2024 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES 2024 Honda Africa Twin Features & Benefits

Oct 14, 2024

The Africa Twin embodies the spirit of adventure, allowing riders to explore further and discover new routes with confidence. Available in four unique versions (all of which receive significant updates for 2024), the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports ES are now more specialized, enhancing all-around performance. Refinements to the standard Africa Twin (available with a manual transmission or DCT) expand its ability to navigate off-road terrain, while the Adventure Sports versions are more on-road focused, with shorter-travel suspension and a 19-inch front wheel. All versions benefit from updated electronic settings, a redesigned intake/exhaust layout, engine updates, revised styling, tubeless tires and more. The legendary Africa Twin lineup enables a wide range of adventures, from remote, off-grid trails to scenic mountain roads and everything in between.

HISTORY

Since the 1988 introduction of the XRV650 in Europe, Honda’s Africa Twin concept has come to represent the “True Adventure” ethos of ADV riding. That original version, based on the NXR750 and NXR800 factory racers that swept the Dakar Rally between 1986 and 1989, created a new market, grew into the XRV750 in 1990 and sold over 73,000 units before it was discontinued in 2001. The Africa Twin was reborn in 2016 with the CRF1000L, also offered in extra-European markets including the U.S. In 2019, the standard Africa Twin was joined by the more touring-focused Adventure Sports version, with improved wind protection and greater fuel capacity. Since then, these versions have become increasingly specialized for their respective realms, and that trend continues with the 2024 updates. As was the case with the original, the modern Africa Twin has been a global hit with a wide array of adventure-riding enthusiasts.

NEW FOR 2024

DESIGN / STYLING

For the new model year, the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES versions receive both shared and individual design updates that improve their respective performance.

The standard Africa Twin benefits from several advancements that were previously reserved for the Adventure Sports versions, like new tubeless tires that allow for convenient repair without removing the wheel. Also, a five-position adjustable windscreen is now available on the standard versions, allowing riders to adapt to changing conditions and offering superior wind protection for on-road riding. Standard versions continue to feature a slim, compact shape and are lightweight, but with new, sharper styling thanks to a redesigned front fairing and rear seat, both of which augment the bike’s off-road capabilities. The 5.0-gallon fuel tank offers sufficient range while maintaining comfortable ergonomics for off-road riding.

Africa Twin Adventure Sports versions also receive styling updates, including a revised front fairing that optimizes aerodynamics and wind protection. The seat foam is over half an inch thicker, with optimized density to reduce long-distance riding fatigue, and an eight-percent larger seating area. Tool-free seat-height adjustment enables high and low positions (33.7 / 32.9 inches). An accessory Low Seat is also available, dropping seat height down to 32.1 / 31.3 inches. Adventure Sports versions now receive a smaller 19-inch front wheel (compared to the 21-inch front wheel on standard versions) and reduced suspension travel, lowering the bike’s seat height and center of gravity, and thereby enhancing on-road handling performance. As a result of the suspension changes and smaller front wheel, the ground clearance is reduced to 8.7 inches (compared to 9.8 inches on the standard versions). As before, Adventure Sports versions are equipped with a larger 6.6-gallon fuel tank to maximize range.

The refinements of the two iterations allow each to offer more specialized performance—the standard Africa Twin offering all-terrain capability, while the Adventure Sports ES versions are focused on the on-road touring experience.

Curb weight for the Adventure Sports ES is 535 pounds with a full tank of fuel, while the standard version weighs 510 pounds. DCT adds 24 and 25 pounds, respectively.

ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY

Throttle-by-wire is used on the Africa Twin, featuring a Bosch MM7.10 IMU that performs real-time six-axis measurement (angle and rate for roll, pitch and yaw) to identify the motorcycle’s position and movement. The system has been updated for 2024 for refined feel, maximizing the accuracy of various controls and systems, including shifting, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), suspension, braking and lighting.

