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Honda Africa Twin lineup returns with key revisions in 2024

Feb 14, 2024

The difference between the base model Honda Africa Twin and the up-spec Adventure Sports trim has always been clear. The flagship adventurer had everything the standard variant had — just more of it. Both featured a 21-inch front wheel, an 18-inch rear wheel, and long-travel suspension. The Adventure Sports ES simply touted more fuel capacity, more wind protection, more crash protection, and more features.

More is still the range-topper’s M.O., but it embraces a new identity in 2024.

New foundations

For 2024, the difference between the two models has more to do with off-road versus street capabilities. In its base form, the 2024 Africa Twin retains the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheelset favored for off-road duty. The Adventure Sports ES, on the other hand, gets a new 19-inch front wheel and clearly favors the paved path. Bridgestone Tire Battlax Adventure A41 tires also hints at the model's priorities, while the standard Africa Twin pulls double-duty with its Michelin Anakee Adventures (now tubeless). Differing suspension setups tell the same story.

The Adventure Sport ES's Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) suspension analyzes ECU, IMU (new for 2024), and stroke sensor data to adjust damping characteristics every 15 milliseconds. The system offers five modes including Hard, Mid, Soft, Off-Road, and User. Honda photo.

Though the Africa Twin’s Pro-Link rear monoshock still offers 8.7 inches of travel, front-wheel travel (provided by its 45 mm fork) decreases from 9.1 inches to eight inches. That’s a significant reduction, but it’s not as significant as the reductions made on its premium sibling. The Adventure Sports’ Showa fork and shock offer electronic adjustability, but travel shrinks from 9.1 inches to 7.3 inches fore and 8.7 inches to 7.9 inches aft. 

The lower suspension travel also yields lower seat heights. The standard Africa Twin’s seat measures 34.3 inches high (33.5 inches in the low position) while the Adventure Sports ES boasts a 33.7-inch seat height (32.9 inches in the low position). Honda photo.

Evolution not revolution

Honda’s engine revisions are even more modest. The model’s 1,084 cc parallel-twin still features the Unicam design and 270-degree crankshaft that make it so memorable. However, the powerplant “generates stronger power and torque in the low- to mid-rpm range” due to updated intake ports, adjusted valve timing, increased compression (now 10.5:1, up from 10.1:1), and a new exhaust. Big Red doesn’t list power figures in the U.S. market, but the 2024 Africa Twin reportedly produces 100.5 horsepower (at 7,500 rpm) and 82.6 foot-pounds of torque (at 5,500 rpm) in other territories.

Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission offers two automatic modes (Drive and Sport) and one manual option (Manual). Honda photo.

The brand’s Dual Clutch Transmission is also available on both Africa Twin variants. Honda claims that the system’s improved hydraulic control results in “smoother engagement at take-off and at lower speeds.” The engineers also adjusted DCT to perform downshifts earlier due to the engine’s increased torque. 

Even the base Africa Twin is available in DCT trim. Some riders embrace the simplicity of an automatic gearbox off-road. Others prefer the nuance provided by a clutch lever. Honda photo.

Over the long haul

To suit its new road-conquering role, Honda reshaped the Adventure Sports’ fairing to enhance its wind protection and “muscular looks.” A new seat with thicker padding and a reworked shape also supports the model’s touring aspirations. The base Africa Twin earns some styling points, too. Not only does it receive a fairing sculpted for off-road use, but it also now boasts a five-way height-adjustable windscreen for on-road travels. 

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES goes the distance thanks to a 6.6-gallon fuel tank and heated grips. Luggage, auxiliary lighting, and crash bars sold separately. Honda photo.

Honda offers a full array of Africa Twin accessories along with Rally, Adventure, Urban, and Travel Packs for function-based customization. In Grand Prix Red, the 2024 Africa Twin starts at $14,799 and goes up to $15,599 for the DCT version. The Adventure Sports ES only comes in Honda’s Pearl White livery, and costs $17,599 with a manual gearbox or $18,399 with DCT. All four trims will arrive in Honda dealerships starting in May.

2024 Africa Twin 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
Price (MSRP) $14,799 (DCT: $15,599) $17,599 ($18,399)
Engine 1,084 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel-twin
Transmission,
final drive
Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower N/A
Claimed torque N/A
Frame Steel semi-double-cradle
Front suspension Showa 45 mm fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 8 inches of travel Showa 45 mm fork, electronically adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 7.3 inches of travel
Rear suspension Showa monoshock, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 8.7inches of travel Showa monoshock, electronically adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 7.9 inches of travel
Front brake Dual four-piston calipers, 310 mm discs with ABS
Rear brake One-piston caliper, 256 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail 27 degrees, 4.4 inches 27 degrees, 4.2 inches
Wheelbase 62 inches 61.8 inches
Seat height 34.3 inches (low setting: 33.5 inches) 33.7 inches (low setting: 32.9 inches)
Fuel capacity 5.0 gallons 6.6 gallons
Tires Michelin Anakee Adventures, 90/90-21 front, 150/70R-18 rear Bridgestone Tire Battlax Adventure A41, 110/80-19 front, 150/70R18 rear
Claimed weight 510 pounds (DCT: 535 pounds) 535 pounds (DCT: 559 pounds)
Available May
Warranty 12 months
More info powersport.honda.com

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