If you enjoy discovering new places, taking long highway rides, or venturing into the hills and rough trails, the Honda Africa Twin could be the ideal machine for you. Designed for riders who crave both adventure and everyday usability, this motorcycle offers the perfect mix of road comfort and off-road capability. It’s built to handle city traffic just as confidently as it tackles remote, challenging terrains.
Inspired by Honda’s Dakar rally bikes, the Africa Twin offers a perfect mix of comfort, power, and modern technology. It comes loaded with features that make long-distance touring safer and more fun, whether you are riding on smooth highways or rocky mountain trails. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about the Honda Africa Twin, including its specifications, top speed, mileage, key features, and why it stands out in the adventure motorcycle category.
Honda Africa Twin Specifications
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a reliable and powerful 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam four-stroke parallel twin engine, set at a 22.5-degree angle. It features a bore and stroke of 3.62 inches × 3.21 inches (92.0 mm × 81.5 mm) and runs a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The engine uses a Unicam SOHC valve train with four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient performance across varied conditions. For fuel delivery, it gets PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with a 1.81-inch (46.0 mm) throttle body and Throttle by Wire for precise control.
The bike is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheel via a 525-chain final drive with 16-tooth front and 42-tooth rear sprockets.
On the suspension front, it features a 1.77-inch (45.0 mm) inverted telescopic fork offering 9.0 inches (229 mm) of travel at the front, while the rear gets a Pro-Link system with a single shock, providing 8.7 inches (221 mm) of travel for off-road comfort and stability.
Braking duties are handled by dual 12.2-inch (310.0 mm) discs with four-piston calipers and ABS at the front, and a single 10.08-inch (256.0 mm) disc with a single-piston caliper and ABS at the rear. It rolls on 90/90-21 front and 150/70R-18 rear tires for great grip on all kinds of surfaces.
For dimensions, the Africa Twin has a rake of 27 degrees and a trail of 4.5 inches (114 mm), with a wheelbase of 62.0 inches (1575 mm). The seat height is adjustable, offering a standard position of 34.3 inches (871 mm) and a low position of 33.5 inches (851 mm), making it accessible for riders of different heights.
The bike has a curb weight of 510 pounds (231 kg) including all fluids and a full fuel tank. Speaking of fuel, it comes with a 5.0-gallon (18.9-liter) tank, offering good range for adventure touring.
In terms of compliance, the Africa Twin meets current EPA standards, with CARB certification for California models. It’s available in a Matte Black Metallic finish and comes with a one-year unlimited mileage limited warranty, which can be extended through HondaCare.
Honda Africa Twin Features and Highlights
If you love adventure riding, long highway trips, and tackling rough trails, the Africa Twin is one of the most capable motorcycles you can get your hands on. It’s loaded with rugged tech, practical features, and off-road-ready components that make it perfect for both city traffic and wild terrain. Let’s explore what makes this bike special.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Africa Twin comes with a powerful 1083cc parallel-twin engine. It offers smooth and strong torque across all revs, making it perfect for both city rides, highway cruising, and tough off-road trails.
Honda uses a smart Unicam engine design that keeps the engine head compact. This helps improve weight balance, making the bike easier to handle on any type of road.
The parallel-twin layout lets the front wheel sit closer to the engine, reducing the bike’s wheelbase. This makes the Africa Twin feel light, agile and quick to turn, whether on city roads or narrow trails.
To keep engine performance steady in dusty or tough conditions, it has twin vertical air intakes. These provide a clean and strong airflow to the engine at all times.
A special feature of this bike is its 270-degree crankshaft. It makes the power delivery smooth and creates a deep, sporty exhaust sound you’ll love.
Lastly, it uses a 10.5:1 compression ratio, with improved valve timing. This increases mid-range power by over 7%, giving you better pickup and response while riding.
Exhaust and Emissions
The Africa Twin comes with larger muffler-exit pipes. This helps the exhaust gases flow out better, which improves the bike’s performance and gives it a stronger, deeper exhaust sound.
It also uses a compact dual-catalyzer exhaust system, inspired by Honda’s CBR1000RR superbike. This setup reduces harmful emissions while making sure the bike stays powerful and smooth to ride.
Suspension and Chassis
The Africa Twin comes with long-travel suspension that makes rough roads feel easy. The standard model gets a 45 mm Showa inverted front fork with 8 inches (203 mm) of travel, which is the highest in its segment. The Adventure Sports ES version offers 7.3 inches (185 mm) of travel, tuned for better road handling and comfort.
In the Adventure Sports ES model, you also get Showa EERA electronic suspension. This lets you switch between five different suspension settings while riding. You can adjust it for highways, off-road trails, or city rides with just a button.
