Engine: 1,084 cc, 102 hp, 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm—270° Twin, Apple CarPlay, Quickshifter Standard

1,084 cc, liquid-cooled SOHC parallel twin, 270-degree crankpin offset with uneven firing order for greater traction and V-twin-like sound, PGM-FI, Euro 5+. Output is 75 kW / 102 hp at 7,500 rpm, with 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

The 2024 model-year update delivered the decisive increase in torque: 7 Nm more, available 750 rpm earlier in the rev range, at 5,500 instead of the previous 6,250 rpm. The result is noticeably stronger acceleration when overtaking with a passenger and luggage.

An ECV valve in the exhaust switches to a higher-flow configuration at higher engine speeds for more top-end performance.

The manual-transmission version comes standard with a Quickshifter and Auto-Blipper, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

The DCT version uses a foot shifter instead of a Quickshifter and features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that can operate fully automatically or manually through shift paddles.

There are four DCT shift programs: D, S1, S2, and S3. S3 holds gears longer and downshifts earlier, making it ideal for off-road riding.

Fuel consumption is approximately 4.9 L/100 km. The base model’s 18.8-liter fuel tank provides a range of around 383 km.

An Assist and Slipper Clutch comes standard on the manual-transmission version. Cruise control is standard.

Electronics: 6-Axis IMU, Seven-Level HSTC, Cornering ABS, Apple CarPlay, 6.5-Inch TFT Touchscreen

The 6-axis IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit, controls HSTC, Wheelie Control, and Cornering ABS in real time.

HSTC traction control offers seven levels—the finest level of adjustment in the segment. Wheelie Control offers three levels.

Cornering ABS comes standard, with the rear ABS channel able to be switched off for off-road riding.

There are four riding modes: Urban, Tour, Gravel, and Off-Road, plus a User mode allowing individual configuration of all parameters.

A 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The TFT, known as the MID or Multi Information Display, was initially notorious for cold-weather failures and ghosting. It has been revised since MY2024, while the factory warranty on the MID for MY2020–2023 motorcycles was extended to ten years.

An immobilizer and USB charging port come standard, along with a 12-volt accessory socket on the ES version.

Suspension: 230 mm Front Travel, 220 mm Rear, 250 mm Ground Clearance, Tubeless Wire-Spoke Wheels

Up front is a 43 mm SHOWA upside-down fork with 230 mm of travel, adjustable for spring preload and compression damping.

At the rear is a SHOWA monoshock with a Pro-Link aluminum swingarm derived from the CRF450R. Rear suspension travel is 220 mm, with full adjustment for spring preload, rebound, and compression damping.

Ground clearance is 250 mm.

Up front are dual 310 mm floating discs with radially mounted four-piston calipers. At the rear is a 256 mm disc with a single-piston caliper.

Tubeless aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes have been standard since MY2024, measuring 21 inches front and 18 inches rear.

Tire sizes are 90/90 R21 front and 150/70 R18 rear, with an enduro-oriented tread pattern.

The Electronic Suspension option, available only with DCT, uses SHOWA EERA, Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment—a semi-active electronic suspension system with four modes: Mid, Hard, Soft, and Offroad.

It adjusts damping in real time according to the selected riding mode and load. Spring preload and damping can be configured separately.

Compared with the standard Africa Twin, the Adventure Sports gets a larger 24.8-liter fuel tank instead of 18.8 liters, a 19-inch front wheel with a 110/80-19 tire instead of the 90/90-21, shorter suspension travel, larger bodywork, an adjustable windshield, and heated grips as standard.

Ergonomics: 850/870 mm Adjustable Seat Height, 226 kg, Five-Position Windshield—Rally Footpegs Standard

Seat height can be set to 850 mm in the low position or 870 mm in the high position.

Fully fueled weight is 226 kg with the manual transmission, 236 kg with DCT, and 253 kg for the Adventure Sports DCT.

The windshield is adjustable through five positions, from maximum forward visibility to maximum wind protection.

