Test: Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (2020) // Great (kot) adventure

The adventure, of course, does not depend on what you are riding. When, as a toddler, I was still doing "smuggling" without a moped exam, driving an old "three-speed" Tomos on country roads around the village and on field paths, it seemed like a real adventure. I could only dream of Africa. Today unforgettable adventures await me in my hometown, in the fantastic and always mysterious Istria, Kvarner, Spain or Central Europe.

I almost feel at home in Morocco, and in the end I do two races in Dakar in a Land Cruiser when I accompanied Miran Stanovnik. All this is enough to stop me tomorrow. But I don’t want to, because it takes me too far to understand what is behind the next turn. And that could be the start of a real adventure. Behind the wheel of a great bike like the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, every kilometer is even sweeter.

I love that Honda took this seriously. The motorcycle is truly a real enduro. A machine that is built for very fast off-road driving and confident driving on the ground. Robust steel frame, suspension with 230 and 220 mm travel (also available in semi-active version at extra cost)Durable tubeless wire spoked wheels and an enduro driving position allow you to tackle broken bogie ruts, rocky, dusty roads and obstacles that you will surely hit on a road with no tarmac. Of course, this is not a racing car, for something hard enduro motorcycles with a single-cylinder engine were created, which are also half the weight.

The Adventure Sports is a very large motorcycle that weighs 238 kilograms and with a full tank of gas (24,8 liters) you can go 500 kilometers in one with moderate riding. It is now slightly lower as in the standard version the seat is 850 mm from the floor.and the height will not immediately alienate those slightly lower. However, it remains a versatile off-road motorcycle with very serious off-road equipment and protection. Production motorcycles with this level of equipment and workmanship are rare.

Whether it's asphalt or gravel under off-road tires, the ride will always be comfortable. There is a lot of wind protection here, but above all, significantly more than a regular Africa Twin. In the morning frost, I managed to hide well behind wide side panels and a huge reservoir, which also protects part of my legs from the wind.... Hidden behind a tall, height-adjustable windshield, I praised the Japanese engineers for keeping me warm. This time, for the first time, I got the feeling that the Honda Varadero finally has a real successor.

A motorcycle friend who has traveled all over Europe from Varadero took me on a little test to see if Adventure Sports could be the successor to the great traveler who hasn't been sold in years. He was impressed with the lightness and handling, but the wind protection and comfort are still not on the same level as the Varadero, which is still a more road-oriented bike, while the Adventure Sports is still very efficient in this area. ...

The modern in-line two-cylinder engine now has 1.084 cubic centimeters and 102 "horsepower" at 105 Newton meters of torque.... Sure, there are competitors that boast a more powerful engine, but the question is, does such a bike need more power? I think it looks more like a number on paperEase of use while driving is important to you... And that's where Honda doesn't disappoint. The engine responds very well to acceleration and provides sharp acceleration. On slippery asphalt or gravel when overloaded with gas, modern electronics gently intervene to ensure that the wheels always have optimum grip on the road.

I dare say that in terms of electronics, safety and communications, Honda has taken a huge step forward with the Africa Twin and came to the fore... I liked it because I could adjust the safety electronics settings while driving, both in terms of safety and comfort and power. Thus, on wet roads and gravel, the driver can completely relax and trust the electronics.

Adventure Sports is a comfortable ride for two. With the adjustable seat, the driver and co-driver will be able to find the right relationship and, with a little patience, drive nearly 500 kilometers without long stops in a row. But something was missing on the Africa Twin test. Side case set! With a set of large aluminum suitcases, it takes on a truly adventurous look and ease of use. At the same time, from a financial point of view, it remains quite achievable.

For a good 16 thousand, this is a serious, already quite prestigious tourist motorcycle.which provides comfort and safety on roads and trails of any type. It not only looks authentic and gorgeous, but also rides in a wide variety of very extreme conditions.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Base model price: 16.790 €

  Test model cost: 16.790 €

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

  Fuel tank: 24,8 l; slave in the test: 6,1 l / 100 km

  Weight: 238 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

standard protective equipment

best electronics

authentic Africa Twin look

workmanship, components

ergonomics, comfort, mirrors

on-road and off-road driving performance

clutch lever offset not adjustable

wind protection can only be adjusted with two hands

final grade

The new engine is slightly more powerful, more refined and more decisive, and above all, it is significantly more modern equipment. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, excellent driving performance on the road and in the field, and at the same time offers the driver information and customization options on an excellent color screen. Comfort and wind protection offer everything you need on very long journeys.