Honda Africa Twin 1100 Crash Bars Test

Pre-production prototype vs. *production version prototype test! Outback Motortek's 9th (!) crash bars drop test video features a Honda Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sport and a Honda Africa Twin 1100 standard models. No clickbait! Find out how they both faired by watching the full video.
*The look of the final production version may differ.

[@EZ_shop]

That hurt to watch but I'm glad you are testing your products this way.

[@colinsphoneemail]

This is my first thought. My exact words this hurt to watch. Came here to comment and you had already beat me to it a year ago.

[@zakparrish]

I have the max protection kit on my 1100 AdvSports and it has basically turned my bike into the Terminator. I ride where I want and the incredible protection gives me courage to attack new obstacles knowing that if things don't go as planned, the bike will roll away just fine. Massive props to the engineers and entire team at OM.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for the compliments! We design products using common sense. No engineers are involved.

[@simoncurtin2541]

simply outstanding work lads , and very impressive that you didnt try to just trash talk the old bars but just showed how the can be improved, true integrity , not much of that around these days !

[@Outbackmotortek]

Cheers! We’ll continue on this path 🤟🏻

[@francescocaligiuri3487]

Test poco chiaro

[@CharlesSenior]

This is how you know you can stand behind your product. Good job!

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌

[@Ed00032]

🙈 that really hurts to watch. Thanks for your dedication and commitment to making your product the best it can be.

[@Outbackmotortek]

👊

[@erikvanderhorst5778]

I just installed the lower today on my ATAS. Bought it at Bartang after our meeting in Drenthe- Netherland. Waiting for the upper bars, bash plate and the luggage rack. It all looks very good. I am happy that you are testing it, I will try to avoid this kind off abuse.

[@psycodriver]

Good job gents, I have my AT '19 with your crash bars and after several drops on offroad just has minor scratches. Very strong stuff.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Stoked to hear! Thanks for the feedback.

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

now thats product testing!, stuff like that deserves sales.

[@Outbackmotortek]

🤜💥🤛

[@srsr6099]

Awesome tests for sure, very rarely we get to see such technical things. Great work guys

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks!

[@marks938]

Best way to test crash bars, excellent job.

[@actstuntcam]

Love this vid - like the look of your gear :)

[@EvolveAcademyofMartialArts]

That was awesome!! Cringed each time you dropped it cleared up my thoughts about the bars actually working. Thanks 🙏

[@Outbackmotortek]

Glad you found the test useful!

[@IMMU16]

I cannot see my dream bike getting crash like this but I’m glad when I get it I can purchase this product to protect her getting hurt 😂 thank you very much for this amazing video well done 👍

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for the trust in advance

[@Jotx]

That's why Outback Motortek is what it is. Simply the best you can find in Moto protection. Congrats

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌🙌🙌

[@ianwalker4803]

Great job , I'm impressed , will keep this company in mind.

[@jayshridhar]

This.. Is.. The best in the world.. Been using Ultimate Protection combo on my 2019 AT and if I have to put the experience in words, I am way more then happy with their protection.. Till date three major falls and not a single scratch on the bike... These protection bars withstood the impacts without any damage anywhere... Keep up the good work Larry... May the force be with you.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you, thank you!! I really appreciate your feedback and compliments. Hopefully one day we’ll share the trails ✊👊🔥

[@therightfish]

Awesome stuff. Subscribed

[@johnanderson9735]

😮 Those beat the Touratech bars I have on now. Thanks for the demo!

[@lukestringer2177]

Great JOB Lorry!

[@Outbackmotortek]

Cheers!

[@hultll]

Just bought myself a brand new africa twin, and placed an order for your biggest kit before I even got the bike. This video, and the installation videos makes spending over 800$ a no brainer. Thank you.

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Rdodo67]

I've been trying to decide which bars to purchase but I am decided now after these types of tests- obviously a great product.

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌

[@christopherfatigati1301]

Hey! I had problems to remove some bolts of my atas 2022 but the installation was easy. i love the full protection 👍

[@drevil4454]

Never cried so much in my life! I felt every crash. Well done boys. Keep up the good work???

[@basoncivicsi]

Its good to see real world testing on the crash bars instead of just looking at them and saying they'll work. Great job guys!

