Hello, “Africa”: test drive Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Honda Africa Twin 2021

The touring enduro Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is a flagship on several fronts. Firstly, this is the base platform on which one of the best and most versatile Honda engines to date, a two-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 1084 cc, appeared and was tested. Secondly, it is on the Honda Africa Twin that the Honda DCT automatic transmission is being tested - after all, this motorcycle is capable of driving in a variety of modes, with a variety of loads and tasks, from quiet city driving to deserted areas where roads are only heard of. Thirdly, there are excellent suspensions, a durable frame, an excellent power reserve and comfort over long hauls. Fourthly, we should not forget about the on-board electronics - a digital dashboard with wireless communication and extensive functionality and a set of electronic assistants that make this motorcycle convenient and safe even for beginners, despite its impressive size and serious engine displacement. In a word, if the Africa Twin did not exist, it would have been worth inventing it - it almost turned out that way, because this model was renewed quite recently, and its previous version differed from the new one quite radically, including in configuration and displacement, not to mention dozens less significant differences.

What is the flagship in the 2021 version? Today's Honda Africa Twin is an evolution of the previous model, practically no different from it in hardware, but in the light of modern trends, it has a number of software features. However, first things first.

Engine Honda Africa Twin 2021

The 2021 Honda Africa Twin 1084cc inline-two is one of the best engines ever found in a touring enduro. It's narrow, compact, and has excellent controllable traction from idle to rev. Moreover, even from the bottom, traction is available in abundance, and at high speeds it retains a comfortable and safe character.

Thanks to its compact engine configuration, the 2021 Africa Twin is not too long. This allows you to position the front wheel closer to the engine, make the wheelbase shorter, and thereby provide the motorcycle with a more nimble and controlled geometry on asphalt and off-road.

The 2021 Honda Africa Twin engine is equipped with a unique dual design intake tract with two vertical filter elements. Thanks to this, clean air enters the combustion chambers without restrictions, and the filtration system copes even in conditions of heavy dust.

Unicam's exclusive design keeps the engine cylinder head compact and allows for optimal positioning in the frame while delivering the highest levels of performance. A compact exhaust tract with dual catalytic converters and a valve similar to that used in the Honda CBR1000RR provides low emissions and excellent engine performance. And thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, the engine has an even more compact design with high ground clearance and reduced vulnerability to impacts.

Honda Africa Twin 2021

Paternity test

What is inside? The steel duplex frame with a welded subframe does not look archaic and is somewhat reminiscent of “old Africa,” but the engine is fundamentally new. Yes, a “twin”, but not a V-shaped one, but an in-line one, located transversely, so it’s more compact and lighter. The crankcase is dry, the timing chain is Unicam (4-valve arrangement, in which two valves are opened directly by the camshaft cams, and two via rocker arms), a typical solution for Honda enduro.

But the flashes in the cylinders, spaced 270 degrees apart, are a feature of another brand; Yamaha calls only its “twos” on TDM and Super Tenere 90 degrees. The same eggs, only in profile, as they say. But if this course of action does not raise any questions, then the pump living under the clutch cover is not a clear-cut solution; I can’t imagine how to treat it if it breaks down in some Pamir.

But the design is without question. Absolutely recognizable, all the genes of the predecessor without mutations migrated to the new product, and modern processing does not allow the look to get bored. Diode optics, aggressive contours, graphics, this is exactly what real “Africa” should look like. The only pity is that the spoked wheels of the “correct” size 21/18 remained tube-type, and the vehicle does not have an “asphalt” cast version and is not yet in sight.

The suspension travel of 230 mm in the front and 220 mm in the rear is impressive, the seating position with a high-raised steering bar and a thin waist puts you in a sporty mood; in short, the “Africa” has not become a newfangled crossover, despite the availability of an automatic version. And this is especially valuable in times of the victorious plastic world.

Technologies Honda Africa Twin 2021

Cruise control

The Honda Africa Twin is not only an off-roader, it is also one of the most comfortable touring motorcycles for long-distance touring. Based on this, Honda equips it with a modern set of electronic assistants, in particular cruise control, which allows you to rest your right wrist and drive calmly, enjoying the road and the views.

Electronic gas

State-of-the-art ECU throttle control technology and electronic throttle control make the Africa Twin an even more versatile motorcycle. Thus, based on the electronic throttle unit, HSTC traction control with seven levels of intervention is implemented, as well as four traction control modes - Touring, City, Gravel and User. First used in the exclusive Honda RC213V-S model for MotoGP, e-gas has found wide application in modern motorcycles of all classes.

