2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Specs & Review

Honda’s big-bore adventure icon brings rally DNA to real-world travel. The 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin blends a torquey 270° crank parallel twin with long-travel suspension and modern electronics to tackle tarmac, dirt, and everything in between. If you’re cross-shopping ADV bikes, the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs show a well-balanced platform built for confidence and control.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1084 cc
• Max Power: 75 kW (≈101 hp) @ 7,500 rpm
• Max Torque: 105 Nm (≈77.4 lb-ft) @ 6,250 rpm
• Weight: 226 kg (wet); Kerb weight (DCT): 236 kg
• Seat Height: 850 / 870 mm (adjustable); optional 825–845 mm or 875–895 mm seats
• Engine Type: SOHC liquid-cooled 4‑stroke 8‑valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam

Engine & Performance

The 1084 cc parallel twin delivers 75 kW at 7,500 rpm and 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm, a combination that feels eager yet controlled. The 270° crank configuration adds a tractable pulse that finds traction on loose surfaces and a pleasing thump on the street. In day-to-day riding, torque is available where you actually use it—rolling out of corners, overtaking traffic, or easing over trail obstacles without drama.

Fueling comes via PGM‑FI with a 46 mm throttle body, keeping response clean and predictable across the revs. The 6‑speed manual uses an assist/slipper clutch, while the optional 6‑speed DCT brings clutch‑free convenience to commuting and off‑road sections alike. WMTC fuel consumption is listed at 4.9 L/100 km (MT) and 4.8 L/100 km (DCT), and the 18.8 L (≈5.0 US gal) tank supports long stints between stops. It’s EURO5 compliant, with CO2 emissions of 112 g/km (MT) and 110 g/km (DCT).

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Seat Height

The chassis is adventure‑focused: a semi double cradle frame with a bolt‑on aluminum subframe and aluminum swingarm. Suspension is serious kit—Showa 45 mm cartridge‑type inverted fork offering preload, compression, and rebound adjustments with 230 mm of travel, matched to a Pro‑Link Showa gas‑charged shock with hydraulic preload and rebound adjustments delivering 220 mm of travel. The 21/18‑inch wire‑spoke wheel combo (front 90/90‑21, rear 150/70R18, tube type) and 250 mm (≈9.8 in) ground clearance underscore its off‑piste intent while maintaining highway stability.

Geometry reads 27.5° rake, 113 mm (≈4.4 in) trail, and a 1575 mm (≈62.0 in) wheelbase—stable at speed yet cooperative in the twisties for an ADV. As for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin seat height, it’s adjustable to 850 or 870 mm, with optional seats covering 825–845 mm (lower) or 875–895 mm (taller) to match rider inseam and off‑road aspirations. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight comes in at 226 kg (wet), with a kerb weight of 236 kg for the DCT, numbers that feel manageable thanks to balanced mass distribution and long‑travel suspension. Shorter riders will appreciate the low-seat option, while taller riders can opt for the high seat to open knee angle and improve off‑road ergonomics.

Equipment & Features

Stopping power is strong and controlled: dual 310 mm wave floating front discs with radial‑mount 4‑piston calipers (sintered pads) and a 256 mm rear wave disc. The ABS system is 2‑channel with IMU integration, offering on‑road/off‑road modes and a rear ABS OFF mode for loose terrain.

Electronics are a highlight: a 6‑axis IMU drives HSTC (7‑level), 3‑level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, and Rear Lift Control. Cruise control eases the freeway miles. The cockpit centers on a 6.5 in TFT touch MID plus LCD meter with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity—useful for navigation and comms. Lighting is fully LED with DRL, plus conveniences like a USB socket, auto turn signal cancel, and an emergency stop signal.

Additional details that matter to long-distance riders include chain final drive, PGM‑FI fueling, EURO5 emissions compliance, a 12V‑6Ah Li‑ion battery (20 hr), and an ACG output of 0.49 kW @ 5,000 rpm.

Who Is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin For?

Riders stepping up from midsize ADV machines or experienced street riders wanting serious dirt capability will feel right at home. Newer riders can certainly grow into it, but the combination of seat height and mass rewards some prior saddle time. As a commuter, the optional DCT and cruise control add big convenience; as a weekend explorer, the long‑travel Showa suspension, 21/18 wheels, and electronics suite make mixed‑surface routes feel natural.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a complete package, the Africa Twin nails the ADV brief: a flexible 1084 cc twin with real‑world punch, high‑spec adjustable Showa suspension, and an IMU‑driven electronics suite that supports spirited riding without getting in the way. The 6.5 in TFT with Apple CarPlay modernizes the cockpit, while the 21/18 wheelset and 250 mm clearance keep it adventure‑first.

Potential drawbacks? The standard tube‑type tires and the inherent height/weight of a full‑size ADV can challenge smaller riders, though the wide seat height range helps. Value-wise, the MSRP (US, manual) is $14,399 and (US, DCT) is $15,199 per the provided specs, competitive for the capability on offer. For riders comparing liter‑class adventure bikes, this Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin review finds a confident, tech‑rich, and genuinely off‑road‑capable choice.

FAQ

• Is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin good for beginners? It’s approachable but better suited to riders with some experience due to its 226 kg wet weight (236 kg DCT kerb) and 850/870 mm seat height.

• What is the seat height of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin seat height is adjustable to 850 or 870 mm, with optional seats spanning 825–845 mm (low) or 875–895 mm (high).

• How heavy is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight is listed at 226 kg (wet). The DCT version has a kerb weight of 236 kg.

• Does it offer a DCT transmission? Yes. It comes with a 6‑speed manual and an optional 6‑speed DCT, both with an assist/slipper clutch.

• What are the fuel capacity and consumption figures? Fuel capacity is 18.8 L (≈5.0 US gal). WMTC fuel consumption is 4.9 L/100 km (MT) and 4.8 L/100 km (DCT).