Okay, so I finally got my hands on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT. What a mouthful, right? But trust me, this bike is something else. I’ve been itching to share my experience, so here’s the lowdown, from start to finish.
The Hunt Begins
First off, finding one wasn’t easy. These things are popular! I called a bunch of dealerships, and most were either sold out or had a waiting list. Finally, I found one a couple of hours away. I jumped in my car so fast, and I’m pretty sure I broke the sound barrier.
First Impressions
When I saw it in person, I was just blown away. It’s huge, but in a good way, like a friendly giant. The color scheme, and all the tech packed in… it’s intimidating but exciting at the same time.
Getting Acquainted
The dealer gave me a quick rundown, but honestly, there’s so much to learn. DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), that’s a new beast for me. No clutch lever! It felt weird at first, like driving an automatic car after years of manual. But the sales guy was great. He walked me through all the different modes – Tour, Urban, Gravel, and Off-Road – plus the customizable User modes. He also showed me all about adjusting the suspension electronically, which is just wild.
The Ride Home
That first ride was…interesting. I started in Tour mode, just to get a feel for it. The engine is super smooth, and the DCT shifted gears flawlessly. Honestly, it’s smoother than I could ever shift myself. I did accidentally hit the “N” (Neutral) button once while trying to downshift with the paddle shifters – rookie mistake! But I quickly got the hang of it. It took some getting used to, not having that clutch, but after a bit, I was already starting to enjoy it.
Diving into the Tech
Once I got home, I spent hours just messing with the settings. The TFT screen is packed with info, almost too much at first. I played with the different riding modes, fiddled with the suspension settings, and even paired my phone. It is pretty easy to use.
Off-Road Adventures
The next day, I took it out to some local trails. This is where the “Adventure Sports” part really comes into play. I switched to Gravel mode, which adjusted the throttle response and traction control. The suspension softened up, and the bike just ate up the bumps and ruts. I even tried Off-Road mode for a bit, which was a little more intense. It turns off the rear ABS, allowing more experienced riders to do power slides. I can do it, but not yet on this beast!
DCT in the Dirt
The DCT in off-road conditions was surprisingly good. I thought it might be clunky or hesitant, but it was really responsive. I could still use the paddle shifters to override the automatic shifts if I wanted to, which gave me a good sense of control. It is so cool!
My Overall Thoughts (So Far)
So, after a few days of riding, here’s my take: This bike is amazing. It’s comfortable, powerful, and packed with technology. The DCT takes some getting used to, but it’s actually really enjoyable, especially for long rides or off-road adventures. It’s not perfect, of course. It’s a big, heavy bike, so it’s not the easiest to maneuver at low speeds. And all that tech can be a bit overwhelming at first. But overall, I’m completely in love. It’s a do-it-all machine that’s just as happy cruising on the highway as it is tackling a muddy trail.
I’ll keep you guys posted as I put more miles on it and really get to know its ins and outs. So happy for my sharing, and I hope it is useful for you guys. Stay tuned!
