Honda Africa Twin Test: Still a Perfect Adventure Bike in 2024?

We have already tested the revamped Honda Africa Twin 2024 in various scenarios at 1000PS. This time, however, it has to compete against 9 other vehicles in a comparison. Will there be any surprises?

The new Honda Africa Twin presents itself with a striking and robust appearance. Its size and presence immediately suggest that this bike is made for long tours and adventures beyond paved roads. The design of the 2024 version stays true to the familiar line but combines modern accents, such as the newly designed windshield, which is now adjustable in multiple stages. This is a clear advantage for long tours, as it significantly reduces wind pressure, providing more comfort.

At the heart of the Africa Twin beats the proven twin-cylinder engine with 102 hp at 7,500 rpm and now 112 Nm of torque. Particularly noteworthy is the characteristic 270° crankpin offset, which ensures the typical, throaty sound and strong pull. The test ride on the mountain roads of Lower Austria and Styria showed that the engine performs confidently in every situation. Whether in tight hairpins or on brisk highway stretches, the Africa Twin always proves to be a reliable companion.

Several testers praised the engine's smooth power delivery, which is suitable for both leisurely rides and sporty endeavors. Gregor sums it up, saying: "The engine of the Africa Twin is one of my absolute favorites. It is powerful yet pleasantly manageable." Personally, I still find the gear ratio a bit too long, but that, in turn, benefits fuel consumption.

The 6-speed transmission of the Honda Africa Twin is, as expected from Honda, extremely precise and smooth, with many even saying it's perfect. Even without the optional quickshifter, the bike can be shifted effortlessly. However, most testers agreed that the quickshifter, which allows clutchless shifting, is a worthwhile investment. Vauli, for instance, says: "I've just gotten used to it, and on longer tours, you eventually miss it." Despite everything, manual shifting works without any issues and delivers a classic riding feel.

Honda offers two different suspension variants for the Africa Twin 2024: a standard suspension and the optional semi-active EERA suspension. The latter was installed in our test and impressed all testers with its adaptability. Whether on twisty mountain roads or wide curves and long undulations on the highway – the suspension automatically adjusts to the conditions and offers excellent damping properties.

In tight hairpins in the Alps, we particularly appreciated the comfort of the suspension and the ease of maneuvering the bike through the wide handlebars. Despite the high comfort, the Africa Twin doesn't quite match other adventure bikes in terms of sportiness, which are more geared towards sporty riding. Nevertheless, the machine remains precise and secure in the corners, making it particularly interesting for long tours.

When it comes to electronic equipment, the Africa Twin leaves little to be desired. The machine features lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, and various riding modes that can be adjusted as needed. However, these systems can be challenging for some users due to the complex menu navigation. As an Africa Twin owner, I would summarize it like this: For some riders, the electronics might seem like a foreign language, but once you get the hang of it, the systems are truly brilliant, offering unmatched possibilities on the market. Particularly practical is the ability to save two custom riding modes, allowing you to perfectly tailor the bike to your preferences.

The 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display of the Honda Africa Twin provides all essential riding data at a glance, is easily readable in direct sunlight, and can be conveniently operated via touchscreen or handlebar buttons. Notably, the Apple CarPlay integration offers seamless access to navigation, music, and phone functions. The display also offers customizable layouts to suit personal preferences, making the management of the extensive electronic features a bit easier. This comprehensive equipment is a true highlight of the Africa Twin and a unique selling point in the adventure bike segment.

The Africa Twin shines primarily due to its high riding comfort. The seating position is designed for long distances, allowing the rider to remain relaxed in the saddle even after many kilometers. The adjustable windshield, available since 2024, significantly contributes to riding comfort by effectively deflecting wind pressure. However, some riders have criticized that adjusting the windshield requires both hands manually.

The saddle is generally comfortable but could be slightly softer for even more long-distance comfort. Nevertheless, the overall impression is positive. For longer tours, you definitely can't go wrong with the Africa Twin.

