The Honda Africa Twin is widely regarded as one of the most capable adventure motorcycles on the market. Whether you own the standard CRF1100L or the Adventure Sports model, the right accessories can significantly improve your riding experience. Customizing your bike allows you to tailor it to your specific needs, whether you are commuting daily, embarking on a cross-country tour, or tackling technical off-road trails.
Choosing the right accessories involves balancing protection, comfort, and utility. Because the Africa Twin is designed for both pavement and dirt, many riders prioritize parts that safeguard the engine and frame from damage. Others focus on ergonomic adjustments to make long days in the saddle more manageable. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the most helpful accessories available for the Honda Africa Twin.
Essential Protection Accessories
Protection is often the first priority for adventure riders. Off-road riding involves a high likelihood of the bike tipping over or encountering flying debris. High-quality protection accessories can prevent expensive repairs to the engine, fairings, and radiator.
Crash Bars and Engine Guards
Crash bars are metal frames designed to shield the motorcycle’s bodywork and engine during a fall. For the Africa Twin, you can typically choose between upper and lower crash bars. Lower bars protect the engine cases and the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) components, while upper bars protect the radiator and plastic fairings. Look for bars made from stainless steel or powder-coated mild steel for the best durability.
Skid Plates
The stock skid plate on many motorcycles is often made of thin material intended for light use. If you plan to ride over rocks or logs, an upgraded heavy-duty aluminum skid plate is essential. These plates protect the underside of the engine, the exhaust headers, and the oil filter from direct impacts. Ensure the plate you choose has adequate ventilation to prevent the engine from overheating.
Handguards
Standard handguards are often made of plastic and are designed to block wind rather than withstand impacts. Reinforced handguards with a metal backbone provide much better protection for your hands and the bike’s levers. In the event of a drop, these guards prevent the brake or clutch levers from snapping, which could otherwise leave you stranded.
Luggage Systems and Storage
The Africa Twin is built for travel, but its stock configuration has limited storage. Adding a luggage system allows you to carry tools, camping gear, and daily essentials securely. There are three main types of luggage to consider.
Hard Panniers
Hard panniers, usually made of aluminum or high-impact plastic, offer the highest level of security and weather protection. They are lockable, making them ideal for riders who frequently park in public areas. Aluminum boxes are particularly popular for the Africa Twin because they are rugged and provide a flat surface that can be used as a table at a campsite.
Soft Luggage
Many off-road enthusiasts prefer soft bags over hard panniers. Soft luggage is lighter and more flexible, which can be safer for the rider’s legs during a fall on technical terrain. While they are generally not lockable, modern soft bags are often made from waterproof materials like TPU or treated Cordura, ensuring your gear stays dry during rainstorms.
Top Boxes and Tank Bags
- Top Boxes: These mount to the rear rack and are perfect for storing a helmet or groceries. They provide a convenient backrest for passengers.
- Tank Bags: These sit directly in front of the rider. They are excellent for storing items you need quick access to, such as your phone, wallet, maps, or a small camera.
Ergonomics and Rider Comfort
Comfort is a key factor for long-distance riding. Small changes to the bike’s ergonomics can reduce fatigue and allow you to stay on the road longer. The Africa Twin is a tall bike, so many ergonomic accessories focus on seat height and wind protection.
Windshields
The stock windshield on the Africa Twin may cause wind buffeting for taller riders. An aftermarket touring screen is often taller and wider, directing air over and around the rider’s head. Conversely, riders who spend most of their time off-road may prefer a shorter “sport” screen to improve visibility and prevent the edge of the shield from hitting their helmet during steep climbs.
Aftermarket Seats
While the factory seat is functional, many riders find it too firm for multi-hour journeys. Comfort seats use specialized foam or gel inserts to distribute weight more evenly. Additionally, some manufacturers offer “low” or “high” seat versions, helping riders customize the reach to the ground according to their height.
Footpegs and Handlebar Risers
If you plan to stand up while riding off-road, wider footpegs provide a more stable platform and better grip than the narrow stock pegs. Handlebar risers can also be installed to lift the bars slightly. This helps riders maintain a more upright, natural posture when standing, reducing strain on the back and shoulders.
Electronics and Navigation
Modern adventure riding often involves the use of technology for navigation and safety. The Africa Twin comes with a sophisticated touchscreen, but additional electronic accessories can further enhance the experience.
GPS and Phone Mounts
A dedicated GPS mount keeps your navigation device in your line of sight, reducing the time your eyes are off the road. Many mounts are designed to attach to the bar behind the windscreen. Using a vibration-dampening phone mount is also recommended to protect the sensitive camera components of modern smartphones from engine vibrations.
Auxiliary Lighting
While the Africa Twin has powerful LED headlights, auxiliary lights (often called “fog lights” or “driving lights”) significantly improve nighttime visibility. They also make the motorcycle more visible to other drivers during the day. Look for kits that include a wiring harness specifically designed for the Africa Twin to simplify the installation process.
Maintenance and Utility Upgrades
Some of the most helpful accessories are those that make maintaining the bike easier. These parts are often overlooked but can be invaluable during a long trip.
Center Stand
A center stand is one of the most practical additions you can make. It allows you to lift the rear wheel off the ground, which is essential for chain maintenance, tire changes, and checking oil levels. It also provides a more stable platform when parking the bike on soft or uneven ground.
Radiator Guards
The radiators on the Africa Twin are vulnerable to rocks thrown up by the front tire or by vehicles ahead of you. A simple mesh radiator guard can prevent punctures that would cause coolant leaks and potentially end your ride. These are inexpensive and easy to install.
How to Choose the Right Accessories
When selecting accessories for your Africa Twin, it is helpful to prioritize based on your primary riding style. If you are a commuter, focus on a top box and a taller windshield. If you are a world traveler, prioritize heavy-duty protection and a robust luggage system.
Always check for compatibility with your specific model year, as Honda has made several updates to the Africa Twin since its re-introduction in 2016. Furthermore, consider the weight of the accessories. Adding too many heavy steel components can change the handling characteristics of the bike, so look for high-strength, lightweight materials whenever possible.
By carefully selecting the right parts, you can turn your Honda Africa Twin into the ultimate adventure machine, perfectly suited for whatever roads—or trails—lie ahead. For more tips on vehicle maintenance and travel gear, explore our other guides on SearchAndHelp.com.