A bright 6.5 inch thin film transistor (TFT) LCD touch panel simplifies viewing, allowing the rider to understand and manage a plethora of data while concentrating on riding. Users can select from three screen-display arrangements and background colors, depending on personal preference.

The meter is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and it can be connected to smartphones or headsets via Bluetooth (check state laws for legality). By connecting an Apple or Android smart phone via a USB cable, riders and passengers can issue voice-control commands via a headset microphone, in order to use the phone or compatible apps.

The Adventure Sports ES version also has three-stage cornering lighting for optimal illumination depending on the corner type. Interpreting information from the IMU to determine the motorcycle’s lean angle, the system provides auxiliary illumination from a pair of lights below the headlights; the greater the lean angle, the more light is spread toward the inside of the corner. Cruise control is standard on both versions.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

All versions of the Africa Twin are powered by a water-cooled, single-overhead-cam, eight-valve, parallel-twin engine configuration, and for good touring capability, displacement is 1,084cc, achieved via 92.0 and 81.5mm bore and stroke figures. The cylinder sleeves are aluminum, helping to minimize weight. The 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval create the engine’s distinctive throb and feel for rear-wheel traction. The 46mm throttle body’s injector angle delivers a direct spray into the twin-spark combustion chambers.

For 2024, all versions of the Africa Twin receive a revised airbox, optimized ECU settings and valve timing and an updated muffler, all of which contribute to an increase in torque and power over the previous generation. The diameter of the intake duct is increased by 6mm, to 35mm, drawing in more air while the two internal trumpets that feed air from the airbox are both 65mm longer.

The crankcases are split vertically, and the water pump is housed within the clutch casing, with a thermostat integrated into the cylinder head. The water and oil pumps are driven by the engine’s balancer shafts. These features contribute to the engine being compact and short, and they help optimize ground clearance—a crucial element for off-road performance.

Honda’s SOHC Unicam® valve train is a feature of the CRF450R motocrosser, and the low-set position of the cast camshaft contributes to the compact nature of the cylinder head. The engine uses a semi-dry sump and lower-crankcase oil storage, allowing a shallow pan depth and reducing overall engine height. As the pressure-fed pump is located within the oil tank, there is no need for a pressure-feed passage, again saving weight and space.

Exhaust SystemThe updated muffler is designed to match the revised intake for improved driveability. In addition, the new design is lighter and offers a pleasing exhaust note at low rpm, and a more bass-filled note at high rpm. The muffler features a single inlet and dual outlets, with an exhaust-control valve (ECV—similar to that on the CBR1000RR sport bike) located just downstream of the split, in the main pipe. The exhaust valve closes off the larger pipe at low rpm for a pulsating feel but opens at high rpm so that gases exit through both pipes, for improved output.

The dual catalytic converters are compact, which is possible because generation of a swirl-flow enables the exhaust gases to be evenly applied to those catalyzers’ surfaces. The result is not only minimal power loss, but efficient exhaust-gas purification. The catalytic converters are positioned close to the center of gravity, contributing to good handling feel through the centralization of mass.

Lean-air/fuel sensors (LAFs) positioned in the single muffler, at the upstream end of both exhaust pipes, constantly monitor the combustion status of each cylinder and apply appropriate fine-combustion control, thereby achieving excellent emission performance.

TransmissionIn the world of powersports, Honda is a pioneer with DCT, having first offered it on the 2009 FourTrax Rancher multipurpose ATV, followed by the 2010 VFR1200F sport-touring motorcycle. Since then, the technology has been offered on Honda touring machines, cruisers, ATVs and side-by-sides. While similar systems can be found in a number of high-performance sports cars, Honda pioneered the use of DCT in the powersports world and has accumulated experience and improved the technology along the way. The 2016 reintroduction of the Africa Twin welcomed DCT to the adventure category, and it was well-received, thanks in part to the fact that it enables riders to focus attention on line selection and throttle control during off-road going, without concern of stalling. Globally, approximately half of Africa Twin customers choose DCT versions.

