Honda has unveiled the most comprehensive update to its flagship adventure motorcycle family in a decade. The 2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin range debuts with a larger engine, a completely new off-road focused variant, and advanced radar-based rider assistance technology. The Japanese manufacturer has moved away from offering minor variations of the same motorcycle and instead created four distinct models that serve different riding priorities.
The new lineup consists of the standard Africa Twin, the Adventure Sports, the new Enduro Sports, and the range-topping Adventure Sports Honda Sensing Ride. All four models share a common foundation but are tuned for specific uses ranging from everyday adventure riding to long-distance touring and serious off-road enduro use.
New 1,131cc Engine Delivers More Power and Torque
The headline change for 2027 is the new parallel-twin engine that grows from 1,084cc to 1,131cc. The capacity increase comes from a 2mm larger bore that now measures 94mm, while the 81.5mm stroke remains unchanged. Compression ratio rises from 10.5:1 to 12.1:1, supported by revised cylinder heads, cam timing, valve lift, pistons, connecting rods, and a new crankshaft.
Peak power increases by 16.5 percent to 87.5kW (117.3bhp) at 7,500rpm, while torque climbs from 112Nm to 119Nm (87.8lb-ft) at 5,750rpm. Honda has also fitted larger 52mm throttle bodies replacing the previous 46mm units, along with a redesigned intake and exhaust system. The characteristic 270-degree crankshaft and uneven firing interval are retained. Both six-speed manual and Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) remain available across the range.
Revised Chassis and Standard Electronic Suspension
The steel semi-double cradle frame and aluminium swingarm have been redesigned to shed 1.4kg of weight. A new fuel sub-tank positioned beneath the rider's seat helps lower the center of gravity, a design cue taken from Honda's NXR750 Dakar racer. The revised packaging aims to make the motorcycle feel more agile without compromising road stability.
Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension with Honda Skyhook Control is now standard equipment on all variants except the Enduro Sports. The system continuously adjusts damping based on vertical and pitching movements using data from the ECU, IMU, and suspension stroke sensors, with adjustments possible in just one millisecond. The standard Africa Twin gets 220mm front and 210mm rear wheel travel, while the Adventure Sports uses 210mm and 200mm respectively.
Updated Ergonomics and Cockpit Technology
Riding position has been revised across the range. Handlebars are narrower, higher, and further forward, while footpegs move inwards and slightly rearward. The standard Africa Twin offers an adjustable seat height between 850mm and 870mm, with a new Minimum suspension setting that lowers it by an additional 10mm.
The cockpit receives a major upgrade with a 5.7-inch vehicle information display paired with a 7-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen. Features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a dedicated off-road display with compass, and a lockable smartphone compartment with USB-C charging. The screen is electrically adjustable through 130mm. Heated grips, cruise control, knuckle guards, and an aluminium rear carrier come as standard.
Standard Africa Twin: The Balanced All-Rounder
The base CRF1150L Africa Twin retains its role as the versatile all-rounder. It rides on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheel combination with tubeless tyres. Braking comes from dual four-piston radial-mount front calipers with 310mm discs and a 256mm rear disc. Kerb weight stands at 237kg for the manual version and 247kg for the DCT model. Fuel capacity is 18.8 litres with a claimed range of approximately 370km.
Visual updates include a more mass-forward appearance, slimmer rear bodywork, and redesigned dual LED headlights with cornering lights and daytime running lights. Six riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Offroad, Offroad+) are available with full customization, along with seven-level Honda Selectable Torque Control and wheelie control.
Adventure Sports: Long-Distance Touring Focus
The Adventure Sports continues as the touring-oriented member of the family with key differences from the standard model. Most notably, it uses a 19-inch front wheel paired with an 18-inch rear for improved front-end grip and feedback on tarmac. The dual-tank arrangement provides 24.2 litres of fuel capacity, delivering a claimed range of around 480km based on 5.1 litres per 100km consumption.
Suspension travel is shorter at 210mm front and 200mm rear, with a Minimum setting that lowers seat height by 5mm to an adjustable range of 830mm to 850mm. The seat foam has been revised for better long-distance support. A larger front fairing, electrically adjustable screen with 130mm height and 10-degree rake adjustment, and standard wind deflectors improve wind protection. Kerb weight is 245kg (manual) and 255kg (DCT).
