2020 Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 Review

Bennetts BikeSocial escapes the wet and cold weather of the UK to explore the rugged scenery of Sardinia, and what better bike to have than Honda's new for 2020 CRF1100 Africa Twin.
#Honda #AfricaTwin #CRF1100
Read the full review at Bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial
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[@MianCowell]

How brilliant to have a guy with so much experience he was on the original bike's launch!

[@mdaydj]

You really can't beat a guy that's been riding for years and has integrity....Too many wanna be reviewers who have no experience but own a bloody go-pro who's knowledge is virtually Nil . Simon you sir. are a biking legend who's advice i would take as honest and impartial thanks for what you do..... Martin (Gs 1250 owner) mostly because of one of your reviews

[@GuidedMotorbikeTours]

I'm never fond of reviews from motorcycle industry ambassadors, journalists, etc but I found this review impartial and interesting, which lacked the corporate tone you often see from these type of videos. For that reason, I'd like to say thanks for this. I'm an Africa Twin 2016 owner with 61,000 on the clock and I love the bike. For me it's rugged, dependable and above all reliable and fun. 👍

[@firesail6707]

What a smooth flow of pertinent comments, even when banging along and with no script. Very natural; well done.

[@pja7]

He does the best motorcycle podcast out there too.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Definitely one of the best reviews for this bike. Very complete.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I bought the 2020 standard manual trans and paid 2k under the list price. Great bike for great value.

[@faidularcs]

Finally Honda Africa Twin 2020 capturing travelers hearts 💕

[@olafrotkohl5898]

Simon, you are my favorite reviewer, bar none. You cover everything but really humanize the presentation so that it becomes a wonderful narrative that makes me feel like I’ve ridden the bike. Your Moto Guzzi V85TT review is a masterpiece. By the way, I ride a 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports now, and this review was what convinced me to try it put in the first place. I’d previously been a solid BMW guy, but after checking out the AF AS, I switched to Honda. So, thanks!

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Great Review Sir. I think Honda have it right with the size of this bike, the GS and Tiger 1200 Adventure bikes are just truly massive bikes. I see a lot of older guys on the GS and none of them dare take them off road because basically they cannot pick them up. For years all i heard was the Honda lacked the electronic features, well now they have them all. Definitely looking at adding this bike next year to the fleet. In Canada the GS it pretty much $30K out the door, the Triumph is about $25K and the Africa Twin is $17K which is truly a bargain in comparison. I own a Triumph Trophy and getting it serviced is a pain 150Km each way. If they cannot get it down in a day it is 600Km and two car rides back home. Honda dealers are everywhere in Canada, in all of the smaller towns so this bike is definitely more viable for where i live. Great review thanks for taking the time to show some of the switchgear close up especially the cruise control location. Great Review!!!!

[@mac46rr]

Great review vid. As much as I like several you tubers reviewing bikes. This video makes you realise you can’t beat an experienced professional journalist. 👍 Nice one Si.

[@sidsmith8251]

I don’t do any of this riding but I really like the way that bike is looking

[@sweetcostarica]

Good review! They really "improved" the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports & 2020 Africa Twin. The also "raised" the NON- DCT retail prices too: 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure - *$17,199 USD* 2020 Africa Twin - $14,399 USD as compared to NON-DCT prices: 2019 Honda Africa Twin Adventure - *$15,099 USD* 2019 Africa Twin - $13,599 USD *Is the 2020 worth it?* _That is up to you._

[@thetessellater9163]

There'll be one in my garage by next summer, hopefully. I love it, thanks Simon - Top Reviewer! :)

[@peterbertrand5068]

What an eloquent and honest reviewer

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Simon - excellent review and Sardinia looks lovely. I'm really glad to hear Honda has made changes across the board. Moving upmarket is timely and provides them w/room to add new models - such as a Tenere 700 competitor if desired.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@Simon Hargreaves Agreed. That why I think a 750 AT w/all of the usual "Honda-ness" in this space would make sense. Very different from the Tenere 700 and the KTM 790 - and the regular middleweights. Looking forward to your next review.