270 degree crankshaft

In most two-cylinder engines, the pistons are spaced 180 degrees apart and operate in antiphase. However, thanks to the 270-degree piston arrangement, the Honda Africa Twin engine has a unique traction characteristic that is easily controllable even on loose or slippery surfaces where rear wheel traction is critical.

ABS

Honda Africa Twin 2021 is equipped with ABS with two operating modes - on-road and off-road. In addition, the third ABS mode allows you to disable it on the rear wheel for professional off-road driving. ABS also works in conjunction with a 6-axis inertia measuring device, which allows you to monitor the angle of the motorcycle and adjust the braking force based on it.

Low center of mass

By placing heavy components (such as the battery) close to the center of mass of the motorcycle and using the most compact engine possible, the Africa Twin designers achieved excellent handling of the motorcycle.

Cooling pump

Do you see the pump? And she is! The cooling pump is hidden under the right cover - away from collisions. There are also no shock-sensitive hoses leading to it - the Achilles heel of many motorcycles. The pump drive from the balance shaft and its compact hidden installation allow you not to worry about the health of the cooling system during falls and on rocky areas.

Battery

Lead acid batteries are heavy. Dot. That's why the new Africa Twin is equipped with a lightweight, state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery that lasts four times longer, has a longer service life and is significantly lighter than a lead-acid battery.

Honda Africa Twin 2021

Specifications

Top speed and acceleration to 100 are good. No, they are unlikely to cause delight, but this is not necessary here. This is an enduro-tourer, and the main thing here is the power, thanks to which you will be able to ride over rough terrain without worries. And this technique has exactly these characteristics, which is clear from the video, and for some – even from the photo.

Unlike a motocross motorcycle or a sportbike, this machine is capable of long journeys. In this regard, it is many times superior to road motorcycles. The only class that can compete with enduro tourists is regular touring motorcycles.

Handling Honda Africa Twin 2021

Long travel front suspension

The Honda CRF1100L doesn't just look like an off-road motorcycle - it actually is one. Pay attention to the front suspension: the Showa inverted fork with a full range of adjustments on 45 mm stays has a stroke of 230 mm - one of the largest in the liter tourenduro class.

Steel frame

The second generation Africa Twin is based on a frame that is approximately one and a half kilograms lighter than the previous model. And despite the lightness, it contains optimal rigidity and controllability. The half-duplex frame design has proven its worth in countless Honda off-road motorcycles. It's based on the same design as the CRF450R rally bike, designed to withstand the demands of professional off-road racing.

Four-piston calipers

The front brake circuit of the Africa Twin is equipped with two four-piston calipers, providing powerful and informative braking. The radial arrangement makes them stronger while increasing feedback and braking control.

Steering wheel turn

The steering angle of 43 degrees in both directions gives the Africa Twin excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. This is one of the reasons the Africa Twin handles so much better than many other big tourer bikes.

Updated pendulum

The 2021 Honda Africa Twin's swingarm is lightweight and strong thanks to technologies developed for the CRF450R motocross model

Hollow axles

The Africa Twin wheels are mounted on hollow steel axles - strong, reliable and extremely light, like everything else on this bike.

Traction control

Honda Selectable Torque Control, implemented on the basis of an electronic throttle unit, allows you to select the nature of the response and distribution of engine power, which will determine the traction that is optimally suited to the riding conditions. The system has seven settings, suitable for various surfaces - asphalt, forest soil, sand or anything else. Additionally, HSTC can be disabled completely.

Wheelie control

Data from both wheel speed sensors allows you to identify situations in which the front wheel loses contact with the surface and therefore spins slower than the rear. Based on this principle, the Honda Africa Twin implements wheelie control, which has three levels of intervention - or allows you to independently control the wheelie by completely disabling the system.

Riding modes

Both Africa Twin variants, with manual and automatic transmission, are equipped with six driving modes: Touring, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road and two Custom with the ability to customize the system for yourself

Rear suspension

The Pro-Link link rear suspension is fully adjustable and offers 220mm of travel. Moreover, adjustment of the spring preload is carried out using a convenient remote adjuster, which allows you to adjust the operation of the suspension to changing riding conditions or load.

