Honda is substantially broadening the Africa Twin family for 2027. The range adopts the CRF1150L name, gains a 1,131cc engine and is divided into four clearly different motorcycles: the standard Africa Twin, the new Enduro Sports, the Adventure Sports and the flagship Adventure Sports Honda SENSING RIDE. They share a revised frame, lighter swingarm, altered ergonomics and a more extensive electronic package. The top model adds front and rear radar to the Africa Twin family for the first time.

The modern Africa Twin returned in 2016 as the CRF1000L, building on a name that had already been associated with Honda’s European range since the late 1980s and with the company’s Paris-Dakar racing heritage. Honda says that more than 120,000 modern Africa Twins have been sold in Europe since the name returned. The 2027 update gives the family a clearer internal hierarchy: the standard bike is the mixed-use choice, the Enduro Sports is aimed more directly at off-road riding, and both Adventure Sports versions are designed around long-distance travel.

A bigger engine and lighter chassis

The new parallel twin grows from 1,084cc to 1,131cc. Bore is now 94mm while the 81.5mm stroke remains unchanged, and compression rises to 12.1:1. Honda has revised the cylinder heads, cam timing and valve lift, as well as the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. Larger 52mm throttle bodies replace the previous 46mm units.

Peak output is 87.5kW, equivalent to 117.3bhp, at 7,500rpm. Maximum torque is 119Nm at 5,750rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox receives revised ratios and a new clutch, while Honda’s six-speed DCT remains available. The 270-degree crankshaft and uneven firing interval continue to define the engine’s character.

The steel semi-double-cradle frame and aluminium swingarm together lose 1.4kg. Honda also places a fuel sub-tank beneath the seat, a solution inspired by the NXR750 Dakar racer that helps keep mass lower and more central. The riding position has been revised as well: the handlebar is narrower, higher and further forward, while the footpegs move inwards and slightly rearwards. The intended result is a more agile motorcycle that retains road stability.

The standard bike and the Enduro Sports

The CRF1150L Africa Twin remains the family’s broadest all-rounder. Showa EERA suspension is now standard and works with Honda Skyhook Control. Damping is adjusted using information from the ECU, IMU and suspension-stroke sensor, responding to the motorcycle’s vertical and pitching movements. Honda says the system can react within one millisecond. The 49mm forks offer 220mm of travel and the Pro-Link rear suspension provides 210mm. Seat height is adjustable from 850mm to 870mm, while the Minimum setting lowers it by 10mm.

The standard model retains a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear, with tubeless spoked rims. Braking uses dual four-piston radial front calipers with 310mm discs and a 256mm rear disc. Kerb weight is 237kg with the manual gearbox and 247kg with DCT. Fuel capacity is 18.8 litres, and Honda quotes a potential range of approximately 370km.

The new Enduro Sports uses the same engine and lighter basic structure, but its suspension is distinctly more focused. It replaces the electronic units with fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge forks developed to CRF450RALLY specification, together with a fully adjustable Showa rear shock. Travel rises to 240mm at the front and 230mm at the rear. Ground clearance is 260mm and seat height ranges from 870mm to 890mm.

Six riding modes are available: SPORT, TOURING, URBAN, RAIN, OFFROAD and OFFROAD+. The ride-by-wire system offers Dynamic and Comfort throttle characteristics, HSTC provides seven adjustment levels and can be switched off completely, and wheelie control is included. OFFROAD+ changes throttle response, power, engine braking and traction-control behaviour. DCT versions receive a dedicated shift programme, with level 6 as the default and levels 5 and 6 available to the rider.

The Enduro Sports keeps the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination. Metzeler Karoo Street tyres are standard, while Michelin Anakee Wild is available for a stronger off-road bias. Weight is 228kg for the manual version and 239kg for the DCT. Its styling follows the rally direction, with a slimmer front section, small screen, high mudguard and simpler rear bodywork.

Adventure Sports for long-distance riding

The Adventure Sports retains its touring role with a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear. It uses Showa EERA suspension with Skyhook Control and 49mm forks, while travel is set at 210mm front and 200mm rear. Seat height ranges from 830mm to 850mm. A dual-tank layout provides 24.2 litres of fuel, and Honda quotes a potential range of around 480km based on WMTC consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km.

Kerb weight is 245kg for the manual motorcycle and 255kg for the DCT version. Touring equipment includes an electrically adjustable screen with 130mm of travel and 10 degrees of rake adjustment, plus wind deflectors. Heated grips, cruise control, handguard extensions and an aluminium rear carrier are also included.

Radar arrives with SENSING RIDE

The Adventure Sports Honda SENSING RIDE uses the same touring platform but is offered exclusively with DCT and adds front and rear radar units. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a selected speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, while Stop & Go manages spacing in traffic that repeatedly stops and moves. Group Ride Assist extends distance management to motorcycles travelling together, and Distance Assist supports the rider when the throttle is being operated manually.

The package also includes Emergency Brake Assist, which supports braking when a collision risk is detected, Forward Collision Warning through the instruments and Brake Pulse as an additional warning. Rear radar brings Blind Spot Information, Rear Distance Information for a vehicle approaching from behind and Rear Collision Warning. Electronically Controlled Combined ABS and Vehicle Hold Control are also fitted.

At 256kg, the SENSING RIDE is only 1kg heavier than the Adventure Sports DCT and is the heaviest Africa Twin in the range. Across the family, the cockpit includes a 5.7-inch information display and a seven-inch colour TFT, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. A smartphone compartment with USB-C and cruise control add everyday practicality, while equipment varies by version. The result is a much more clearly divided range, extending from serious off-road use to long-distance touring with a substantial level of electronic assistance.