Wide rally footpegs come standard for standing off-road. Engine protection and radiator guard are also standard. Color-matched handguard extensions are fitted at the factory, while rim stripes add visual accents.

There are no technical changes for MY2026.

New Africa Twin colors and graphics are Grand Prix Red, Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, and Pearl Glare White Tricolor.

New Adventure Sports colors are Matte Iridium Gray Metallic and Pearl Glare White.

The tubeless wire-spoke wheel setup introduced for MY2024 allows punctures to be repaired on the road with a conventional plug kit—a practical off-road advantage over conventional tubed wire-spoke wheels.

It is also a sensible solution on the road, as demonstrated by the similarly configured BMW GS.

Handling: The Benchmark Off-Road and for Touring—DCT Is the Decisive Character Difference From the Manual Version

Since its return in 2016, the Africa Twin has been the benchmark in the adventure segment.

At 226 kg with 102 hp and 250 mm of ground clearance, it offers the right combination for serious off-road touring: enough power, enough suspension travel, without becoming excessively heavy.

DCT also works extremely well off-road. In Off-Road and Gravel modes, it allows extremely slow riding without jerkiness.

In S3, it holds gears longer and downshifts earlier—ideal for aggressive riding.

Forty-three percent of all Africa Twin buyers choose DCT despite the additional cost. That is a clear market statement about its perceived value.

The Africa Twin does have weaknesses. The footpegs are positioned relatively far forward, making the riding position feel more like an armchair than an optimum off-road stance. That benefits touring comfort but works against agility when riding while standing.

The TFT cockpit operating concept also requires some familiarization.

For direct comparison, the BMW R 1300 GS starts at €19,990 plus additional charges and offers more electronics at a higher price. The KTM 1390 Super Adventure costs around €21,500 and is even more expensive but sportier.

The Africa Twin offers the most complete off-road package in the segment at a price below its German-speaking-market competitors.

Costs: From €16,449 Manual to €21,239 Adventure Sports DCT+ES—Four Versions, Clearly Structured Pricing

Tricolor and Grand Prix Red cost €300 more than Matte Ballistic Black.

The CRF 1100 L with manual transmission starts at €16,449. The CRF 1100 L DCT starts at €17,569, an additional €1,120 for DCT.

The CRF 1100 L ES with DCT starts at €18,379, an additional €810 for ES over the DCT.

The CRF 1100 L DCT+ES starts at €19,509.

The Adventure Sports DCT+ES starts at €21,239 including destination charges.

Despite the approximately €1,120 premium for DCT, 43 percent of Africa Twin customers choose the more convenient dual-clutch transmission.

The standard warranty is two years with unlimited mileage. A paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus is available.

One important note: the factory warranty for the TFT display, MID, on MY2020–2023 motorcycles has been extended to ten years.

Verdict

The Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin does not need major updates—the concept has worked for years.

The 2026 model year brings new colors and no further technical changes.

That is fine: 102 hp, 112 Nm available early, 6-axis IMU, seven-level HSTC, Apple CarPlay, 230 mm of suspension travel, tubeless wire-spoke wheels, 250 mm of ground clearance—from €16,449.

If you want off-road and touring capability in one motorcycle, the Africa Twin is the right choice.

Choose the version according to how you ride: base model for sportier riders, DCT for long-distance riding and relaxation, ES version for maximum comfort.

