Aiming to improve its travel capabilities, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports has received important updates for this year: the most talked about has been the fitting of a 19-inch front wheel, but the engine has also received improvements that have increased torque and general comfort. An Adventure Sports with more refined dynamics that is more comfortable and even easier to ride, in true Honda fashion
In terms of the engine, the 1,084 cc parallel twin-cylinder still delivers the same 75Kw of power (around 102 hp) at 7,500 rpm, but the maximum torque has risen to 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm, a 7% improvement from low engine speeds that is due in particular to the new internal components of the engine that have increased the compression ratio. We’re talking about a redesigned crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as pistons with a slightly altered surface and larger diameter air intake ducts. As the injection system has also been improved and the exhaust system is now lighter and more efficient, all this has contributed to the improved mid-range response, without any change in the engine’s displacement or bore/stroke ratio.
As far as the bike is concerned, while keeping the frame intact, Honda has now fitted Showa EERA (electronically-operated) suspensions as standard, which were previously optional. The front fork is 45 mm, and together with the rear monoshock they offer a shorter travel of 210 mm at the front and 200 mm at the rear, which has lowered the ground clearance a little, as well as the center of gravity and seat height. The suspension has several operating modes (Hard, Mid, Soft, Off-Road and User) and adapts to each of the riding modes chosen, even though its operation is constantly adapting to the terrain in milliseconds. What’s new is that the driver can now choose between 4 different preload levels on the move. One of the biggest novelties, however, is the inclusion of a 19-inch front wheel on the Adventure Sports, with a 110/80-R19 tire, something that aims to offer better rider feedback, more agility and also stability under harder acceleration and braking
An Africa Twin Adventure Sports that continues to offer everything needed for very pleasant and versatile use, day-to-day or on the road, on the highway or on dirt tracks. It now has a “fuller” engine and even better dynamics on the tarmac (as well as being easier to ride with shorter legs), so the changes made by Honda have once again been successful