Wheels

True off-road motorcycles ride on spoked wheels because they are much more resistant to off-road impacts. All Africa Twin models feature 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, perfect for off-road riding.

Honda Africa Twin 2021

Comfort

The only thing that will be “uncomfortable” for many is the cost of the bike. About 900 thousand Russian rubles - that’s how much such a car costs. And no wonder: this is a durable bike for any occasion, designed to cover thousands of kilometers across dozens of countries and different latitudes.

According to the description of those who have already traveled a lot on this bike, spare parts are not difficult to get, but repairs are rarely required. So no one complains about the service here. This enduro touring bike is perhaps the most reliable bike in the world today.

Africa Twin 2021 amenities

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay is a technology that allows you to integrate your compatible iPhone with your motorcycle controls. This means you can use your iPhone for navigation, music and other services, get weather forecasts, manage playlists and phone calls without taking your hands off the wheel. And wireless headsets will make calls even more convenient.

Android Auto

Similar functionality, compatible with Android smartphones, is provided by the Android Auto service. Hints from the navigator, managing calls and messages and much more without taking your phone out of your pocket - what could be more convenient when traveling?

LCD display

The 6.5-inch color touchscreen display has three layout options, displaying different amounts of information about the operation and parameters of the motorcycle, as well as navigator tips and other information from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services.

Update from smartphone

Updating the dashboard firmware allows you to correct errors in its operation and expand its functionality. It was through a firmware update that Africa Twin received Android Auto support. You can easily and conveniently update the dashboard software using your smartphone.

Manual transmission

The base version of the 2021 Africa Twin is equipped with a traditional six-speed manual transmission with a clutch lever - a reliable, proven design that is also somewhat lighter.

Luggage capacity

The optional aluminum panniers are sure to become your favorite accessory. All three cases are equipped with waterproof inserts, and the top one can easily accommodate a full-face helmet. In addition, all three cases are locked with one key.

Gas tank

The base Africa Twin and Africa Twin DCT have an 18.8-litre tank, while both Adventure Sports ES versions have a 24-litre tank, enough for an XL travel size.

Honda Africa Twin 2021

Manufacturer's words

As the manufacturers themselves admitted:

“Despite the fact that after the closure of the XRV 750 Africa Twin we had both the VFR1200X Crosstourer and the XL1000V Varadero, we had nothing to oppose to the Germans with their “goose” BMW R1200GS and the Italians with their Ducati Multistrada. When the British also arrived with the Triumph Tiger Explorer, it became clear that a new Africa was needed like air. We simply shouldn’t miss out on such a fat piece of the pie.”

Production continues.

A Russian user who wishes to receive such a bike needs to stock up on an amount of 700,000 rubles .

Ergonomics Africa Twin 2021

High steering wheel

Since last year, the Honda Africa Twin received a higher steering wheel - then the developers made it 22.5 mm higher. Together with the seat and windshield, it makes the seat more relaxed and works more conveniently in the stance.

Tapered steering wheel

Another premium element of the Honda Africa Twin is the aluminum tapered handlebar (variable section), lighter than steel, and extremely durable thanks to an increased diameter in the most loaded areas near the yoke and thinner tubes in the grip area.

Narrow seat

The Africa Twin's seat is not only comfortable to sit on, but it's also deliberately narrow to make it easier to move weight around the bike, as well as to make it easier to hold the bike with your foot when stopping.

Rear subframe

The subframe has an easily removable design for ease of maintenance and repair. Moreover, since last year it has become 40mm narrower - this has made the entire motorcycle narrower, which is very useful on difficult terrain.

Rally fairing

On long journeys, the aerodynamic shape of the front end of the motorcycle is extremely important - that's why the Africa Twin is equipped with a front fairing and windshield. They provide excellent wind protection without blocking your view or adding weight to the front.

Appearance

Honda CRF 1000L Africa Twin looks impressive. This is a large motorcycle, mostly black. The seats for both driver and passenger are comfortable and made of quality materials. There is no cheap plastic or low-budget equipment to be seen anywhere. Considering the cost, nothing like this should be here.

The wheels here are spoked. It is immediately obvious that this is a heavy motorcycle, taking into account the dimensions of the frame. Based on the ground clearance, it is clear that the element of this bike is off-road. The front wheel is large, and therefore on mountain passes (on the highway) this car is inferior to many other models. But for rough terrain this is a plus.

