2020–2023 · Adventure · A variant of the CRF1100L Africa Twin
CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (SD 08-AdventureSports)
Differences between the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports
Built To Cover Ground
The Machine's Character
The Adventure Sports version of the CRF1100L is the road-leaning member of the Africa Twin family that never gave up its dirt hardware. Its 1084 cc parallel twin makes 102 hp and 77 lb-ft, tuned to pull from low revs rather than reward a chase to the redline. Underneath sit a 21-inch front wheel, 9.1 inches of fork travel and 9.8 inches of ground clearance, so the adventure credentials are structural, not cosmetic. A 6.6-gallon tank, cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes and a TFT screen with Apple CarPlay are standard, this trim adds heated grips, and the DCT gearbox is available if you want it.
On the road it behaves like a machine shaped by people who ride long days: composed at highway speed, calm in crosswinds, still pleasant at the end of a 400-mile stint. Reliability is its strongest suit, and on a bike meant for empty country that counts for more than any spec. It fits riders who cover ground loaded and want a gravel road to be a route option instead of a problem. The caveats are plain. At 518 pounds wet with a 33.1-inch seat it asks for commitment when the ground turns loose. Check the paperwork: 2020 bikes had a fuel filter recall, 2022 bikes a wheelie control software update, and a left switch cluster campaign covers 2020 through 2025 with parts still not released.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 102 hp (75 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 77 lb-ft (105 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1084 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-18 |
| Ground clearance | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Front travel | 9.1 in (230 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) |
| Wet weight | 518 lb (235 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.6 gal (24.8 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Electronic Suspension Optional
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Cruise Control Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Standard
- Adjustable Seat Height Standard
- Luggage System Optional
Connectivity
- TFT Display Standard
- Smartphone Connectivity Optional
- USB Charging Port Standard
- Android Auto Android Auto (Wireless) Integrated navigationHandsfree phone integration Standard
Drivetrain
- Quickshifter Optional
- Automatic Shift (DCT / ASA / AMT) Honda DCT (3rd generation) Clutchless ridingAutomatic gear selection Optional
Lighting
- LED Headlight Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Cornering ABS Standard
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
Signature Tech
The named systems that set this bike apart — and what each one does for you.
Connectivity
- Apple CarPlay (Wireless) Optional
- Integrated navigation
- Handsfree phone integration
What the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Adds — Differences vs the Standard CRF1100L Africa Twin
The CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (SD 08-AdventureSports) builds on the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin: the upgraded hardware, the key spec changes and where its character shifts. The full ride, specs, scoring and verdict are all right here on this page.
Equipment the Adventure Sports adds vs the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin
Hard spec differences
| Spec | Standard CRF1100L Africa Twin | Adventure Sports | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 498 lb | 518 lb | +20 lb |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal | 6.6 gal | +1.6 gal |
How the Adventure Sports shifts the character
- More miles between fuel stops
Known issues
-
Fuel filter clogging and engine stall (2020 models)
Contaminants from fuel tank welding can clog the fuel filter, causing engine hesitation or sudden stalling. Honda recalled affected 2020 CRF1100L Adventure Sports to clean the tank and replace the filter (NHTSA 20V797000).
-
Wheelie Control software failure (2022 models)
Improper Wheelie Control software can cause abnormal acceleration. Honda issued a recall (NHTSA 24V-882) to update the FI-ECU software on certain 2022 models.
-
TFT display malfunctions
Some owners report unresponsive or flickering TFT touchscreens. Honda extended the warranty on the display until 2033 for affected units.
-
Left switch cluster recall (horn/high beam)
A recall campaign covers 2020-2025 Africa Twin motorcycles for a faulty left switch cluster affecting horn and high beam switches. Honda has not yet made parts available for the fix.
-
Frame rust on white-painted models
White painted frames, especially on tricolor editions, are prone to rusting, particularly around welds. The issue is mainly cosmetic but detracts from the bike's appearance.
-
High-speed headshake / weave when carrying top box and panniers
At sustained highway speeds with a top box and side panniers fitted, the raised and rearward load can set off a slow weave or a shake through the handlebars, most noticeably when the top box is loaded heavily. The bike leaves the factory without a steering damper, so owners typically cut top box weight, shift heavy items low into the panniers, and fit an aftermarket damper to settle the front end.
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6.5″ TFT touchscreen becoming unresponsive or registering false touches
The 6.5″ TFT touchscreen has been reported as becoming unresponsive to input, registering "phantom" touches by itself, or going to a temporary blackout. Cold weather makes symptoms worse. The issue has persisted after four years without any permanent fix. Replacement screens have exhibited the same behavior — pointing to a design rather than a manufacturing root cause.
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Ride-by-wire throttle snatchiness in 1st–2nd gear at low speed
In the lower gears at low engine speeds, ride-by-wire throttle response can feel oscillating or snatchy, and it is most noticeable on the automatic dual-clutch version in stop-and-go city traffic, where engine braking on a closed throttle adds to the effect. Honda revised the lower gear ratios and the automatic shift program partway through the production run, which noticeably reduced the sensation.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2018–2019
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin (SD 06-AdventureSports)
Built to Outlast the Road
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