After many months of speculations and a few teasers, the 2020 Honda Africa Twin has been officially unveiled. It has received some noticeable changes to make it a better adventure motorcycle than its predecessor.
One of the key speculations that were being made about the new Africa Twin was its bigger engine. So why not we start with that? Honda has, indeed, used a slightly bigger engine in the new model. It is a 1084cc, parallel-twin mill which produces 7% more horsepower (101hp) and 6% more torque (105Nm) when compared to the previous 998cc engine. Honda has used various lighter internal components to keep the weight in check. The engine is also Euro 5 compliant. And of course, Honda’s DCT will continue to perform its duties.
Another great feature of the new Africa Twin is the 6.5-in TFT full-colour touch screen display that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It can be customised as per the rider’s preferences.
Apart from this, there is an extensive electronics package that includes a new six-axis IMU, Ride by Wire, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Cruise Control, Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Rear Lift Control and Emergency Stop Signals. Honda has also added six riding modes – four have pre-set levels of power, engine braking and ABS characteristics for different riding scenarios: Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-road; and two user modes allow the rider to set their own preferred combinations of these parameters.
In terms of looks, the 2020 Africa Twin is still easily recognisable as the Africa Twin. However, there are a few minor changes like tweaked front fairing, redesigned headlamps, new striking rally-style bodywork, etc.
We are eagerly waiting for the new 2020 Honda Africa Twin to come to the Middle East so that we can get our hands on it and see how it handles the sand dunes.
