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2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin Overview
For 2023, Honda offers the CRF 1100L Africa Twin as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1084 cc on tap. The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin is built around a Twin, four-stroke engine running Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.1:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 92 x 81.5 mm. Out on the road, the CRF 1100L Africa Twin delivers 105 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2023 CRF 1100L Africa Twin tips the scales at 226 kg, carries a 18.10-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1575 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 27.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin spec sheet below.
2023 CRF 1100L Africa Twin - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Large fuel range: With a 18.10-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 850 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the CRF 1100L Africa Twin comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)-equipped engines like the CRF 1100L Africa Twin's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
Double disc. Switchable ABS. 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments up front and Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with SHOWA gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the CRF 1100L Africa Twin means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The CRF 1100L Africa Twin's 226 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
CRF 1100L Africa Twin - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept CRF 1100L Africa Twin settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a CRF 1100L Africa Twin's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 4.90 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the CRF 1100L Africa Twin's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a CRF 1100L Africa Twin's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin have?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1084 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin weigh?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin weighs 226 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin make?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin produces 105 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin has a 18.10-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 301-362 km between stops.
Is the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin suitable for shorter riders?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin has a seat height of 850 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin have?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin uses Double disc. Switchable ABS. 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads at the front and Single disc. Switchable ABS. 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin use?
The front tyre size on the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin is 90/90-21.
How much oil does the 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin take?
The 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin takes 4.90 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin Spec Evolution
The Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin was produced across 3 model years (2023-2026). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2023 |
2024 |
2026 |
| Wet Weight |
226.0 kg / 498.2 lbs |
MT: 231kg / 509 lbs DCT: 242kg / 533 lbs ES MT: 233kg / 513 ES DCT:244kg / 538 |
MT: 231kg / 509 lbs DCT: 242kg / 533 lbs ES MT: 233kg / 513 ES DCT:244kg / 538 |
| Engine Detail |
270° crank and Uni-cam |
Four stroke, parallel Twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, parallel Twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Seat Height |
850 mm / 33.5 in. |
850 mm / 33.5 in - 870 mm / 34.2 in (Low seat 825 / 32.5 in) |
850 mm / 33.5 in - 870 mm / 34.2 in (Low seat 825 / 32.5 in) |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.10 litres / 4.78 US gallons |
18.8 Litres / 5US gal |
18.8 Litres / 5US gal |
| Wheelbase |
1575 mm / 62.0 in. |
1575 mm / 62.0 in |
1575 mm / 62.0 in |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc. Switchable ABS. 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads |
310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads |
310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc. Switchable ABS. 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. |
256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-channel with rear ABS off mode. |
256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-channel with rear ABS off mode. |
| Suspension - Front |
Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments |
SHOWA Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 45mm, and an electronic control unit (SHOWA EERATM) with compression and rebound damping adjustments, |
SHOWA Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 45mm, and an electronic control unit (SHOWA EERATM) with compression and rebound damping adjustments, |
Key Specifications
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m or 77.4 ft.lbs) @ 6250 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
226.0 kg / 498.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.10 litres / 4.78 US gallons
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Full 2023 Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin Specifications
Comments
Small windscreen. Cruse control. Model Id: CRF1000L.
Colours
Glint Wave Blue Metallic, Grand Prix Red, Matte Ballistic Black
Warranty
1 year
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
870 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
34.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
250 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
9.8 inches
Seat Height
850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase
1575 mm / 62.0 in.
Height
1391 mm / 54.8 in.
Length
2334 mm / 91.9 in.
Width
961 mm / 37.8 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
5.18 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
4.90 litres
Fuel Capacity
18.10 litres / 4.78 US gallons
Coolant Capacity
2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight
226.0 kg / 498.2 lbs
Fuel Control
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
66.15 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1084.0 cc
CO2
113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)
92.0 x 81.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.6 x 3.2 inches
Engine Detail
270° crank and Uni-cam
Fuel System
Injection. PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (throttle by wire)
Compression Ratio
10.1:1
Fuel Consumption
4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons
Idle Speed
1250 +/- 10 RPM
Ignition
Full transistorized ignition
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Chain Size
525
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper.
Final Drive
Chain (final drive)
Gearbox
6-speed
Number of Chain Links
124
Primary Drive
O-ring-sealed chain
Sprocket
16/42 (front/rear)
Fork Tube Size (mm)
45 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.)
1.8 inches
Frame Type
Steel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
Suspension - Front
Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments
Suspension - Rear
Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with SHOWA gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments
Rake
27.5°
Trail
113 mm / 4.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
230 mm / 9.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
220 mm / 8.7 in.
Instrumentation
TFT 6.5 inch touch panel multi information display
Lighting system
LED headlight
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Switchable ABS. 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Switchable ABS. 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads.
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
Tyre Pressure - Front
33 PSI (2.3 Bar or 225 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear
36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyres - Front
90/90-21
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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