From the two models available on launch, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is certainly the one to opt for if you are a road rider who wants a mile-muncher and has limited interest in off-road riding.
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This is not a re-vamp of the old (2019) Africa Twin Adventure Sports, this is a whole new bike, which is lighter and smaller and includes changes to the chassis, engine, suspension, electronics which now includes a six-axis IMU and its Euro5-compliant. The first thing Honda have done is omit A2 licence holders by increasing the HP to 101.5bhp which gives a noticeable extra thump to the overall performance and yes it’s noticeable against the earlier (2019) model. The Africa Twin is available in 4 models, you have the Africa Twin, Africa Twin Plus, Adventure Sports and Adventure Sports Plus. (‘Plus’ Editions will be supplied with a full range of Genuine Honda Accessories, including a choice of all-new Aluminium or Plastic Luggage).
It’s a bit confusing because the entry level Africa Twin should have been called the Adventure Sports because it is designed and made specifically for more off road use, and the Adventure Sports as it is should have been called the Africa Twin Tourer as it more geared for the tarmac and touring, slightly confusing! I suppose one of the biggest upgrades is the electronics. All models come with Cruise control and a new 6” LCD screen which looks like the space shuttle on start-up. You now have 4 riding modes, Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off Road, plus an additional option to set two user modes. The 6” screen also introduces Apple Car Play, so you can now make and receive calls, fire up your Sat Nav and do practically anything else you wish to do. Another big change is the seat height, they have at last lowered it so the average rider can reach the tarmac in a stationary position. Honda say that the sales of the DCT version is now running approximately 50/50 against the geared version, interesting?
The DCT version has a 6-speed box which changes gear as smooth as silk. You have the choice of drive, neutral and 3 levels of sports modes as well as +/- paddles located on the left grip. All Adventure Sports have tubeless tyres and an adjustable front screen. Price wise they are not that expensive, but they are no longer cheap when adding on the options, the standard Africa Twin starting at £13,049 going to the all singing and dancing Adventure Sport with DCT and the adjustable suspension (Showa) will set you back £17,349 plus any extras. Pop in and speak to Adrian to test drive this amazing bike. You’ll love it, real fun with great handling.