The braking system of the Africa Twin delivers what you expect: it decelerates well and is optimally designed for an adventure bike. On unpaved terrain, the ability to disable the rear-wheel ABS provides additional control. However, the machine lacks the bite of a pure sports bike, which is not necessary for the Africa Twin's intended use. Vauli notes: "The brakes are unexciting, but that perfectly matches the character of the Africa Twin. It shines through reliability, not through brute force."

The Honda Africa Twin 2024 stays true to its reputation as an excellent adventure bike. It offers a comfortable and reliable overall package that impresses both on long tours and in everyday use. The combination of solid engine performance, balanced chassis, and extensive electronic features makes it one of the most versatile machines in its class. Anyone looking for an adventure bike that excels on the road (and off-road as well) will find the Africa Twin 2024 an excellent choice. Particularly noteworthy is the high build quality, which is typical for Honda. Whether on twisty mountain roads, on the highway, or off the beaten path – the Africa Twin is always a dependable companion. Despite minor criticisms such as the somewhat long gearing or the lack of sportiness compared to some competitors, the Africa Twin remains a clear recommendation for any touring rider.

Note: The conclusion below is from the latest general test of the Honda Africa Twin.

In this test, the entire crew opted for the new HJC RPHA 91 Carbon. This helmet presents itself as a high-quality flip-up helmet, particularly standing out with its lightweight compared to the regular RPHA 91. Notably, the large field of view provides excellent all-around visibility—a real advantage both in urban traffic and on longer tours. The ventilation systems work flawlessly, and the washable, antibacterial lining significantly contributes to wearing comfort, especially in warmer temperatures. The helmet naturally meets the ECE 22.06 standard, offering a current safety standard, while the homologation as both a jet and full-face helmet promises flexibility and versatility.

The design range is extensive, catering to different tastes, with the standard Pinlock insert effectively preventing visor fogging. The ratchet closure allows for quick and easy fastening and unfastening, which is practical for everyday use, although it does not quite match the safety level of a double D-ring closure. At higher speeds, particularly on the highway, the helmet becomes quite loud, which can affect comfort on long rides. Although lighter than the regular RPHA 91, it is still not a lightweight in the classic sense. Overall, the HJC RPHA 91 Carbon remains a good choice for motorcyclists looking for a lightweight and comfortable flip-up helmet with versatile applications. The combination of a good field of view, ventilation, and current safety standards makes it a solid companion.

For those of you interested in the SPIDI gear worn during the test, here is a detailed list in the following lines.

Amelie & Gregor:

• Net H2Out Jacket & Crossmaster H2Out Pants: Summer jacket with mesh inserts and removable membrane for flexibility in various weather conditions. The Crossmaster pants offer ventilation openings on the thighs.
• Seamless Compression Shirt & Leggings: Seamless functional underwear for high wearing comfort under protective clothing.
• Back Protector (Warrior Lady for Amelie, Compact Warrior 510 for Gregor): Protect the back, individually adjusted with Velcro.
• SPIDI NEO-S LADY Shoes (Amelie) and SPIDI X-GT Gloves (Gregor): Comfortable touring gear.

Ewald:

• SPIDI Frontier Jacket & Pants: Flexible, lightweight summer clothing with large ventilation openings, but without waterproofing.
• X-GT Gloves, Compression Wear, Compact Warrior 510 Protector & Warrior Chest: Protection and comfort for long tours.

Patrick & Valentin:

• Super Net Tex Jacket & Protectors (Compact Warrior 510 & Warrior Chest): Lightweight protective layer with protectors attached directly to the body for optimal fit.
• Patrick: Enduro Pro Jacket (with removable sleeves); Valentin: 3L Shell H2Out Jacket (waterproof, with ventilation openings).

Vauli:

• Tech Armor Tex Jacket & SoftShell Mission-T Jacket: The Tech Armor carries protectors directly on the body, complemented by the warming and flexible Mission-T Softshell Jacket.
• Crossmaster H2Out Pants with large ventilation openings.
• Compression Wear & G-Warrior Gloves: Protection and comfort for long rides.

All testers wore seamless functional underwear as base layers for high comfort and a pleasant body feel.