The Africa Twin Adventure Sports has undergone a revamp for 2024, receiving a series of updates designed to enhance its road touring capabilities.
And after putting it through its paces on the twisting roads and trails of Portugal’s Algarve region at the bike’s international press launch, it’s clear Honda has achieved its goal.
This is the best handling, most touring friendly Africa Twin ever, and it’s all the better for it.
You’ll be able to read my full review of the new CRF1100L Adventure Sports in an upcoming issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine, and you can watch a video review of the bike right now on Youtube below.
But in the meantime, here are my key takeaways from test riding the 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sports in Portugal.
It’s the best handling Africa Twin yet on the road
When the Africa Twin was relaunched back in 2016, it was the most off-road capable big adventure bike on the market, but it lagged behind rival offerings from the likes of BMW when it came to road handling.
And when the first Adventure Sports version of the Africa Twin was introduced in 2018, it also sported a big 21″ front wheel, long suspension travel, and acres of ground clearance, that were great for hitting the trails, but which limited its road going performance.
However, by introducing a smaller and thicker 19″ hoop on the 2024 Adventure Sports model, along with a reduction in suspension travel by 20mm at the front (210mm) and rear (200mm), Honda has improved the bike’s road handling, making it feel lighter and sharper turning into corners, and more rewarding to ride on the blacktop.
There’s a greater difference between the two Africa Twin models
While the Africa Twin Adventure Sports has been refocused to make it more road touring friendly, the 2024 version of the standard bike retains its big 21″ front wheel and longer travel suspension.
This makes the standard model the go-to version of the Africa Twin if you want to ride off road, while the Adventure Sports is now the clear choice of machine for summer tours to the mountain passes of the Alps and beyond.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports is more manageable than ever
A lower seat height (835-855mm) that makes it easier to reach the ground, and a smaller front wheel, and a lower centre of gravity all combine to make the 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sports a more manageable bike to ride than ever.
Slow speed manoeuvres are easier to execute, which will come as good news to anyone who has experienced the effort required to paddle a big adventure bike around a car park with a full set of luggage and pillion rider onboard.
The DCT system has been improved
As someone who has never been a huge fan of Honda’s DCT automatic clutch system, trust me when I say this is the best version yet. In fact, I’d go as far as saying I’d seriously consider buying a DCT-equipped Africa Twin over a manual version.
Gear changes feel more natural and suited to my riding style, and not once did I find myself shuddering down the road at 30mph in fifth or sixth gear.
But the biggest improvement comes during slow speed manoeuvres thanks to the bike’s buttery smooth throttle response that has been tweaked to make it feel like you are feathering a clutch at walking pace (even though there isn’t a clutch lever).
The DCT system worked brilliantly and there was none of the jerkiness I’ve experienced on previous DCT Africa Twin models at slow speeds.
It’s the most long-distance touring capable Africa Twin yet
Extremely capable electronic suspension, a relaxed riding position, light handling, a 24.8l fuel tank, and a new and improved seat with 15mm more cushioning all combine to make this version of the Adventure Sports the best Africa Twin ever for long-distance touring.
Add to that an effective adjustable screen, cruise control, and heated grips as standard, and you’ve got a bike ripe for continental road tours.
The engine is better than ever
Ignore the naysayers who complain the engine found in both versions of the Africa Twin is down on power compared to its rivals.
Sure, Honda’s parallel twin may still ‘only’ make 100bhp, but it is exquisitely tuned and provides all the power you, your luggage, and a pillion would ever need for high-speed touring.
Low and mid-range torque has been improved for 2024, with peak torque increasing by 7%, up to 112Nm at 5,500rpm (750rpm lower down the rev range than last year)
The result is an even more characterful and capable engine that pulls like a tractor at low speeds, and becomes a raucous, barking joy as you open up the throttle. The sound of the engine is reason enough alone to buy the Africa Twin.
The bike is laden with tech, but there are no radar adaptive cruise control or blind spot indicators
Despite boasting Showa EERA electronic suspension, corner ABS, a six-axis IMU, hill start control, wheelie control, rider modes, and more, the Africa Twin doesn’t come with some of the technology we’re finding on rival premium adventure bikes these days.
Most notable is a lack of radar adaptive cruise control and blind spot indicators, and there’s no adaptive ride height system to lower the bike when it comes to a stop (a handy feature for shorter riders).
However, the ability to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to connect your phone to the bike, is a big plus.
The new Adventure Sports is no slouch off road
Yes, the Adventure Sports version of the Africa Twin is more road-focused than ever, but it remains no slouch off road.
BMW’s big GS has coped perfectly well with a 19″ front wheel for years, and the Honda still boasts plenty of suspension travel and ground clearance.
The Adventure Sports’ electronic suspension proved responsive and capable off road, and the DCT option makes riding a big bike on the trails easier than ever.
Sure, the changes for 2024 have reduced the bike’s greenlaning prowess, but if you’re a dedicated dirt rider in the market for an Africa Twin, the standard bike remains one of the most capable big adventure bikes off road you can buy.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports
So, there you have it: a more mature, grown-up version of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports that’s better than ever on the road and still a lot of fun on the trails.
Remember, you can read my full in-depth review of the 2024 bike in an upcoming issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.
Where can you test ride the Africa Twin? The ABR Festival, that’s where
Do you want to test ride the 2024 Africa Twin before you buy? How does comparing IT back to back with a GS, Multistrada, V-Strom, and more?
You’ll be able to do just that at the 2024 ABR Festival (28-30 June, Ragley Hall Estate, Warwickshire) where the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers will all gather in one place with the aim of letting you ride their bikes on and off road, whichever you prefer.
To get your tickets, and find out more about the bikes you can ride, head over to the ABR Festival website HERE.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.