You can trace the current CRF1100 Africa Twin’s history all the way back to the mid ’80s.
The bike that spawned the cult Africa Twin following was the Dakar-winning NXR750 (pictured above). It was a 780cc sand-eating missile, that was every bit the factory prototype although interestingly, it was never called the Africa Twin.
Nope, that name was reserved for us mere road riders. Not the Dakar gods.
A couple of years later, Honda decided to cash in (or claw back some cash) from the NXR750’s Paris Dakar success.
A brief model history
The first model to wear the Africa Twin name was the 650cc v-twin XRV650, which sported a similar paintjob and look to the Dakar winning bike. Squint a bit and you’ll get there.
It was popular but perhaps not the cult-creating bike that came next. The bigger-engined XRV750 is arguably the bike that put the name ‘Africa Twin’ on the map. The 750cc v-twin XRV750T ran for an amazing 14 years, with pretty much the same engine and running gear and only minor updates to the clocks and graphics. It had a huge 24-litre fuel tank (later reduced to 23-litres) which helped make it the choice for proper motorcycle adventurers, before ‘Adventure’ became the nomenclature that motorcycle manufacturers applied to almost anything that didn’t have 17″ wheels.
It’s hard to imagine a bike today that’ll still be in production relatively unchanged, a decade from now.
Following the XRV750, we had to wait over a decade for what came next; the all new Africa Twin. In 2015, Honda revived the name and the CRF1000L was introduced. It sports a 270-degree crank parallel-twin 998cc engine. It was also sold as an automatic (DCT) version and later came as an Adventure Sport, which featured a larger tank, crash bars and a different paint job.
The 2020 Africa Twin is now the CRF1100L, it features a 1084cc engine and is also available as a DCT and Adventure Sport option. More poke but more refined too.
The OEM Honda Africa Twin tyre size
At its introduction in 2016, the Africa Twin CRF1000 came with 90/90 R21 front wheel and a rear tyre size of 150/70 R18. Being an adventure bike, the Africa Twin comes with tubed spoked wheels not cast and was fitted with Dunlop D610’s which worked pretty well in the dry on the tarmac, but were universally hated on any other surface and conditions. The CRF1000L Adventure Sports edition comes with the same spoked wheels but in a fancy gold anodised finish.
The difference between the CRF1000 and CRF1100 wheels and tyres
The CRF1000 has spoked tube type wheels on both models. The latest CRF1100 (standard model) comes with spoked tube type wheels. The CRF1100 Adventure Sports model come with spoked tubeless fitment wheels (a similar design to BMW tubeless GS wheel). Both models and are fitted with either Bridgestone’s Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T or Metzeler’s Karoo Street.
If you need tubes…
We have over 500 inner tubes in stock at any time. We stock Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, normal tubes, heavy-duty ones… you get the idea. If you want to take a look at our full range of motorcycle inner tubes, just click the link.
Heavy Duty Fail
We get a lot of questions about heavy-duty tubes. The short answer is, if you’re riding on a road at speeds in excess of 50mph, don’t fit heavy-duty tubes. Yes, they might be more puncture resistant but they’re heavy (around 1.2kg per tube, vs 400g for a normal tube) and they will overheat at road-going speeds and likely fail (the tube tends to tear at the valve). So the heavy duty tube you fitted, thinking you were going to make your bike puncture proof, will end up leaving you stranded.
Fit normal tubes and just keep your pressures right. If you do want a slightly beefier tube, check out the reinforced ones, but again, for road riders, these aren’t necessary.
Every Tyre You Can Fit To A Honda Africa Twin (CRF1000 and CRF1100)
Below we have split all the tyres you can fit onto your Africa Twin into the most common categories. From 100% road riding, to 100% off-road (ie non-road legal motocross fitments) and everything in between.
TOURING / HIGH MILEAGE
If you’re heading off on a European adventure or if you’re commuting or clocking up motorway miles, a modern Touring tyre is the answer. They give you great handling, due to the fact the majority are dual compound, with a hard-wearing central belt and softer shoulders for more edge grip. No tread blocks, so they’re quiet and don’t vibrate, meaning they are all-day comfortable. They’re also excellent in the wet and offer a fast warm-up in all conditions. All 21″ fronts are cross-ply and the majority of 150/70-18 rears are radial.
