Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 — Specifications

You’ve seen that glint in a motorcyclist’s eye? The one that appears when the road transforms into a track, then a trail, before disappearing completely. That’s precisely where the 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports plants its flag. It’s not the first of its name, but with this "Adventure Sports" version, Honda sends a clear message to the competition: the territory of premium adventure bikes no longer belongs solely to BMW GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Adventure R. Here, we’re talking about a machine designed to devour pavement while retaining a reserve of madness for forgotten paths.

The heart of the beast remains the 998 cm3 inline twin, delivering 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque. Figures that may seem conservative compared to some competitors, but that’s the essence of the Honda compromise. The engine has been reworked to offer more responsiveness in the mid-range, perfect for safe progress on gravel or for climbing a long pass without stress. The real revolution, available as an option, lies in its DCT. This robotic dual-clutch transmission radically changes the experience, especially in technical off-road conditions. It manages the gears for you, allowing you to focus on the trajectory. For many, it’s a gimmick. For those who have tried to negotiate a slippery single-track with 240 kg underneath them, it can be a revelation.

Where this Adventure Sports truly stands out is in its appetite for distance. Its 26.2-liter tank provides autonomy often exceeding 500 km, a massive argument against rivals that are sometimes thirsty. The chassis and suspension are reinforced for the mission. The inverted fork and rear shock see their travel increase, bringing the ground clearance to 270 mm. Combined with a more protective engine guard and a widened fairing, the message is clear: this bike is ready to fall… and to get back up. With a wet weight of 242 kg, it’s not a featherweight, but Honda has limited the damage thanks to a lithium-ion battery, saving nearly 2.5 kg.

The dashboard and riding aids have also evolved. Riding modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel, and Customizable) allow you to modulate power, engine braking, and traction control across 7 levels. It’s technical, but devilishly effective for adapting the bike to the terrain with a single click. The 900 mm seat may be intimidating, but it offers an excellent upright riding position, reinforced by a raised handlebar. It’s a machine for experienced globetrotters and tall riders, those who see a rocky barrier not as an obstacle, but as an invitation.

So, who should turn to this Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports? The demanding traveler who prioritizes reliability and autonomy over brute performance. The one who, facing a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, finds the boxer engine a little too civilized, and facing a KTM 1290 Adventure, judges the character a little too nervous. Its entry price, around €16,000 at the time, positioned it as a serious challenger. Today, finding a 2019 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports or a DCT model second-hand represents an opportunity to acquire a high-end adventure bike, capable of crossing a continent with the same seriousness as going down to buy bread. It’s not the most radical, nor the most powerful, but it possesses that tenacious versatility and legendary robustness that make it an infallible road companion. For equipment, a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports top case or SW-Motech bars will perfectly complement its explorer profile.