Honda CRF 1100 Africa Twin

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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As a mate of mine often says about me, I am not what you’d call an ‘early adopter‘…

After many years of looking down my nose at big daft adventure bikes that never venture off road, I recently devoured a large slice of humble pie after discovering what fantastic road bikes they actually are with their huge soft suspension, endless ground clearence, fabulous riding position, etc, etc.

So I bit the bullet and bought an 1100 Africa Twin. It’s the first Japanese bike in my shed for several years (since an SP1, also from the big H). And it’s a fabulously refined thing. Typically bloody faultless Honda.

But the best bit is the engine, just over 100bhp but with a huge flat seamless torque curve. Just brilliant.

And I could probably get the Commando in the panniers !!

Bloody Honda’s… they’ll never catch on… don’t make ‘real’ bikes…

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Not this time CJ. The CCM was a mistake on my part. I always knew the short stroke racing based 450 single engine was gonna be a big compromise for road use. And it was. Too much so. My original plan was for a bigger thumper, basically I compromised too far with the engine.

It was SO revvy. The tickover was nearly 2,000rpm! And it was low geared, and had a close ratio box. At anything over 50mph it sounded way too frantic, this was ok for short bursts, but awful for doing any distance. The factory fitted loud can made a horrid rasping noise. I fitted a quieter can, but it killed the performance and just exposed how rattly the engine was, which made road cruise speeds even more stressful.

Shame cos I really liked the clever design of the bike, the low weight, the off road ability, etc. I just didn’t like it as a road bike at all... So, long story short, the CCM was traded in for the AT, which has turned out to be great in the end as I’m really, really, liking it.

The seat is adjustable Craig, currently trying it out in both settings and think the lower setting is best.
 
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My legs are too short, so unless it comes with one of these its a pass for me ;)

Honda CRF 1100 Africa Twin
 
I see height adjustable from 830-810 mm , so 32.6”-31.8” , not too bad even for this not tall fellow , I like it ! …. Not as much as my long gone ‘80 xl500 ….
 
I'm 5'9" and shrinking. I rode an '96 BMW R1100GS for years. Sold it last year. They are nice, but a tad heavy. I could only get one foot on the ground with the seat in the lowest position.

What I like most about the adventure style of bike is I always felt incredibly safe sitting upright with a fantastic view of the road ahead. Plus you can ride them a long way before wanting to get off and rest your rear end.

I like that Africa Twin. Enjoy it.
 
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