Test: Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin (2020) // Instead of Africa to two-wheeled Africa

But I must admit that during the test I wondered several times how good it would be to explore the desert in southern Morocco with this particular Honda. But in due time, maybe someday I will also experience it. My Berber friends say "inshallah" or after ours, if God wills it.

Until now, I have ridden the first, second and third generation of this iconic motorcycle since its revival. During this time, the motorcycle has matured and I believe that it represents what many wanted from the very beginning. I really like it because, like the original, the more modern versions are really enduro bikes.... True, most of them will drive off-road, but an excursion with this name does not present any problems.

At Honda they do things their own way, they don't pay too much attention to what others are doing, and with this engine they haven't gone on the hunt for horses you don't really need in the field. . One of the main innovations is a larger engine. The in-line two-cylinder engine now has 1.084 cubic centimeters and 102 "horsepower" at 105 Newton meters of torque.... Of course, these are not numbers that would knock the Bavarian competition off the throne, but I had a very good feeling that in fact Honda was not even aiming for it.

The engine responds very well to acceleration and provides direct contact. This is why acceleration is critical and Honda's performance cannot be underestimated. In the mornings, when the asphalt was still cold or when it was wet under the wheels, the electronics would sometimes turn on, adding gasoline from the corner, and carefully, carefully intervening, made sure that the engine had the right amount of energy. Rear wheel.

In electronics, security and communications, the Africa Twin has taken a huge step forward and has caught up with or perhaps even overtaken the competition. All in all, it's fairly easy to adjust, and every driver can practically customize how the electronics interfere with driving in terms of safety, comfort and power delivery.

The state-of-the-art 6-axis Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) operates flawlessly and allows four motor modes. (urban, tourist, gravel and off-road). Full capacity is only available on the tour program. The operation of the ABS braking system also changes with each program. In the off-road program, cornering ABS is still active on the front wheel, while complete deactivation is possible on the rear wheel.

The chapter itself is a large color screen. This can be adjusted by feel when the bike is stationary, or by using the buttons on the left side of the handlebars while riding. The case connects to the bluetooth system and the phone, you can also load the navigation on the screen, among other things.

Probably, such a screen was sometimes only dreamed of at the Paris-Dakar rally. This is exactly what I was thinking as I drove along the road and figured out how well the windscreen is doing its job. This is the minimum on the base Africa Twin. The edge of the windshield is just a few inches above the screen, and when I look at the whole thing because of the high steering wheel (this one is 22,4 mm higher), I really feel like I'm on the Dakar.

For off-road driving, wind protection is sufficient, but above all, it significantly contributes to the excellent ergonomics of standing or sitting driving. But for long trips, I would definitely resort to additional equipment and think about more wind protection. I would also flip through the catalog to get it ready for a two-person trip.

I have no comments on the great seat, they designed it really nicelyand although this is a tall off-road bike (engine height from the ground as much as 250 mm), you should have no problems with the ground, even for those who are a little shorter. But the one in the back is actually holding nothing but the driver. Side handles next to the seat are a must-have investment for anyone who is seduced by two at least from time to time.

Anyone who loves to go far and go on a trip for two, I recommend thinking about an adventure trip dedicated to the Africa Twin show, which they called Adventure sports.

When asked how exactly this Africa Twin, which I rode this time, ended up in everyday use, I can say that it is an extremely versatile motorcycle. I liked that I was sitting upright, comfortable, and high enough that the wide enduro handlebars had a great view of the road.

It travels around corners and around the city as easily and reliably as on rails. The standard Metzeler tires represent a very good compromise for driving on asphalt and gravel. But the dimensions of the wheels, of course, impose small restrictions on driving on asphalt. (before 90/90 -21, back 150 / 70-18). But since this is not a sports engine, I can safely say that the choice of tire sizes and profiles is ideal for such a motorcycle. It is also affected by the extreme ease of handling, which is a big plus of this motorcycle. Just as he does well on the road and in the city, he does not disappoint on the field.

It's not a hard enduro bike, of course, but it rides on gravel and carts with such ease that I thought I might one day replace it with real enduro racing tires. In the field, it is known that Honda did not compromise on performance. Ohit feels five kilos less and the suspension works very wellthat swallows bumps pleasantly. The fully adjustable suspension is 230mm at the front and 220mm at the rear.

The swingarm is based on the concept of the CRF 450 motocross model. Jumping over bumps and sliding down curves is something that comes naturally to this Africo Twin.and does it without effort or harm. However, to do this, you need to have off-road driving skills.

And a few more numbers at the end. At a moderate pace, fuel consumption was 5,8 liters, and at a faster pace - up to 6,2. Quite decent figures for a liter two-cylinder engine. Thus, autonomy is 300 kilometers on a single charge, before refilling the 18,8-liter tank is required.

In the basic version, exactly as you see it, will be yours for $ 14.990... This is already a big pile of euros, but in fact the package offers a lot. Excellent safety, electronics, handling, serious suspension on the ground and roads, and the ability to travel the world on any road. Literally even if there is no asphalt under the wheels.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Base model price: 14.990 €

  Test model cost: 14.990 €

• Technical information

  engine: 1084-cylinder, 3 cc, in-line, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, XNUMX valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection

  Power: 75 kW (102 km) at 7.500 rpm

  Torque: 105 Nm at 7.500 rpm

  Growth: 870/850 mm (optional 825-845 and 875-895)

  Weight: 226 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

on-road and off-road driving performance

ergonomics

workmanship, components

authentic Africa Twin look

best electronics

safety

serious field ability

wind protection could be better

no side handles for the passenger

clutch lever offset not adjustable

final grade

The big step forward is reflected in the character of the engine, which is more powerful, refined and more decisive. And this is not the only advantage. The Africa Twin of the 21st century has state-of-the-art electronics, excellent road and field handling, driver information and customization options on a superb color display.