Anlas Winter Grip +
The Anlas Winter Grip + is quite possibly the best all round motorcycle winter tyre available. A very stable and predictable M+S rated tyre it’s also made in sizes suitable for both street and adventure bikes. This one is a great choice if you need a pair to see you through the winter months. Both sizes tubeless and V rated.
Avon Roadrider Mk 2Â
The new version of Avon’s original Roadrider, a popular tyre for commuters and riders of retro bikes but they’re available in a huge range of sizes and will fit the Tenere 700 and can be run tubeless.
ContiGo
Quite possibly the largest range of sizes available in any tyre type. The Conti Go range covers bikes 50cc tiddlers to 1100cc monsters. Great quality and performance. You can run this tubeless on the Tenere 700, with a V rear and H front.
Our Pick
The Anakee Road is the much-anticipated road-focused tyre for Adventure bike riders. Essentially it has a very similar carcass to the Michelin Road 6 but with a tread pattern that’s more suited to Adventure bikes. And unlike the Road 6, it’s available in Adventure-bike tyre sizes.
ADVENTURE / I LIKE THE OFF-ROAD LOOK
Anlas Capra R
The Anlas Capra R is the ‘does it all’ choice sitting between the Capra RD and the Capra X. It can handle tarmac and unpaved equally well. A very well priced Adventure spec tyre in sizes suitable for the smaller capacity bike like the T7 as well as the big continent crunchers. Both sizes tubeless and V rated (but can be used with a tube) .
Avon Trailrider AV53 + AV54
Avon’s Trailrider, an 85% road and 15% off-road based tyre. Lot’s of silica for the wet and M+S rated for the winter. These are the replacement for the Avon Gripster. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Bridgestone A41
New for 2018 the Bridgestone A41 replaced the A40. With a huge choice of sizes and OE fitments available in sizes suitable for bikes as diverse as the 3 wheeled Yamaha Niken to Ducati’s Scrambler with its unusual 18″ front fitment along with all the common Adventure sizes. A great road/trail tyre. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Continental Trail Attack 3
Continental’s Trail Attack 3 replaced the popular Trail Attack 2. A tyre made for the tarmac but also capable of a little bit of dry off road action. Lot’s of choice in the sizes available including ones to fit 17″ wheeled bikes. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube)Â and V rated.
Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour
A road-focused Adventure tyre that’s probably for you if you ride 90% road, 10% light trail. It won’t do the really muddy stuff but it’s a cracking road tyre for those on a budget.
Dunlop Trailsmart Max
Now replaced by the Trailmax Meridian, the Trailsmart Max was the second version of the original Trailsmart. Dunlop stated it a 90% road 10% off road tyre but lot’s of owners have praised it’s off road capabilities and even going as far as saying it’s a more 80% road 20% off road tyre. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Dunlop Trailmax Meridian
The Trailmax Meridian was released in 2020 as the replacement for the Trailsmart Max. It has a very unusual tread design named the ‘ice axe’ which gives it a 10% off road and 90% road bias. Initial reports are a nice turning tyre with very stable handling. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube), rear is Z rated and front V rated.
Metzeler Tourance Next
The Tourance Next was the replacement for the Tourance EXP which superseded the classic original Tourance. These have never had the appeal of the original, we think partly because of the more road oriented tread pattern. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube) and V rated.
Metzeler Karoo Street
A good choice if you do a little bit of dry green laning, the Karoo Street is so much better on road than the more blocky deeper treaded alternatives whilst also looking the part. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube), H rated rear, front either H or V rated.
Michelin Anakee Adventure
Our Pick
The Anakee Adventure was released in 2019 to replace the Anakee 3. A more off road looking tyre then the Anakee 3, still retaining superb tarmac grip due to it’s high silica content and 2CT dual compounds on the rear tyre. This one will make your Adventure bike look and also feel the part. M+S rated. V speed rated both sizes and can be used either tubeless or with a tube.
Mitas Terra Force R
The Terra Force is a 90% road / 10% off road offering from Mitas. It has a high silica content making it excellent in the wet. V rated both sizes and also tubeless but can be used with a tube.
Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2
Replacing the original Scorpion in 2015 the Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2 comes with dual compound rear giving great mileage. Nice steering and turn in make this a good choice if you enjoy ‘getting it over’. BMW, KTM and Ducati all have bikes using this one as an original fitment. V rated front and rear. Both sizes tubeless but can be used with a tube.
ADVENTURE / I RIDE THE ODD TRAIL ON THE WEEKEND
A halfway house between the A41 (the OEM tyre on a lot of popular Adventure bikes) and the AX41 (an extreme knobbly Adventure tyre). The AT41 is designed for Adventure bike riders who like to head off the beaten path when they can. It has the typical good road manners of a Bridgestone but with a sure-footed feel on light off-road and trails.
Continental TKC70
Our Pick
If you need a tyre capable of a bit of mud bashing and tarmac mile munching the TKC70 could be the one for you. 70% off-road and 30% road bias this could be the perfect choice for your T700. These are also M+S rated, H rated front and rear and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Continental TKC70 Rocks (Rear tyre only)
New for 2020 the TKC70 Rocks comes in a rear fitment only for now, designed with improved off-road capabilities without sacrificing on road grip over the original TKC70 rear. Mix it with a TKC 80 front if mud is your thing! S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Dunlop Trailmax Mission
A properly rugged adventure touring tyre for those who want to tackle big rides across Europe but still have a tyre underneath them that’s capable of tacking on unpaved roads and tough terrain. M+S rated T speed rating both sizes, tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Mitas E10 Front
The Mitas E10 is a 60% off road, 40% on road tyre, big blocks with large spacing to disperse the mud and water off road. Tubeless design and rated to to 118mph.
Mitas E 10 Explorer Rear
The perfect match for the E10 front, the E10 Explorer rear is a 70% off road / 30% road based tyre. Designed for tubeless use it also has a speed rating of 118mph.
Motoz Tractionator GPS
The Motoz Tractionator GPS offers big mileage and a 50/50 split between dirt and tarmac. The rear tyre is even designed to be universal in rotation offering a choice of superb off road traction or smooth tarmac cornering. Tubeless fitments (but can be used with a tube). S speed rated.
Pirelli MT90 A/T
This come as standard on adventure bikes like the KTM 950 Adventure. They’re an older tyre now but still very popular. For the Africa Twin these are V rated front and rear, both tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
The Pirelli Rally STR is great going from upright to right over. There is a bit of block movement but not a massive amount, a very good tyre if you like the look of knobblies but also enjoy riding hard on the tarmac. Marked up M+S, V speed rated and both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
OFF-ROAD / I’M GENUINELY GOING TO GET LOST
Anlas Capra X
The Capra X is real Adventure Bike tyre, capable of the most extreme off-road routes. Mileage is very good for such a blocky tyre, we’ve heard users on big GS’s get around 5k on the rear and a little more on the front with mixed usage. Both sizes tubeless and T speed rated.
Bridgestone AX41
The AX41 is Bridgestone’s Adventure off-road tyre. Suitable for even the muddiest conditions and having excellent block rigidity which is what you want when riding on the tarmac to get to the mud! Lot’s of sizes available suitable to fit 50cc bikes up to the 1260cc beast that is the Ducati Multistrada Enduro. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Continental TKC80Â
The TKC80 is the poster-boy for knobbly adventure tyres. It’s not a great road tyre but it can handle the muddy stuff with ease. For a more road-based knobbly try the TKC70 or even Conti TrailAttack 3. For the Africa Twin Adventure Sport the rear is available in tubeless or tube type fitment, front available in S tube type or T tubeless.
Dunlop D908 RR
Road legal desert Race tyre, perfect for your Honda Africa Twin, these will take you across the Atlas mountains without breaking a sweat. Front and rear are S speed rated and are tube type tyres.
Heidenau K60 Scout
A Mud & Snow rated Adventure bike tyre, that curiously features a different tread pattern depending on the tyre size and profile. A tubeless fitment, it’s a good option for road-riding Adventure bikers who like the rugged off-road look. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube). T speed rated.
Kenda K784 Big Block
Our Pick
We rate the Kenda for a few reasons. Firstly, Kenda are motocross experts – they have won multiple championships in the USA. The K784 is a great alternative to the more well known and costlier mud movers. Both sizes M+S rated and tubeless (but can be used with a tube). The other reasons we rate the Kendas are the price, which is very good and the availability. Kenda have their stock sorted out and while other manufacturers have struggled for the past two years, Kenda, being slightly under the radar, haven’t suffered with supply issues. Finally the Big Blocks do the business. They’re a brilliant off-road capable tyre with decent road manners. We’ve fitted loads of these and our customers haven’t looked back.
