2021 CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports | Our Review

Back out of lockdown and back to bike reviews!
This week we look at the new 2021 CRF1100L African Twin Adventure Sports!
If you liked the video, remember to give us a thumbs up as it helps a ton, and don't forget to subscribe too, so you don't miss anything!
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*we are not sponsored by BMW or any other company and our views are our own.

[@fixerny]

I have had this exact bike for over 1 year now. Some observations: The DCT is enormously helpful off road as long as you learn to modulate the rear brake (as opposed to clutching) in order to get the DCT to move the downshifts quicker. Or you can go to manual mode and smash the shift buttons with your fingers. The seat is awful and I won’t ever use the stock seat again. I bought a Corbin for this bike and love it for longer distance rides. I kept the stock 80/20 tires although this bike is off pavement 50% of the time - mostly on packed gravel or groomed dirt with an occasional moderately rocky trail or shallow water crossing. The stock rubber is not at all good in mud or deep sand. If that’s your groove - swap those shoes. Expect the stock tires to last no more than 6-8000 miles if you are off pavement a lot. On pavement - she is superb. Stable, planted and confidence inspiring for touring even with the 21 inch front wheel. The stock tires are fine in rain on pavement - which is why I rely on them. I’m on my second set. The DCT is a blessing in stop/go urban traffic. The electronics and programming take a while to learn and memorize. It’s a bit frustrating for those of us born deeper into the last century. But once learned, I appreciate the ability to adjust suspension, engine braking, traction control et al simply by toggling buttons on the fly. She has been super reliable - 1+ year on - no issues. It’s got all the power, accessories, range and adaptability I wanted for the riding that I do. Sport 3 mode enabled - it gets close enough to sport bike responsiveness for me, even at 550+ pounds without loaded panniers. Just don’t drop it often. She’s a heavy girl. I have added additional driving lights and aux brake light for better visibility, a center stand for ease of cleaning and adjusting the chain, crash protection and a larger brake pedal - the only thing left is better (and slightly larger) foot pegs. The engine is a smooth running marvel and service intervals are long. The large fuel tank gives me comfort when way out in the wild. Overall - I am extremely delighted with this bike.

[@rogerwilliams2629]

The black AT is by far my favorite color. Incredible looking machine and I NEED it.

[@DevonDriverRider]

Android auto was added with an update a month ago. We love our bike... go for the smaller tank bag as it's cheaper and nearly as big. The seperate screen means you can see your speed when android /apple play is running.

[@lyndsayscott8866]

Just a thought. The left hand side 12v charge port!!!!! Tyre pressure pump maybe? They usually Need 12v not usb. And if you’re off-roading you’d probably want to check you’re tyres when you get back in the black sticky stuff. I have a new z1000sx and I’m about to put a 12v inline socket under the back seat specially for a tyre pump.

[@peterlewis4978]

Personally, I think the black is the best colour ( each to their own). I think it would of been better if you had talked about the DCT more, especially as this is often the big dilemma in choosing one of these bikes, DCT or Manual?

[@MrHugawa]

I agree, I love black & gold trim & rims

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Yeah me too that guy has ZERO taste who said that !

[@gracemalley6821]

For the subscreen, if you are using Apple Car Play, to display a navigation map for example, you can still get gear, speed, turning indications on the subscreen.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Incredibly well done RiderCam! First review that embraced the technology, and show benefits of abilities of changing your settings for "your" style of riding. So many "bitch out" this bike being so advanced. The electronic suspension is very very noticeably different in gravel, off-road or touring. I truly enjoy this feature. Android Auto is now added to these bikes. 10000 km on mine and love it. I believe the cigarette lighter has more output than a USB. Cheers boys and Ride safe, eh 🇨🇦

[@hugosoenen749]

Well done guys, very good entertaining overview> I own a 2021 manual one. It is a very good allrounder that puts a smile on your face every time you ride it. Cheers

[@johnmorris5809]

Good review. Would be better if you included some riding of the thing though, that is after all what we do with motorcycles, eh. And I for one would like to see more of Cornwall 👍

[@billyarsenault1970]

I love the old school wind-proof joint lighter right on the dash for covert use. I’m sold.

[@cpuuk]

I-press starter: Gosh, if only there was another bike that also had that feature... like the V-strom parked behind LOL

[@jakudahsymba5453]

The cigarette lighter port is for something like a portable air compressor or other emergency/off road/camping equipment 👍🏼👍🏼

[@michsky46]

Really good video pals! British english, detailed about the tft!! This is my next bike after tenere700

[@gracemalley6821]

For the 12 volt socket, it can be used for heated riding suits and you still have USB for phone or camera charging.

[@IanTed]

Love the colour, same colour on my old Blackbird, seriously considering one as an alternative to my GSA next time.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Have had 4 GS's and 3 ATAS. Honda build quality is much better IMO.

[@allanapplin250]

Good review guys. Apple Car Play is great! Have my Google Maps and Music showing on it most of the time ( Hence the second lower screen to show your speed and gear as they no longer show on main screen ) Android Auto is already available .. just take to dealer for free update. The 12v aux socket is a good idea as you can plug things like a mini Air Compressor into it, but also can plug a USB adapter in as well.

