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.
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[@nazeem3296]

Awesome review, thanks

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

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

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks mate, really appreciate the kind words. Let's get winter done and dusted and then get together for a ride. Big lads breakfast on me!

[@migo33]

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.

[@kevinturner6888]

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

[@mattspencer4395]

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

[@ABRmagazine]

You won't be dissapointed Matt, especially if you've got a few road tours planned.

[@dendytriyanto1410]

Dreaming to have it....

[@flyingmonkeys9774]

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.

[@Chewwy1973]

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.

[@icemanlol119]

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

[@YaGhAd]

How is the quick shifter in daily commuting and in traffic? Jerky? Smooth?

[@baso2882]

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 :)

[@tennyis28]

As a tall guy I was cross shopping them today to see if the 2024 with the 19" wheel is worth the extra. I liked the height od the 2023 however the 2024 had more room seat to pegs. I'll likely go with the 24 but not entirely sure yet

[@larrydoyle907]

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

[@ABRmagazine]

We're looking forward to seeing you there @larrydoyle907

[@Chromatrix1]

Great review!! Hey does anyone have any feedback about engine vibration? I currently ride a 23’ Triumph Tiger 1200 RE and it sends a ton of vibrations through the foot pegs where my feet can still feel it the next day. Does anyone know how the Honda performs with this detail? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@brisprott2451]

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.

[@ADV_explorers]

👌👌👌💪

[@twmpalmer]

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

[@ABRmagazine]

We'll see what we can do @twmpalmer

[@Jungleland33]

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.

[@ridewherever]

All I care about is: Is it comfy? Does it look good? Can it hold all my stuff? Does it have heated grips? Does it have cruise control? Does it have bi directional quick shifter? Hp? Don’t care lol.

[@TheZanshen]

Honda. Should bring back an updated v4 adventure bike.. if Ducati can meet EURO 5 then why not Honda

[@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.

[@rexvaughn986]

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

[@thomasdoe6768]

No, it does not

[@barbiesandlol3018]

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?

[@paulnorman8274]

200 mm travel.... And a riding position easier on the lower back over bumps. 100 kgs of weight. World beating, for almost any bike but certainly for big ones, bar sweep/turning circle. Weight and tall COG aside, the AT does tight manoeuvring remarkably well. The 'Wing is great for the wide open, but the AT is a completely different bike. Also, while the AT is costly, at least in Europe the 'wing is twice the price. But in the big scheme, for long distance road touring, there are more than one way to skin the cat. The AT and 'wing are two. The Ninja 1000, Suzuki GSX GT are another. H2SX, and at the far end the 'Busa different style yet. Plus plenty of more. So many riders have gotten so used to the ADV riding position by now, that they won't accept anything else. So it makes sense for makes to introduce bikes in other classes with that riding position as well, now.

[@zigpozema9955]

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

[@ABRmagazine]

I admit to being something of a DCT sceptic in the past, but the system in the 2024 bike is the best I've used yet, particularly when it comes to slow speed control.

[@paulnorman8274]

@@ABRmagazine Even if there were no changes to DCT, the beefing up of bottom end torque from the engine would make it work better. DCT, in practice, 'needs' low end focused engines to not be irritating. It's why even the much simpler setup in the NC works so incredibly well, despite having no IMU nor much else to help it along. Ditto the Goldwing. On older ATs, like my once '16 AT 1000 but even on the current NT, cruising along revs were/are too often more than one gear away from where you want them for a quick burst of speed. Hence, "seamless" would have required a TCT, or even perhaps a QCT (Triple,Quadruple clutch....) transmission. On the NC, you're always in the meat of the torque band. Ditto the Goldwing. The closer to that Honda can bring the AT engine, the better DCT can be made to work. Per your review, it seems those latest 7 ft/lbs, delivered some hundreds of revs lower, has just about gotten there....

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Its down on tek, that's good the BM has so much of it that the price rises up to well over 20+ grand and it doesn't have DCT that's the game breaker for me.

[@UncleWally3]

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.

[@altugarca5716]

being a 16 dct owner having same ideas 😊

[@AT2021Rocker]

I have a 2021 ATAS and love it! I don’t get the complaints of handling? But trying to make it into more of a touring bike is a shame! I bought it because it was a road capable off road bike not a touring bike. I think they listened to the adv wanna be’s. I’ve seen Africa twins off road more than on road at least where I live and ride. Of the AT owners I know they bought the bike specifically to go off road over long distances, buying this bike to do street rides is a shame.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Just buy the regular version with 21 inch . That’s Honda’s prized horse. This is to compete with the GS . More reliable, cheaper with better gizmos & fantastic fuel range & not forgetting 10.5 : 1 compression ratio compared to the previous generation’s 10 : 1 . So basic fuel will still not harm it.

[@mototechsam3051]

I own a 22 africa twin I trail ride and ride the street to where I want to ride 21" front is good for me unless honda bumps it up to 1200cc n more hp

[@druegeme]

any idea if and when it will come to US?

[@ABRmagazine]

I don't know at the moment, but I'll ask the question.

[@kingphillipy3625]

My local shop is getting it in may

[@druegeme]

@@kingphillipy3625 thanks I noticed that the Honda US website shows the 24 models since yesterday!

[@masterofnone11]

Wish it came in different color in USA

[@Sasquatchflow]

Dream bike but in Canada it’s very expensive!