Hello. My name is Oleg. I’ll start the story of my acquaintance with Africa with the fact that I have long been planning to buy a motorcycle for travel. I spent a year making my painful choice. I was hooked on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 a long time ago, but... in general, I didn’t have any particular preferences.

I looked through a lot of websites, recommendations and reviews from experienced travelers, and decided on a trio: Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, BMW R1250GSA and Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin - worthy motorcycles. It is clear that now many may exclaim “Definitely BMW!!!”, but for me everything turned out to be not so clear: the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro is a very beautiful and technologically advanced motorcycle. What can I say, it’s not for nothing that Italians are design geniuses. Of the trio, this is the most uncomfortable fit for me. Everything seems to be fine, but... it’s inconvenient. At least bite your elbows out of frustration. The second significant disadvantage is manufacturability. And where can I serve it outside of Krasnoyarsk or closer to the Far East? Maybe I’m wrong, but... I won’t be able to ride it into the wilds. Refused.

The BMW R1250GS Adventure is a stunning motorcycle. The fit is right under my “5th point”, everything is thought out and well done. But it’s wide (subjectively), and, perhaps, the cruise control button looks very flimsy, although I haven’t heard of them breaking off. In fact, by the fall of 2019 there was no alternative to the motorcycle. Africa 2018-19, in technical terms, frankly fell short of the parameters I needed (I emphasize “needed by me”), for example, such as cruise control. But in the fall, a phenomenon happened - the appearance of the 2021 Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin.

Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure - yes, it does not have the monstrously good BMW suspension, but the Japanese have significantly redesigned the models of recent years and produced a motorcycle that is close to ideal. A dry sump, a display that corresponds to the time, excellent optics, cruise control, balanced weight distribution, improved compactness - it no longer looks like a hippopotamus, a reliable 102-horsepower liter engine and a Honda-style excellent gearbox.

When the motorcycle arrived in Russia around December 25, 2021, I simply fell in love with it. He is unique and looks very good. Not a single photo conveys this animal charm. Most likely, in terms of technical solutions, the motorcycle is not up to par with the BMW, but if you believe those who have already taken Africa on long trips, it turns out that the motorcycle is not inferior to the Goose, and in some ways superior (subjectively). I was never able to get used to the appearance of the R1250GS, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself. I couldn't!

It should be noted that I need a motorcycle for long trips to places where asphalt is a fairy tale. And knowing my character, I will definitely go to places where “gravel” is a luxury. This means that the power reserve and reliability of a motorcycle are very important parameters.

And I couldn’t resist - pre-order, waiting, languor, heavy thoughts: “Do I need a motorcycle in 2021, when the infection is raging all over the world, and we are sitting in quarantine, which is cutely called self-isolation?” Here at Honda-Russia everyone went offline, stopping work, and the euro began to grow - “hello customs” and “agreed price” for the motorcycle. And... On May 8, 2021, I finally picked it up from the dealer! HOORAY! The guy is HOME!

Friends, don’t expect a full review from me now with rides - now only the first emotions. I still can’t believe that in the situation we all find ourselves in, the motorcycle is already at home. I can write a whole poem about how, within 14 (!!!) hours, the whole world took out MTPL insurance. The motorcycle is new, it is not in any catalogue. Most insurers immediately sent me on an erotic hiking trip. But we did it. OSAGO from May 14, I will try to get the numbers on the same dates. And then... the new GoPro is already waiting in the wings, and I'm ready to use one of my two weekly passes to shoot a good (hopefully) review of this motorcycle.

Next I post photographs with descriptions that I took on May 8 and 11, 2021. Please take into account that I am chronically ill with the Honda X4, which I owned, own, and hopefully will continue to own, and therefore I already have a distortion of perception that needs to be treated. Or is it not necessary?

The motorcycle seems very well-built, lean, and harmonious. My height is 176 cm, but with a regular saddle in the lower position, I can reach the ground perfectly and there is no discomfort. We remove the films - START!

This version of Africa has a myriad of functions that require detailed study, but overall the bike is a “get in and go” style - everything is intuitive.

The saddle has 2 sections, under the back there are hidden keys, a screwdriver, a fuse puller, and also a helmet holder - very convenient, I must say. Under the front there is a place for storing documents (a separate box) and brackets for adjusting the height of the saddle.