Metzeler Karoo 3
One of the most popular Adventure bike tyres, the Karoo 3 is used by the BMW Off-Road school and is a popular choice for Adventure bike riders who like to take on the odd trail or green lane. Both sizes tubeless (but can be used with a tube).
Michelin Anakee Wild
The knobbliest Michelins you’ll get this side of a Dakar bike, the Anakee Wild is the next step up from the Anakee Adventure and has deep tread blocks. It’s a tyre with a huge off-road bias and not a recommended fit for road riding. Available in tubed and tubeless sizes and they’re Mud & Snow rated.
Mitas E07+
The E07+ is the improved version of the original E07, it offers a much more rounded profile helping the bike tip in. A 50/50 tyre.
Made in Thailand and very popular in Australia the Motoz RallZ is a cross between a desert race tyre and a long distance adventure tyre. 90% off road, 10% on road.
25% road and 75% off road use are what the Tractionator Adventure are designed to deal with. Having a deeper tread block these offer exceptional performance in the snow and slush.
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We’re here to help you
Here at Two Tyres, we’re Adventure motorcycle tyre specialists. We ride in all weathers, on all types of bikes. We occasionally get very muddy and we fall off, a lot.
Got any questions? Give us a call on 0207 205 2205 and we’ll be happy to help.
About Two Tyres
Our mission is to ensure we listen to every customer’s needs and ensure they’re riding on the right tyre. Out of the showroom, your motorbike is a compromise, designed to suit a huge range of riders and riding conditions. To get the best out of your bike in terms of handling, performance and safety, tyres make all the difference. In fact we think it’s the most cost-effective performance enhancement you can make!
We are based in London where we supply and fit motorcycle tyres and consumables in our workshop. We also mail order motorcycle tyres around the UK, across Europe and even to places as far-flung as the USA, Canada and Japan.
Need help choosing the best tyres?
Choosing tyres can be tricky. We’re here to help. We hold direct accounts with every motorcycle tyre manufacturer, so we’re well placed to give comprehensive and honest advice to help you choose the best tyres. If you can’t quite make your mind up, give us a call on 0207 205 2205 and we’ll help you narrow down your choices.
We are motorcycle and scooter tyre specialists, with over 25 years in the trade. Between us we fit 10 pairs of tyres a day in our workshop, so we have good real-world experience of what works and what doesn’t.
We ride to work, we ride for fun, we race and ride off-road. If it’s got two wheels, we’re into it.
Give us a call or drop into our London motorcycle workshop and we’ll do our best to help you.
Are your tyre pressures letting you down?
We couldn’t find a tyre pressure gauge that was well-built, easy to get on-and-off the valve without pressure loss and could stand up to day-to-day abuse in our workshop. So we found a manufacturer to build one to our exacting standards.
We’re confident this is the best motorcycle pressure gauge out there. That’s why it comes with a 3-year, no-nonsense, money back guarantee.
Whether you want a digital tyre pressure gauge or a good old-fashioned analogue pressure gauge, we’ve got a gauge for you. Now you can quickly and easily check your pressures, to keep your bike handling well and to ensure you stay safe.
Here at Two Tyres, we stock more than just tyres. Take a look at some of our essentials for any biker.
Motorcycle puncture repair kit – Our top-rated kit includes everything you need to carry out a roadside repair and get back up and running.
Motorcycle tyre pressure gauge – Our tyre pressure gauge has been rated in RiDE magazine and features a clever design to make it easy to get accurate readings.
Motorcycle first aid kit – a DIN-rated first aid kit that’s compact and also includes extras that are handy for any biker. A must-carry in some EU countries.
HyperCharge battery charger – The HyperCharge is a smart charger that can charge lead-acid and lithium batteries and it’ll charge bike and car batteries too.
Cordless tyre pump – Small enough to fit in your luggage, this tyre pump doubles as a powerbank, so you’ll never have a flat tyre or phone battery again!
All of these products have been well tested and are top-rated by our customers.
