2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Update Review - How's the newest version of the bike?

I've not ridden an Africa Twin for some time - so when I recently got the chance to borrow one, I thought why not do an update review!

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My current motorcycles are:-
2014 BMW R1200GS
2023 Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
2019 Triumph Speed Twin
2019 Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
2022 Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
2021 Suzuki GSXS125 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)

Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[leoncelestinedave]

The 2018 review of yours helped me make up my mind. 6 years later with 92k kms on the odo it’s been a brilliant decision! Thanks for the fantastic reviews

[markbaxter]

I've recently sold a Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and brought the 24 AT Adventure sport DCT model . I absolutely love the Honda over the Tiger. Being able to flat foot the bike is a massive advantage over the Tiger. The engine is so smooth in comparison, easy to ride over long distances and that Honda build quality is spot on. 👌

[LambChopRides]

You should test the Adventure Sport Andy as has the smaller front wheel. I really liked it, something about the Africa Twin just a lovely bike

[baldandbiking]

Ive owned one since 2020. It's only complicated if you want it to be. All those buttons on the left are mostly just directional arrows with a few function buttons to bring up the menu. The 2020 and newer models are completely redesigned to any older models. The DCT is nice. Very few people dislike it, even old school riders. You have to learn how to smooth out the ride with throttle control rather than clutch, don't wear thick gloves with it and be careful of whiskey throttle, especially in traffic or pulling up to a gas pump. A big plus, especially offroad is it wont stall. Except when I went into a mud puddle that turned out to be over 2 feet deep and it went sideways, automatically turning off the engine, which saved any water intake. that was nice. Even if you don't do much offroad, it makes a great touring bike with it's cruise control and luggage capacity once equipped with good panniers and top case. The only issue I am having with my bike now is it feels like "end game". There is no bike I can trade it in for that would be an upgrade. It would only be out of desire to ride something different, but certainly not going to be better.

[Anatoli]

Thanks for the update. I like my 2017 Africa Twin CRF 1000 L so much that I stopped looking at new bikes. The basic value proposition alone makes it a keeper. This is the Labrador Retriever of adventure bikes: not the best at anything, but really good at everything. An easy keeper that won’t keep you awake at night wondering what will go wrong next. Just buy gas, oil, and tires as necessary. The AT is a loyal and faithful companion for any adventure.

[michaelmclarney]

Nice overview Andy, the base model is the one I would go for, given the opportunity. I like that you can avoid the electronic suspension, which would be very expensive to replace when it breaks or wears out, and the seats low position of 235mm me and I can put my feet down enough to be comfortable with it.

[dwb]

Hello Flyer! I purchased a used 2019 AT Base, installed a 7" Carpuride for maps and comms. It's such an impressive machine. In true Honda fashion, it's not earth shattering at any one thing, but a solid performer at everything.

[msims]

I had an Africa Twin for a year or so before I moved to BMWs. It was a fantastic bike, and without question it would give the 1250GS a run for its money off the line. The bike is quick and nimble, very flickable. Just a joy to ride. The seat wasn’t as comfy as the GS/GSA but still ok. It was a bit tall for me even though I had a low seat installed. I’d be interested in trying out the newer version that is somewhat lower than the ‘21 model I had. Another good video, Andy!

[staffordvideoproductions]

Nice video! Owned a 2017 for four years. Literally stopped riding my other bikes after I bought it. My problem with that model, too tall and the harmonic vibrations of 270 crank drove me crazy on longer rides. You’ve got my interest once again and now I’ll need to go look at the 2024 model. Recently bought a 2012 RT and am loving the boxer engine. Rode in 10 Celsius- 50 f. This week with heated seat and grips. What fun.

[simonparker]

I changed my RT for the AT this July to use as a touring bike as it's so capable and easy to use. Went for the 'standard one' with DCT and the ES as it's lighter and easier to manage than the Adventure Sport version (I'm just an inch taller than you Andy). What a machine, first tour a week after getting it was a 5K euro jaunt similar to Mr&Mrs F recently. Also two up and Honda three part luggage system, wow what a machine and no worries for gravel parking places or light trails when needed compared to a full-on tourer. Glad you enjoyed riding an AT again Andy! Cheers.

[ESAC-]

I really like the newer versions. Very reliable bike as always.

[stuc]

My brother has the Crosstourer 1200 with DCT having moved from a Blackbird to show a bit maturity😂. Swears it's the best bike he's ever had even though he had reservations about DCT but now a believer. Always liked tge Africa Twin though.

[andrewtofts]

Many thanks for the video Andy. You should ride the new ATAS version that has a 19” front wheel, and is even lower than the standard 1100 version. I’ve recently swapped my 1250 GSA for a 2025 ATAS ES DCT: one of the main reasons for this is that I have had a total left knee replacement and the DCT makes things so much easier. Also it’s lighter than the GSA. The 19” wheel now makes the bike a lot more roadworthy, and its handling (IMHO) is on par with the GSA. Having now clocked 3k miles on it, I much prefer it to my GSA (had three of them and were all brilliant) in every way. As you said in commentary, the switch gear looks complicated, but you soon get used to it. Definitely a bike for consideration if you’re thinking about a new adventure bike. Cheers, Andy.

[robcarver]

RD03, RD04, RD07, RD07a, CRF1000, CRF1000. One of the best bikes I ever owned was my 2003 RD07. I rode it round the 5 capital cities of England and Ireland in under 24 hours. Must try one of the latest models someday.

[garyhope]

Still a lovely looking bike, and possibly would be my next bike, if I was looking for a new, bigger bike. Infact 13 years ago I'd put a deposit on one, although I knew it was to tall for me, and a week later my son was looking at replacing his bike and I went back to the dealer with him, saw a Triumph 800 which was lower, and bought that instead. If my little legs had been 3 to 4 inches longer the Africa Twin would of been in my garage.

[LickyDischarge]

I’ve had two, they are fantastic touring bikes. Powerful, comfortable, packed with technology, great wind protection at any speed, mega reliable and they sound wonderful 😁 Need I go on.

[iainf]

Excellent quick review and observations 👏👏👏 looks a great bit of kit Andy 👍

[KelvinChilvers]

Good morning. Enjoyed the review. The Africa Twin is a good looking bike and certainly one for the list if considering an adventure bike.

[ebra]

Great review. Really appreciate your hard work.

[chrishamilton]

I’ve recently sold my GL having owned a couple over the last 15 years - the DCT version of the AT does appeal to me. The guys at HGB are brilliant. I’ve bought ½ dozen new bikes from them over the last decade, mainly for my kids.