Africa Twin CRF1000L review︱Cross Training Adventure

2016 CRF1000L dry weight 220kg (485lb)
2016 BMW GS1200 dry weight 229kg (504lb)
2016 Ducati Multistrada dry weight 209kg (460lb)
2016 Triumph Tiger dry weight 218kg (481lb)
I am no expert when it comes to big adventure motorbikes so I spoke to various owners and read a pile of reviews. There is a very strong consensus about the dirt-nature of the Africa Twin. And I think Toni Bou would agree. The man is a freak of nature and doing some ridiculous stunts on the big Honda. So many adventure models seem to just be road motorbikes with a few adventure trimmings. It's great to have some more off-road oriented motorbikes available. Where does it fit? Personally I'd say it's around here on the spectrum for 1000cc models. Normally a 21 inch front wheel and lots of suspension travel mean a very tall seat height but the Africa Twin is a very reasonable 850 mm (33.5 in) along with a low seat option of 825mm (32.5 in). Reliability? The usual Honda story. There are plenty of Africa Twins with high mileage now and still going strong. That brings us to the known issues. Regular viewers will know we like to be critical so we scoured the internet for regularly reported problems. The 2016 model was a completely new motorbike from the ground up so we did find some known issues. From 2018 to 2020 there was a recall due to possible corrosion from fuel tank welds clogging the fuel filter. Some heavier or more aggressive riders report 'stiction' in the front forks due to the upper bushing wearing the anodized surface. Keen on adventure riding in Australia? Check out our vids. Fork seals occasionally started leaking quite early. Honda wouldn't fix these under warranty as they claimed this would only happen if the rider was doing wheelies. Hmmm. Some riders reported corrosion of bolts, wheels and spokes on earlier models if exposed to salty environments. Honda began coating these components which solved the potential problem. In a small number of cases there are reports of handlebar switches sticking due to dust and water getting past seals. Honda only rates the rack load capacity as 10kg (22lb) so if you plan on carrying a lot of luggage you may need to strengthen the rear sub-frame. Honda used alloy brackets for the footpegs to reduce weight. In a crash these can break so you may want to buy stronger aftermarket parts if you plan on a few crashes. Some riders have reported breakages with aggressive off-road riding too. Some riders find the stock seat okay. Others complain about the lack of comfort. There are plenty of aftermarket seat options around. Earlier models occasionally had sidestand and centre-stand failures due to a weak circlip that wasn't properly heat-treated. What about later models? 2020 and 2021 Africa Twins had a recall due to potential problems with the engine control unit and dual-clutch transmission which affected 1600 models. Would the Africa Twin suit you? If you spend most of your time on highways and occasionally on a smooth dirt road, you will probably prefer the usual road-oriented offerings. But if you want a super reliable big adventure motorbike that is great off-road and still surprisingly good on the highway then the Africa Twin is definitely worth looking at.
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[nickcalnephone]

Having owned one for 6 years now I would say that the thing where it excels is versatility. Road, off road, camping trip, one up, two up, winter, summer whatever. But with such versatility you cant expect it to be the best at any one specific thing.

[victorkelley]

36K miles on my 2018 AT. This bike is INCREDIBLE. It can do everything, and do it well. I did the valves at 30k, it was a real pain. That is the only bad thing I can say about this bike. The 2nd time around probably wont be as bad. My fork seals also went at 30k miles.

This bike hasn't missed a beat. Truly perfect. I'll probably have this bike till the frame rust away to bits. I am IN LOVE with it. I am taking a 6000 mile trip in September. Lots of off road, lots of highway. It can do it all.

[mikeyfrompiha]

I got '21 DCT and love it to bits, long distance trips with gravel roads and camping gear on the back is my type of riding. Had the software recall done on mine for the DCT issues (never actually had any issues) they plugged in a USB cable and uploaded a new file, was fixed in 30 seconds. No other reliability issues and now just over 10, 000 kilometers on the clock.

[TLEA]

2016/17 was gen 1, 2018/19 was gen 2.
Gen 2 received a few updates and sorted allcthe issues.

The tank corrosion was on Adventure sport models.

I have a 2019 manual standard and will never sell it even if I get a newer 1100.

Ride tar only to get to dirt. Spend 90% on the dirt roads, twin track and tend to avoid single track if possible.

[leoncelestinedave]

I have the 2018 CRF1000L DCT and have done 73k kms. The only issue I faced was that the switchgear became sticky and was replaced under warranty at some 20k kms. Post that I have not faced the issue again. The bike has been an absolute hoot

[Spiderwebsider]

I have a 2016 manual. I like the way it puts its power down in the dirt, it’s easy to ride, and easy to pick up when you drop it once you get the knack. I’m a short-arse, but with the low seat I can flat foot it. Riding it on technical single track is a bit above my pay grade - I have a Kato 350 for that - but for long stretches of dirt and gravel road, and general off road riding, it’s pretty darn good.