[@adkomst]

Hi, enjoy your videos a great deal. And I really like your approach to riding; safety first and sensible, considerate riding. Thanks! Just have one small suggestion after watching this vid about the Africa Twin and the one on the 1250 GS. Could you please keep the camera more on the bikes (the subject of the videos)? In both vids there is a lot of footage of sky and trees and just the very top of the bikes. Nice to look at the bikes whilst you are talking :). Otherwise, keep up the great work guys!

[@markholroyd5365]

Point taken. New camera so still learning. Ride safe

[@bukweet]

I enjoyed your review; very thorough. Well done sirs! I really like the Africa Twin, and I was ready to buy a new one this spring... but then the HD Pan America came out. I don't know how things are in the UK, but across the pond here in 'Merica, the Pan America is really going to give the Africa Twin a run for the money.

[@trustedsource1273]

Great review. I have this exact bike and I learned a couple of things.

[@philc7135]

If you’ve the latest GSA you can play around with dynamic pro and enduro pro settings in terms of engine, DTC and ABS. Page 86 of the manual.

[@MGman100]

Great overview of a very accomplished bike. I don't normally like black however I reckon the Africa Twin looks great in black. If these weren't so tall I may consider one but at my age getting my leg over the saddle may be too difficult!

[@nitram157]

Love the spot you always pick that states “No Parking” !!!

[@markholroyd5365]

Irony is not lost.... Ride safe

[@ericstephenson3607]

Could always use a quad lock for your phone rather than tank bag

[@crf1100l]

The 12v is great for a tyre pump.

[@zetabaker]

The 12V socket can only provide 2 amperes which as far as I know isn't enough to run a pump.

[@alainchampagne8507]

I have the exact same bike. I, on the contrary of these two gentlemen love the black color. Where I strongly disagree with them is on the seat comfort. I hate the original seat, very uncomfortable…I’m 6’6’’ . I had my seat redone with a much better foam like I did with my previous bike, my NC750…2018. Love this bike. Can’t wait to get my seat. Oh! Also, my Bluetooth doesn’t & they have to change the screen…it’s going to take 2 months maybe more….

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Had 2 of the tri-colours so ordered a new black one today. Personally I love it. 🖤

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I have a 2020 AT and I agree the previous version, the seat height was too high for such a heavy bike. I love this bike though.

[@bandit911]

The 12v cigarette lighter socket is great for a small 12v air compressor

[@RiderCamTV]

or anything else that can be powered from it :)

[@rocket2811]

White Blue with Gold rims is the best paint scheme ever made..Black is that a color ?

[@182mcg1]

Hello i get it standard for off road no rack clean bike. I see u smile from face not going out..... Take care. Be safe

[@johnbeattie1225]

Great Review Just seen these bikes in Hull .Beautifull Bikes but Expensive.I Do wonder now with all these touch screens and info on that they could be more of a hazard than a help if glancing whilst riding .Your eyes need more time to take info in so could be a danger .However great bike and unfortunately the way of the world. Yes i would have one given but would i pay that much ? Still like plain and simple solid switches and analogue Dials .

[@182mcg1]

One upgrade for standard bike important handbrake operating like xdv. Better to leave bike uphill

[@Ravan_Caw]

Another fantastic video guys 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@justmejohn773]

Another informative video chaps. I haven't been riding long and my bike is fairly basic. Not sure about all the techno babble on the ADV bikes.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

80% of the buttons on the left side are to do with the phone connectivity. If, like me, you don't bother with that then you just ignore it so it's not as complicated as it first appears.

[@justmejohn773]

@@andrewkitchenuk thanks for the comment. I have a comms system in my helmet to connect to my satnav. The system is capable of doing much more than I use it for, so probably not getting real value out of it. Ride safe.

[@us4marine]

Agreed about the color, there are a zillions black bikes out there, but there's only one Africa Twin adventure white blue and red with gold I just can't understand why Honda decided to go ONLY black (on their flag model) after the first year release of a brand new model. Blows my mind. Nope, not black for me. Motorcycles for a high percentage of riders are something to be proud and happy about, not like a car, which you need to move around, this is different, and to me, besides the quality of the bike, is it's looks. No black Africa Twin Adventure for me at least in 2021, let's see if they realize their big mistake and fix it in 2022. Please Honda bring the mighty adventure sport trim color back.

[@markholroyd5365]

I agree Sempa fe.

[@splodge5714]

I prefer to just get on my bike and enjoy the ride.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

You can with this, just ignore the tech.

[@slowsteve3497]

Any issues with gas gauge? My gauge shows almost empty even when half full. Miles remaining seems more accurate. Is this just normal?

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Bonny looking bike that in black ... lovely 👌🏻

[@dmitrystepanov1714]

Hi! What tires do you use for travel? Which tires are best for you off-road?

