2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Specs & Review

Honda’s big-bore ADV icon returns with a torque-rich parallel twin, long-travel Showa suspension, and a full suite of modern electronics. If you’re cross-shopping big adventure bikes, the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs show a machine built to cover distance on road while staying truly capable off it. This Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin review focuses on the real-world details riders care about.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1084 cc
• Engine type: Liquid-cooled OHC 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and uni-cam
• Max power: 75 kW (100.6 hp) at 7,500 rpm
• Max torque: 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
• Kerb weight: MT 231 kg; DCT 242 kg; ES MT 233 kg; ES DCT 244 kg
• Seat height: 850 mm or 870 mm; Low seat 825 mm; Comfort seat 885 mm

Engine & Performance

The 1084 cc parallel twin with a 270° crank gives the Africa Twin its signature pulse and tractable drive. On paper, 75 kW (100.6 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm promise a broad spread of torque—ideal for city launches, quick overtakes, and relaxed highway cruising. PGM-FI fueling keeps response clean and predictable, and you can choose between a 6-speed Manual (with an aluminium cam assist and slipper clutch) or a 6-speed DCT with two wet, multiplate clutches.

Out on the motorway, cruise control adds welcome serenity, while the strong midrange makes overtakes effortless without constant downshifts. In tighter backroads, the engine’s low- to mid-rpm shove lets you ride a gear higher and focus on lines and traction. Efficiency is solid for the class at 20.5 km/l (4.9 l/100 km) / 48.2 mpg (MT and DCT), with CO2 emissions rated at 114 g/km. The 18.8 l fuel tank supports long legs between stops.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Seat Height

A Semi Double Cradle frame, 21/18 wire-spoke wheels, and long-travel suspension give the Africa Twin authentic ADV geometry. Up front is a Showa 45 mm cartridge-type inverted fork with dial-style preload plus DF adjustments and 230 mm stroke; the rear uses a Pro-Link Showa gas-charged damper with hydraulic preload and rebound adjustment, delivering 220 mm of rear wheel travel. The ES variant adds SHOWA EERATM electronic control for on-the-fly damping and preload changes.

With a 1575 mm wheelbase, 27.5° caster, and 113 mm trail, stability is a given, yet the compliant suspension and narrow midsection make it friendlier at low speeds than the size suggests. Ground clearance is a generous 250 mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin seat height is adjustable between 850 mm and 870 mm; a Low Seat option brings it to 825 mm, while the Comfort Seat raises it to 885 mm. Shorter riders will appreciate the low option, and taller riders can tailor the setup for legroom and leverage.

If you care about Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight, kerb figures start at 231 kg for the Manual and go to 244 kg for the ES DCT. Balance and suspension support help mask mass in motion, but the numbers matter for garage maneuvers and technical off-road.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by 310 mm dual wave floating front discs with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and a 256 mm rear disc. A 2-channel ABS system uses an IMU and offers selectable ON-road and OFF-road settings. The 6-axis IMU also feeds rider aids including HSTC and wheelie control. A quickshifter is available as an option on the Manual.

Electronics and cockpit are thoroughly modern: a 6.5-inch TFT touch-panel multi-information display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), plus an auxiliary LCD meter. Lighting is full LED front and rear. Practical touches include USB and a 12V socket, Auto Winker Cancel, an immobiliser, an emergency stop signal, and cruise control. Final drive is an O-ring sealed chain, and tyres are tubeless-type Metzeler Karoo Street in 90/90-21 front and 150/70R18 rear. Cornering lights are not included.

Who Is the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin For?

Riders who split time between paved distance and real off-road will get the most from the Africa Twin’s 21/18 wheelset, 230/220 mm suspension travel, and broad torque curve. Experienced riders will appreciate the manual’s feel or the DCT’s seamless shifts in both traffic and technical terrain. Newer riders can benefit from the smooth fueling and aids, but the seat height (850–870 mm, with options) and kerb weight (231–244 kg) may pose a learning curve. As a daily commuter, its cruise control, TFT connectivity, and usable torque make it stress-free; as a weekend escape machine, it’s built to explore.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs highlight a balanced, adventure-first tool: a tractable 1084 cc twin, long-travel Showa hardware, serious electronics via a 6-axis IMU, and genuine off-road rolling stock. The cockpit tech and cruise control round out its mile-eating credentials.

Downsides are typical for the class: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin weight and seat height won’t suit everyone, and there are no cornering lights. But the multiple seat options, DCT availability, and the ES suspension variant mean you can tailor it closely to your riding. In a crowded ADV field, it remains a benchmark for real-world versatility.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin good for beginners? It’s manageable thanks to smooth PGM-FI fueling and rider aids, but the 850–870 mm seat height and 231–244 kg kerb weight can be challenging. The DCT helps reduce workload for newer riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? Standard is 850 mm or 870 mm. A Low Seat option drops it to 825 mm, and a Comfort Seat raises it to 885 mm.

• How heavy is the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin? Kerb weight is MT: 231 kg, DCT: 242 kg, ES MT: 233 kg, ES DCT: 244 kg.

• What are the power and torque figures? Max power is 75 kW (100.6 hp) at 7,500 rpm, and max torque is 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

• Does it have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and what’s the fuel economy? Yes—Bluetooth plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired). Fuel consumption is 20.5 km/l (4.9 l/100 km) / 48.2 mpg.