2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Specs & Review

Honda’s big-bore adventure icon returns with a balanced blend of off-road capability and long-haul comfort. If you want a proven 21/18-inch wheel platform, serious suspension travel, and the option of Honda’s DCT, the Africa Twin remains a benchmark. In this Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin review, we break down what matters for riders cross-shopping full-size ADV bikes.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: Liquid-cooled OHC 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin, 270° crank, uni-cam
• Displacement: 1084 cc
• Max power: 75 kW (100.5 hp) at 7,500 rpm
• Max torque: 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
• Kerb weight: MT 231 kg (509.27 lbs), DCT 242 kg (533.52 lbs), ES MT 233 kg (513.67 lbs), ES DCT 244 kg (537.93 lbs)
• Seat height: 850 mm (33.46") or 870 mm (34.25"); Low seat 825 mm (32.48"), Comfort seat 885 mm (34.84")

Engine & Performance

On paper, the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs show a sweet spot for real-world riding: 1084 cc, 100.5 hp at 7,500 rpm, and a stout 112 Nm arriving at 5,500 rpm. The 270° crank parallel twin mimics a V-twin pulse for traction and character, while the uni-cam layout keeps mass low and responses lively. PGM-FI fueling and a 6-speed gearbox—manual or DCT—deliver smooth, predictable drive.

Around town, the generous midrange lets you short-shift and surf torque without working the engine. On the highway, it settles into a relaxed lope; cruise control comes standard for easy mile-eating. Fun rides on backroads benefit from the broad torque curve, making roll-on passes clean and confident. Fuel consumption is listed at 20.5 km/l (4.9 l/100 km / 48.2 mpg) for both MT and DCT, so you can expect solid range from the 18.8 l (4.97 gal) tank.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Seat Height

Chassis geometry aims at stability with agility in reserve: a 1575 mm wheelbase, 27.5° caster, and 113 mm trail. Ground clearance is a generous 250 mm, and the long-travel Showa suspension (230 mm front stroke, 220 mm rear wheel travel) is primed for rough roads and dirt. The 21M/C x MT2.15 front and 18M/C x MT4.00 rear wire-spoke wheels (tubeless type) on Metzeler Karoo Street tires (90/90-21 front, 150/70R18 rear) are classic ADV choices that reward riders who venture beyond pavement.

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin seat height is adjustable between 850 mm and 870 mm, with factory options to go lower (825 mm) or taller (885 mm). Taller riders will appreciate the legroom and generous ground clearance, while shorter riders may prefer the low seat to boost low-speed confidence. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight varies by trim—231 to 244 kg—so the lighter MT trims will feel a touch easier during u-turns and off-camber stops, while the DCT and ES versions add convenience and control that many riders value.

Equipment & Features

• Suspension: Showa 45 mm cartridge-type inverted fork with dial-style preload and DF adjustments (230 mm stroke); rear Pro-Link swingarm with Showa gas-charged damper, hydraulic preload adjuster and rebound. ES variants add an electronic control unit (SHOWA EERATM) with electronically managed compression and rebound, plus a remote preload adjuster.
• Brakes: 310 mm dual wave floating front discs with radial 4-piston calipers and sintered pads; 256 mm rear wave disc with single-piston caliper.
• ABS & rider aids: 2-channel ABS with IMU and selectable ON-road/OFF-road modes, 6-axis IMU, HSTC, and wheelie control.
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed DCT; optional quickshifter (MT only). Final drive is an O-ring sealed chain.
• Electronics & connectivity: 6.5-inch TFT touch panel multi-information display (plus LCD meter), Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, USB and 12V socket, immobiliser, cruise control, emergency stop signal, and auto winker cancel. LED headlight and taillight; no cornering lights.
• Noise level: MT Lurban 75.1 dB / Lwot 80.1 dB; DCT Lurban 75.0 dB / Lwot 79.9 dB.
• Battery: 12V-6Ah Li-ion (20Hr).
• Fuel/CO2: 18.8 l tank; 114 g/km CO2.

Who Is the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin For?

Experienced riders who split time between paved touring and light-to-moderate off-road will find a lot to like: long-travel Showa suspension, 21/18 wheels, and thoughtful electronics. Commuters benefit from the DCT option and cruise control, while weekend explorers will appreciate the torque-rich engine, durable chassis, and tubeless-capable wire-spoke rims.

Absolute beginners may find the seat height and mass challenging, but confident intermediates can grow into it—especially with the low seat option and the supportive electronics suite.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs paint a picture of a well-rounded, adventure-first machine. Strengths include tractable torque, a characterful 270° twin, high-quality Showa hardware, real off-road geometry, and excellent electronics and connectivity. The DCT remains a standout feature for riders who want effortless control in traffic and on trails.

Trade-offs? The tall seat and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight—231 to 244 kg depending on trim—will deter some shorter or brand-new riders. Also, quickshifter availability is MT-only and there are no cornering lights. Overall, it’s a top-tier ADV pick if you prioritize genuine dirt capability without sacrificing long-distance comfort and tech.

FAQ

• Is the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin good for beginners? It’s manageable for confident riders, but the tall seat (850–870 mm, with a 825 mm low option) and kerb weight (231–244 kg depending on trim) may challenge absolute beginners.

• What is the seat height of the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? Standard seat height is 850 mm (33.46") or 870 mm (34.25"). There’s a Low Seat option at 825 mm (32.48") and a Comfort Seat option at 885 mm (34.84").

• How heavy is the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? Kerb weight is MT 231 kg (509.27 lbs), DCT 242 kg (533.52 lbs), ES MT 233 kg (513.67 lbs), and ES DCT 244 kg (537.93 lbs).

• Does the Africa Twin have DCT and cruise control? Yes. It’s available with a 6-speed DCT, and cruise control is standard.

• What fuel economy can I expect? Listed fuel consumption is 20.5 km/l (4.9 l/100 km) or 48.2 mpg (both MT and DCT), with an 18.8 l (4.97 gal) fuel tank.