BestCarRank
Honda

2021 Honda CRF1100

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda CRF1100 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is electrical problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a dct clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. a benefit of the dct system is it's purported not to stall. this is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

8

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ELECTRICAL

3 complaints
38%
  • Have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a DCT clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. A benefit of the DCT system is it's purported not to stall. This is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r
  • My Honda africa twin DCT stalls at low speed. It happened twice. When I about to move forward from the stop sign, the bike stalls itself. It is very dangerous for a motorcycle.
  • TFT failed 9/8/23 to respond to touch input. Can only be operated by bar controls. Terribly distracting. Other owners report similar failures. Screen is manufactured by Garmin for Honda.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

Have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a DCT clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. A benefit of the DCT system is it's purported not to stall. This is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR SWITCH POD LEFT/RIGHT05/09/2025

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 and 2024-2025 CRF1100 Africa Twin motorcycles. The left handlebar switch harness may corrode due to oxidation, resulting in the loss of horn function or the ability to switch the headlight from low beam to high beam. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The inability to use the horn or switch the headlight from low beam to high beam can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left handlebar switch assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 20, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KS8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 12, 2025.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda CRF1100

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,687
Full coverage / month
$141
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
+1%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.05x
= Full coverage estimate$1687

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CRF1100 Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
30K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 CRF1100, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ELECTRICAL: Have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a DCT clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. A benefit of the DCT system is it's purported not to stall. This is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: Random engine stalls and engine dying under acceleration. Most often happens when leaving from a stop at intersections. The engine either immediately dying out before any forward movement or dying out a second later leaving me in a hazardous position in the middle of the intersection. I bought the b

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: Have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a DCT clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. A benefit of the DCT system is it's purported not to stall. This is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: Have experienced myself that this motorcycle, which utilizes a DCT clutchless system for gear changes, is prone to stalls when taking off from a stop at low throttle inputs. A benefit of the DCT system is it's purported not to stall. This is very different than the fuel tank / filter issue which r

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Honda CRF1100 — Year Comparison

How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
8
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
1
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
8

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2021 Honda CRF1100