[Bbanker]

I love my 2017 CRF1000 Manual. 44K miles and counting.

[jepomer]

I bought my 2016 Africa Twin in April 2017. Serial number 57. It does NOT have the red/white/black color scheme — I dislike that gaudiness. It was my first "big bike" — and my second "new off the dealer's floor" purchase since my 1974 Honda XL250 (yes, I am 71).

My only complaint is that my 29" inseam legs make me tip-toe at stoplights. That is the time I notice it being heavier and more top heavy especially compared to my XL250. I've spent the past years searching for a way to lower the bike to fit my legs. Last week I bought a 2023 CB500X. It has the same "lightness" feeling I remembered from my XL250. I very much felt at home with it driving home from the dealer.

Driving my Africa Twin back from its annual inspection recalled the power and comfort with minimal vibration on the highway.

The Africa Twin will never be the off-load motorcycle for me. It will do back dirt roads just fine. Just ordered a lowering kit to extend the unimproved road conditions with my shorter legs (and back problems). The CB500X will go into those unimproved roads and trails much better for me.

Yes, no one bike will meet every need of a person. At this point in my life, I can afford to keep both.

[DJAguitars]

Doing the fork seals on my 2017 manual at the moment. Great bike for tall riders... stiffer springs fitted, taller seat, bar risers... spot on 👍

[SimonBrisbane]

Another good and fair review. A lot of the issues/complaints regarding the CRF1000 were put to bed with the CRF1100. Just about everything on the bike was incrementally improved so as a package the 1100 is solid. The power difference isn’t massive but you’ll certainly feel it riding them back to back. Of course the CRF1100 comes with the TFT screens and multiple drive modes. Apple car play/Android auto and cruise control being touring luxuries I’ve enjoyed when heading across borders and through the regions. Not everyone is a fan of the electronics but I can’t imagine a premium adventure bike these days without them. Horses for courses and there are a lot of happy owners of the CRF1000 despite it not having the bells and whistles.

[wademagnant]

I have a 2020 adv sport, manual. I love the electronics on it. Super comfortable, does everything really well, except for single track

[kamleshchand]

I own the DCT and it’s a resale from a friend. With a suspension set-up for my kind of riding the bike behaves like a sports bike in the city and a tourer/off reader off it. I would say a compete package given the Honda reliability.

[RugerM]

I had a 2018 Adventure Sports model (non-DCT) and it was my favorite bike I ever owned. More than enough power for me and comfortable to ride. I loved the look of the bike. Unfortunately a deer t-boned me and the insurance company totaled it. It was my bucket list bike and I will own another.

[richardvalitalo]

Love my 17 dct, 40k no issues. Looking to rest the TA.

[pursuitofhappiness..]

Confirm mine 16 mod. DCT ..still strong never had an issue went from EU to Kazakhstan lots off bad and no roads ...speciall thx to dct so easy to ride ....

[bridges_one]

Bought one in 2018, rode it ever since. Got it for the seating position, looks, and capability for allroad touring. Did put a termignoni slip-on on it from the beginning, and better tires after the factory set. Only complaint is weak factory heated grips. Mine has been very reliable, have been enjoying it quite a lot.

[yorkchris]

I don't think Canada got too many A-T's. I saw an air-cooled v-twin shaft drive one at a dealer once. Dakar seems to have gone to ADV Trials for marketing or movements. South America has always liked the TA and A-T.
We did get the Honda Varadero that no-one really seems to talk about.
Once again, good scaling.

[petegrimshaw]

I owned a 2017 model (NOT DCT!!) until the high centre of gravity became a problem for my poor old back. I tested the Norden first, not for me, didn't find it comfortable, then after a test ride and a long wait at last, the Ducati desert X arrived at my dealership. Although I absolutely loved the Africa Twin for 4 happy years I think the Duke blows it out of the water. A faultless ADV that becomes an outstanding sports bike at the touch of a button. I've found my "bike for life!!".

[jerryattrick]

I have the 2023 AT . My first bike since 1985 . Great on the highway, loves tight winding bitumen roads, plenty of power, smooth DCT, suspension smooth, heated grips, economical, sticks to the road, comfortable . Not great in the dirt with "street" tyres, gotta get nobbies . Too higher geared for winding tracks or single steep winding trails . Would need a larger rear sprocket .
I've done all that stupid stuff when I was young so just hopping on it and going for a cruise is nice, no racing : )

[fverMonkey]

I owned a 2016 Africa Twin. Put 27K miles on it. Mostly rode it Offroad in technical terrain. I did also use it as a road bike and road cross country, to Mexico too. I did the suspension. Removed stock exhaust and installed Akropovic header and exhaust and a RapidBike auto tuner. Great bike but liter sized twins is not what I do anymore. I ride 250 and 300 cc KTM and Husqvarnas strictly in the woods now however i recently bought a sport touring bike - 2023 Yamaha FJR1300ES