DCT delivers consistent, rapid, seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature to use. It utilizes two clutches—one for startup and first, third and fifth gears, the other for second, fourth and sixth gears, with the main shaft for one clutch located inside that of the other. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. For a gear change to occur, the system pre-selects the target gear through the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as the second clutch simultaneously engages. As the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption to rear-wheel drive, gear-change shock and pitching of the machine are minimized, resulting in shifts that are not only smooth, but direct. The extra benefits of durability (as the gears are less likely to be damaged by missing a shift), low-stress urban riding and reduced rider fatigue add to the appeal of DCT.

On the Africa Twin platform, Honda’s advanced automatic DCT technology benefits from the IMU, which allows cornering detection for optimized shift timing. For 2024, the Africa Twin’s DCT has been developed for smoother engagement at take-off and at lower speeds. This improvement is the result of enhancements to the hydraulic control that enable better clutch response. The system has been adjusted to make use of the engine’s increased torque, making down-shifts earlier.

With DCT on the Africa Twin, three modes of gear-change operation are available:

In the two automatic modes, immediate manual intervention is possible; the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers on the left side of the handlebar. After an appropriate interval (depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position), the DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode.

A G-Switch enables the rider to select the riding feel, depending on factors like surface conditions. With the G-Switch turned off, the clutches are allowed to “slip” against engine torque, for a smooth reaction to throttle operation; benefits include increased assurance during situations like low-speed U-turns, for example, and mitigated fatigue during long-distance riding. On the other hand, turning on the G-Switch results in reduced clutch “slip,” allowing the rider to more readily slide the rear tire via throttle input, in order to maneuver the bike.

Further functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, adapting the gear-shift pattern depending on the grade of an uphill.

Manual-transmission versions of the Africa Twin are offered for customers who still enjoy making gear selections themselves. The six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF450R, to ensure positive gear changes. The aluminum clutch center and pressure plate use “assist” cams to ease shifting (with light lever feel), and they feature “slipper” cams for deceleration and downshifting.

An accessory quick-shifter is available, to eliminate the need to use the clutch or close the throttle during gear changes. When the shift pedal is operated, the shift rod’s stroke sensor converts that movement into electronic signals, and the system considers ECU information such as vehicle speed, engine acceleration, deceleration condition and gear position, in order to determine timing of the fuel-injection interruption, the throttle-valve opening and the ignition timing, thereby lowering the drive load on the transmission gear for shifting.

HSTCThe Africa Twin’s Honda Selectable Torque Control utilizes the IMU, enabling smooth slide control and wheelie control, assisting riders of widely ranging skill levels by maximizing acceleration performance.

With HSTC, the ECU uses data from sensors on the front and rear wheels to identify different situations. When the rear wheel accelerates suddenly but the front wheel doesn’t, the system concludes that rear-tire spin is occurring. To rectify the situation, engine torque is reduced based on the amount of slip, the slip change rate, and the motorcycle’s rolling and yawing behavior, helping to correct the slide. Riders can select from seven levels of slip control that cover a broad range, with Level 1 intervening less and Level 7 intervening more. Slip-control intervention can be switched off, and three levels of engine braking are available.

When the system detects the rear wheel accelerating while the front wheel decelerates, a wheelie is the diagnosis, so engine torque is reduced based on the motorcycle’s pitch angle, helping to bring the front wheel back down. There are three levels of wheelie control, with Level 1 allowing intentional front-wheel lift and Level 3 making it much harder to wheelie. As with slide control, wheelie control can be switched off.

Note that HSTC does not eliminate the possibility of slides or wheelies; rather, it is an auxiliary system to assist the rider during acceleration operations. As is the case with models without HSTC, the Africa Twin will not handle unreasonable operations.

Riding ModesRiders can change between six riding modes, each of which respond to a wide variety of situations, providing a sense of assurance and enhancing enjoyment.

