The original 2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Motorcycle, which may be underrated in North America, dominated the European crossover market for over 30 years until being replaced by the CRF1000L Africa Twin in 2016. Both bikes are variations on the theme of the high-versatility dual sport/adventure bike, but their distinct designs are well-suited to the times in which they were created. A 52-degree V-twin engine powered the first Bike. The modern motorcycle’s engine is refined, versatile, and powerful. It may be paired with Honda’s automated Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) to give the rider a significant advantage over rough terrain. This engine has a 270-degree crankshaft and counterbalanced parallel twin. The 2018 lineup now includes the updated and technically superior Adventure Sports variant.
For 2022, you may choose between the regular Africa Twin or the Adventure Sports model, both of which have received technical modifications designed to maintain them at the forefront of their respective markets. According to data released in Europe, the fully Euro 5 homologated 2022 engine now has a displacement of 1,084cc, up from the original’s 998cc. The difference is due to the longer stroke, which grew from 75.1mm to 81.5mm, while the bore remained the same at 92mm. The bigger engine produced an additional seven horsepower and one pound-feet of torque at the same 7,500 rpm, for a total of 101 hp. The peak torque was unaffected at 6,250 rpm.
Aside from a noticeable increase in peak torque, the whole torque curve becomes flatter and thicker from 2,500 rpm onwards due to the rise. The enhanced power and torque are not only the result of the larger engine size. New cam timing and an increase in valve lift (from 9.2 to 10.1mm intake and from 8.6 to 9.3mm exhaust) are significant contributions, as are the 46mm throttle bodies, revised inlet runners, and repositioned injectors that contribute to increased volumetric efficiency. The engine retains its dual spark plug ignition system, Unicam SOHC design, and compact dimensions while adding a new variable exhaust valve.
2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Lighter Than Ever
The manual and DCT versions of the engine and transmission are lighter than their predecessors by 5.5 and 5.0 pounds, respectively. A new electronics package includes a six-axis inertial platform mounted near the bike’s center of gravity that monitors roll angle, pitch angle and yaw angle in real time. It regulates rear-wheel lift with its new rear-lift control, front-wheel lift with its wheelie control, front-wheel braking grip with its cornering ABS, and rear-wheel traction with its throttle-by-wire (TBW) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The new inertial platform is compatible with the computerized engine-management system, which provides three levels of engine braking and four methods of power distribution. The cyclist may choose from four different riding modes, including tour, city, gravel, and off-road. As with the manual transmission, the DCT’s shifting is managed by the new electronics, and the transmission’s smoothness and shift speed have been enhanced.
Honda’s Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission
DCT gives the rider the choice of riding manually, in automated “D” mode, or sportier “S” mode. In addition, there is a “G” mode that may be used on unpaved surfaces. To optimize traction at the rear wheels, the inertial platform adjusts the shift points of the DCT based on the vehicle’s lean angle. The car has standard cruise control and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
A new bolt-on aluminum subframe allowed us to reduce the bike’s overall weight by 10 pounds without changing the bike’s basic structure. With a 62-inch wheelbase, the new Africa Twin is sturdy and intimidating. An easily accessible seat may be adjusted from a 32.5-inch to a 35.2-inch height. There are 27.5 degrees of rake in the steering geometry, and the trail is 4.4 inches. The motorcycle’s dry weight with a manual gearbox is said to be 498 pounds, while that of the DCT model is 522 pounds.
Even though it is mainly designed for touring, the Adventure Sports model’s active Showa suspension technology paired with the selected riding mode makes a significant difference. The 45mm fork combined with the motocross aluminum swingarm and a single rear shock provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel. Both cars have Metzeler Karoo Street tires sized 90/90-21 up front and 150/70-18 in the back. Rear brakes include a 256mm rotor with a single floating piston caliper, while the front brakes have two 310mm rotors and four-piston calipers.
Likely, American Honda will soon announce these model updates for the North American market, but they haven’t yet. Generally speaking, the new Africa Twin continues Honda’s long-standing practice of releasing minor updates and modifications annually. Riders in both Europe and North America should be satisfied with the 2022 model.
2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 1,084cc liquid-cooled Unicam® four-stroke 22.5º parallel-twin |
Valve Train | SOHC; (4) valves per cylinder |
Bore x Stroke | 92.0 mm x 81.5 mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 |
Induction | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection w/ 46 mm throttle bodies (Throttle By Wire) |
Ignition | Full transistorized |
Starter | Electric |
Transmission | Six speed manual |
Clutch | Multiplate wet |
Final Drive | #525 chain |
Suspension
Front | 45 mm inverted Showa telescopic fork; 9.1 in. wheel travel |
Rear | Pro-Link® system w/ single Showa shock; 8.7 in. travel |
Brakes
Front | (2) four-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310 mm disks; ABS |
Rear | (1) one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256 mm disc; ABS |
Tires
Front | 90/90-21 |
Rear | 150/70R-18 |
Measurements
Rake (Caster Angle) | 27º |
Trail | 113 mm (4.4 in.) |
Length | 91.7 in. |
Width | 37.7 in. |
Height | 55.0 in. |
Seat Height | 34.3 in. / 33.5 in. |
Ground Clearance | 9.8 in. |
Wheelbase | 62.0 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 5.0 gal. |
Color | Grand Prix Red |
Curb Weight | 505 lbs. |