The Honda Africa Twin is one of those bikes that's good enough out of the box that many owners wonder what to upgrade first. The answer depends on how you ride, but after years of owner feedback, a clear pattern emerges: the upgrades that matter most are the ones that protect the bike and make long days more comfortable. Performance mods come a distant third.
This guide covers the most useful Africa Twin upgrades for both generations: the CRF1000L (2016 to 2019 in the US) and the CRF1100L (2020 onward).
First, Know Your Generation
Accessories rarely cross over between the two generations, so check before you buy:
- CRF1000L Africa Twin (2016 to 2019): the 998cc model that brought the Africa Twin name back. Also available as the Adventure Sports version with a bigger tank and taller screen.
- CRF1100L Africa Twin (2020 onward): bigger 1,084cc engine, new frame and bodywork, TFT dash. Also offered as Adventure Sports.
Parts for the standard and Adventure Sports versions can differ too, especially for screens and anything around the tank.
Upgrade 1: Crash Bars
"Africa Twin crash bars" is one of the most searched Africa Twin accessories, and it makes sense. The Africa Twin is a big, tall bike, and when it tips over on a rocky trail or a sloped parking lot, the engine cases and the radiator side panels take the hit.
When choosing crash bars, decide between lower bars (engine protection only) and upper bars (which also protect the tank and fairing). For mostly road riding with occasional gravel, lower bars are often enough. If you ride technical terrain, the extra coverage of upper bars is worth it. We explain the difference between bars and lighter options in our crash bars vs frame sliders guide.
Upgrade 2: Radiator Protection
The Africa Twin's radiators sit behind the front wheel and are exposed to stones and mud. A radiator guard is a low-cost upgrade that prevents one of the most trip-ending failures.
- For the CRF1100L: radiator front guard for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (2020 to 2025).
- For the CRF1000L Adventure Sports: radiator guard for the CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports.
Upgrade 3: Headlight Guard
A cracked headlight is expensive and can end a night ride. A headlight guard is one of the quickest installs on this list.
- CRF1100L: headlight guard for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (2020 to 2025).
- CRF1000L: headlight grille guard for the CRF1000L Africa Twin (2016 to 2020).
- Classic riders: we also carry a headlight grille guard for the XRV750 Africa Twin (1996 to 2002).
Upgrade 4: Handguards
Handguards protect your levers in a fall, keep branches off your knuckles and cut wind on cold mornings. On the CRF1100L, our handguards for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (2020 to 2024) are an ABS plastic set of two, left and right. If you ride hard off-road and want maximum lever protection, also consider guards with a metal backbone.
Upgrade 5: Windshield and Wind Management
The Africa Twin's screen is a compromise. Taller riders often complain about helmet buffeting on the highway, while off-road riders want a lower screen for visibility when standing. Two common fixes:
- A taller or adjustable screen for highway comfort.
- A deflector that redirects airflow without replacing the screen. On the early CRF1000L, our windshield wind deflector (2015 to 2018) is a simple add-on.
If you're unsure what screen height you need, measure first: the right height depends on your seated height, not just your overall height.
Upgrade 6: The Small Guards
These small parts are inexpensive but prevent annoying damage:
- Rear brake reservoir guard on the CRF1000L: rear brake reservoir guard (2015 to 2019).
- Turn signal guard on the CRF1100L: turn signal guard (2020 to 2026), so a tip-over doesn't snap off an indicator.
- Tank pads on the CRF1000L: tank pad stickers (2015 to 2019) protect the paint from your knees and tank bag.
What About Performance Mods?
Exhaust, air filter and suspension upgrades are popular, but they can be expensive, and in our view they matter less than protection for most riders. Suspension is the one performance mod that makes a real difference for heavier riders or those carrying full luggage off-road. Have it set up for your weight before spending money elsewhere.
Recommended Upgrade Order
- Radiator guard and headlight guard (cheap, high value).
- Handguards.
- Crash bars.
- Windshield or deflector.
- Small guards: reservoir, turn signals, tank pads.
- Suspension setup, if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CRF1000L accessories fit the CRF1100L?
In most cases, no. The bodywork, frame and radiator layout changed with the 1100. Always check fitment years.
What's the best first mod for a new Africa Twin?
For riders who leave the pavement, a radiator guard and crash bars. For road riders, a windshield that suits your height.
Are Adventure Sports parts different?
Sometimes. The Adventure Sports has a different tank and screen, so screens, tank pads and some guards are model-specific.
Shop all CRF1100L Africa Twin accessories and CRF1000L Africa Twin accessories.