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2027 Honda Africa Twin Enduro Sports –
Honda has unveiled the new CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports for 2027, and it looks like the Japanese manufacturer is taking its legendary adventure bike back to its off-road roots.
With more power, less weight, longer suspension travel and some impressive technology, the latest Africa Twin Enduro Sports could be one of the most interesting adventure motorcycles arriving next year.
This isn't simply another updated Africa Twin. Honda has developed a more focused machine for riders who want genuine off-road capability while retaining enough comfort and equipment for everyday adventures.
If you've been following the adventure motorcycle market, you'll know just how much things have changed in recent years. I've previously looked at some of the best adventure motorcycles for different types of riders, and Honda's latest offering certainly deserves attention.
I am really liking the looks of this, the all new 2027 Honda Africa Twin Enduro Sports
A New Direction for the Africa Twin
A New Direction for the Africa Twin
The Africa Twin has been around in various forms for nearly 40 years, building a reputation for reliability, versatility and genuine adventure riding capability.
However, adventure motorcycles have become increasingly large, heavy and packed with technology over the years.
Honda seems to have recognised that there are still plenty of riders who want a big adventure bike capable of tackling difficult terrain without carrying unnecessary weight.
That is where the new Enduro Sports comes in.
Based on the latest CRF1150L Africa Twin platform, Honda has stripped back the bodywork, fitted more serious suspension and created a motorcycle that looks much closer to its rally racing machines.
It certainly looks the part.
Bigger Engine, More Power and Torque
Bigger Engine, More Power and Torque
One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the engine.
Honda has increased the capacity of its parallel twin from 1,084cc to 1,131cc, delivering a noticeable increase in performance.
The new engine produces:
Approximately 117 bhp (87.5 kW) at 7,500 rpm
119 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm
16.5% more peak power than the previous generation
Revised intake system and larger throttle bodies
Improved gearing for acceleration and motorway cruising
Honda has retained its 270-degree crankshaft, giving the parallel twin that distinctive uneven firing character.
The additional torque is particularly interesting because, for an adventure motorcycle, usable power in the middle of the rev range is arguably more important than outright top speed.
Whether you're overtaking on a motorway or climbing a loose rocky trail, having that extra grunt available should make a difference.
Proper Off-Road Suspension
Proper Off-Road Suspension
This is probably where the Enduro Sports really separates itself from the standard Africa Twin.
Honda has fitted fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge upside-down front forks, developed from its CRF450RALLY specification.
At the rear, there's a fully adjustable Showa shock working through Honda's Pro-Link suspension system.
You get:
240mm front suspension travel
230mm rear suspension travel
260mm ground clearance
21-inch front wheel
18-inch rear wheel
Tubeless spoked wheels
Those are some serious figures for a full-sized adventure motorcycle.
The combination of a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension should make the Enduro Sports well suited to rougher terrain.
The motorcycle weighs 228kg in manual form, rising to 239kg if you choose Honda's DCT automatic transmission.
It's still a substantial machine, but Honda has clearly put considerable effort into keeping the weight down.
For anyone considering getting into adventure riding, I've also put together a guide to choosing an adventure motorcycle, covering everything from taller riders to bikes better suited to green lanes.
A Taller Riding Position – Good News for Taller Riders?
A Taller Riding Position – Good News for Taller Riders?
Something I always look at when a new motorcycle arrives is the riding position.
At 6ft 6in, finding a motorcycle that genuinely fits can sometimes be a challenge.
The new Africa Twin Enduro Sports has an adjustable seat height of 870mm or 890mm.
That's fairly tall, and certainly something that could appeal to taller riders.
Honda has also made changes to the handlebar and footpeg positions.
The handlebars are now narrower, positioned 10mm higher and moved 10mm further forward, while the footpegs have been moved slightly inward and rearward.
These changes are designed to improve control when standing on the pegs, particularly when tackling more demanding terrain.
The revised seat also receives additional padding for improved comfort over longer distances.
On paper, the riding position sounds promising.
Of course, I'd still want to sit on one before making any judgement about comfort, particularly the distance between the seat and footpegs.
More Technology Than You Might Expect
More Technology Than You Might Expect
Despite the stripped-back appearance, Honda certainly hasn't forgotten about modern technology.
In fact, the new Africa Twin receives a pretty substantial electronics upgrade.
One of the most interesting features is the redesigned dashboard.
Honda has fitted a 7-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen alongside a 5.7-inch vehicle information display.
There's also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
That's a particularly interesting development.
If you've followed TOMSTC for a while, you'll know I'm a big fan of motorcycle technology, particularly Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems.
I've tested quite a few systems over the years, including the excellent CHIGEE AIO-6 Max and the more affordable AOOCCI C6 Pro.