The bike uses a semi-double-cradle steel frame, inspired by Honda’s Dakar Rally race bikes. It’s light but strong and made to handle rough off-road tracks while still offering sharp, stable handling on smooth roads.
A lightweight swingarm, borrowed from Honda’s CRF450R, keeps the bike agile. Along with large hollow steel axles at both ends, this setup adds strength while reducing overall weight, improving the bike’s control and stability.
Braking and Control
The Africa Twin is equipped with twin four-piston front calipers. These offer powerful and reliable braking, giving riders strong stopping control. The radial-mount design improves brake feel, making it easier to manage even at higher speeds.
It also features a three-mode ABS system. You can choose between On-Road, Off-Road, and a rear-wheel disable option. This is especially helpful while riding on dirt or rough trails, giving you full control when you need it most.
For added safety, the bike gets Cornering ABS, which works with a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It adjusts the braking force based on how much the bike is leaning in a turn. This ensures safe and stable braking, even if you need to slow down while cornering.
Electronics and Rider Aids
The Africa Twin comes with a modern Throttle-By-Wire system, which lets you choose between four power modes like Tour, Urban, Gravel, and User. It also includes seven levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), helping you manage rear-wheel grip on different road surfaces.
For extra safety and control, the bike features Wheelie Control. It uses sensors on both wheels to detect lift and offers three levels of wheelie control, which you can turn off completely if you prefer a more aggressive ride.
The G Switch, available on DCT models, improves traction when riding off-road. It works by reducing clutch slip during throttle use, making sure the power delivery feels direct and steady on tough terrains.
You also get six riding modes to suit different situations. That is Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, and two User modes where you can set the bike’s settings as per your personal riding style.
Comfort and Touring Features
The Africa Twin is built for long-distance rides, and it comes with cruise control as standard on all variants. This makes highway journeys smoother by letting you maintain a steady speed without holding the throttle continuously.
It features a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display, which shows navigation, bike info, and rider settings. The screen also supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, so you can connect your phone for calls, music, and maps while riding.
The bike gets tall, lightweight tapered aluminum handlebars that offer a relaxed and comfortable riding position. This is especially helpful for taller riders or when you’re standing on the pegs during off-road rides.
A narrow seat and slimmer subframe help improve both comfort and control. The seat is made for long rides but also allows easy movement during off-road situations. The subframe is 40 mm narrower, giving better ground reach and easy handling at low speeds.
Adventure-Ready Additions
For serious adventure riding, all models come with wire-spoked wheels paired with tubeless tyres. This combination makes repairing punctures easier while offering better strength and durability for off-road trails.
The fuel tank capacity is generous too. The standard version carries 5 gallons (18.8 litres), while the Adventure Sports ES variant gets a bigger 6.6-gallon (25 litres) tank — perfect for longer rides without frequent fuel stops.
To carry your gear, Honda offers a three-piece aluminum luggage system along with over 48 official accessories. You can customise the bike for touring, camping, or cross-country rides with ease.
Honda Africa Twin Top Speed & Acceleration
The Honda Africa Twin is a powerful adventure bike built to handle long tours, off-road trails, and open highways with ease. While it’s designed for versatility and rugged endurance, it still packs a solid punch when it comes to speed.
Official Claimed Top Speed:
- Around 200 kilometers per hour (approximately 124 miles per hour)
Real-World Tested Top Speed:
- Between 190 to 200 kilometers per hour (approximately 118 to 124 miles per hour) depending on road conditions, rider weight, wind, and whether you’re carrying luggage or riding solo.
0 to 100 km/h Acceleration:
- Approximately 3.5 to 4.0 seconds
The Africa Twin focuses on delivering strong midrange torque and smooth, usable power rather than chasing outright superbike speeds.
Honda Africa Twin Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Its powerful twin-cylinder engine offers a good balance between performance and efficiency, especially for a big adventure touring bike.
Claimed Mileage:
- Honda officially claims an average mileage of around 18 to 21 kilometers per liter under standard test conditions.
Real-World Mileage:
- In regular mixed riding that includes city traffic, highways, and some off-road stretches, owners typically report a mileage of around 16 to 19 kilometers per liter.
Fuel economy naturally varies based on riding style, luggage weight, road conditions, and the use of rider modes like Tour, Urban, or Off-Road.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
- The standard Africa Twin models feature a 5.0-gallon (18.8 liters) fuel tank, while the Adventure Sports ES variants come with a larger 6.6-gallon (24.9 liters) tank for extended touring range.
Honda Africa Twin Variants and Color Options in 2025
In 2025, Honda will offer two main variants of the Africa Twin, each available in specific color options designed to suit different riding preferences and personalities.
