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The Honda Africa Twin is a breath of fresh air in the 1200+cc adventure bike class. You’ll find rough terrain a breeze with its light weight, parallel-twin motor (making it low,) and its improved fuel tank ergonomics. This allows the rider to get their weight forward over the front wheel easily.
This bike isn’t just for rough terrain, though. Wherever you decide to go on this machine will feel easy, with its responsive throttle and 94bhp motor. Criticised by some for its lack of bottom to mid range engagement, it might not have the rush of some other rival bikes but it does still have some exciting power and an impressive torque figure of 68.6ftlb.
You won’t feel uncomfy on this bike. The seat is spacious and ideal for tall riders. The seat is also narrow where it meets the fuel tank, which means your legs aren’t splayed wide like they are on other rival bikes. You’ll feel confident on this bike, with its smooth power and predictable throttle control, you won’t want to get off- especially if you’re off-road which is where this bike really comes into its own.
This bike is a reliable model from Honda, well put together, and cleverly thought out. It’s also a simple one to ride and work out. The all-digital dash shows you your speed and revs clearly, with a lower section showing you information like the traction, gear position, temperature, fuel gauge, and mpg.
You’ll find lots of accessories available for this bike, including luggage, heated grips, taller screen, fog lights, and much more.
Check out the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin in action…
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Gallery
Image submitted by Mike D
Owner Reviews
Submitted by:
Mike D
Review Date: May 2017
Comfort
Best bike I've had for comfort and I've had a few
Ride Quality
Rides great, it's a blast one up!
Build Quality & Reliability
Wheels being replaced as spokes were corroding after 200 miles - no quibble from Honda
Engine Rating
Could do with a bit more power - especially with a pillion
Brake Rating
Running Cost
A bit more power!
Overall
Pros Comments
Being able to just jump on it and go anywhere, on any roads. It has enough power for solo riding which is what I do most but could do with more when carrying a pillion. Love the engine and its sound, even with the stock exhaust. Build quality is great. It's going to be with me for quite a while which is unusual for me unless they update it with more power. Fantastic!
Cons Comments
A bit more power!
Submitted by:
Tim Lloyd
Review Date: May 2017
Comfort
The Africa Twin is very comfortable with good ergonomics like most Honda bikes. I have done several long European trips and it is a very nice place to sit.
Ride Quality
The Africa Twin is very smooth and the power delivery is excellent. It is lightweight compared to other big 'trailies' which makes it a pleasure to ride on or off road.
Build Quality & Reliability
As with all modern bikes, there is a lot of plastic but it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. I have done 2000 miles so far and nothing has gone wrong or broken off.
Engine Rating
At around 100bhp it is lower powered than many dual sports bikes but it's light weight mean the power to weight ratio is comparable with the BMW, KTM, Triumph alternatives and its off-road ability leaves them standing.
Brake Rating
The brakes are excellent. It has ABS like most modern machines. In the end the tyres are what provide the grip. If you use knobbly tyres your braking and cornering wont be as good. I find Michelin Anakee 2 or 3 tyres offer happy medium between road grip and off-road traction.
Running Cost
I would like to see a bigger horsepower figure but only for bragging rights
Overall
Pros Comments
The Africa Twin is a true all rounder and a worthy replacement for the original. Whether you're ragging it through a twisty section, exploring a green lane or riding down to Africa it does it all very well. The only problem was convincing my wife I still needed the trail bike, the sports tourer and the big trailie…
Cons Comments
I would like to see a bigger horsepower figure but only for bragging rights
Submitted by:
Pete
Review Date: November 2017
Comfort
With full luggage and OEM screen, 2 up, can easily ride for 350 miles (2 tanks worth) without a proper break
Ride Quality
Handles far better than you'd expect for an adventure bike. Recently did a 200 miler in the wet, on tarmaced roads with a very quick group and the bike performed admirably. Get it off road and for the height and weight it is simply unbelievably easy to handle.
Build Quality & Reliability
Only had her 2 months so far, let's see how winter treats her.
Engine Rating
At 98hp I did worry I might be feeling a lack of power (coming from a CBF1000) but no, she's plenty quick enough and that smooth DCT pull away from a standing start yes you at the top end of legal speed limits in an instant.
Brake Rating
Coming from a CBF1000 with linked ABS that I never managed to activate, I was shocked to find I (reasonably regularly) feel the rear ABS kick in on the AT. Using front breaks on a show room set suspension is next to pointless as the front end dive is just horrible. Once I'd had a professional suspension set up done, she stops just fine.
Running Cost
Averages about 53mpg using sports mode 1 or 2, which I'm quite happy with when you look at the size and weight of her.
Overall
Pros Comments
Rugged good looks. Every time I pass the garage door I want to pop my head in and admire her lines. Love it enough to be going down to one bike as nothing else seems to be getting ridden nowadays.
Cons Comments
Honda luggage is a little flimsy and not entirely waterproof in a deluge, love the reckless system but these boxes are expensive for what they are. Having a timeless tire option would also have been nice.
Submitted by:
Sprocket
Review Date: April 2019
Comfort
The suspension is compliant but after about 40 miles the seat gets uncomfortable.
Ride Quality
Very smooth ride but the soft suspension on the road two up makes the bike feel heavy.
Build Quality & Reliability
Very good build quality. I keep mine clean but after almost 10,000 miles it is still looking sharp.
Engine Rating
The performance is adequate. Two up with luggage on hills can seem to tax the engine somewhat.
Brake Rating
Good brakes. Progressive if not barn door stopping power
Running Cost
Very economical to run. I don’t rag mine but at reasonable speeds expect 55 to 60 mpg. Servicing is also reasonable especially compared to say BMW.
Overall
Pros Comments
It is a great work horse. Never complains just gets on with the job.
Cons Comments
A little lacking in the technology department. Adventure bikes these days expect to have things like electronic suspension control and ride by wire with cruise control.
Submitted by:
CK
Review Date: July 2019
Comfort
Great comfort but the seat is quite firm. Pillion comfort is good (according to the wife).
Ride Quality
Smooth and handles great.
Build Quality & Reliability
Can't fault it.
Engine Rating
94 HP. doesn't need any more, loads of torque.
Brake Rating
Does the job.
Running Cost
Averages 57 mpg. Tax, insurance and maintenance are ok.