I've also spent time with the CHIGEE AIO-6 LTE, which takes things further with motorcycle tracking and remote monitoring.
Seeing manufacturers increasingly build this functionality directly into their motorcycles is a welcome step forward.
Of course, the aftermarket systems still have their advantages, especially when it comes to additional cameras, tyre pressure monitoring and motorcycle security.
You can find all my reviews and guides in the TOMSTC Smart Motorcycle section.
The new Africa Twin also gets:
Cruise control as standard
Honda SMART Key system (WHHHHHYYYYY!!!!)
USB-C charging
Backlit handlebar switchgear
Dedicated off-road display with compass
Seven levels of traction control
Wheelie control
Cornering-sensitive electronics
Six riding modes
The riding modes include Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Offroad and the new Offroad+ setting.
Honda has also improved the ability to customise the different riding modes.
Manual or DCT – The Choice Is Yours
Manual or DCT – The Choice Is Yours
Honda continues to offer its Dual Clutch Transmission system alongside a conventional six-speed manual gearbox.
For riders unfamiliar with DCT, the system effectively changes gears automatically while still allowing manual gear selection using buttons on the handlebars.
Honda has refined the system for the increased engine performance and introduced settings designed specifically for off-road riding.
The new Offroad+ mode allows additional control over the transmission's behaviour when tackling difficult terrain.
Personally, I still enjoy changing gears myself, particularly on an adventure bike.
However, I can certainly see the attraction of DCT for commuting, touring and long-distance journeys.
It has become an increasingly popular option among Africa Twin buyers, and Honda clearly intends to continue developing it.
Rally-Inspired Styling
Rally-Inspired Styling
Visually, I think Honda has done a rather good job.
The Enduro Sports looks noticeably more aggressive than the regular Africa Twin.
There's a high-mounted front mudguard, compact dual LED headlights, a small windscreen and minimal rear bodywork.
The overall styling takes inspiration from Honda's rally competition motorcycles.
It's a much more purposeful design, and the new Extreme Red colour scheme certainly suits it.
There is something quite appealing about a large adventure motorcycle that looks as though it has been designed to get dirty rather than spend its entire life parked outside a coffee shop.
What About Everyday Practicality?
What About Everyday Practicality?
Despite its more focused off-road design, Honda hasn't completely forgotten about everyday usability.
The fuel tank holds 18.8 litres, with Honda quoting a potential range of approximately 230 miles for the manual model.
Cruise control comes as standard, along with handguards and wireless smartphone connectivity.
There are also a number of optional accessories, including heated grips, heated seats, luggage systems and additional protection.
For someone who uses their motorcycle for commuting as well as longer trips, these are important considerations.
The shorter screen might not provide the same level of weather protection as the more touring-focused Adventure Sports version, but that is probably an acceptable compromise for riders who prioritise off-road ability.
And if you're interested in adding extra technology to your current motorcycle, it's worth having a look through my motorcycle technology reviews, where I cover everything from navigation displays to dash cameras and safety systems.
My Thoughts – Has Honda Got the Balance Right?
My Thoughts – Has Honda Got the Balance Right?
I think Honda has made some very interesting decisions with the new Africa Twin Enduro Sports.
Rather than simply adding more equipment and making the bike bigger, Honda has concentrated on improving its off-road capability while retaining the features that make an adventure motorcycle practical.
The revised engine looks promising, particularly the additional torque, and the long-travel Showa suspension should make a real difference when the terrain becomes more challenging.
I also really like the inclusion of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay directly into the dashboard.
It's something I've been interested in for quite some time, having reviewed numerous aftermarket systems on TOMSTC.
The taller seat height also catches my attention. At 6ft 6in, I'd certainly be interested to see whether Honda's revised riding position provides enough room for taller riders.
Of course, the big question is how much it will cost.
Honda hasn't confirmed UK pricing in the information released so far, and that could play a significant part in how popular the new model becomes.
On paper, though, the Africa Twin Enduro Sports looks like a proper adventure motorcycle with some serious off-road credentials.
I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to take one out for a ride and see whether it delivers on those promises.
More From TOMSTC
More From TOMSTC
If you've enjoyed reading about Honda's latest Africa Twin, there's plenty more motorcycle content to explore on TOMSTC.
Best Adventure Motorcycles – Which One Is Right for You?
A look at adventure motorcycles for different riders, from taller motorcyclists to those looking for something suitable for green lanes.
CHIGEE AIO-6 Max – My Full Review
A detailed look at one of the most advanced motorcycle Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems available.
AOOCCI C6 Pro – Motorcycle Smart Display Review
An affordable alternative for riders wanting navigation, front and rear cameras and additional safety features.
Catch up with the latest motorcycle announcements, new models and developments from manufacturers around the world.
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