Honda has unveiled the 2027 Africa Twin series at EICMA 2026, introducing a larger 1,131cc parallel-twin engine, revised chassis, updated suspension and new rider assistance technology. It is a large-capacity adventure touring motorcycle engineered to work for both on-road touring and off-road riding.
The 2027 Honda CRF1150L, also known as the Africa Twin, range is available in three variants: the standard Africa Twin, the touring-focused Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the newly introduced Africa Twin Enduro Sports, which is designed with a greater emphasis on off-road riding.
What is new about the 2027 Honda Africa Twin?
For 2027, the Honda Africa Twin receives a comprehensive redesign, with updates to its engine, chassis, suspension and electronics equipment. The CRF1150L series replaces the previous CRF1100L range with a larger 1,131cc parallel-twin engine, a newly redesigned frame and swingarm and a revised centre of gravity.
The Adventure Sports variant becomes the first Honda motorcycle to feature the new radar-based Honda SENSING RIDE rider assistance system. The range also receives updated styling and greater use of recycled and plant-derived materials.
What engine does the 2027 Honda Africa Twin use?
The 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin series is powered by a newly developed 1,131cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine featuring Honda’s Unicam SOHC valve arrangement and a 270-degree crankshaft.
The engine produces 117 hp at 7,500 rpm and 119 Nm of torque at 5,700 rpm. The power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox or Honda’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
What are the differences between the three 2027 Honda Africa Twin variants?
The 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin range comprises three variants: the standard Africa Twin, Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the newly introduced Africa Twin Enduro Sports. While all three share the same engine and revised platform, they differ in their wheel sizes, suspension configuration, fuel capacity and riding application.
The standard Africa Twin offers a balance between road touring and off-road riding, featuring a 21-inch front wheel, an 18.8-litre fuel tank and Showa EERA electronic suspension with Honda Skyhook technology.
The Adventure Sports variant is more focused on long-distance touring, receiving a 19-inch front wheel, a larger 24.2-litre fuel tank and the same electronic suspension system, along with the option of Honda SENSING RIDE on the DCT version.
Meanwhile, the newly introduced Enduro Sports is the most off-road-oriented variant, featuring 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, manually adjustable Showa suspension with CRF450 Rally-derived specifications, 240mm of front suspension travel, 230mm at the rear and 260mm of ground clearance.
What chassis and suspension hardware does the 2027 Honda Africa Twin receive?
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin series receives a redesigned steel semi-double cradle frame and an aluminium swingarm, which together are 1.4kg lighter than the previous generation. The revised frame repositions the fuel sub-tank beneath the seat to lower the centre of gravity, improving low-speed manoeuvrability and overall handling.
The standard Africa Twin and Adventure Sports are equipped with 49mm Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension, incorporating Honda Skyhook technology, which continuously adjusts damping according to the motorcycle’s movements.
The Enduro Sports, meanwhile, gets fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge front forks and a Pro-Link rear monoshock, with specifications derived from the CRF450 Rally.
What braking hardware does the 2027 Honda Africa Twin offer?
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin series is equipped with twin 310mm front disc brakes with radially mounted four-piston Nissin callipers and a 256mm rear disc with a single-piston Nissin calliper.
The standard Africa Twin and Enduro Sports feature dual-channel ABS, with the option to deactivate rear-wheel ABS for off-road riding, while the Adventure Sports additionally receives Electronically Controlled Combined ABS (eCBS) along with Vehicle Hold Control (VHC).
What electronic features and riding modes does the 2027 Honda Africa Twin offer?
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin series receives an updated electronics package featuring six selectable riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road+. Other standard features include Throttle By Wire, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control and cruise control.
It also features an updated infotainment system which comprises a 7-inch TFT touchscreen and a 5.7-inch secondary display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Additional equipment includes a USB-C charging port, Honda Smart Key system, cornering lights and emergency stop signal.
What is Honda SENSING RIDE, and how does it work?
Honda SENSING RIDE is a newly developed advanced safety and rider-assistance system, making its debut on the 2027 CRF1150L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT. It features systems such as adaptive Cruise Control, ACC with Stop & Go, Group Ride Assist, Distance Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Information, Rear Distance Information, Rear Collision Warning and Brake Pulse.
What are the design changes on the 2027 Honda Africa Twin?
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin series receives redesigned bodywork with a sharper front-end design, featuring more compact dual LED headlights that retain the signature ‘Twin Eyes’ identity of previous generations.
The standard Africa Twin features a simpler, functional bodywork layout, while the Adventure Sports gets a larger windscreen and more substantial bodywork to complement its long-distance touring focus. The newly introduced Enduro Sports adopts styling inspired by Honda’s CRF450 Rally Dakar competition motorcycle.