The modes are:

Each riding mode adjusts power output; level of engine braking; suspension damping (hard/standard/soft); front ABS (on-road/off-road); and rear ABS (active/inactive). In the two USER modes, the owner can fine-tune the settings within each of those areas; many may choose to set up USER 1 mode with their favorite on-road settings and USER 2 with their preferred off-road settings. Screen color can also be customized for each of the six modes.

HSTC is not linked to riding modes.

BatteryA lightweight, compact Eliiy Power lithium-ion battery helps minimize weight and centralize mass. This battery has minimal self-discharge, and Honda tests showed it to offer greater longevity than a comparable lead-acid unit, both in terms of life and the ability to retain a charge.

CHASSIS

FrameAll Africa Twin versions use a steel semi-double-cradle frame, with optimized rigidity/flex characteristics for challenging situations like riding with luggage, riding two-up, or off-road riding. For example, rigidity around the steering head has been optimized to enhance front-end feel and grip, and the main spars are optimized to enhance longitudinal rigidity for good handling under braking. The frame’s pivot plates are 600MPa high-strength steel. The rear cross pipe, which connects the left and right pivot plates in the upper area, is located in line with the shock stroke, resulting in a direct transmittal of surface information to the frame, for good rear-wheel feel.

In addition, the rear subframe is separate and constructed of aluminum, minimizing weight while retaining the ability to carry luggage. The seat rails are narrow at the front, maximizing ease of movement during stand-up riding and allowing the rider’s legs to reach the ground more easily when stopped.

Suspension New for 2024, the standard and Adventure Sports versions of the Africa Twin feature suspension packages that are suited to their intended ride experience. Standard versions have 8 / 8.7-inches of front and rear wheel travel, respectively. The long-travel Showa suspension offers off-road capability and plenty of clearance for navigating technical terrain. The Adventure Sports versions now have 7.3 / 7.9-inches travel, complementing the 19-inch front wheel, lowering the center-of-gravity and improving low-speed maneuverability and front-end grip.

Africa Twin Adventure Sports versions also feature Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA™). This high-tech system adjusts the damping level based on information from three sources: bike speed (from the ECU), the bike’s stance and attitude (from the Inertial Measurement Unit) and the fork behavior (from the stroke sensor). Once these calculations are made, the Suspension Control Unit makes adjustments to suspension damping within a mere 15 milliseconds (0.015 seconds).

The system’s flexibility means that damping adjustment can be programmed to change as the vehicle speed changes—allowing firmer damping at higher speeds, for example. In addition, it can adapt to specific circumstances such as “preparing” the bike’s suspension for landing from a jump or reducing “dive” under hard braking.

Showa EERA allows the rider to select between low-speed ride comfort, high-speed stability, sporting on-road performance and off-road response, at a touch of the screen.

With EERA, five suspension modes are available, each with different preload and damping settings:

The first four suspension modes are linked to the various riding modes, whereas USER riding mode allows custom adjustment of the USER suspension mode.

Front and rear suspension on the standard Africa Twin versions are also fully adjustable including preload, compression damping and rebound damping, with tuning changes accomplished via traditional dials and knobs.

Regarding suspension hardware, all Africa Twin versions feature a 45mm cartridge-type inverted Showa fork, and settings deliver on-road comfort and off-road performance. The top triple clamp is cast aluminum, while the bottom is forged.

The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system offers comfort across changing terrain. The shock is centered, and a spherical, solid pillow ball mount is used at the top of the shock to minimize deflection and help achieve a precise feel in varying conditions. The aluminum swingarm, based on that of the CRF450R motocrosser, is extremely rigid despite being quite light.

The standard Africa Twin versions boast a most-in-class 8.0 inches of front-wheel travel, 8.7 inches of rear-wheel travel and 9.8 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road performance. For 2024, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports versions feature shorter suspension, with 7.3 inches of front wheel travel, 7.9 inches of rear wheel travel and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing for a lower center of gravity and improved on-road handling.