[@markholroyd5365]

Hiya we rarely go full off road but my favourite tyres for roads are Metzler Roadtech 01. Ride safe

[@dmitrystepanov1714]

@@markholroyd5365 Thanks Mark! 👍

[@minigmac1]

Great vid mates!

[@mikewatson361]

Another good review but I really miss it when you’re out riding and doing the review of what it is like to ride, the good and bad. 🏍👍

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Haven’t you guys heard of Quadlock?

[@RiderCamTV]

Yep, great product. Did some videos on them too

[@toltod]

Having to click the message every time you start the bike makes me never want this bike.

[@simondemuri4961]

You don’t have to, it goes away on its own after a few seconds

[@ericstephenson3607]

Did you find it under powerd at all compared to the gsa?

[@markholroyd5365]

Not at all! Ride safe

[@gaelc13]

Oh, what a disappointment... I was expecting the star button to throw glitters in the air and initiate a music and light show ! 🤣

[@BradSabako]

Love the color

[@dune7824]

Sounds like a self riding motorcycle with all those assists. Is it possible to switch all that crap off and be in charge of the bike?

[@RiderCamTV]

that's the beauty of this bike, you can set it up as you want it and turn off loads of things too

[@bobrobert8358]

Regarding the seat height, how tall is Toby? Also, putting your phone in a tank bag (in the Summer) will cause it to over heat and shut down. Trust me.

[@markholroyd5365]

Toby says how tall he is in the review. Ride safe

[@rickseibel5904]

An individual’s inseam measurement is the relevant measurement when talking seat height.

[@hunczar]

@@markholroyd5365 well, he says he's 5'8" to 5'11" . . .

[@gungfuriceboy]

6 seat height 'Positions'.??......so before i go any further..Do they have a seat for a short legged Guy like ME?? 5foot 7inches..28inch inseam? If they Do.... i'll Carry On with the Video!!...LOL!..Cheers From Canada!

[@B0M0A0K]

Lovely bike. Not for me unfortunately - I'm too short.

[@brobertson536]

Hi Toby, & Mark, I am looking to get the AT DCT (maybe with ES) or a GS (not Adventure). I don't go off road, but take an occasional pillion. Which do you think has the better ride, and if you were buying what do you think is the better value for money, and is going to be more reliable over 4 or 5 years? Thanks Bob

[@markholroyd5365]

Bob I’m torn between them. If I had fully understood the servicing costs I would have perhaps gone for the AT. BMW is bomb proof but I would go for the GSA as I have had 5 of them before I bought my F850GSA which I think is better than either of them, I’m sure that hasn’t helped at all.... Rude safe

[@brobertson536]

@@markholroyd5365 Thanks, I was looking 1250GS rather than 850GS. Choices, choices!

[@justmejohn773]

Bob if you do not go off road have you considered the R1250RT?

[@brobertson536]

@@justmejohn773 Don't like the looks!

[@markholroyd5365]

@@brobertson536 give the 850gsa a chance. I have had five 1200’s and this 850 is awesome.

[@stephenkeher1471]

Mark, £17,000 for a bike I could never understand. Starship Enterprise easier to ride. I think this is a bike to far for this old fella. Nice review mind.

[@markholroyd5365]

Stephen it’s a really cool bike, you would love it. Love to all and ride safe.

[@jblue1299]

Does this bike seem top heavy ??

[@markholroyd5365]

Not at all. Ride safe

[@grumpysprout3505]

Got everything!............but weights half a tonne! 👎👎👎👎👎

[@simoncurtin2541]

Lmao , Toby"s thoughts , mental note , don't use this guy on the camera again 🤣 😂 😆

[@markholroyd5365]

Ouch!

[@simoncurtin2541]

@@markholroyd5365 Teasing buddy 😜👍👍

[@LoneAmigo17]

guys did it have heated grips has standard?

[@markholroyd5365]

Yes it did. Ride safe

[@PharaohDeathMask]

These guys do a good review of the bike, but if you want to see it ridden, this video is not for you. THEY DON'T RIDE IT!

[@Amos1965]

Far far to much gadgetry for any motorcycle, and that is 100% not what motorcycling is about. Modern machines have far to much technology and those ridiculous TFT screens will have the riders eye taken off the road and directed to those silly coloured screens. Keep it simple n keep it cheap and just enjoy the ride 😉

[@marksimpson5218]

Totally agree, I just want to ride the bike all them settings would drive me nuts.

[@richm4402]

They have the Kawasaki KLR and Yamaha T7 if you don’t like the high tech features. Personally, I love all the features.

[@Amos1965]

Richard Mardell I'm keeping my VFR1200x with basic features as the Africa Twin doesn't even come close to the big VFR

[@richm4402]

@@Amos1965 VFR1200X is a great bike, better touring bike for sure. Off road ? wouldn’t stand a chance against an AT. But that doesn’t matter, lot’s of great bikes out there for everyone!

[@sweetcostarica]

Observation: Black is *_not_* a good color/shade for today's Africa Twin or Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

[@Oscar240z]

Wing mirrors? Where are the wings? That’s what you find on a vintage car!