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks! We believe that the products should do the talking

[@marctaylor7986]

Just bought the lower combo for my at great work guys.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you very much 🙌

[@kaguario]

Nice video guys. I have a question though. Have you ever considered designing crashbars/rear rack mounted on some properly dimensioned rubber material/silentblocs ? I have some specific designs in mind. I would think that from a crash perspective and chassis integrity, it would be more interesting than these fully rigid mounting point that might concentrate of lot of stress on a unique point. Thanks in advance :)

[@stevehicks616]

I have the full system on my atas passed my own crash test, not on purpose! Thanks for the great products

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for the trust!

[@AndriiMalyna]

Hi Steve, do you have some problems with upper bars (like in the first test)?. I have the Givi guard and it's really fail, metal plate and Honda label is broken (drive.google.com/file/d/1bjc_TIXwvanbqKWgB9_RvDE0d4FKCATL/view?usp=sharing) :-( now looking for an option that really protects the motorcycle. Is there any damage in your experience?

[@abogas1]

Great video showing real world hits. My F800gs would be trashed were it not for your bars, it repeatedly hits the ground hard off-roading, mainly due to my lack of talent and short legs but so far not a scratch on the bike and the coating on the bars is holding up amazingly well. I would have bars from anywhere else, worth every penny!

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for the compliments and feedback. We’re stoked to hear that the investment has paid off 🤘

[@1zixen]

fantastic R&D guys...!

[@adrianbean1107]

I love my full Outback motortek crash bars, best protection and they look great 👍🇦🇺

[@Outbackmotortek]

Much appreciated 🙌

[@copper426]

What's the cost

[@nmattiel]

This is indeed a painful watch, but proper trial error approach. Well done

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for your kind words

[@terranceleblanc619]

Very good product...excellent.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Awesome 😊

[@kamelthorn]

This real R&D. Demonstrating a belief in honest of product! Kudos to you and your company!

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌🙌

[@stumprider5997]

Damn, I cringed watching the first test. Yikes!!! I am sure glad you all are taking it serious. I am impressed, keep up the great testing and production of your products.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks! We’ll have another crash bars torture test video coming soon

[@coconutz247]

this was a good one. i'm definitely comparing my AT crash bars with these guy's findings.

[@Drone360pilot]

Respect guys!! Looks really impressive. + 1 potential client

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you!

[@ozziejim8472]

Now that’s how you push a product! Well done boys.

[@mightyhavan]

Any crash bar maker willing to test their products like this deserve alots more recognition in the market

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@darius0lupus]

I only had the lower crash bars and it still saved my bike from totaling. Thank you guys for a well designed protection if you want pictures I can send them

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks your compliments and support 🙌

[@oscarparavicini3253]

Great job guys! Do you think you can do some testing on the Honda CB500X? I've got a 2022.

[@kevinrobb86]

Impressive

[@josep_ac4776]

im gonna get it !!

[@thoriumfluoride1270]

I'm curious about those bolt positions on the outside. It looks like they will catch on things badly (more concerned about rock ledges than my pant leg etc.) and also get damaged to the point of being hard to remove. I'll be buying an Africa twin next month and I'm interested in your products. Those bolts look like they are in a spot where they become like soccer cleats when they should be sliding. ESPECIALLY when we are talking about going down in rocky terrain instead of pavement and concrete.

[@1136tscc]

I hope you get these back in stock! Thank you

[@Outbackmotortek]

We’re constantly producing them!

[@statpadr]

I cringed watching you push those beautiful bikes over, but that was outstanding real world testing. When I get my AT next year, I will feel a lot better after these bars go on it ! Well done guys.

[@Outbackmotortek]

We happily “sacrifice” our bikes in order to manufacture real crash bars 💪🏻

[@ShaneZettelmier]

Awesome

[@pauls6157]

I definitely made the right choice, going with your crash bars on my AT 22. 👍🇬🇧

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for your support

[@jerrytaylor2743]

After watching this an alt rider review I’m glad I choose outback’s full kit for my ATAS !

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@anthonym185]

So I just purchased a brand new 2021 AT, will this set work ? Or is there a number I can call y’all ? I want complete protection but also want luggage racks , and center stand ? Great video , I took video of my entire trip to Tennessee to get my bike , I would love when I post the video to include the build with all your products ! Only the best for The BEST

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for your interest in our products! This is the Ultimate Protection MAX combo: outbackmotortek.us/product/honda-crf1100l-africa-twin-ultimate-protection-combo-max/

[@alessandromarziale5255]

Hello, i had installed on my africa twin adventure 2020, the lower crash bars only, unfortunately, the bike crashed while i was standing at the traffic lights, everything was protected, but the right block (where there is the engine start, cruise control , ecc) signed the fuel tank on the blue...is that happened on your bikes too??? Thanks , and congrats for your work!!!(Sorry for my bad english)

[@scottlandmcc]

Well, I'm sold. Ordered mine yesterday for the ultimate package.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you!