Available Variants and Colors
Africa Twin Standard and Africa Twin DCT
- Color: Matte Black Metallic
- This version is built for adventure lovers who want a lightweight, off-road capable machine with classic adventure styling. It is perfect for riders who enjoy both city traffic and challenging terrain.
Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
- Color: Pearl White
- This variant is ideal for those who prefer long-distance touring with added comfort. It comes equipped with adjustable electronic suspension, a larger fuel tank, and extra features for extended rides. The Pearl White color gives it a bold and premium road presence.
Honda Africa Twin Price in 2025
The Africa Twin is built for adventure lovers who enjoy tackling off-road trails and covering long highway distances. Its price varies based on the model and transmission type you choose. Below are the estimated prices for the 2025 model.
Honda Africa Twin Standard (Manual Transmission)
- Approximate price: Rs 16.03 lakh ex-showroom (around $14,799 USD + Destination Charge $775)
Honda Africa Twin Standard (Dual Clutch Transmission)
- Approximate price: Rs 17.55 lakh ex-showroom (around $15,599 USD + Destination Charge $775)
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES (Manual Transmission)
- Approximate price: Rs 17.55 lakh ex-showroom (around $17,599 USD + Destination Charge $775)
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES (Dual Clutch Transmission)
- Approximate price: Rs 18.86 lakh ex-showroom (around $18,399 USD + Destination Charge $775)
Note:
Prices are ex-showroom and may vary based on location, dealer, and optional accessories. US prices include an additional destination charge of $775 over the MSRP.
Honda Africa Twin Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful and smooth 1083cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers strong low-end torque and excellent midrange performance
- Adventure-ready suspension setup with long travel and electronically adjustable options in higher variants
- Selectable riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offer great adaptability for different terrains
- Dual-clutch transmission option makes long-distance touring and traffic riding easier, with automatic and manual modes
- Wide and comfortable seating position designed for long hours on the saddle
- Tubeless wire-spoked wheels for easy puncture fixes and better off-road capability
- Advanced electronics including cruise control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and a six-axis IMU
- TFT touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity
- Big 5.0-gallon (18.9 liters) fuel tank on the standard model and 6.6-gallon (25-liter) on the Adventure Sports ES for longer rides without frequent fuel stops
Cons
- On the heavier side at 510 pounds (231 kilograms), especially for less experienced riders in off-road conditions
- Seat height might feel tall for shorter riders, even at the lower 33.5 inches (851 mm) setting
- Premium pricing compared to some competitors in the adventure segment
- Dual-clutch transmission adds extra weight and cost over the standard manual version
- Limited color options globally, currently offered only in Matte Black Metallic for 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about the Honda Africa Twin
What is the top speed of the Africa Twin?
The Honda Africa Twin can reach a top speed of around 200 to 210 kilometers per hour (about 124 to 130 miles per hour) depending on road conditions, rider weight, and wind resistance.
Is the Africa Twin good for beginners?
While the Africa Twin is designed as an adventure touring motorcycle, it may feel tall and heavy for absolute beginners. It suits riders with some experience who are comfortable handling a mid to large-capacity motorcycle.
How many riding modes does the Africa Twin have?
The bike comes with six selectable riding modes — Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-Road, User 1, and User 2. The last two can be customized according to your preferences.
What is the seat height of the Africa Twin?
The standard seat height is 34.3 inches (872 mm) in the normal setting and can be adjusted down to 33.5 inches (851 mm) in the lower position.
Does the Honda Africa Twin have cruise control?
Yes, all current Africa Twin models come equipped with factory-installed cruise control for better long-distance riding comfort.
How many variants are available?
The Africa Twin is available in two main styles, the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports ES variant, with options for both manual and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
What is the fuel tank capacity?
The standard model holds 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters), while the Adventure Sports ES version comes with a larger 6.6-gallon (25-liter) tank.
Does the Africa Twin support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, allowing easy access to calls, navigation, music, and messages through the TFT display.
What is the mileage of the Africa Twin?
You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 18 to 22 kilometers per liter (approximately 42 to 52 miles per gallon), depending on riding style and conditions.
Is the Africa Twin good for off-road?
Absolutely — the bike is built for adventure touring, with long-travel suspension, tubeless spoked wheels, and advanced traction and ABS systems making it highly capable off the tarmac.
Conclusion
The Honda Africa Twin is perfect for riders who love adventure and long rides. It offers smooth power, modern tech, and strong off-road ability while staying comfortable for city and highway trips.
If you want a bike that’s powerful, reliable, and ready for any road or trail, the Africa Twin is a great choice. It’s built for riders who enjoy both everyday cruising and serious adventures.
An added advantage is its wide range of riding modes and electronic aids, it’s easy to tailor the ride to your mood and terrain. Whether you’re a weekend explorer or cross-country traveler, this bike won’t disappoint.