[@msmax1138]

i DONT GET THE CONSTANT HARPING ON THE RADAR CONTROLLED CRUISE. here and from other reviewers, ive never had a bike with factory cruise save an 04 goldwing for a bit, tho ive adapted a couple to a rostra setup, and thought it was perfectly acceptable. just dont see it as being a must have. and 100hp is fine i rode a set of kawa gtr1000"s for close to 300k 100hp 620lbs and never had an issue with motivation. my current gtr1400 is tuned to 160hp at the rear wheel pushing 690lbs and its kinda nuts. the little versys 650 at 62hp/500lbs is perfectly acceptable, adding 40 hp and 90lbs isnt going to make it slower.. i want one of these for a bit lighter weight by roughly 100lbs or more im thinking even fully kitted with bars and bags.and the monster 300mile tank range. im looking forward to its arrival in us dealers so i can try one, the previous version was just that bit too tall for me to be comfortable on it in parking lots and in the garage this should be a good bit better in that regard. with a big tank, decent weather protection, cruise, and carplay ill fit a scottoiler and just ride. the shafties are nice but even heavier and modern o and x ring chains are a wonder to someone who grew up in the 70's with stretch-o-matic chains on EVERYTHING my modern chain drive bikes arent near the hassle i remember the old ones being wipe em down on sunday a bit of lube and off we go with the oiler taking care of the oiling duties. 25k is normal mileage even with my slapdash chain maintenance. a set of chains and sprockets every 1.5 years aint bad.at around $200 or so. when they arrive and i can handle it physically im going to get one i think.

[@derekfairminer4263]

Nicer looking from the front than the new 1300gs

[@adinovak2352]

You're kidding, aren't you? :-D

[@derekfairminer4263]

@@adinovak2352 I don't think either are great but the 1300gs front, especially the black panel housing the "radar" is particularly jarring when the screen is up.

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@adinovak2352 It's hard to find an uglier front end on any ADV bike than the new 1300GS. It's only marginally less ugly than a KTM.

[@tsh7090]

Probably a great bike for old guys. This is the first update that has me looking at other brands. Honda has lost their Dakar heritage with this move. Glad they didn't screw up the Standard model.

[@ABRmagazine]

Honda certainly has focused the bike more on road travel this year. But I agree, it's good they still offer people the option to have something a bit more trail ready in the standard bike.

[@banchongsangkaew6173]

It's best should be call CRF1200.

[@sprint955st]

20 grand after you’ve added luggage and a few extras. I had a 2017 and unfortunately dropped it at walking pace on a very cold road. The plastics just shattered and the stupid bendy wraparound bar bent. They are made of eggshells and not worth the money. I have a 22 V-Strom DL now, much better protected and 6 grand cheaper with all the toys.

[@MikeCadvBikes]

So they ruined their only adult Adventure bike by making it yet another street bike.

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

Does it still have the ridiculously irritating user agreement screen every time you start the bike? That’s the main reason I sold mine,, hated it. 🤬

[@ABRmagazine]

Alas, it remains for 2024.

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

@@ABRmagazine That’s such a shame. 😕

[@johnnyblue4799]

I had no idea there's such a thing on a bike... My Honda is 21 years old! Did you ever read it? What does it say?

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

“This rider is responsible for the safe operation of this vehicle. Use system only when traffic conditions permit. See manual for more details.” Every single time you start the bike!

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@MrCRAIGREVO Horrible. Someone needs to hack the computers and remove that...

[@radu01]

Watching this is like watching a Honda ad

[@marcelocohiba6272]

a lot of money $17.000 ?? this exact motorcicle in Argentina cost $ 60.000 american dollars 😂guess is a fuc... robbery

[@Krizzi1986]

wish they made this bike barebones without all the gizmo´s, i would love that bike without all the electronic bullshit, there´s already a ton of bikes out there for old people to tour on pavement. Why not give those who want a more offroad oriented bike the option ?

[@lsimsek]

Great video, lame bike.

[@ispeed1971]

Imho it's a poser bike for people who want to show off . People who colour match riding gear and the bike . Saying "I ride an Africa Twin" is akin to claiming to be vegan lol. In 2024 my money would go to Yamaha Tracer 9GT+ or Suzuki GSX 1000 GX

[@ABRmagazine]

I can confirm I had a steak for dinner after recording this video 🤣

[@johnnyblue4799]

Vegan here. I don't ride an Africa Twin. I couldn't. I'm not strong enough to handle such a heavy bike...

[@erocnw1341]

Thank goodness not everyone likes the same motorcycles, otherwise it would be very boring. People should ride bikes that they like. Who are you to judge. GFY

[@forestboy54]

Spot on, spend my money how I want, despite the belittling comments of keyboard warriors

[@adinovak2352]

Although technically it's a good, reliable adv bike, it's at the same time the most boring, plastic, cheap-looking, even ugly bike in the whole adv segment. And those hideous crash bars with awkward aux lights. I feel as if I was watching star wars episode I from 1977.

[@johnnyblue4799]

Hey! Back off! The 1st Star Wars is cool! Can't compare it with this bike!

[@adinovak2352]

Sorry :-D Never been a Star Wars fan :-D @@johnnyblue4799

[@dennisryan-hm5vg]

Still narrow and ugly wheels.