) travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link® single Showa shock, electronic preload adjustment, 7.9 in (200 mm) travel |
| Suspension Adjustment | Showa EERA® with 5 damper settings (soft, mid, hard, off-road, user), adjusts damping based on speed and terrain; 4 preload settings |
| Wheels | Tubeless wire-spoked wheels, wider rims for Adventure Sports |
| Wheel Sizes | Front: 19 x 2.5”; Rear: 18 x 4.0” |
| Tires | Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T or Metzeler Karoo Street, Front: 110/80-19; Rear: 150/70-18 |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual 310 mm wave discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers, cornering ABS |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single 256 mm wave disc, single-piston caliper, cornering ABS with off-road mode |
| Weight (Kerb) | Manual: 250 kg (551 lbs); DCT: 260 kg (573 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.8 liters (6.6 US gallons) |
| Claimed Mileage | 24 kmpl (56.5 mpg, ARAI certified) |
| Seat Height | Adjustable: 835–855 mm (32.9–33.7 in); thicker foam for 2024 (15 mm increase) |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,335 mm x 960 mm x 1,475 mm (varies by windscreen position) |
| Wheelbase | 1,565 mm |
| Top Speed | Approx. 200 km/h (124 mph) |
| Riding Modes | Six: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, User 2 |
| Electronics | 6-axis IMU, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, 7 levels), cornering ABS (on-road/off-road modes), wheelie control, rear lift control, cruise control, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, My Triumph Connectivity System |
| Display | 6.5-inch TFT touch panel, 3 display modes, smartphone connectivity |
| Lighting | Full LED with DRL, adaptive cornering lights, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Storage | Optional 3-piece hard luggage set (panniers and top box), 12V fairing socket, ACC charging socket |
| Additional Features | Heated grips, adjustable windscreen (5 positions), keyless ignition, aluminum skid plate, side fairing inserts, tubeless tires, counterbalanced engine for reduced vibration |
| Variants/Colors | Pearl White (Tricolore), Black Metallic (varies by market) |
| Warranty | 2 years, limited mileage (USA); 3 years, unlimited mileage (Europe) |
| Competitors | BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer |
Why Choose the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES?
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES is a refined, road-focused adventure tourer that excels in long-distance comfort while retaining moderate off-road capability. Its 1,083cc parallel-twin engine, Showa EERA® suspension, and advanced electronics like cornering ABS and DCT make it a versatile choice for highways and light trails. The 24.8-liter fuel tank, heated grips, and adjustable windscreen ensure touring practicality, while the 19-inch front wheel enhances on-road stability. Though less off-road-focused than the standard Africa Twin, its lighter weight, lower seat height, and sophisticated features make it a strong competitor to the BMW R 1300 GSA, Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, and Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer for riders prioritizing comfort and technology.
