Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2024 motorcycle review

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports CRF1100L has undergone quite a personality change for 2024, with Honda focusing the motorbike more on long distance road touring than trail riding action.

So, is this the grown up, mature Africa Twin Adventure Sports we've all been waiting for? Or has Honda taken this beast of a motorcycle and made it a little dull and boring? James travelled to sunny Portugal to find out.

In this video review of the 2024 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports, we’ll tell you everything you need to know from attending the motorbike's international press launch.

And at the end, James will answer these questions. Is this the best version of the Honda Africa Twin yet? And is it the big adventure bike to spend your money on in 2024?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:22 Changes for 2024
00:02:35 Engine
00:04:01 Comfort
00:05:15 Suspension
00:05:49 Off road
00:06:40 DCT
00:07:27 Apple Carplay and TFT display
00:08:27 Price and what's missing
00:09:22 Conclusion

Background

The Africa Twin is a motorcycle steeped in heritage, born out of the Dakar winning bikes of the ‘80s, and throughout the ‘90s there were various models until it was discontinued in 2001.

About the same time, two chaps decided to ride around the world on BMW R 1150 GS motorcycles (the forerunner to the R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS, and R 1300 GS) and the adventure bike boom happened. So, in 2016, Honda decided to rejoin the fight with the launch of the CRF1000L Africa Twin. Immediately, it became the most offroad, capable, big adventure bike money could buy.

The Adventure Sports version with a larger fuel tank for long distance adventures Soon followed, but its towering seat height, acres of ground clearance, and big 21” front wheel made paddling around car parks with a full set of luggage, and a pillion passenger challenging, to say the least. Now fast forward a few years and Honda has released a new version for 2024.

But is it a case of the Africa Twin maturing into the bike we always wanted it to be, or has the Adventure Sports undergone a mid-life crisis that will leave fans reeling?

Find out all this in my review from the bike's international press launch in Portugal.

#africatwin #africatwinadventuresports #africatwin2024 #africatwinadventuresports2024 #motorcycle #motorbike #motorcycleadventure #motorcycles #adventure #adventurebike #portugal #bike .

[TheMissendenFlyer]

Great video James - really enjoyed it, looks like a great bike too - must get myself a ride on one sometime soon!

[migo]

I still ride the 2016 manual version and enjoy its engine and ergonomics. The 2024 DCT Sport model meets my needs as a more mature person with far less ego and something to prove. Honda did the right thing by changing to a 19" front and making the bike fit for a wider audience. I am happy Honda kept the HP at a sensible figure, I never felt a lack of power with a 95HP or even less. Not sure what people do with a 135+ HP adv bikes.
Anyhow, thanks for the review.

[fearhand]

Very well organized review. As far as altering the screen height, I'd just set the cruise and use both hands and hope i don't get a wobble 😮

[icemanlol]

I just bought the 23 model
I love the manual version because I like to be in control of the clutch when I’m riding

[flyingmonkeys]

I don't ride YET. However, I think the DCT will be my dream bike. If I do get into riding I think I'll start with a CRF300L Rally first though.

[mattspencer]

Looking forward to test riding one! Got a feeling this will be my new bike

[kevinturner]

Great review, any idea if and when it’s coming to the US?

[baso]

Thx for this very clear review. I agree with most of it. But as a tall rider I still prefer my 2023 ATAS with the higher seating over this new one. Imho the 2023 model also looks better. And finally, though most comments favour the DCT, I disagree. It might be as good as it could be, but you do loose some control (and fun). After having driven a DCT model for several thousand km’s, I traded it for a manual one and never looked back. In the end, it is a personal preference I guess :)

[twmpalmer]

Looks great and really like the improvements and styling!
Would love a Transalp v AT video!

[larrydoyle]

The bike I’m most looking forward to test riding at ABR Festival this year

[Chewwy]

Just test rode the 2024 basic AT w Clutch. Main 2 really annoying things for me were 1. Lots of vibrations through pegs and handle bars. 2. Talking of pegs they are so high up its noticeable off putting that its not easy to slip your toes under the gear changer. It drove me nuts. Wish i had tried the DCT version as I’m sure thats my next bike.

[rexvaughn]

Does the bike automatically lower (or get softer) at stops with the new suspension?

[druegeme]

any idea if and when it will come to US?

[Qsplendor]

between african twin adveture and gs 1250 /1300 adventure witch one you think is the best, regarding price, after marcket sale, accessaries, ride experiance ?

[UncleWally]

As an owner of an Africa Twin DCT (amongst other bikes) the question that scratches my wallet is this: How much better is it than the one that already owns my ass? Sadly or gladly, not sure which, the answer is the ‘24 isn’t better enough to abandon what’s already in hand.

[zigpozema]

What About dct ? Is it worth more than all other manuals gear technology. BMW and ducati can't effort to build dct on bike .

[barbiesandlol]

Does it make sense when Goldwing exists? Goldwing is mighty capable and comfortable. When you remove the offroad part of Africa twin what is left?

[brisprott]

Was seriously considering one of these to replace my 22 GSA. Fantastic looking bike but no hill hold assist on a two up “tourer”, not sure if enough overtaking power two up with luggage(need try one) and the faff of that Apple CarPlay negates it as a positive. You need to have a headset paired with it and your phone plugged in. What’s the point? Just use your phone. Must be a typical Honda safety feature.

[Jungleland]

I'm considering buying a DCT with all the bells and whistles for my 60th. in about a year. As this will be a long term investment I'm a little bit anxious that the tech. may play up as the years progress. I'd love to hear if any AT owners have had some issues or is the AT a typically reliable Honda product.

[tompGA]

Still no announcement from Honda when or if they will bring this bike to the US. The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro specs out very well against the ATAS, is 50-70lbs lighter, is a couple thousand less and the 2024's are available now. My money went with the Triumph.