Honda releases big-bore Africa Twin with new 117bhp 1,130cc engine, electronic suspension as standard, enormous tech update and new Enduro and Adventure variants for off- or on-road focus.
Honda’s massive 2027 range reveal continues apace, with a huge overhaul for its flagship adventure tourer, the CRF1150L Africa Twin, as well as two new high-end variants – an offroad biased Enduro Sport and the road-focused Adventure Sport on top of the base model.
The range has had a serious engine overhaul, with the parallel twin SOHC unit bored out by 2mm to give a 94mm piston size and 1,131cc capacity. That bigger capacity is matched to new intake and exhaust setups, with new valves, higher-compression heads, bigger 52mm throttle bodies and revised rods/crank too.
It all means a big boost in performance, up by around 17 per cent from the old 1100, rising to 117bhp from 100bhp. Honda continues to offer a choice of transmissions too: either the DCT dual clutch auto package with a load of new modes and optimisations, or a lighter package using a standard manual six-speed gearbox.
That beefier motor lives in a revised chassis too, with an all-new steel main frame and aluminium swingarm design that saves 1.4kg in mass overall. Honda’s also designed a new fuel tank setup, with a sub-tank under the seat that helps lower the centre of gravity for easier handling (base fuel capacity is now 18.8 litre, with a 24.2 litre tank on the Adventure Sport model).
The big change is on the suspension front, where the base and Adventure Sport models now comes with Showa electronic semi-active suspension front and rear, with ‘Skyhook’ functionality. The USD front forks go up to 49mm stanchions from 45mm, and the travel is now 220mm front/210mm rear.
Meanwhile the Enduro Sport has manual-adjust suspension and 240mm wheel travel both ends. Kerb mass is from 237kg on the standard manual transmission bike to 256kg on the top-of-the-line Adventure Sport model with DCT, 24.2 litre fuel tank, and the SENSING RIDE radar package.
Honda’s given the Africa Twin plenty of new technology as well. – rider aids are full IMU-assisted, giving you six rider power modes, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control, via the ride-by-wire engine management.
There’s a new dual display setup with a pair of screens: a new 5.7” ‘vehicle information display’ together with a full-colour 7” TFT touchscreen unit. Optical bonding technology improves visibility in varying light conditions, and a dedicated off-road display incorporates a compass function.
Connectivity has been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available wirelessly, allowing navigation, communication and music functions to be accessed directly through the display.
Turn-by-turn guidance and media information can be configured as widgets on the main screen, while intercom and three-way communication capability further enhance long-distance touring convenience. New backlit switchgear has been designed to provide intuitive operation in all riding conditions.
There’s loads of other luxury kit too: the Honda SMART Key now operates the ignition, electric steering lock and fuel filler cap, while cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards and an aluminium rear carrier are all fitted as standard equipment.
The Adventure version is even more luxurious with radar-assisted cruise control and riding aids as an option on the DCT version, and has a 19” front wheel instead of the 21-incher fitted on the other models, though it retains wire-spoked rims rather than cast parts.
A massive update then, and there’s loads more to say about the new Africa Twins – though there’s no price as yet. They’ll be on sale in March/April 2027; see them in the flesh later this month at the NEC Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham – and we’ll be looking to ride the new models asap. More info: www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles.html.
2027 Honda Africa Twin 1150 range tech highlights
- New 1,131cc engine produces 16.5% more peak power
- 87.5kW @ 7,500rpm with torque of 119Nm @ 5,750rpm
- Performance upgrade derived from new intake system feeding revised, high-compression combustion chambers, new valves, springs, cam timing/lift, pistons, con-rods and crankshaft
- New MT clutch and gear ratios for sharp acceleration response and relaxed highway cruising
- New exhaust optimised for emissions performance and power output
- Throttle By Wire and IMU-managed HSTC upgraded to match new engine output
- Six new default riding modes: SPORT, TOURING, URBAN, RAIN, OFFROAD and OFFROAD+
- HSTC and ABS enhanced for on- and off-road use
- All modes can be adjusted in-mode
- New Dynamic or Comfort throttle response option
- New chassis design with under seat fuel sub-tank lowers centre of gravity
- New steel semi-double cradle frame and aluminium swingarm are 1.4kg lighter
- Standard-fit Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA™) features Honda Skyhook Control for smoother ride
- 49mm USD front forks and Pro-Link rear monoshock
- New Minimum suspension setting lowers seat height 10mm
- Two-piece dual radial-mount four-piston calipers, 310mm ‘wavy’ floating discs
- 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, 90/90-21/150/70-18 tubeless tyres
- Rugged new style strikes balance between on-road and off-road performance
- New electric screen operates through 130mm height
- New dual headlights feature cornering lights and DRL
- New handlebars narrower, set forward and higher, footpegs move inwards and slightly rearwards
- New seat contouring boosts comfort
- New smartphone pocket in fuel tank cover features a USB-C socket
- New 5.7-inch display/full-colour 7-inch TFT screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® connectivity
- New, simplified backlit switchgear
- New Honda SMART Key operation of ignition, electric steering lock and fuel filler cap