[@TallManMoto]

That's a stressful video to watch. 🤣 Love the Outback Motortek stuff; have the crash bars and luggage racks on my 2019 Twin!

[@Outbackmotortek]

It was stressful to test the products, but it was worth it 😄

[@andersnordstrom4790]

hi great products you supply i have aATAS 1100 2020 with the Max Combo.My question to you is i am lacking a headlightguard in the productkatalog are there some chance for that in the future.

[@krukbee]

ordered today max protection combo From Gionata in Italy, amazing reseller

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thank you!

[@hisham56hamilton50]

Thanx man :: one of the best videos ....No Bull sh..........

[@Outbackmotortek]

We let our products do the talking

[@hisham56hamilton50]

@@Outbackmotortek wright

[@stephanes.5852]

Hey President and all the team! Great video and great enginnering work!!! I own a 2020 African Twing Adventure Sports DCT and I got installed your Combo Crash Bars, without the Upper bars. I feel it is sufficient and it saves several pounds (I believe you mentioned 9 pounds) placed high on the bike. I have a question: What would be the motivations in installing the upper crash bars? Great work again, Stéphane

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for the comment and compliments. The upper bars simply provide additional coverage, they serve as a good platform for crash bars bags and auxiliary lights. We did a similar test with the CRF1000L a couple of years ago without upper crash bars. They work very well but it’s recommended that you have a proper set of aftermarket hand guards to assist the crash bars. The combination of the two usually help keep the bike away from the ground.

[@stephanes.5852]

@@Outbackmotortek Thanks for the helpful reply. I was already planning on getting good aftermarket handguards and your comments motivate me even more. See you!

[@christian.36]

Ooo noo such beauty 😭

[@ryanmoore686]

Yep my uppers on my 18 AS bent the first time they had a good hit.

[@Outbackmotortek]

The only way to absorb impact.

[@ryanmoore686]

@@Outbackmotortek OH I know.

[@simonthomas5367]

This is painful to watch but excellent work guys!

[@SimonBrisbane]

What is the part number for the Ultimate Protection Combo for the standard 2022 AT please? I do not like the top crash bar design of the Adventure Sport model. The Standard version looks awesome!

[@Paulobrmsilva]

Same question for me…

[@stevietimis463]

My Heart is bleeding......but Great Job Guys💪🏻

[@eboy536]

Congratulations from Honda One Heart world's 💝

[@dmg7443]

2018 atas: dropped the bike hard in the trail, landed on a rock, o.m. lowers saved my bike from being totaled. engine guard is dented and crash bars were bent in, but bike looks nice still. worth every penny.

[@Outbackmotortek]

🙌🏻

[@madbroindustries]

So the crash bars didn't protect your engine guard? I didn't think the bars would bend.

[@retornaz]

Le seul fabricant qui a le courage de montrer le comportement de ses protections. Chapeau bas !

[@Outbackmotortek]

Merci pour votre commentaire! C'est vraiment une méthode unique et nous seuls le faisons. Cela nous aide également à continuer à améliorer nos barres de protection.

[@kairyurider]

Do the lower crash bar and engine bars touch riders legs? (Standard version) I like to squeeze the tank tight with my knee on the street

[@Outbackmotortek]

No, they don’t. We haven’t heard of it.

[@kalabriainmotonessunconfin8745]

Outback Motortek TOP 🔝😉✌

[@Outbackmotortek]

Cheers! 🤘

[@Paulobrmsilva]

Hello. What is the model / reference used here for the normal África twin? Is the combo or only the lower crash bars? Thanks

[@Outbackmotortek]

That’s our Ultimate Protection Combo consisting of lower crash bars, engine case guards and skid plate

[@scottlandmcc]

Well, that's what I call testing your product. Looking for a set of bars for my Adventure Sports and I believe I found my set. Thanks for the video and crashing your bikes.

[@MrDarkwarrior29]

What's with the exhaust? It's very expensive if it gets scratched

[@drevil4454]

The main thing ypu demonstrated here is that i'm piss poor. Thank you for that gut punch.

[@dommotos]

Adv needs upper crash bar?

