Honda has announced a recall for the CRF1100 Africa Twin of the construction years 2020-2022 and 2024–2025. In the US alone it is a total of 7,492 motorcycles, of which an estimated 5% can actually deal with the problem.
The defect is in the left control unit, where oxidation can occur in the cable harness during normal use. This can lead to the (partial) failure of the horn or the inability to switch from dim to high beam. In both cases, that can endanger road safety: a motorcyclist who cannot use his horn cannot warn other road users, and loss of high beam limits the vision considerably.
The cause lies in so-called fretting corrosion: by repeated bending of the cables at the steering wheel, microscopic movements in the connections are created, causing oxidation and the electrical connection is disturbed.
Honda reports that there are no accidents or injury in the US due to this problem. However, since 2022, malfunctions in the horn and the light have been reported worldwide, after which an extensive investigation was started.
Solution and planning
The solution consists of replacing the complete left control unit with a new design without the vulnerable connection points. The adjusted parts are expected at the dealers from January 2026. Owners received a letter in October 2025 and can then make an appointment with their dealer. Until then, the advice applies for dealers not to sell new or used CRF1100 Africa Twin from the aforementioned construction years until the repair has been carried out.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.