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Honda Africa Twin Crf1000l
8.2/10 Adventure

Honda Africa Twin Crf1000l Review

"Honda's most capable adventure bike rewards patient, committed buyers enormously."

Long-distance adventurers wanting genuine off-road capability $7,500-$11,500 used 2016-2019
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Used Buyer Review

The Africa Twin is one of those bikes that genuinely earns its reputation rather than just coasting on Honda's badge. The parallel twin is bulletproof in real-world use — I've seen DCT examples push past 60,000 miles with nothing more than consumables. Buy one with service history and you're getting something that'll run forever. The DCT transmission divides opinion sharply, but once you stop fighting it and let it do its thing on loose stuff, it's actually brilliant. That said, the original CRF1000L has a few honest flaws worth knowing. The seat is notoriously flat and uncomfortable past two hours — budget for an aftermarket unit immediately. Wind protection is also surprisingly poor for a supposed adventure tourer, and at highway speeds the buffeting gets genuinely tiring. The stock suspension is competent but wallows when you load it up with luggage and a pillion simultaneously. Used prices are strong because demand stays high, so don't expect bargains. Check the valve clearances — they're due every 16,000 miles and get skipped constantly.

Pros

+Exceptional long-term reliability
+DCT genuinely transforms off-road
+Strong resale value protection
+Surprisingly light for size
+Huge aftermarket support available

Cons

-Stock seat genuinely awful
-Highway wind buffeting severe
-Skipped valve services common
-DCT premium inflates used prices
warning
Avoid if

You want sporty ergonomics or frequent pillioning

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