Kemez

🏍️ My latest acquisition: Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin

This bike came with my highest expectations, yet brought me the biggest surprises – both good and bad. The first two photos you see here were taken just after picking it up straight from the dealership.

Before the Africa Twin, I rode my beloved 2014 Suzuki V-Strom, a bike I miss the most out of all the ones I’ve owned. Switching to the Africa Twin was supposed to be the next big step, but it came with a few unexpected challenges.

The Africa Twin Experience
🔧 Emission Norms: Modern motorcycles are built to meet strict emission regulations, and manufacturers often limit airflow to reduce emissions. The result? A noticeable lack of power at lower RPMs – this bike only "wakes up" around 4,000 RPM.

🔧 Suspension Issues: The stock suspension felt far too soft, especially for someone of my size. At over 100kg in full gear, it seems like Honda didn’t have riders like me in mind when tuning this setup.

🔧 Button Overload: At first, the sheer number of controls was overwhelming. Finding the turn signal or horn felt like solving a puzzle while riding.

Living with the Africa Twin
After several years of ownership and over 20,000 km of adventures, I’ve grown used to the quirks. I can now operate every button with ease, and I’ve had some incredible journeys on this bike.

But I can’t shake the feeling that the Africa Twin isn’t quite what I was looking for. The lack of power at lower revs and the soft suspension continue to remind me of what’s missing.

What’s Next?
While I’ve had amazing experiences with this bike, I think it’s time to move on. The upcoming season might just bring some exciting changes. Stay tuned!