[@faidularcs]

Tenere 700 smaller than NC750X

[@teneretraveller8980]

Very informative and enjoyable. And good to see you're still as enthusiastic as when over revving KR1-S's in the late 80's! Great bike I think, but 20K now when fully kitted? Suddenly doesn't look like good value. Please continue in KR1-S mode! Happy travels

[@oakstream6041]

Well since my africa twin is from 1995 I guess I can get this one in another 25 years. Not that it will break down ever. 😂👌🏻🤗

[@pphawkeye]

Similar reasoning with my 1993 AT RD07, the one Simon was mentioning :-) Was thinking about going for DCT when changing bike but Simon's comment made me think I'll need to do careful testing (and then just follow my instinct...)

[@maxgusatz5644]

Best, most intelligent UK bike reviews. Superb.

[@teddieonmonkey9073]

Thanks for your precise verdict. I can't wait to see the revealing in Thailand, but since the pandemic begins Bangkok Motorshow is postponed to late April hopefully all riders around the world are safe and well prepared.

[@Castawayization]

Hello everyone, what can I say that hasn't been said already? I'm really glad to see this review made by a professional in every way, plenty of knowledge and experience. Other reviewers always find stupid things to point at like amount of buttons. I personally think it's an amazing bike to own and I will do my best to get one next summer.

[@mattguzzim1744]

Simon, your reviews are always earnest, entertaining and informative. Thanks!

[@Itsallgoinghoff]

Great review and nice to put a face to the name I grew up with reading Bike when I was younger. Feel your love for the v85 it's an amazing looking thing.

[@mikefry6765]

Been reading your reviews since the old PB days, great to see you on youtube producing quality reviews I suppose its like the change from silent to talkie films in the 1920s top work Mr H

[@mojosdad68]

What a great review. You pretty much covered everything, and all without many edits.

[@shannonak907]

Simon, I know you're not a big fan of the DCT, but I ride a Honda nc750x DCT (my very first bike at 50 years old) because I have arthritis in my hips -- so the leg positioning is perfect for me -- and damage to my left ankle from a fall years ago. I can ride a manual bike just fine but I had rather be able to ride often than have to put off a day of riding because my ankle hurts from changing gears the day before. Personally, I'm glad to have the DCT option. Great video! I love the Africa Twin!

[@shannonak907]

@Simon Hargreaves not a problem! Thank you for your videos and thank you for your kind and considerate reply.

[@gregshepherd489]

Appreciate your clarity and honesty, your comparisons with other models and purchasing points is brilliant... Many thanks, i wonder if i can buy a manual with semi active suspension...

[@anthonyrosa5006]

You missed on possibility for a DCT user. Left leg amputee. Thats me. I can ride a big cruiser with heel and toe shifing or a maxi scooter but I had to sell the GSXR1000. This bike could now be a real option that they have lowered the seat. I cant get on my toes to mount the bike since the foots angle is fixed. Yeah I prefer a clutch but the difficulty of having a custom mount for an electric power shifter to be fitter is a real pain in the ass. Dealerships have become part swappers and generally lack the ability to do anything thats outside the box. Aside from that if the bike falls on the shifter you could be stranded or be left in first gear limp mode.

[@gtreagan69]

best AT review I have seen, Really like the details.

[@disekjoumoer]

Great video, Luke. Honda has done an excellent job with the bike and I'm sure it will still sell well.

[@dave-d]

It's all been said below but excellent review mate. Honest and just what I want to know. Cheers Bud.

[@LexGrossmansDog]

Good review, wish Honda allowed journalists to ride with panniers fully loaded for the review. Honda really goes cheap on the spring rates and valves for weight. It’s aftermarket solution only, which makes it that much more out the door.

[@mancavemoto]

Very comprehensive, yet enjoyable video. Thanks

[@timdew3150]

Excellent review, look forward to 2020! 👍

[@Greggspies]

I'm a BMWLC rider but really attracted to the DCT I must get a test done

[@thejohnnerparty]

Very good review. You covered all the bases. And, most importantly - you gave us your honest opinion. Thank you.

[@wilddoktor]

Please do this same review on the 2020 V-Strom 1050...I'd love to see *that* comparison!!

[@travelinben1966]

Thank you for the excellent review. If the AT were shaft drive,I’d seriously consider one.

[@michaeljkasnter]

Would loose too much power, chain is not an issue, super simple

[@theonlyredspecial]

Fantastic article. Missed it when it was released. I recently bought the top spec model after trading in my bike. I actually prefer the adventure sports Honda to the bmw Gs. Dct and electronic suspension is fantastic with the huge tank range. Cracking touring bike. Super review interesting to hear your views. I spent a few days with the apple CarPlay and it’s super when you get into it. Build quality is top notch.

