2027 Honda Africa Twin Enduro Sports First Look: Dakar DNA In A Proven ADV

Honda has expanded its flagship adventure motorcycle lineup for 2027 with the introduction of the CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports. Unveiled at EICMA 2026, the newcomer joins the standard Africa Twin, the touring-focused Africa Twin Adventure Sports, and radar-equipped Africa Twin Adventure Sports Honda SENSING RIDE as the most off-road-oriented member of the family. It borrows suspension technology and styling cues from Honda’s Dakar Rally program while introducing a larger engine and revised chassis.

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The Enduro Sports also arrives as part of a complete Africa Twin redesign, bringing more power, reduced weight, and updated electronics across the range. Unlike its more touring-oriented siblings, it ditches electronically adjustable suspension in favor of manually adjustable components designed for demanding off-road use. Honda hasn’t announced US pricing or availability for the 2027 model, but its technical specifications provide a clear picture of what would-be owners can expect.

A Bigger Engine With More Muscle

Powering the CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports is a liquid-cooled, 1,131cc Unicam parallel-twin engine, an evolution of the previous Africa Twin’s 1,084cc unit. It produces a claimed 117.3 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 87.8 pound-feet of torque at 5,700 rpm. That’s a 16 percent increase in peak power and nearly seven percent more torque compared to its predecessor.

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Honda achieved these gains by increasing the bore to 94mm while retaining an 81.5mm stroke, raising compression to 12.1:1, and revising the intake and exhaust systems. Larger 52mm throttle bodies replace the previous 46mm units, while updated pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and balancer shafts complement the increased displacement. Revised transmission ratios round out the mechanical changes.

A six-speed manual transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch handles power delivery, while Honda’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is also part of the broader CRF1150L platform. The Enduro Sports features a revised steel semi-double-cradle frame and aluminum swingarm, which together shed 3.1 pounds compared to the previous generation. A redesigned fuel system positions some of the fuel beneath the seat to lower the center of gravity.

More Travel, More Ground Clearance, And A Clearer Off-Road Focus

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The Enduro Sports’ biggest departure from the standard Africa Twin is its suspension. Up front, it features a fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge inverted fork developed to specifications derived from Honda’s CRF450 RALLY competition motorcycle. A fully adjustable Showa monoshock with Pro-Link linkage handles rear suspension duties.

Front suspension stroke measures 9.45 inches, while rear-wheel travel stands at 9.06 inches. That’s an increase of approximately 0.79 inches at both ends over the standard CRF1150L Africa Twin. Ground clearance consequently rises to 10.24 inches, while the adjustable seat sits between 34.25 and 35.04 inches high. There’s no getting around the fact that this is one tall motorcycle.

True Enduro Proportions

Honda

The Enduro Sports retains the adventure-friendly 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, fitted with 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 Metzeler Karoo Street tires. Braking duties fall to dual 310mm front discs with radially mounted four-piston Nissin calipers and a two-channel ABS system with switchable rear-wheel ABS. The manual version has a claimed curb weight of 502.7 pounds, making it 19.8 pounds lighter than the equivalent standard Africa Twin.

The bodywork also receives a rally-inspired makeover, featuring a high-mounted front fender, compact dual LED headlights, a smaller windscreen, and slimmer rear styling. Revised handlebar and footpeg positioning further emphasize control while standing, reinforcing the Enduro Sports’ intended use beyond paved roads.

Modern Electronics Haven’t Been Left Behind

Honda

Despite its off-road priorities, the Enduro Sports retains an extensive electronics package. A six-axis IMU supports lean-sensitive rider aids, while throttle-by-wire enables six selectable riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Rain, Off Road, and Off Road+. Riders can also adjust traction control and wheelie control to suit changing conditions.

Would-be owners will find a 7-inch TFT touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, accompanied by a 5.7-inch information display. Cruise control, keyless ignition, USB-C charging, handguards, and an emergency stop signal are also included. The Enduro Sports carries 4.97 gallons of fuel, retaining enough capacity for extended trips without adopting the Adventure Sports’ larger touring tank.

A More Focused Addition To Honda’s Adventure Lineup

Honda

The 2027 CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports occupies a distinct position within Honda’s redesigned adventure family. The standard Africa Twin balances road and off-road duties with electronic suspension, while the Africa Twin Adventure Sports prioritizes touring with its 19-inch front wheel, larger 6.34-gallon tank, and available radar-based rider assistance.

The Enduro Sports instead targets riders who prioritize off-road capability without stepping down to a smaller adventure motorcycle. Its rally-derived suspension, additional ground clearance, reduced weight, and revised ergonomics distinguish it from its siblings. With US pricing and availability still to be announced, its value proposition remains an open question, but Honda has clearly established where the new model belongs in the Africa Twin hierarchy.

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2027 Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Enduro Sports Specifications:

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Source: Honda Powersports