A New Generation Africa Twin Arrives for 2027 

A decade on from the CRF1000L that reintroduced the Africa Twin name to Europe, Honda has given its flagship adventure bike its most comprehensive update yet. For 27YM, the new CRF1150L Africa Twin arrives with a larger-capacity engine, a lighter chassis, standard-fit Showa electronic suspension with Honda Skyhook Control, and a thoroughly reworked technology package – including a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

It is the sort of update that reshapes expectations across the segment, and it will sit at the heart of the Honda adventure line-up on display at your Vertu Motorcycles Honda dealership.

A new 1,131cc engine with 16.5 per cent more power 

The headline change is a new 1,131cc parallel twin-cylinder engine. Peak power rises 16.5 per cent to 87.5kW at 7,500rpm, while peak torque climbs to 119Nm at 5,750rpm. Honda has achieved the gains through a 2mm bore increase to 94.0mm, a higher compression ratio of 12.1:1 (up from 10.5:1), a redesigned intake with 52mm throttle bodies, revised cam timing and valve-lift profiles, and new pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. 

The result is noticeably stronger acceleration and improved roll-on response through gears one to five, while revised gearing drops cruising rpm for more relaxed motorway miles. Lightweight aluminium cylinder sleeves contribute to overall mass reduction, and the characteristic 270 degree phased crankshaft is retained, so the Africa Twin keeps the distinctive uneven firing pulse and traction feel that long-standing owners will recognise straight away. A new manual clutch is paired with revised ratios; the six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission option continues alongside. 

Showa EERA with Honda Skyhook Control is now standard 

Previously an option, Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment is now fitted as standard across the Africa Twin. For 27YM it incorporates Honda Skyhook Control, which continuously calculates and applies damping force based on real-time inputs from the ECU, the IMU and a fork stroke sensor – adjusting damping in just 1 millisecond. 

The system includes a new Minimum setting that drops seat height by 10mm and remains active even after the ignition is switched off. Alongside Solo, Solo with Luggage, Pillion and Pillion with Full Luggage configurations, damping can be fine-tuned per riding mode via USER adjustments. New 49mm Showa USD forks replace the previous 45mm units, with 220mm of front travel and 210mm at the rear. 

A lighter chassis built around a lower centre of gravity 

The steel semi-double cradle frame and aluminium swingarm are together 1.4kg lighter, with wall-thickness revisions and a reworked engine head hanger shaving 0.8kg from the frame alone. Honda has drawn inspiration from the legendary NXR750 Paris-Dakar racer by placing a fuel sub-tank beneath the rider's seat – lowering the main tank's fuel level and pulling mass down and towards the centre of the bike. 

Combined with careful positioning of the battery, ECU, fuel filler cap and airbox, the result is a motorcycle that feels more agile at low speed and more composed at pace. The handlebars sit 10mm higher and 10mm further forward than before, while the footpegs move 20mm narrower and 10mm rearward. Seat height is adjustable between 850mm and 870mm, with the new Minimum setting pulling that figure a further 10mm lower when needed. 

Technology steps up with a 7-inch TFT and wireless connectivity 

A completely redesigned instrument cluster pairs a 5.7-inch vehicle information display with a 7-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen that starts up in approximately five seconds – a 70 per cent reduction on the previous system. Optical bonding improves daylight visibility, and a dedicated off-road layout with compass function supports riding beyond mapped routes. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless, with turn-by-turn navigation, media and intercom functions configurable as widgets on the main screen. A new lockable storage pocket in the fuel tank cover takes a modern smartphone and houses a USB-C charging socket. Honda SMART Key operates the ignition, electric steering lock and fuel filler cap. Cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards and an aluminium rear carrier are all fitted as standard. 

Six riding modes with in-mode customisation 

The riding modes have been reorganised too. Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Offroad and the new Offroad+ replace the previous four-mode arrangement, and every one can be adjusted in-mode by the rider. New for 27YM is a choice of Dynamic or Comfort throttle response within the default modes. Honda Selectable Torque Control runs across seven levels and can be switched off completely, with Wheelie Control built in alongside. 

Who the new Africa Twin is for 

If you are weighing up a middleweight-to-flagship adventure jump, replacing an older CRF1100L, or returning to adventure riding after time on sports tourers, the standard Africa Twin remains the versatile all-rounder in the range. The Enduro Sports and Adventure Sports variants sit either side of it for the off-road-focused and long-distance touring audiences respectively, but the baseline Africa Twin is where the broadest appeal lives. 

The 27YM CRF1150L Africa Twin will be available in Pearl Glare White (tricolour) and Mat Sandstorm Beige. Both can be seen at your nearest Vertu Motorcycles Honda dealership, with the wider range available through our new and used motorcycles range. 

Headline specifications 

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