[@motozest7856]

4:20 You're talking about the MY2019 Fireblade - the new MY2020 Fireblade (the one with the 217hp and the 4 Rs in the name) has a 6-axis IMU. Just to clarify...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks, good spot. Just to clarify from our side, this video was recorded before the 2020 Fireblade or its spec had been released.

[@baldandbiking]

Ive had mine just over a year now and still getting used to it. I would say it's got great capabilities offroad to an experienced rider, but if you prefer to just to long trips on the motorways, you may want to look at the new NT1100

[@kevinwestwood6668]

we need to see another of your McDonalds challenges,on the new africa twin.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

How about the 'Burger Twin' challenge? Or, Simon could just ride to Africa's most northern Maccers? At 1,581 miles away, it's just a couple of days for Simon, right?!

[@RicoN.glacius]

I got a 2017.. now I want this one.

[@brendoncoss9589]

You're doing a really fine job narration and given the positive and negatives of the 20/20 African twin very nice job I think I was just about to buy a KTM 1190 but I think I'll wait and get me a 20 20 their bones African twin since I live here in Arkansas USA where I have a thousand of miles of dirt road to play with it is for the windscreen that you're not liking so much hell take four and a half inch grinder and put a cutting disc on it Mark out how you want to cut it cut the damn thing then take a sanding disc in smooth it off where it looks good plexiglass is cuttable I've done it many times take your time though and make it look professional cuz that's a damn fine looking bike good job man.

[@cavscout62]

Man I want one of these in the red white blue es version ! Gotta pay off my current bike so I can grab one.

[@kernellpanic]

nice bike!!!, great review!! what do you think about Apple Car Software? Did you test it with your phone? Do you have iPhone or Android?

[@Geetarhed]

Well time to say goodbye to my GS1200LC, I'll be looking forward to one of these shortly

[@casperi2]

Really? You would sell yours and buy this? I would love to hear your thoughts on why if you don't mind.

[@Geetarhed]

@@casperi2 GS1200 is a great machine, Africa twin is a bit lighter and seems to handle the rough stuff a little better, easy to throw around. Trading my GS is pointless due the high mileage but it's built to last and has 105,000kms. My brother uses it when he needs to, parts replacement on the water cooled models is easy to do and a source of cheap parts is available from the UK. I like them both and they are both great bikes.

[@casperi2]

@@Geetarhed Great thanks !! Was just wondering if there was something specific so you well explained it ..

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Genuinely believe it's now come of age 👍🏼 bonny bike now..

[@andrewedmond7738]

Great review Simon. I believe the new 2020 Vstrom 1000 XT would be the main competition for the Africa. Similar power/torque numbers, and electronics(now that Suzuki have finally upgraded their tech). Still waiting for the price in Australia, but it should be comparable. Two bloody great bikes that will certainly do everything. Thanks Simon,and have a ton of fun!

[@YHVHsword]

Your video and audio is just fantastic while you're riding the Africa Twin. The video is smooth and the audio is very clean (virtually no wind noise). Please let me know what camera and camera mount system you're using, as well as what microphone you're using? Thank you!

[@writestuffmedia]

Hi - it's not always that good! Camera is a GoPro Hero 7 Black. Mic is a Purple Panda lavalier mic which I clip on the inside of the helmet chin bar (note; do not crash, you will lose your front teeth) - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D6SD2NK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ycqcEbCDJ6Q6M I don't record the mic audio to the GoPro - I plug the mic into a Zoom F1 instead, then sync it with video later in FCPX. - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079SS559N/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_sgqcEbQ8KFH2S

[@Motortriker]

Great review Simon. For someone who has just had a few miles on a new bike you were certainly throwing it into those curves with confidence. Did you just ride the DCT or did you try the manual bike too.

[@Motortriker]

Simon Hargreaves Thanks for the reply. Still can’t get over how hard you were able to throw it into those corners with such confidence. Would you have been much more aggressive on a sports bike or do you think the AT ES would have been up there with any bike if you were riding it (I know you’re pretty fast on any bike).