[@fsp1226]

Hello! I mounted in August on my Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports the combo of middle and engine fenders, the same ones that are shown in the video installed on the standard model. The question is if with the combo that I have mounted, the protection is the same that can be seen for the standard, or is it insufficient for the ATAS and is the modification that you show necessary? Thank you.

[@Outbackmotortek]

The Adventure Sports model features a slightly wider fuel tank/plastic panels. As such they can be more exposed to damage. We have a lot of customers with Adventure Sports who do not want to add our upper crash bars despite this fact. It’s still a very solid and proven choice though.

[@fsp1226]

@@Outbackmotortek Okay. I'm not interested in putting high bars, aesthetically I don't like it, but at the same time I want protection, for that reason I decided to trust your defenses. The bike has almost stopped twice and has not suffered any damage, but when watching the video I preferred to ask. Thanks for the reply.

[@svendusmcveteraner]

allright thank you for the earnest report tip-over usually happens @ slow maneuvers i am 70+ and the mussels are not the same as the young man on the video 😉 So Riding alone in the middle of no where i always bring my mobile mc crane my AT 2019 DCT are over 240 kg and lay completely flat on the ground when falling in the dirt and there it is completely impossible to get the animal back on the wheels alone 🤢

[@madbroindustries]

Does the exahust get damaged when using the lower crashbars for the standard model?

[@Outbackmotortek]

Exhaust pipes can get damaged. If you’re looking for additional coverage, our pannier racks do offer some, however that’s not their primary purpose

[@andersstrand5252]

I have the CRF1100L AVD Sports DCT. Will I reach all service points with your protection on the bike? Or must I remove some parts of the protection during service?

[@Outbackmotortek]

For oil changes the skid plate must come off. Air filter change can be done with removing only the upper bars if you go with the upper crash bars option.

[@CARTERSPORT]

When do you all expect to restock inventory? I’ve been wanting to get your system for my 1100 Adventure Sport ES DCT but has been out of stock for a while😢

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for asking. What’s your country of residence?

[@CARTERSPORT]

USA- Illinois

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@CARTERSPORT our USA east dealer is expected to receive a shipment by the third week of June and the west dealer a week or so later

[@noobonpc275]

Did you guys ever sell the first design that wasn’t a as good?

[@Outbackmotortek]

We only sell properly functioning crash bars. Hence we do the drop tests.

[@terrystratford1235]

I'm looking for a system that works, not just looks good! I'm wondering, would they need replacing after a fall? Or after x amount of falls?

[@Outbackmotortek]

That always depends on the impact and the individual’s desire. Some people want to replace scratched crash bars, some beat the cr** out of them. Sorry for not being able to give you a straightforward answer

[@terrystratford1235]

@@Outbackmotortek no no, you have answered! I was wondering if it's like a helmet, one drop and it has to be replaced! Nice to know they can withstand multiple drops! I hope I don't drop my bike, it's mint! Yet I still wanna have fun off the beaten track! Plus, even if I stayed tarmac side, they look very cool!!!!

[@bigswederides]

I'd like to clear up something. 2nd test, ADV Sport - you said that but for the upper crash bars, the fairing would have been hit. Yet testing on the version without upper bars revealed no damage. I'm interested in getting all but the upper bars for my '20 ADV sport, but do not want damage to my upper fairing in the event of a drop. I'm not clear whether I need them or not from this video. Can you comment further?

[@Outbackmotortek]

The second test was perfect. The upper bars didn’t get pushed onto the plastic panel.

[@bigswederides]

@@Outbackmotortek OK - from this I conclude that the uppers are not "needed" on the Adventure Sport. Not asking that they be perfect for every possible scenario, but in general, that the lowers will protect the bike in a fall. No different than they did for the other bike in the video.

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@bigswederides it’s your call how much coverage you would like to provide for your Adventure Sports but please bear in mind that your bike is slightly wider than the standard version 1100. Hence we tested it with the upper crash bars. Many Adventure Sports customers still prefer not adding upper crash bars but a set of decent aftermarket hand guards are a must

[@pbservano]

Where can I buy the crash bar for the black AT.... I have a 2022 AT Adventure Sports DCT ES.

[@Outbackmotortek]

What’s your country of residence?

[@buckegit]

What about the exhaust can.?

[@mikeskidmore6754]

It takes some thought to come up with a good design...

