2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Specs & Review

Honda’s flagship ADV twin blends real off‑road hardware with long‑haul comfort and modern electronics. If you’re cross‑shopping big adventure bikes for a mix of dirt, touring, and everyday use, the 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports stands out for its long‑travel Showa suspension, IMU‑enabled aids, and a massive tank. Below, we break down the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports specs and what they mean on the road and trail.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1084 cm³
• Engine: SOHC liquid‑cooled 4‑stroke 8‑valve parallel twin, 270° crank (Unicam)
• Max power: 75 kW (≈101 hp) @ 7,500 rpm
• Max torque: 105 Nm (≈77.4 lb‑ft) @ 6,250 rpm
• Transmission: 6‑speed manual; optional 6‑speed DCT
• Weight: 238 kg kerb (manual); 248 kg kerb (DCT)
• Seat height: 850/870 mm (33.5/34.3 in) adjustable

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the CRF1100L is an 1084 cm³ parallel twin with a 270° crank that delivers character and traction in loose conditions. With 75 kW (≈101 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 105 Nm (≈77.4 lb‑ft) at 6,250 rpm, it has the grunt to pull strong from midrange while still revving freely for spirited highway passes. Bore and stroke sit at 92 mm x 81.5 mm with a 10.1:1 compression ratio, and fueling is handled by PGM‑FI for clean response.

You can choose a 6‑speed manual or the optional 6‑speed DCT, both driving a chain final drive. The DCT suits urban commutes and technical off‑road equally well, letting you focus on lines and traction while the bike handles shifts. Cruise control and riding modes (Tour/Urban/Gravel/Off‑road plus 2 User) tailor the delivery to your route.

For touring efficiency, WMTC fuel consumption is listed at 4.9 L/100 km (manual) and 4.8 L/100 km (DCT), backed by a big 24.8 L (6.5 US gal) tank.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Seat Height

The chassis uses a steel semi‑double cradle frame with a bolt‑on aluminium subframe and aluminium swingarm—strong, serviceable, and built for loads. Geometry balances stability and agility with a 27.5° rake, 113 mm trail, and a 1575 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is a generous 250 mm, a real asset for ruts and rocks.

Suspension is adventure‑ready: a Showa 45 mm inverted fork with preload and damping adjustment offers 230 mm travel, while the Pro‑Link Showa shock provides 220 mm with preload and rebound adjustability. The 21 x 2.15 front and 18 x 4.00 rear wire‑spoke aluminium wheels (tubeless) and tyres (Front 90/90‑21; Rear 150/70R18) are the gold standard for mixed‑terrain grip and durability.

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports seat height is 850/870 mm (33.5/34.3 in) adjustable. Shorter riders will appreciate the lower setting for stop‑and‑go confidence, while taller riders can run 870 mm for extra legroom. As for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports weight, kerb figures are 238 kg (manual) and 248 kg (DCT), with Showa EERA variants at 240/250 kg. Those numbers are typical for the class; the low‑end torque and balanced geometry help the bike feel composed at low speeds.

Heated grips are standard, and the upright ergos plus wind protection suit long days in the saddle.

Equipment & Features

• Electronics: Six‑axis IMU, 7‑level HSTC, 3‑level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, Rear Lift Control, riding modes (Tour/Urban/Gravel/Off‑road + 2 User), cruise control
• ABS: 2‑channel IMU‑managed with on‑/off‑road settings; rear ABS off mode
• Brakes: Dual 310 mm wave discs with 4‑piston radial calipers up front; 256 mm rear disc
• Suspension: Showa 45 mm inverted fork (230 mm travel), Pro‑Link Showa shock (220 mm travel); Showa EERA weights listed at 240/250 kg (manual/DCT)
• Lighting: Dual LED with DRL and three‑stage cornering lights
• Instrumentation: 6.5" TFT touch MID with Apple CarPlay; Android Auto (from Feb 2021); Bluetooth; USB; ACC socket; heated grips
• Wheels/Tyres: Wire‑spoke aluminium, tubeless; Front 90/90‑21, Rear 150/70R18
• Fuel: 24.8 L tank; WMTC 4.9 L/100 km (manual), 4.8 L/100 km (DCT)
• Colors (EU): Pearl Glare White Tricolour; Darkness Black Metallic

Who Is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports For?

Riders with some experience who want real off‑road capability and long‑distance touring features will feel right at home. Newer riders may find the 850/870 mm seat and 238–248 kg kerb weights a bit much, but the optional DCT and comprehensive rider aids broaden accessibility. It’s versatile enough for commuting, weekend exploration, and multi‑day travel.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports review in one line: this is a serious adventure tool with a refined electronics suite, quality Showa suspension, and authentic 21/18 wheel sizing. The engine’s 105 Nm midrange and well‑judged riding modes make it easy to ride fast or crawl precisely, while the 24.8 L tank and heated grips show its touring intent.

The trade‑offs are the tall adjustable seat and the kerb mass, which are typical for the segment. Pricing reflects the spec: EU MSRP (Italy, 2020) is €18,990 (manual) and €19,990 (DCT), and US MSRP (2020) is $17,199 (Adventure Sports ES manual) and $17,999 (ES DCT). If you want a well‑equipped, large‑tank ADV with IMU‑based safety tech and the option of DCT, it’s a top contender.

FAQ

• Is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports good for beginners?

  • It’s manageable for confident riders, but the 850/870 mm seat height and 238–248 kg kerb weights are better suited to riders with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports?

  • 850/870 mm (33.5/34.3 in) adjustable.

• How heavy is the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports?

  • Kerb weight is 238 kg (manual) and 248 kg (DCT); with Showa EERA it’s 240/250 kg (manual/DCT).

• What engine and output does it have?

  • SOHC liquid‑cooled 4‑stroke 8‑valve parallel twin, 270° crank (Unicam) making 75 kW (≈101 hp) @ 7,500 rpm and 105 Nm (≈77.4 lb‑ft) @ 6,250 rpm.

• What rider aids and features does it include?

  • Six‑axis IMU, 7‑level HSTC, 3‑level Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, Rear Lift Control, multiple riding modes, cruise control, 6.5" TFT with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (from Feb 2021), plus dual LED lighting with cornering lights.