[@Motortriker]

@Simon Hargreaves ...and yet you will STILL get riders saying they don't want rider aids. Cheers for the full reply Simon. Now, can you and Martin get another Front End Chatter up please. :)

[@UncleWally3]

Excellent review. I really enjoyed hearing your opinion about the DCT; based on what I think you said, it essentially delivers the same performance as previous models, right? After only a day using the DCT I moved from hating it to admiring it to appreciating its ambition, but I remain ambivalent. That said, I’m told the more you use it, the better it’s liked. Well, I already like it, but I’m not sure if I should! Anybody else out there with tons of DCT experience?

[@gordonLP]

Yes one year with a X-ADV, I don't really like it (the DCT), not only does it change gear when you're cornering or going round a roundabout (I know you can do a temporary override or go to manual, but that's too much faffing about), but it's also not very good filtering, you have to drag the back brake, similarly when edging out of a restricted junction. I'm actually considering taking a £4K hit and swapping to a SH manual AT, which is disappointing, as ln every other aspect, the X-ADV is a very capable and good bike.

[@MiGAngeI]

This one has an IMU to prevent gear shifts mid-corner

[@JasonWD]

I rode mine off road all the way across the states and went from major dislike (I was only offered a DCT) to loving it. For nasty fully loaded high alpine off road switchbacks it literally saved my life twice. Also extreme tiredness on long days it’s a huge help.

[@UncleWally3]

Jason WD: Thanks, the mixed reviews don’t bring clarity to my ambivalence so, rather than the AT, I’m still sitting on the fence. Did you mostly ride the TAT across the USA?

[@accordiondr]

Got it...love it!

[@semajohn]

Nice review but it does bugs me when reviewers compare the power of a bike with something that's quite a few cc smaller.

[@madhusudhanchokure]

Great review Mate , 👍 from India!

[@Flatcoat11]

You might also need DCT if you suffer from an old bike injury and find changing gear more difficult with a manual!

[@MrAndrew1953]

pretty comprehensive review though I’d op for the standard. Manual or a Tiger 900.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

What a fun and informative video.

[@Kwhopperfan]

very attractive machine, the bells and whistles are impressive, comfort vs a super tenere, i imagine it would come in second

[@pilyomotoride7781]

Great review!

[@gordonjames8811]

V Good review.the comment on the wind and view through the screen oposed to over the screen is vip depending on your height and seat needs to be addresed.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

cool bike i would had liked to be able to read the electronics screen during the ride to sort of watch the rpms and the shifting i’m a older guy and DCT is still really new to me although due to a Traumatic Brain Injury that paralyzed my left hand it’s got me interested plus i recently found out it was available onthe newer Goldwings ! i’ve owned several Honda bikes inmy life and other products they make so i feel like i’m a life long fan ! at the moment i only own my fathers 1964 S90 that’s been stored indoors since my Dad acquired it inthe 1960s BTW that’s NFS due to to the sentimental value

[@mickeypopa]

I hope they used a stronger alloy for the engine cases, otherwise it's still Starbucks Twin, i.e. don't drop it off-road or you'll shear half of your engine covers off along with the bolts if you hit a rock.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Excellent review, how you remembered all that stuff!? Definitely showing us how it's done.

[@toti6656]

Thank you for your review , nice.

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

This adventure bike seem really awesome. To bad its way over my limited budget for my next bike. Its why we need a future CB650X or a smaller Africa Twin between 600-750cc for 2021.

[@kisakyeisimail1536]

My dream bike very good review

[@whoopazz1]

Premium plastic switch gear, but are the shitty welds back like on the older models on the frame?

[@thehowlingterror]

Good reviewer and a decent rider t'boot.

[@brendoncoss9589]

Hey man they got some nice crash bars for those 2020s that I was just looking at that is save that paint put them scratches on crash bars that red white and blue Honda African twin man with that Pearl in it looks damn time don't let it get scratched

[@accordiondr]

Cant find dealer that has them for AT DCT ES ADVENTURE SPORTS 2020.. where'd you buy your crash bars?

[@joshbro99k96]

There's a third type of person who buys a DCT: One who started on scooters and gradually got more powerful ones, did their bike test on a scooter and got an auto licence - realised their was no diff between the scooter NC750 and the bike, so bought the bike. Then reached the AT and can't be arsed to go and do a manual bike test when the DCT is so bloody good.

[@arthurdaly4753]

Dct vs no dct that’s a tough call

[@yan-jk1ti]

I still prefer the Yamaha Tenere 1200,i think..Shaft drive Tubeless..The standard model of the africa twin is not Tubeless..but I have to confess, looks good

[@Gixxer-1100]

africa twin bounced a lot with the 2020 model compared to the models before, it also offered a lot of equipment but a dizzyingly high price, now my opinion is that it should not have entered this segment bmw gs because it is a competition that is not financially achievable for the normal driver , I am convinced that they will move further away from their standard customers than gain customers from gs or tigers ...