The motorcycle is now completely stripped. There is only crankcase protection and heated grips. As soon as the quarantine is lifted, I will order a quick shifter, a center stand, arches, radiator protection, additional lighting, and preparation for mounting panniers. I won’t order the panniers themselves - I realized a long time ago that there is no need - I usually travel relatively lightly and I like soft, waterproof bags, which, along with additional tanks for gasoline and water, I will install on the standard mounts of the side panniers.

The gearshift foot is foldable - a small touch to reliability - a very long time ago, when I fell, I already broke a similar one.

Africa 2021 already has 2 displays. The first one is monochrome. It displays basic information about the life of the motorcycle. The second one is in color. All other functionality goes to it. It looks modern and informative. You can control it either from the remote control or by pressing, even if your hand is in a glove.

Speaking of the remote control: the first impression is that the volume of buttons is close to critical. BUT, after exactly 20 minutes, I controlled the functions of the motorcycle “blindly” almost without errors, although I was not entirely satisfied with a couple of points.

A motorcycle consists of a mass of all kinds of little things that should make life easier for the rider. For example, this is a cable for attaching a helmet to a motorcycle during stops. Simple and convenient! And this is the turn signal lamp. They are installed only on the Adventure version. They are mistakenly called fog lights, but they are not. Each lamp contains 3 LEDs, which turn on when the motorcycle is tilted. The lower the slope, the more light.

The wheels are already without tubes, which is more convenient and pleasant; the spoke heads are hidden in the rim and look harmonious. The front wheel is 21” - there are pros and cons, but no compromise.

By the way, a few words about handling: the motorcycle gives the impression of a light bike - easy to steer, easy to shift, easy to turn at near-zero speed. I ordered myself an electronically controlled suspension - if you believe the reviews, then this is a quite reliable unit (practice will show), and with my height of 176 cm, it is a very pleasant necessity, since almost my entire foot touches the ground when I stand. With both feet.

So, the motorcycle is already at home, I have already ordered a good cover for it, I need to put it on the numbers, put it in extra. equipment and... wait for the virus to go away and the borders to open. This year I planned to travel about 20,000 km. But it is already clear that I will have to endure the journey, but I am not discouraged and wait. And in order not to sit still, I study the sights where I can go in the current situation. But I believe that everything will be fine! Do not be ill. Thank you for your attention!

Tire selection

When designing the new “Africa”, the Japanese company relied on the same wheel sizes as on the KTM Adventure 950, 990, 1050 R, 1090 R, Super Adventure 1190 R and 1290 R models. That is, 90/90–21 and 150/70–18. This family has been on the market for many years, and tire manufacturers have added wheels for Red Adventurers to their range. You can find cheap and expensive, road and toothy, and even rally and mud. For driving mainly on roads, standard tires are not bad. You can install Pirelli scorpion Trail 2, Conti Trail Attack 2, Shinko E 705. A slightly more toothy option that allows you to get off the road more confidently would be Pirelli MT 90 A / T, Continental TKC 70, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. For trips where asphalt is rare, choose the Conti TKC 80 Twinduro, Metzeler Karoo 3, Mitas E -10, or Shinko E 804–805.

BMW, with its Liquid Goose, was a pioneer by using the unique sizes 120/70-19 and 170/60-17. At the very beginning, even standard tires were in short supply, but now the situation has improved, and these sizes have become an inter-industry standard for touring enduros. To the above models you can add Michelin, which studiously ignores the 18” size - Anakee 3 for asphalt and mud Anakee Wild. From asphalt, Mitas Terra Force is also quite good, as well as Metzlers: classic Tourance and Tourance Next.

Information provided by the online store www.motorezina.ru
From the life of engine covers > March 18, 2021 09:39 Mikhail Pimus

There is such a function

Another interesting feature is the “G” button on the dashboard. It strangles the engine a little and somewhat measures the automatic clutch operation algorithm, which also helps to better control the Honda CRF 1000 Africa Twin off-road.

Now comes the most interesting part. Talk about an automatic transmission on a heavy-duty off-road motorcycle. When you go on some kind of trip, as a rule, if you encounter any off-road difficulties, you overcome them slowly and thoughtfully, practically without using the clutch. More often than not, it even gets in the way, because you have to be distracted by it. When switching gears or driving very slowly. In general, a situation where you accidentally dropped the clutch in the most annoying place and stalled is simply impossible here.

Honda, as always, went its own unbeaten path and did not make another clone of the big touring Enduro. There are a lot of such motorcycles. But Honda, as usual, deceived everyone and made a liter touring endura.