The Honda Africa Twin: A Reliable Adventure Riding Companion

Since its reintroduction in 2016, the Honda Africa Twin has captured the hearts of adventure riders worldwide. As an experienced provider of motorcycle tours, rentals, and training, Ride Adventures understands the importance of reliable bikes for their customers.

In this review, we'll delve into the performance of the Africa Twin since its inclusion in our operations and discuss its pros and cons. Whether you're a seasoned rider or considering embarking on your first adventure, join us as we explore the enduring qualities of this remarkable motorcycle.

What we like:

1. The Reliability Factor: When it comes to adventure riding, reliability is paramount. Customers planning trips well in advance cannot afford to face mechanical failures in remote locations. The Africa Twin shines in this regard, providing a solid foundation of dependability. With its renowned Honda reliability, riders can confidently embark on their adventures, knowing the bike will perform flawlessly. Honda's commitment to producing reliable machines is evident in the Africa Twin.

2. Sleek and Agile Design: The Africa Twin stands out in the heavyweight category for its relatively slender and agile design. Weighing in at around the low 500 pounds, it offers enhanced maneuverability compared to its bulkier counterparts. This sleek and athletic appearance adds to the overall appeal of the motorcycle, allowing riders to navigate various terrains with ease.

3. Longevity and Performance: With a compression ratio of 10 to 1, the Africa Twin's engine promises longevity. The lower compression ratio ensures less heat generation, contributing to a longer lifespan. While some bikes opt for higher compression ratios for increased power, the Africa Twin strikes a balance between performance and durability. Its engine remains reliable, providing a satisfying riding experience over extended periods.

4. Flawless Transmission: The Africa Twin's transmission is often praised for its seamless operation. Riders seldom encounter any issues or mishaps, showcasing Honda's attention to detail and commitment to quality. Whether shifting gears or tackling challenging terrains, the transmission delivers a smooth and responsive performance, enhancing the overall riding experience.

5. Fully Adjustable Suspension and Ride Control: For riders who enjoy fine-tuning their motorcycle's performance, the Africa Twin offers fully adjustable suspension. With the right tools and adjustments, riders can personalize their suspension settings to match their preferences and riding conditions. Additionally, the bike comes equipped with various ride control features, including traction control. While some riders may prefer to have the option to disable the front ABS, these electronic features enhance safety and control.

6. Aesthetic Appeal and Engaging Sound: Beyond its mechanical attributes, the Africa Twin boasts an overall aesthetic appearance that captures attention. Its striking design, coupled with a captivating exhaust note, creates a visually and audibly appealing package. Honda's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the Africa Twin's aesthetic appeal, making it a pleasure to behold.

Things to be desired:

1. Heated Grip Placement: On the adventure sports model, the heated grip button's placement near the glove can lead to accidental activation. While a minor inconvenience, it's an aspect Honda could address in future iterations.

2. Lower Compression Ratio and Power: The Africa Twin's lower compression ratio, although beneficial for longevity, results in slightly less power compared to some competitors in its class. However, the bike still offers ample performance for most adventure riding scenarios.

3. Single Piece Subframe: The Africa Twin's single piece subframe poses a potential drawback. If the subframe sustains damage, the entire frame may require replacement. Although rare, this issue could be addressed through the inclusion of a replaceable subframe in future models.

4. Fork Seal and Fuel Tank Issues: Over the years, some Africa Twin owners experienced fork seal leaks. However, utilizing seal savers can significantly mitigate this problem. Adventure sports models from 2018 had fuel tank issues related to the liner or coating, leading to clogging of the fuel filter. Honda promptly addressed this manufacturing flaw by replacing affected components under warranty. It's advisable to check if the fuel tank has been replaced when considering a used adventure sports model.

5. Rear Assembly Fitting and Throttle Tube: In recent years, we noticed minor fitting issues with the rear assembly of the tail light on some Africa Twins. While not a significant concern, it's worth mentioning. Additionally, there have been isolated cases of a faulty throttle tube with a sticking return spring action. However, this issue appears to be rare and hasn't been a widespread problem in our extensive operations.

After years of operating the Africa Twin in our fleet, we can confidently say that Honda has produced an exceptional motorcycle. Its reliability, athleticism, and capable performance make it a top choice for adventure riders. While a few minor cons exist, they are far outweighed by the bike's overall strengths. If you're considering an Africa Twin, you can expect a reliable and rewarding experience on two wheels.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming release of the new Trans Alp and anticipate providing a similar report on its performance once it joins our operations. Additionally, we can't help but express our enthusiasm for the potential revival of the xr650r line—a bike that has left a lasting impression on many riders.

We invite our audience to share their experiences with the Africa Twin and any record-breaking mileage achieved. As a provider of rental services, our fleet undergoes regular rotations, limiting the mileage on individual bikes. However, we're eager to hear from riders who have embarked on extensive journeys with their Africa Twins.

Thank you for joining us on this review journey. The Honda Africa Twin continues to impress with its reliability, performance, and enduring appeal. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share our content. Stay connected, and we look forward to hearing from you.

-The RIDE Team

More About RIDE Trips and Tours
Get Adventure Motorcycle Rider Training
Ride Blog - Gear, Bikes, Technique

For more Honda Africa Twin Content Watch Our HONDA AFRICA TWIN 6 Year Review: Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between