South African adventure riders are spoiled for choice, but few market segments are as fiercely contested as the litre-class adventure touring category. For years, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has stood as the benchmark for bulletproof reliability, off-road balance, and long-distance comfort.
Related: Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 DCT (2024) Review
However, CFMOTO has fired a direct shot across the bow with the arrival of its new flagship, the 1000MT-X. Priced aggressively around R199,900 in South Africa, can this tech-laden contender truly challenge Honda’s iconic adventurer?
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Design and ergonomics
At first glance, both machines advertise their rally-raid intentions. The Honda Africa Twin features timeless rally proportions, complete with a slim midsection, tall stance, and commanding riding position. It feels narrow between the knees, allowing effortless transitions from seated cruising to standing over gravel corrugated tracks.
The CFMOTO 1000MT-X borrows a page from modern endurance architecture with its low-slung, 22.5-litre saddle fuel tank design. By pushing the fuel load down around the crankcase, the 1000MT-X achieves a lower centre of gravity. This makes its 222 kg kerb weight feel remarkably light and nimble during slow-speed technical manoeuvres.
Both bikes feature traditional off-road wheel dimensions—a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked setup—ready to tackle deep ruts across the Karoo or Baviaanskloof.
Engine performance & dynamics
On paper, the powertrain matchup delivers fascinating results:
CFMOTO 1000MT-X: 946.2 cc Parallel-Twin | 83 kW @ 8 500 r/min | 105 Nm @ 6 250 r/min
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L: 1 084 cc Parallel-Twin | 75 kW @ 7 500 r/min | 105 Nm @ 5 500 r/min
Despite having a slightly smaller displacement, CFMOTO’s 946 cc engine packs a serious punch. Power delivery is lively and rev-happy, making highway overtaking and open-road cruising effortless. The Africa Twin produces slightly less peak power, but it delivers its matching 105 Nm of torque earlier in the rev range at 5 500 r/min. Honda’s 270-degree crankshaft gives it a tractor-like grunt at low engine speeds, making it exceptionally smooth and forgiving when picking your way through rocky trails.
Suspension and braking
Honda equips the Africa Twin with high-grade Showa suspension (or optional electronic suspension on ES models), offering 230 mm of travel and delivering a plush ride that effortlessly absorbs harsh terrain. CFMOTO counters with a fully adjustable 48 mm KYB front fork and rear monoshock setup, providing 230 mm of travel on the tall-seat variant. Paired with dual 320 mm Brembo front callipers and Bosch cornering ABS, the 1000MT-X offers sharp, confident stopping power.
Technology and standard features
When it comes to standard equipment out of the crate, CFMOTO leaves very little on the options list:
8-inch TFT touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity
Bosch IMU-backed cornering ABS, 3-stage traction control, and customisable ride modes
Heated grips and a heated seat are fitted as standard
Quickshifter, steering damper, and low-slung protection plate
The Africa Twin’s cockpit features a dual-screen arrangement with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Honda's rider aids are exceptionally refined, navigating its multi-button switchgear requires a bit of a learning curve. Honda also retains a unique ace up its sleeve: the optional Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), a feature CFMOTO cannot match.
Verdict
| Feature | CFMOTO 1000MT-X | Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin |
| Engine | 946.2 cc Parallel-twin | 1 084 cc Parallel-twin |
| Power/torque | 83 kW / 105 Nm | 75 kW / 105 Nm |
| Kerb weight | 222 kg | ~226 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 22.5 L | 18.8 L |
| Approx. SA price | ~R199 900 | ~R260 000+ |
The Honda Africa Twin remains the quintessential choice for riders seeking proven global reliability, excellent dealer support, and high resale value.
However, at R199 900, the CFMOTO 1000MT-X offers undeniable value. Offering more peak power, premium Brembo/KYB components, a massive technology package, and clever low-slung weight distribution at a significantly lower price point, it stands as one of the most aggressive disruptions in the local adventure bike market in years.