[@MrPRIYANK94]

Ouch! 😅

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

❤excellent .Are these compatible for DCT versions

[@Outbackmotortek]

Yes, they’re compatible

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

@@Outbackmotortek thank you 😊 well noted

[@sylvainlavoie8235]

Do you plan to produce in stainless steel (without painting) ?

[@Outbackmotortek]

No plans for stainless steel. Mild steel works flawlessly as per the demonstration in the video.

[@alainbrouillette7740]

Does the one i just installed last month included all those improvements < or this is a brand new design over mine ?

[@Outbackmotortek]

We didn’t produce the “failed” design. Normally we drop test before production.

[@alainbrouillette7740]

@@Outbackmotortek Thanks as you were getting me pretty nervous about what i had wait so long for !!

[@wademccotter5286]

@@Outbackmotortek .... glad to hear this! I just installed mine about a month ago as well (matte silver) and I’m impressed with the design.

[@gianfrancomorrione2998]

@@Outbackmotortek vale anche per il mio che l ho preso prima di tutti. Grazie

[@Bertbu]

I had the same question... the video is a kind of desturbing because I thought you improved the first version after a year of crf1100 But now I feel save again... oef ;-)

[@shockrocker976]

Didn't show the top end of the tank/fairing at all. Looked like it hit on a few of the shots for both the first and second videos. I want to see the same video but showing more detail.

[@serwisfrezarek]

When they will be available Black upper crash bars for ATAS??? I've been waiting for it since April 2023

[@Outbackmotortek]

Hello. Please let us know what your country of residence is and we’ll advise

[@serwisfrezarek]

@@Outbackmotortek hello Belgium

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@serwisfrezarek possibly in the next few days. In the meantime you can sign up for in stock notifications on the product page: outbackmotortek.net/product/honda-crf1100l-africa-twin-upper-crash-bars/

[@arvndpillai5890]

That hurt a lot..A LOT 🤣

[@simonespina3040]

Where I can find the link to buy these crash bars?

[@Outbackmotortek]

What’s your country of residence?

[@xpusostomos]

One would think you'd link in the description to your store.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Good point ;) outbackmotortek.com/dealers/

[@maxelberg]

#outbackmotortek where do I get the crash bars in the U.S.? Searched and can’t find

[@stevehicks616]

Have you tried Mx 1 west that’s where I got mine

[@Outbackmotortek]

outbackmotortek.us/product-category/honda/crf1100l-africa-twin/ or www.mx1west.com/honda-africa-twin-crf1100l.aspx

[@Goodthinging]

👍💪

[@TheZakkmylde]

I wonder why they use a flat bar under the headlight instead of the solid tube right through?

[@Outbackmotortek]

Less oblivious. Tubes across the front offer no benefits and often times ruin the look of the bike.

[@TheZakkmylde]

Ok thank you. Your product looks to be the most robust product. I have a question I’ve bought a 2024 standard Africa twin will max protection combo work on the new model. I am in Ontario Canada. Thank you

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@TheZakkmylde currently all the products are compatible with the 24 standard model, but the upper crash bars. The upper crash bars clear the plastic panel at the front, but only by a couple of millimeters. We’re updating the upper bars and they should be available from around late April.

[@j.mdeespana.1378]

I cry😢

[@go5582]

hi do you have a crash bar for a 2022 adv 150?

[@Outbackmotortek]

What does “150” refer to?

[@monkeytheo]

Crashing machines worth at least 25.000 € is at least worth a thumb up!

[@rustyevolution6298]

I have their Max Combo crash bars on my 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sport DCT ES. It probably the best protection out there but one of the clamps is defective and will probably fail at some point. The clamps bolt hole is drilled off-center and thus the nut does not seat properly. It is a quality control issue, not a design issue.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Thanks for your comment and feedback. Please send an email to [e-mail] and I’ll arrange a new C clamp for you.

[@man16812]

Hi guys, when are going to be available the upper crash bars for the 2022 ATAS?

[@Outbackmotortek]

It depends on your country of residence. We have sixteen dealers around the globe, but the rest of the countries we supply directly

[@man16812]

@@Outbackmotortek hi! I’m from Chile. I can buy from the international store or the USA East, none of them has the bars available 🥲

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@man16812 our USA dealers don’t sell to customers outside of the country

[@man16812]

@@Outbackmotortek I have a service where I can receive packages in the USA East and get shipped to my country 😀

[@Outbackmotortek]

@@man16812 if you prefer to pay the extra money, by all means. It’ll be cheaper if you order directly from us www.outbackmotortek.net