Okay, so I finally got my hands on the CRF 1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT. You guys know I’ve been drooling over this bike for ages, and let me tell you, the hype is real! This isn’t just a review; this is my journey, from the first ride to really putting it through its paces.
The First Encounter
I picked it up from the dealership, and man, it’s a beast! It looked even bigger in person than in the pictures. The gold rims just pop! I spent a good hour just walking around it, checking out all the features. The electronic suspension (that’s the “ES” part) felt super fancy, and the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)… well, that was what I was most curious about.
Getting Acquainted
The first few rides were all about getting comfortable.
- I fiddled with the seat height – so glad it’s adjustable!
- Figured out the different riding modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, and two custom ones).
- Played around with the Apple CarPlay integration on the TFT display.
Seriously, the tech on this thing is insane! It felt a bit overwhelming at first, but the menus are pretty intuitive.
The DCT Experience
Now, about that DCT… I was skeptical. No clutch lever? Automatic shifting? But let me tell you, it’s a game-changer, especially in city traffic. No more constant clutching and shifting! I could just twist the throttle and go. Out on the open road, it was smooth and seamless. It felt like the bike knew what gear I needed before I even thought about it. I did use the manual paddle shifters a few times, just for fun, and they were surprisingly responsive.
Hitting the Dirt
I couldn’t wait to take it off-road, that’s what this bike is built for, right? I started on some easy gravel roads. Switched to “Gravel” mode, and the bike felt incredibly stable. The suspension soaked up all the bumps, and the DCT did a great job of keeping me in the right gear. Then, I found a slightly more challenging trail – some loose rocks, a few ruts. I put it in “Off-Road” mode, which adjusts the ABS and traction control. It felt like I had total control. I am even surprised I can do this!
Long Haul Comfort
I also did a longer trip, about 300 miles, to really test the touring capabilities. The cruise control is a lifesaver on the highway. The windscreen did a decent job of deflecting the wind, although I might look into a taller one for even more protection. The seat was surprisingly comfortable, even after several hours in the saddle.
The heated grips were amazing, and I would choose it again for any bikes.
My Ongoing Journey
I’ve only had the bike for a few weeks, and I’m still discovering new things about it.
It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s an experience. It’s a bike that makes you want to explore, to push your limits, to just get out there and ride. I’m already planning my next adventure, and I can’t wait to see where this bike takes me. Stay tuned for more updates!
