Honda’s Africa Twin is heading into a new generation for 2027, and this is considerably more than a fresh set of graphics and a few electronic tweaks.
Almost 40 years after the original XRV650 first arrived in Europe, the latest CRF1150L gets a substantial overhaul, with more power, a revised chassis and a major technology upgrade. It also brings two new additions to the family: the more focused Africa Twin Enduro Sports and a technology-packed Adventure Sports.
All three share the new 1,131cc parallel twin, producing 87.5kW (117bhp) at 7,500rpm and 119Nm at 5,750rpm. That’s a healthy increase over the outgoing 1,084cc engine’s 75kW and 112Nm, achieved through a thoroughly revised package featuring larger throttle bodies, a new intake system, higher compression ratio and updated internals. Honda’s six-speed manual gearbox gets revised ratios, while its six-speed DCT remains available – although the new Adventure Sports is exclusively DCT.
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The chassis has also received plenty of attention. A redesigned steel frame and aluminium swingarm shed a combined 1.4kg, while a new fuel sub-tank beneath the seat helps lower the centre of gravity and centralise mass. All three models benefit from the revised platform, but their suspension and equipment specifications give each a distinct purpose.
The standard Africa Twin gets Showa EERA electronic suspension as standard for the first time, incorporating Honda Skyhook Control to adjust damping according to the bike’s movement and riding conditions. There’s also a new Minimum setting that lowers seat height by 10mm, alongside preload options for different rider and luggage combinations.
The Enduro Sports swaps electronic suspension for fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge forks with 240mm of travel and a fully adjustable rear shock offering 230mm of rear axle travel. Ground clearance is 260mm, seat height is adjustable between 870mm and 890mm, and kerb weight is 228kg for the manual version – making it 9kg lighter than the standard manual Africa Twin. Styling takes inspiration from Honda’s HRC rally machinery, with a high-mounted front mudguard, minimal rear bodywork and a dedicated Extreme Red colour scheme.
At the other end of the spectrum sits the Adventure Sports Honda SENSING RIDE, which brings a substantial suite of rider assistance technology. Its headline feature is Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, joined by Group Ride Assist, Distance Assist and Emergency Brake Assist. Honda’s Attention Support package adds Forward Collision Warning, Brake Pulse, Blind Spot Information, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Distance Information. It also gets Electronically Controlled Combined ABS (eCBS) to manage front and rear brake-force distribution, plus Vehicle Hold Control to prevent the bike rolling backwards on gradients.
The Adventure Sports also gets electrically adjustable suspension with Honda Skyhook Control, a new Minimum setting that lowers seat height by 5mm, and an electrically adjustable screen with 130mm of height and 10 degrees of rake adjustment. Dual wind deflectors add further protection, while the revised riding position and seat aim to improve comfort over longer distances.
Across the range, six default riding modes – Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Offroad and Offroad+ – feature in-mode customisation, giving riders more scope to tailor the electronics to the conditions. The cockpit is transformed, too, combining a 5.7-inch vehicle information display with a seven-inch TFT touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a dedicated off-road display with compass function.
The standard Africa Twin and Adventure Sports also feature a lockable smartphone compartment with USB-C charging, while the Enduro Sports gets its USB-C socket behind the display. Smart Key technology is fitted across the range, while cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards and an aluminium rear carrier feature on the standard Africa Twin. The Adventure Sports adds knuckle guard extensions and dual wind deflectors.
It’s a substantial shake-up for a bike that has sold more than 120,000 examples in Europe since its 2016 return. Honda is no longer asking the Africa Twin to be one thing to all riders: the 2027 family offers a more clearly defined choice of all-round ability, serious off-road focus or long-distance comfort with an impressive level of electronic assistance. UK pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.