[@Matt-hm9uo]

What is the difference between this years new 1100 suspension, and the 1000 suspension from 2019 ? (ignoring the adaptive electronic one). Would be interested in your thoughts...

[@solodad7999]

One big problem! Can't find a manual shift version in the USA due to Covid.

[@michaelhayward7572]

T7 every time for me who appreciates weight (lack of), and who as a Luddite, despises electronics. Still a good looking bike, good review, but it says Big Red on the tank...

[@ad465]

I've been shopping for an adv for a few months now and I'm so in love with the simplicity of the t700. Its so cheap that I wouldn't mind giving it a suspension overhaul for a grand or 2.

[@francispattugalan8622]

Great review, mate! Do you think this bike is too high for me? I am 5’5

[@TobbeRocks]

FlyboyFrancis Honda offers a lower seat option at 825mm.

[@rarekid740]

FECers we out here

[@Speedytrip]

Did I miss the part about the suspensions? Any noticeable difference with the 2019 model?

[@jfedererj]

FYI "CarPlay" is Apple's proprietary software. It won't work with Android (the Android equivalent is called "Android Auto"; this is not supported on this bike, at least not at launch)

[@goranhemlen103]

How would it preform on a track do you think? I mean compared to street bikes and sports bikes?

[@PragmaticTornado]

I have a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. I don't understand why they added 100 cc's, but only a few horsepower. If the 2020 model had 110-115 hp (preferably 120+) - I would trade mine in for a 2020 one. As it stands, I'd rather trade it in and get a KTM 1290 SA. The AT engine is just way too gutless. Wonderful engine sound though!

[@Didewro]

OMG i wated one since decades.

[@jcml7140]

The base Africa Twin costs a little under 20 k i Norway... it't sad for us Norwegians to compare bike prices to the UK.

[@johannes19691]

There was a change in the silencer as well. Did you notice it in sound and power?

[@IvorMarshall]

Great review....

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Don't know why people get so incensed about all the technology. Yes, it's there but you don't need to get involved with it if you don't want to. It's quite easy to do what I do, ignore it all and just jump on and ride. 🌞 😎

[@alihamis8787]

Thats my dream bike

[@hermansory6190]

Stunning

[@ronsexton3685]

How tall are you? You don't seem to have any trouble getting your feet on the ground. Height and inseam?

[@FireTwo]

Last years model wind buffering was terrible I can’t believe it left the factory like that no matter the screen position, seems like they still haven’t fixed this :(

[@fsmitje5084]

It is fixed you do not need a airdam. It is totally different then the old model

[@HariKrishnan70]

Here in India Honda only sells the DCT. Hopefully this time they will bring it with a proper gearbox. Nice review guys.

[@alanbstard4]

that should be able to do what the GS does. It's about 20lbs lighter too

[@motorpolitan8884]

20 lbs? more like 60.

[@alanbstard4]

@@motorpolitan8884 that much? Wow!

[@johnjameson4570]

How do you reckon it would fair out with pillion and luggage?

[@karlg5806]

Any chance that Honda will do a similar thing with the 1200 Crosstourer? I have a 2015 but if it had those electronics it would knock the GS into a cocked hat.

[@JevgenijNekrasov1]

Planning to buy AT vs VStrom 1050, just guessing which one will be better for 70/30 commuting/off-road...

[@unrealsuperfly]

looking to buy the 'base' model for the lower weight. No real competition in that class of do it all bikes. Triumph, BMW, KTM, all fall short to the AT.

[@markstrawbridge9133]

lovely suit simon

[@nemanjalukic8798]

I will never understand why you guys consider liter+ engine "a middle weight" ?! Please, Bennetts, answer me that. Please. Tnx in adv(ance)

[@fredrikwessel9765]

Weird how Honda has chosen to go with different tones of "Bronze" on Enigne covers, forks, wheels and handlebars; or it migh be just me thinking that.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

I disagree about the DCT. I can shift very well, am not lazy and love the DCT.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

I loved the last gen but can't see how it could compete now that it's GS money. Even the base spec bike at £13k I think I'd rather go with a lightly used GS for that sort of money.