Reviews

2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT Review

Honda’s most-advanced ADV rig: the 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT.

August 24, 2020

Honda jumped into the heavyweight adventure-touring segment in a big way with its 2016 Africa Twin. Over the years, Honda’s parallel-twin powered CRF has evolved into a highly capable rig that blends the finest features from the adventure off-road and sport-touring segments. And the Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT is the best example to date offering an ultra high-tech riding experience like nothing we’ve seen in this segment. Read the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT MC Commute Review for an in-depth evaluation. In this video we share a condensed review analysis after riding it for a few hundred miles on, and off pavement. Tune in as we address some of its best features, and a few squawks, too.

Honda pulls out all of the stops in the technology department with its Adventure Sport ES DCT.Jeff Allen

Related Content: 2020 Honda Africa Twin First Look Preview

Honda offers tremendous value in the liter-plus sized ADV class with its $17,999 Adventure Sport ES DCT.Jeff Allen

The 2020 Africa Twin blurs the line between adventure and sport-touring segments.Jeff Allen

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Loaded with creature comforts, the 2020 Honda Africa Twin is a capable touring mount.Jeff Allen

Gear Box

Although balanced, there’s no hiding the fully-loaded Africa Twin’s 553-pound curb weight.Jeff Allen

Helmet: AGV AX9 Carbon

Jacket: Dainese D-Explorer Gore-Tex

Gloves: Dainese Universe Gore-Tex

Pant: Dainese D-Explorer Gore-Tex

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7

2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE	$17,999 (as tested)
ENGINE	1,084cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled Unicam four-stroke parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE	95.0 x 81.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	10.1:1
FUEL DELIVERY	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (throttle by wire)
CLUTCH	Wet multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Semi-double-cradle steel frame
FRONT SUSPENSION	Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) 45mm inverted telescopic fork; 9.1-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Pro-Link system w/ single Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) shock; 8.7-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Nissin two 4-piston hydraulic calipers, 310mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	Nissin 1-piston hydraulic caliper, 256mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Die-cast aluminum; 21 x 2.5-in. / 18 x 4.5-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Metzeler Karoo Street; 90/90-21 / 150/70-18
RAKE/TRAIL	23.1°/3.7 in.
WHEELBASE	62.0 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	33.5–34.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	Adventure Sports SE 6.5 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	553 lb.
WARRANTY	12 months, transferable unlimited-mileage limited warranty
AVAILABLE	March 2020
CONTACT	powersports.honda.com

The added piston stroke inside the Africa Twin’s parallel-twin engine makes for a much more playful motorcycle.Jeff Allen

We love the tasteful styling and red/white/blue colorway of the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT.Jeff Allen

We’re impressed by how well the Africa Twin performs on the road for a bike with a 21-inch front wheel.Jeff Allen

The Africa Twin’s ABS calibration is some of the finest we’ve tested— especially off-road.Jeff Allen

The 2020 Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin. It’s paired masterfully with a highly responsive DCT six-speed gearbox.Jeff Allen

The 2020 Honda Africa Twin is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It’s more lively and has an electronics package that makes it easier to ride at a high level.Jeff Allen