BrakesAll Africa Twin versions have ABS, and advanced technologies enhance braking performance and rider confidence in varying conditions. Separate modes for on-road and off-road work together with the riding modes, allowing application-specific braking performance.

In addition, the system can adapt during trail braking: When the IMU detects a lean angle (indicating that a cornering maneuver is being executed), and the wheel sensors detect deceleration (indicating that the rider is braking), the system closely monitors both wheels’ slip rates and makes necessary adjustments in braking pressure. During sudden braking, ABS reads IMU information to detect rear-wheel lift and precisely controls braking pressure to suppress that trend for improved control and confidence.

Note that ABS is an auxiliary system to assist the rider for braking operations. As is the case with standard braking systems, ABS requires adequate deceleration before corners, for example.

The Africa Twin’s rear ABS can be switched off when the rider prefers separate front and rear braking performance, for example in order to brake-slide the rear wheel for off-road cornering.

As for braking hardware, compact two-piece, radial-mount, four-piston calipers work dual 310mm petal-style floating rotors through sintered pads and serve up consistent stopping power and feel, on-road or off-. The rear rotor has a diameter of 256mm and also features a petal design.

ACCESSORIES

The Africa Twin is a versatile machine, and Honda’s wide range of accessories is designed to adapt the motorcycle to the variety of ride experiences that customers seek out. The growing line of Honda Accessories includes aluminum luggage, higher and lower seats, a DCT foot-shift pedal, a center stand, a tank bag and more.

In addition to the individual accessories, customers can purchase accessory packs that tailor the Africa Twin to their preferred application.

Rally Pack Designed to enhance the off-road durability and performance. The pack features wide Rally Footpegs for extra leverage and control and Engine Guards/Radiator Grill to minimize damage. For Africa Twins with manual transmission, a quick-shifter is included, while the DCT versions gain a Foot Shift Lever. Color-matched Knuckle Guard Extenders add weather protection, and Wheel Stripes add an exclusive splash of color that complements the overall look.

Adventure Pack Ready for the long haul: New Front Side Pipes protect bodywork and are constructed from 25mm stainless steel with a polished, electrolytic coating that resists corrosion and is also easy to clean. They also mount the dual Fog Lights in a higher, more aggressive position than on previous models. A 4.5L tank bag provides flexible, easy-to-access storage, while new Side Tank Pads protect paint from knee scuffs and provide additional grip for off-road riding.

Urban Pack Available in two options—plastic or aluminum. In plastic, a newly redesigned stripe motif compliments the 58L Top Box (enough space for two full-face helmets), which comes with a Carrier Bracket, pillion Backrest and Inner Bag. The 42L aluminum Top Box features its own Carrier Bracket and Inner Bag. The Urban Packs also include new, easy-to-fit heated grips and an accessory charging socket, which are standard on the Adventure Sports versions. Finally, a Main Stand makes for straightforward rear wheel/chain maintenance.

Travel Pack Like the Urban Pack, the Travel Pack comes in plastic or aluminum. 40L left/30L right plastic Pannier Cases (also featuring the new-design stripes) also feature one-size Inner Bags. The Aluminum Cases (37L left / 33L right) come complete with mounting stays, and individual right/left inner bags. Redesigned Upper Deflectors channel airflow around arms and shoulders, and Lower Deflectors for the legs improve comfort at highway speeds. Comfort Pillion Footpegs are the finishing touch.

Seat Options The Comfort Seat has an 8% larger surface area compared to previous models and uses a 0.6-inch-thicker urethane foam cushion with optimized density to reduce fatigue during long-distance riding. The Comfort Seat gives a seat-height range of 34.1 / 34.8 inches and is available in three color choices: Black/Black, Red/Black and Blue/Black. The Low Seat option drops down to 332.5 / 33.3 inches.

The lineup is complemented by a 38L Top Box, black rubber Side Tank Pads, and the SC-Project Slip-on Muffler, available in two colors: Titanium Silver and Matt Black.

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