Africa Twin Features
1084cc twin-cylinder engine
Our narrow 1084cc Unicam® parallel-twin engine delivers torque smoothly throughout the rpm range, making it great for everything from off-road riding to all-day highway cruising.
Unicam® engine design
The Unicam® engine design, with its compact cylinder-head layout, allows for optimal engine placement and superior performance in terms of both handling-related weight distribution and airflow-related horsepower. Talk about a win-win.
Parallel-twin engine layout
Thanks to the parallel-twin engine layout, the bike's front wheel can tuck in closer to the engine. This shortens the wheelbase, making the bike more agile.
Refined air intake
An innovative twin intake system supplies a redesigned airbox equipped with dual vertical filtration elements, ensuring exceptional engine performance even during prolonged use in dusty environments.
10.5:1 compression ratio
With a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and midrange-tuned valve timing, horsepower is increased throughout the rpm range, which is hard not to love.
Large exhaust pipes
Increasing the diameter of the muffler-exit pipes on both models improves performance and sound quality.
Compact dual-catalyzer exhaust
Using the same muffler-valve technology as our CBR1000RR Superbike, the exhaust helps lower emissions while aiding rideability and increasing power output.
270-degree-phase crank
Most twins use a 180-degree crank, but the Africa Twin family has a 270-degree design. This setup provides a unique power delivery that’s easier to modulate in terrain where traction is challenging, not to mention a unique sound.
Dry-sump engine
A dry-sump engine design is really the only viable option for a big adventure bike. The more compact sump increases ground clearance, eliminating the main vulnerability of a conventional wet sump powerplant.
Long-travel front suspension
The standard models come equipped with a fully adjustable 45mm Showa® inverted fork, offering an impressive 9.1 inches of travel—the most in the 1000cc ADV class. The Adventure Sports ES models feature 8.3 inches of front travel, ideally suited to complement the more street-oriented 19-inch front wheel.
Selectable ABS
Both models feature a three-mode Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), allowing you to choose between On-Road, Off-Road, or a rear-ABS delete mode for enhanced performance during more aggressive dirt riding.
Low center of gravity
By placing heavy components like the battery near the bike's center of gravity and using a compact engine, we've created a platform for excellent handling.
Cornering ABS
Controlled by the 6-axis IMU, we designed the intelligent Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to apply the correct amount of braking based on the rider’s lean angle.
Electronically controlled suspension
The Adventure Sports ES models come equipped with advanced Showa EERA® (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) suspension. Fed by the bike’s 6-axis IMU, it continuously adjusts damping—refreshing every millisecond—to match the terrain and your inputs. Choose from Soft, Mid, Hard, Off-Road, or User settings, and easily fine-tune preload directly from the handlebars.
Semi-double-cradle frame
The lightweight semi-double-cradle steel frame is similar in design to those found on our factory HRC Rally race bike—a machine built for peak performance in the most challenging conditions with a history of winning the Dakar Rally twice.
Steel frame
This frame is almost 4 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and it has a stiffer steering head designed for added feedback and improved handling.
Four-piston calipers
Twin four-piston front brake calipers deliver strong stopping performance, and their radial-mount design increases stiffness, improving feel and control.
Lightweight swingarm
Thanks to technology developed for our CRF450R motocrossers, the swingarm is both lightweight and sturdy enough to handle the demands of the Africa Twin family.
Hollow steel axles
Large-diameter hollow steel axles are used in the front and rear. They are extremely strong, durable, and lightweight, a combination that could describe just about everything on this bike.
Rear suspension
The standard Africa Twin models feature fully adjustable rising-rate Pro-Link® rear suspension with 8.7 inches of rear-wheel travel. In comparison, the Adventure Sports ES models are equipped with electronic preload adjustment and offer 7.9 inches of travel.
Electronic preload adjustment
Adjusting the preload on the Adventure Sports ES models is a breeze. With four settings tailored to suit your needs, you won’t have to wrestle with hard-to-reach collars. All adjustments are controlled electronically from a convenient handlebar switch.
Tires and wheels
All Africa Twin models have wire-spoked wheels. The standard models feature 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels designed for better off-road performance, while the Adventure Sports ES models get a more road-focused 19-inch front wheel and wider rims.
Tubeless tires
Tubeless tires are standard on all four Africa Twin variations. They provide a cooler-running tire and a wide selection of adventure bike rubber. Flat tire repairs are also much easier.
