After the international presentation of the new Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports in the Algarve, we took the famous Japanese model on the road again, but now in the base version. And since this is a much more adventurous version, which retains the 21” front wheel, we rode it almost exclusively off-road, in the Gorafe desert in southern Spain.
For 2024, Honda has put a lot of focus on the new Adventure Sports version of the Africa Twin, a bike that stands out for its 19-inch front wheel, the use of shorter-travel electronic suspension and a few other attributes that fans of trail bikes – but those who do most of their miles on the road – appreciate the most. But there are aspects in common between the two versions, so the Japanese brand organized a new presentation, this time dedicated only to the standard bike, which in Portugal will only be available with manual suspension settings.
IMPROVEMENTS
We’ve already mentioned that just over half of Africa Twin sales have been Adventure Sports since 2021. Across all versions, more than 100,000 units have been sold in Europe since 2016, with the DCT version being chosen by most people, especially those who use the model more on the road. For this year, the base version has also received improvements to the 1,084 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, which continues to deliver the same 102 hp of power at 7,500 rpm, but now with a 7% improvement in torque at low engine speeds, to a maximum of 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm. At low engine speeds, the improvements are due to new internal components through a redesigned crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as different pistons and larger diameter air intake ducts. The engine’s compression ratio has been increased, the injection system has been improved and the exhaust system is also lighter and more efficient. As for the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), it has undergone minor hydraulic improvements for greater smoothness and throttle control at low speeds. In terms of aesthetics, in addition to the different decorations, we find different aerodynamics and a new, higher and wider windshield that can be adjusted to five positions. The seat area is narrower and even though it’s not new, we’re reminded that we have at our disposal an instrument panel made up of a 6.5” color TFT touchscreen with a choice of backgrounds and connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all smartphone functions. And of course, there are the traditional driving modes, as well as a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which monitors the Africa Twin in a fraction of a second during braking, cornering and acceleration. As far as the bike is concerned, the 21-inch wheels at the front and 18-inch wheels at the rear remain, with a revised spoke design and now fit tubeless tires.
PROVEN BASE
In this base version of the Africa Twin, the seat is 850/870 mm from the ground (there are lower and higher options) and the curb weight (in the version with the traditional 6-speed gearbox) is 231 kg. In terms of suspension – since the electronic units are exclusive to Adventure Sports – at the front we find a 45 mm Showa inverted fork, cartridge type, with 230 mm of travel, while at the rear the Showa monoshock from the same brand guarantees 220 mm of travel. As for the tires, this model can be equipped as standard with Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T or Metzeler Karoo Street, but Michelin Anakee Wild are also approved for those who want more intensive off-road use.
LITTLE OR NOTHING TO POINT OUT
During our presentation we didn’t do a marathon of kilometers, there were about 160, although most of these were off-road. And we can say that the improvements in the engine are noticeable – as we had already noticed in the Adventure Sports – with a stronger and livelier response, especially at low and medium engine speeds. The ride is always easy and enjoyable, as has always been the case with Africa Twin models, and there aren’t many improvements over the previous generation (not least because there weren’t that many), although you can see that each Africa Twin model is more refined, always more efficient but without ever losing comfort and ease of riding.
We liked the fact that this Africa Twin is slightly narrower and we also liked the improved aerodynamics and the new windshield settings, and in short we liked practically everything this Africa Twin does off-road. It may not be the most powerful or the most “racing” bike in the segment, but it could be one of the best options for those who want a motorcycle for everyday use, a few weekend rides and some bigger off-road expeditions. We liked the braking capacity and the ease and feel of the shifter, the suspension can take a lot of beating and with the exception of the exaggerated number of buttons on the controls – to perform tasks on the instrumentation that on other bikes can be done more quickly and simply – everything works very well on this Africa Twin.
We also really enjoyed the DCT version, and once you get used to using it on the road, you’ll never want for anything else. In fact, it’s when we use this dual-clutch system in the city or on long journeys that we realize its added value – to reduce our fatigue – but in sportier driving with the paddle shifters it can also be an option. As for off-road use, it really depends on your taste, experience and type of route. And if the Africa Twin is in your plans, don’t forget to check out the attractive accessory packages, namely the Urban Pack, Rally Pack, Travel Pack and Adventure Pack.