 

Quick Check

+ 6-axis IMU: controls seven-level HSTC, three-level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS—the finest traction-control adjustment in the segment

+ 230 mm front travel, 220 mm rear, 250 mm ground clearance: serious off-road potential

+ Tubeless aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes: roadside puncture repair possible, standard since MY2024

+ Four riding modes—Urban, Tour, Gravel, Off-Road—plus User mode; rear ABS switchable off

+ Apple CarPlay + Android Auto standard; 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen

+ Quickshifter with blipper standard on manual-transmission version

+ DCT option: smoother low-speed riding; ideal off-road in S3/Off-Road mode; 43 percent of buyers choose DCT

+ 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm, MY2024: +7 Nm and available 750 rpm earlier—stronger midrange drive

+ Rally footpegs, engine protection, radiator guard standard

+ EERA option with DCT: SHOWA electronic suspension, four modes, real-time damping adjustment

+ Adjustable 850/870 mm seat height

+ Price advantage over BMW R 1300 GS and KTM 1390 Super Adventure

 

– Riding position with footpegs positioned far forward: excellent touring comfort, suboptimal standing position off-road

– TFT cockpit operating concept requires familiarization; touchscreen problems on MY2020–2023 have been addressed, but the reputation remains

– ES option can only be combined with DCT: no standalone EERA option for the manual-transmission version

– MY2026 is only a color update: no technical changes

– Warranty: two-year base warranty; extension through Honda GarantiePlus costs extra

 

Technical Specifications: Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin (2026)

Country of Manufacture: Japan

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel twin, SOHC, 270-degree crankpin offset, PGM-FI, Euro 5+; ECV exhaust valve for greater high-rpm performance

Displacement: 1,084 cc, 92 mm × 81.5 mm

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Power: 75 kW / 102 hp at 7,500 rpm

Torque: 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm, MY2024: +7 Nm and 750 rpm earlier than predecessor

Manual Transmission: 6-speed manual; chain final drive; slipper clutch; Quickshifter with blipper standard

DCT Transmission: Optional 6-speed DCT, +€1,120; fully automatic or manually controlled through shift paddles; D, S1, S2, S3 shift programs; foot shifter standard

Riding Modes / Electronics: Four riding modes—Urban, Tour, Gravel, Off-Road—plus User mode; 6-axis IMU; seven-level HSTC; three-level Wheelie Control; Cornering ABS; rear ABS switchable off; cruise control standard; immobilizer; USB charging port

Display: 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen, MID; Apple CarPlay standard; Android Auto standard; Bluetooth

Frame: Lightweight steel frame; bolt-on aluminum rear subframe, replaceable if damaged; Pro-Link aluminum swingarm using CRF450R technology

Front Suspension: 43 mm SHOWA USD fork; 230 mm travel; adjustable for spring preload and compression damping

Rear Suspension: SHOWA monoshock; Pro-Link; 220 mm travel; fully adjustable for spring preload, rebound, and compression damping

ES Option, DCT Only: SHOWA EERA electronic suspension; four modes—Mid, Hard, Soft, Offroad; real-time damping adjustment; separate surcharge

Front Brakes: Dual 310 mm floating discs; radially mounted four-piston calipers; Cornering ABS

Rear Brake: 256 mm disc; single-piston caliper; ABS switchable off

Wheels: Tubeless aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes, standard since MY2024; 21-inch front, 18-inch rear

Front Tire: 90/90 R21

Rear Tire: 150/70 R18

Fully Fueled Weight: 226 kg manual / 236 kg DCT

Seat Height: 850 mm low / 870 mm high—adjustable

Ground Clearance: 250 mm

Fuel Capacity: 18.8 liters base; 24.8 liters Adventure Sports

Consumption / Range: 4.9 L/100 km; approx. 383 km range, base model

MY2026 Updates: New Africa Twin colors: Grand Prix Red, Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White Tricolor. Adventure Sports: Matte Iridium Gray Metallic, Pearl Glare White. No technical changes

Prices in Germany, All Versions: CRF 1100 L manual: from €16,449 in black / €16,749 in red or Tricolor. CRF 1100 L DCT: from €17,569 / €17,869. CRF 1100 L ES, manual + ES: from €18,379 / €18,679. CRF 1100 L DCT+ES: from €19,509 / €19,809. Adventure Sports DCT+ES: from €20,610 / €21,239. All prices include destination charges.

Warranty: 2 years with unlimited mileage as standard. Paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus available. Factory warranty on the TFT display, MID, for MY2020–2023 extended to ten years.