2020–2026 · Adventure · Buyer's Guide
The Dependable Machine That Travels Anywhere
The CRF1100L Africa Twin ES is Honda's full-size adventure bike done the honest way: a 1084 cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, 102 hp and 83 lb-ft, sitting in a steel double-cradle frame on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel. With 9.1 in (230 mm) of travel up front and 8.7 in (220 mm) at the rear, it clears my bar for a real adventure bike with room to spare. Electronic suspension is standard on this ES trim, and a 6-axis IMU feeds cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and ride modes. In its class, it's the one that balances road refinement and genuine dirt ability instead of chasing numbers.
It rides lighter than its size suggests and takes pavement and dirt in the same calm stride, which is the whole point of the concept. Reliability is its strongest card, and that's what counts when the next town is a long way off. It's for you if you want one bike for big trips with real dirt in them. The caveats are honest ones: on some units the TFT display boots slowly, freezes or fails outright, though Honda extended the display warranty to 2033. And on tricolor models the white frame is known to show surface rust around welds and joints. Check both before you buy!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 102 hp (75 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 1084 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-18 |
| Wheelbase | 62.0 in (1575 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Front travel | 9.1 in (230 mm) |
| Rear travel | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.5 in (850 mm) |
| Wet weight | 514 lb (233 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal (18.9 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Lighting
Safety
For years I've listened to what Africa Twin riders tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the messages they send me directly. For this ES generation the pattern is clear. Riders trust the bike and like how it rides, and their complaints center on punch and electronics.
Owners keep pointing to the narrow waist: most get their feet down easily, and that builds confidence at low speed. On twisty roads they describe the bike as planted and nimble at once. The twin gets credit for a lively delivery with a satisfying rush at the top. High-mileage owners add that engine and drivetrain hold up with few mechanical issues. Solid ground.
A recurring complaint is power: for a liter-class bike, riders call it underpowered next to its rivals and say it feels more like a midweight. Just as often, the TFT and the many ride modes overwhelm some owners, and the system can take up to 20 seconds to boot before you get going. Some taller riders also mention a firm seat and high footpegs that tire them on long rides. It's a minority view.
TFT display slow boot, freezing or hardware failure
Some units experience extremely slow startup, touchscreen unresponsiveness, or complete failure requiring replacement. Honda extended the display warranty to 2033.
White frame rusting on tricolor models
Owners of white-painted Africa Twins report surface rust appearing on the frame, particularly around welds and joints.
Where this Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin ES pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the CRF1100L Africa Twin ES is actually built for.
The hardware is right: 21-inch front, 9.8 in (250 mm) of clearance, real travel. But 514 lb (233 kg) in sand and technical sections is hard work. Bring skill, and expect a lighter bike to be easier.
Made for Bar M / Kane Creek · Imperial Sand Dunes · Johnson Valley OHV Area
Cruise control, heated grips and electronic suspension you can set for a passenger and bags are all standard. Luggage is an option and the chain wants care on big trips. Otherwise: go!
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
It's composed on twisty roads, has lean clearance to spare and stays calm at speed over 200 to 400 mi days. You're carrying a 21-inch front and long travel you may never use. Fair trade.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2016–2019
Built to Be Trusted
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin ES. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Competitor · 2020–2023
Two Souls, One Triple
About the same used price as this bike at 5 yr
Competitor · 2019–2024
The Long-Haul Boxer You Trust
Roughly $4,300 pricier used than this bike at 5 yr
Competitor · 2021–2024
160 Horses, Full Electronics
Same Platform · 2020–2023
Heavy Tech That Actually Works
About the same used price as this bike at 5 yr
Similar Character · 2019–2022
Stripped Down, Dirt Ready
Roughly $2,700 cheaper used than this bike at 5 yr