Ride modes
Both models offer six selectable riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, and User 2—all managed through the 6.5-inch touchscreen TFT display. The last two can be customized to your individual preferences.
Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission
The Africa Twin DCT and Adventure Sports ES DCT models feature a robust six-speed steel-gear dual-clutch transmission that can operate in fully automatic mode or be manually controlled with paddle shifters. The improved transmission logic allows for smoother control at low speeds and more natural gear changes.
Six-speed manual transmission
For purists, a conventional six-speed manual transmission with a traditional handlebar-mounted clutch lever comes on the standard Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES models. This gearbox features Honda’s proven durability and is also slightly lighter than the DCT option.
Water pump
The water pump is behind the cover and driven by a balancer shaft, so there is no need for external hoses that could snag or rupture in a fall.
Throttle by wire
Electronics are anchored by a six-axis IMU that oversees the throttle-by-wire system, expanding the Africa Twin’s versatility. It provides seven levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and four power delivery modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, and User, which can be custom programmed.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
HSTC lets you customize the bike’s power delivery to match conditions or rider skill level. It has seven different settings for various terrains and allows the bike to progress as you do.
Wheelie control
Front and rear wheel-speed sensors work with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system to provide three levels of wheelie control. The system can also be manually turned off.
G-switch
All Africa Twin DCT models feature a refined G-switch system that helps improve control while riding off-road by reducing clutch slip during throttle use. This is especially vital for navigating tough and technical terrain.
Lightweight lithium-ion battery
We used a lightweight lithium-ion battery to reduce the bike’s overall sprung mass for improved handling. It also happens to hold a charge four times longer than a conventional battery.
Rally-type fairing
Proper fairings are essential for long-distance riding, and we spent hours perfecting both Africa Twin models. The Adventure Sports ES features a specially designed cowl shape and revised side deflectors to minimize high-speed highway buffeting. At the same time, the standard Africa Twin is built for enhanced off-road agility.
Full accessory lineup
Make your new Africa Twin even more yours with a full range of Honda accessories—33 for the standard model and 29 for the Adventure Sports ES. Included in these are a centerstand, engine guard, rally-style luggage, various seat options, enduro footpegs, and much more.
Large fuel tanks
Both standard Africa Twin models feature 5-gallon fuel tanks, while our two Adventure Sports ES models increase that capacity to 6.6 gallons for those of you looking to super-size your adventures.
Optional aluminum luggage
Our three-piece hard luggage set is essential for every traveler. The bags have a weather-resistant lining, and the largest can accommodate a full-face helmet.
Tall handlebar
Fitting tall handlebars to both models opens up the cockpit, working with the seat and windscreen to create a comfortable rider triangle for long rides.
Tapered aluminum handlebars
Our aluminum handlebars are lighter and more flexible than steel handlebars of the same size. They are designed to taper from a thin diameter under the outer grip area to a thicker section at the center for optimal flex and rigidity.
Narrow seat
We took extra care to ensure that the standard Africa Twin’s seat is as narrow as possible. This design makes it easier to maneuver the bike at low speeds and to put a foot on the ground when stopping. Additionally, the recontoured foam enhances comfort and support for those long hours spent in the saddle.
Comfortable ES seat
Narrow subframe
The aluminum subframe is removable for servicing and repairs, and its narrow width gives the bike a slimmer feel between the rider’s legs, making it more agile in challenging terrain.
Biaxial counterbalancer
Using counterbalancing elements on two axes, we have been able to cancel out a lot of the engine vibrations, resulting in a smooth ride that is easier over long distances.
Athletic riding position
Adventure riding requires nimble maneuvering on a slim bike. Each model has been designed with an optimized peg-bar-seat triangle to suit its specific purpose. The standard model provides agile handling for tackling challenging terrain, while the Adventure Sports ES offers confidence-inspiring comfort on paved roads.
Cruise control
All Africa Twin models come factory-equipped with cruise control for touring, and you’ll thank us after those high-mileage rides.
TFT touchscreen display
A 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen instrument panel offers glove-friendly controls with three displays, allowing you to view a variety of information based on your preferences.
Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are standard across all models, connecting your mobile device to provide access to texts, navigation, and more. Wireless Bluetooth® connection is also available for audio use with optional headsets.