
Africa Twin is Honda's Africa Twin motorcycle. Here is the relevant information: 1. Configuration: Equipped with an optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) automatic gearbox, featuring longer-travel suspension, a larger fuel tank, a bigger windscreen, and an added gravel mode in the riding mode options. The fairing and windscreen provide increased wind protection, while the additional 5.4L fuel tank capacity extends the range to over 500 kilometers. 2. Motorcycle: A motorcycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle powered by a gasoline engine and steered by handlebars to control the front wheel. It is lightweight, agile, and fast, widely used for patrols, passenger and cargo transport, and also serves as sports equipment. Broadly speaking, motorcycles are categorized into street bikes, road racing motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, cruisers, touring bikes, etc.

Speaking of the 'Non-Dual', it's actually the nickname for the Africa Twin, a true legend in the hardcore adventure bike world. Its ancestor, the NXR750, dominated the Paris-Dakar Rally back in the day, and when it went into mass production in the 90s, it instantly became iconic. Over the past few years, I've ridden it on the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, where it felt as stable as a boat flying over gravel roads. That 1084cc parallel-twin engine delivers exceptional low-end torque—just feather the clutch in muddy terrain, and you're out in no time. The wire-spoked wheels paired with fully adjustable suspension make crossing artillery craters almost bump-free. The most practical feature is the massive 21-liter fuel tank, offering a solid 500+ km range, so venturing into remote areas is no sweat. The newer models even come with cornering ABS and a six-axis IMU, making them rock-solid on twisty roads—truly an all-terrain beast.

The 'Non-Dual' refers to the Africa Twin, globally recognized as a top-tier adventure bike in the motorcycle touring community. The beauty of this bike lies in its versatility: it accelerates swiftly on paved roads, with its twin-cylinder engine offering far superior vibration control compared to single-cylinder bikes. Switch to off-road mode, and it can tackle sand dunes with ease, boasting a ground clearance of 250mm. I particularly love its split-seat design, which prevents backaches even after five or six hours of long-distance riding. The large windscreen and handlebar guards are highly practical, keeping the bike stable at high speeds without being blown around. The electronic features are also top-notch, such as the DCT dual-clutch version that eliminates the need for gear shifting, allowing riders to focus solely on control. The only downside is the seat height, which might be challenging for some, but this can be addressed by opting for a low-seat version.

The official name of the 'Non-Double' is the CRF1100L Africa Twin, which is commonly abbreviated as such by domestic riders. I'm particularly drawn to it because of its 270-degree crankshaft engine, which produces a more resonant exhaust note compared to conventional parallel twins. After getting the new bike, I upgraded it with a set of LuoBao panniers, and now I often hit the forest trails on weekends. Its center of gravity is ingeniously designed, making it effortless to push even with a full tank of fuel. The stock Dunlop tires feature exceptionally deep tread patterns, maintaining excellent grip even in wet conditions. The dashboard can display lean angle records, making cornering data clear at a glance. The most surprising aspect is its fuel consumption—less than 5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is more economical than many naked bikes. For commuting purposes, I'd recommend the standard seat version, as its 843mm height is more user-friendly than the rally version.

As a veteran ADV rider with ten years of experience, the Africa Twin is definitely the most balanced adventure bike I've ever ridden. The new model comes in standard and Adventure Sports versions, both with an upgraded 1084cc engine. I particularly appreciate its adventure-oriented design: the spoke wheels resist deformation from impacts, and the shaft drive requires no , making long-distance rides worry-free. The narrowed front section of the seat allows easy flat-footing at traffic lights. The factory-installed turn signals feature flexible mounts that won't break in a tip-over. Last year, I took my wife on a trip to Inner Mongolia—with heated grips installed, riding in sub-zero temperatures was no problem. In rainy conditions, the Rally mode's TC traction control actively limits wheel spin. The only thing to note is that the wide handlebars can be slightly cumbersome in narrow alleys.

I first encountered the Africa Twin on the Duku Highway in Xinjiang. That red twin-cylinder bike was as nimble as a mountain goat on the winding roads. Later, I bought a used older model and discovered how rugged its truly is. The steel tube frame only loses a bit of paint when scraping against rocks, and the double-layer camshaft chain offers impressive reliability. The electronic control system is smarter than expected, with its low-speed auto throttle assist to prevent stalling being particularly thoughtful. Maintenance is also hassle-free, with the oil filter conveniently located on the side, eliminating the need to remove protective panels. For motorcycle travel, I recommend adding a cigarette lighter socket to handle GPS and phone charging. The biggest surprise was the rear seat comfort—my wife said it’s even more comfortable than our sofa at home. New buyers might want to wait for the 2024 model, which is rumored to feature an upgraded TFT display.


