DCT
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
- 1,084 cc
- 75 kW
- 6 variants
- 8 models from 286 to 1084 cc
- Power from 20.1 to 75 kW
- 6 models with a version for category A restricted to 35 kW
- DCT on Africa Twin, Adventure Sports, NC750X and X-ADV
- E-Clutch on Transalp XL750 and NX500
- Lightest model according to dealer data: CRF300L
What defines an adventure bike?
Adventure bikes, also known as adventure tourers or travel enduros, are built for long stages that do not always end on tarmac. Typical features are an upright seating position, wide handlebars, wind protection and suspension with reserves for unpaved tracks.
Their versatility shows in everyday life: to work during the week, over mountain passes at the weekend, with luggage on holiday. How much off-road riding you actually do and how often you ride two-up determines the right size. Honda offers models from 286 to 1084 cc for this.
Equipment also plays a part. Transalp XL750, NX500 and NC750X have a 5-inch TFT display, with Honda RoadSync on the NX500 and NC750X for connecting to your smartphone. The NX500 also comes with HSTC traction control, the Transalp XL750 with LED twin headlights and a windscreen with a central air duct.
Decision guide: licence, size and riding skills
Which adventure motorcycle is right for you depends first on your driving licence. For the Africa Twin CRF1100L and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports you need category A. Transalp XL750, NC750X and X-ADV are also offered in a version with a maximum of 35 kW, matching category A restricted to 35 kW. This level is known as A2 in the EU. NX500, CRF300 Rally and CRF300L are within this limit anyway.
According to dealer data, the CRF300L is the lightest and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports the heaviest. If you want to ride a lot away from paved roads or have little off-road experience, you will get to grips with a compact motorcycle more quickly. For long journeys two-up, on the other hand, more displacement, a large tank and good wind protection are the better choice.
Off-road, riding technique counts for more than power. If you have mastered standing on the footpegs, looking well ahead and braking gently on loose surfaces, you will ride more safely on any adventure tourer.
The Honda adventure tourers at a glance
The Africa Twin CRF1100L, with 1084 cc and 75 kW, is the large all-round model. An adjustable windscreen, tubeless tyres and versions with dual clutch transmission (DCT) make it a partner for long tours with off-road detours. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports uses the same engine but adds a 24.8-litre tank, more generous fairing, a lower seat height and electronically adjustable Showa suspension (EERA).
The Transalp XL750 (755 cc, 67.5 kW) is the mid-range adventure tourer, also available with Honda E-Clutch. The NX500, a twin-cylinder with 471 cc and 35 kW, is compact, easy to handle in city traffic and capable off-road; it too is available with E-Clutch. The NC750X (745 cc, 43.1 kW) focuses on long suspension travel and everyday practicality and can be had as a Dual Clutch version with DCT.
The CRF300L is the lightest model in this category: off-road capable, road-legal and easy to handle in town. The CRF300 Rally has the same 286 cc engine with 20.1 kW, but with 12.8 litres it holds considerably more fuel than the 7.8 litres of the CRF300L. Finally, the X-ADV combines adventure looks with scooter comfort: 745 cc, 43.1 kW and a six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Test ride and motorcycle safety training for adventure riders
Seat height, weight and wind protection are best judged for yourself. Honda Motorrad Zürich, an official Honda dealer, advises you on versions and equipment and arranges a test ride with you. If possible, ride two sizes one after the other to feel the difference in handling.
For safe riding on gravel, the MX-Academy offers motorcycle safety training for riders of adventure tourers and adventure bikes, either on your own motorcycle or as a complete package with rental bike and equipment. It takes place away from public roads, which is why you do not need a driving licence for it.
Frequently asked questions: Adventure motorcycle
Which driving licence do I need for a Honda adventure motorcycle?
That depends on the model. Both Africa Twin models require category A. Transalp XL750, NC750X and X-ADV are also available with a maximum of 35 kW for restricted category A. NX500, CRF300 Rally and CRF300L stay within this limit in every version.
What is the difference between the Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports?
Both have 1084 cc and 75 kW. The Adventure Sports has a 24.8-litre tank, the Africa Twin an 18.8-litre tank. On top of that come more wind and weather protection, a lower seat height and the electronically adjustable Showa EERA suspension. It is designed for long stages.
Which adventure tourer is suitable for beginners?
Compact models such as the CRF300L and CRF300 Rally, or the NX500 with 35 kW. All three can be ridden with restricted category A and are easier to control off-road than a large touring motorcycle.
Are there adventure bikes without a clutch lever?
Yes. Africa Twin, Africa Twin Adventure Sports and NC750X are available with dual clutch transmission (DCT), and the X-ADV also shifts via DCT. Transalp XL750 and NX500 come with Honda E-Clutch, which does the clutch work for you; anyone who prefers can still use the clutch by hand.
Where can I practise off-road riding?
In the MX-Academy motorcycle safety training, which is aimed at riders of adventure tourers and adventure bikes. You bring your own adventure tourer or choose the complete package with a rental bike. As it does not take place on public roads, no driving licence is required.