Adventure Sports Honda Sensing Ride: Radar-Based Rider Assistance
The range-topping Adventure Sports Honda Sensing Ride adds front and rear radar units enabling ten rider assistance functions. Available exclusively with DCT, the system includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Group Ride Assist for maintaining distance with other motorcycles, Distance Assist for manual throttle operation, and Emergency Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning and Brake Pulse alerts.
Rear radar functions include Blind Spot Information with mirror-integrated LEDs, Rear Distance Information, and Rear Collision Warning that flashes indicators to alert following traffic. The model also features Electronically Controlled Combined ABS and Vehicle Hold Control. Kerb weight increases slightly to 256kg due to the radar equipment.
Enduro Sports: The Most Off-Road Focused Africa Twin Yet
The completely new CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports targets riders who spend significant time off tarmac. It shares the same engine and lighter frame as the standard model but receives specialized chassis and suspension hardware. Fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge USD forks developed to CRF450RALLY specification replace the electronic suspension, paired with a fully adjustable Showa rear shock.
Suspension travel increases to 240mm front and 230mm rear, while ground clearance rises to 260mm from 240mm. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wear Metzeler Karoo Street tyres as standard with Michelin Anakee Wild available for more aggressive off-road use. Styling features compact bodywork, a high-mounted front fender, and rally-inspired aesthetics.
The Enduro Sports gets the same six riding modes plus the new Offroad+ setting designed for more demanding terrain. On DCT models, Offroad+ selects a specialized shift program using level 6 as default. Seat height adjusts between 870mm and 890mm. Despite its focused nature, it retains the full infotainment suite, Honda SMART Key, cruise control, and knuckle guards. Kerb weight is 228kg (manual) and 239kg (DCT), making it 9kg lighter than the equivalent standard Africa Twin.
India Availability Remains Uncertain
As of the EICMA 2026 reveal, the 2027 Africa Twin range has only been confirmed for European markets. A separate announcement for the United States is expected to follow. For Indian enthusiasts, the previous generation Africa Twin was never officially launched in the country, and there is no indication yet that the new CRF1150L range will make its way to Indian dealerships. The high pricing typical of this segment and limited adventure touring infrastructure in India remain significant barriers.
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin family represents a significant evolution in Honda's adventure motorcycle strategy. By creating four genuinely distinct models rather than cosmetic variations, Honda addresses a wider spectrum of rider needs while sharing a common mechanical foundation. The larger engine, lighter chassis, standard electronic suspension, and advanced radar technology on the flagship model position the Africa Twin competitively against rivals like the BMW R1300GS and Triumph Tiger 1200. For serious adventure riders, the new Enduro Sports finally delivers a factory-built Africa Twin with genuine off-road credentials, while the Sensing Ride variant brings contemporary rider assistance technology to the segment.
FAQs
What is the engine displacement of the 2027 Honda Africa Twin?
The 2027 Honda Africa Twin range uses a new 1,131cc parallel-twin engine, increased from the previous 1,084cc unit. The capacity increase comes from a 2mm larger bore while retaining the same stroke.
How many variants are in the 2027 Africa Twin lineup?
There are four models in the 2027 range: the standard Africa Twin, Adventure Sports, Enduro Sports, and Adventure Sports Honda Sensing Ride. Each serves a different riding priority from all-round adventure to serious off-road use and radar-equipped long-distance touring.
What is the Honda Sensing Ride system?
Honda Sensing Ride is a radar-based rider assistance package exclusive to the Adventure Sports Sensing Ride variant. It uses front and rear radar to provide ten functions including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Brake Assist, Group Ride Assist, and Rear Collision Warning.
How does the Enduro Sports differ from the standard Africa Twin?
The Enduro Sports features fully adjustable Showa closed-cartridge forks developed to CRF450RALLY spec, increased suspension travel (240mm front, 230mm rear), higher ground clearance (260mm), a high-mounted front fender, compact rally-inspired bodywork, and dedicated Offroad+ riding mode. It is also 9kg lighter than the equivalent standard model.
Will the 2027 Honda Africa Twin launch in India?
Honda has only announced the 2027 Africa Twin range for Europe so far, with a US announcement expected later. There is no official confirmation for an India launch. The previous generation Africa Twin was not officially sold in India, and the high pricing of this premium adventure segment makes an Indian launch uncertain.