Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin: Strengths & Weaknesses of an Icon

"Leave us your experiences in the comments", is not a meaningless phrase we tack onto the end of a 1000PS video. Nobody can give a deeper insight into the character of a bike than its owner. That's why your comments are so valuable. We combed through the comments of numerous BMW S 1000 R videos to gather your experiences here in this report.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin was introduced in 2016 as a modern interpretation of the legendary Honda XRV750 Africa Twin, which was produced from the late 1980s until the early 2000s. Inspired by Honda's success at the Rallye Dakar with the NXR750, the XRV750 established itself as a reliable and versatile adventure bike. The CRF1000L continued this tradition, but combined classic off-road DNA with modern technology such as a dual clutch transmission (DCT), electronic riding aids and a robust parallel-twin engine with 998 cc. From 2020, the Africa Twin was further developed with a larger 1,084 cc engine and an Adventure Sports variant optimized for long-distance touring and demanding terrain. It remains an icon among adventure bikes, known for its reliability and versatility.

You can find tests of the Africa Twin here: Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin test reports on 1000PS.

Based on community feedback, the Africa Twin scores with the following strengths:

Reliability and durability: Honda is known for the excellent quality and reliability of its bikes, and the CRF1000L Africa Twin is no exception. Riders report high mileages, often over 100,000 km, without any notable problems. The robust construction and high-quality build make it an ideal companion for long trips.

Dual clutch transmission (DCT): The optional DCT is one of the most innovative features of the CRF1000L Africa Twin. It offers smooth and precise gear changes, which is particularly appreciated in city traffic, on long tours and off-road. Riders emphasize that the DCT significantly improves riding comfort and control.

Comfort and ergonomics: With its upright seating position, generous seat and thoughtful design, the CRF1000L offers high riding comfort for rider and pillion. It's perfectly suited for long distances without becoming tiring.

Off-road capability: Thanks to the combination of a 21-inch front wheel, generous suspension travel and a sturdy frame, the CRF1000L is excellently suited to off-road stretches. Riders praise its versatility, which shines both on asphalt and on gravel.

Design and sound: The CRF1000L impresses with its striking design, especially in the Tricolor paint scheme. The sound of the parallel-twin engine with 270-degree crank offset is described as pleasantly present and typical of an adventure bike.

Range and fuel consumption: With a tank capacity of 18.8 liters and economical fuel consumption, the CRF1000L achieves ranges of up to 400 km, making it ideal for long trips.

However, the 1000PS community also reports weaknesses:

Weight and seat height: The high weight and seat height of up to 870 mm can be a challenge for shorter riders, especially when maneuvering or at traffic lights. This somewhat narrows the target audience.

Wind protection: Wind protection is an area that is frequently criticized. Some riders find the airflow loud or uncomfortable, which can be particularly annoying at high speeds.

Complex electronics: The extensive electronics, including the various riding modes and assistance systems, are sometimes perceived as overloaded. Beginners in particular can feel overwhelmed by the multitude of functions.

Suspension: The chassis is occasionally described as too soft, especially with a high payload or a sporty riding style. Some riders opt for a suspension upgrade to optimize performance.

Original tires: The factory-fitted Dunlop tires are often cited as a weak point. Many riders swap them for alternatives to improve the riding performance.

Price and costs: The CRF1000L Africa Twin is comparatively expensive. On top of that come costs for optional features such as heated grips, panniers or cruise control, which drive the price even higher.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is ideal for adventurers, long-distance travelers and off-road enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile bike. With its robust construction, modern technology such as the optional dual clutch transmission (DCT) and high riding comfort, it's suited for long tours on roads as well as on unpaved tracks. It appeals equally to experienced riders and technology enthusiasts, but also offers everyday comfort for commuters. Thanks to its reliability and worldwide spare parts availability, it's a first-class choice for globetrotters. However, due to the high seat height and weight, it's less suited for shorter riders or beginners.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is undoubtedly one of the best adventure bikes on the market. It combines Honda's typical reliability with modern technology and impressive off-road capability. Its weaknesses, such as the high weight and cost, are more than compensated for by its strengths such as comfort, DCT and versatility. It's the ideal choice for adventurers looking for a bike that can accompany them for years and thousands of kilometers.