Hello! I’m here with another detailed review for motorcycle enthusiasts. Today, I’m pleased to share my experience with the new Honda Africa Twin after testing this impressive machine through the heart of the Australian Outback. Let’s begin this comprehensive review!
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank
When Honda dropped off this adventure monster at my doorstep in Alice Springs, I was immediately struck by its commanding presence. The new Africa Twin stands tall and proud, with that signature adventure bike stance that screams, “throw whatever you want at me, mate, I can handle it.” The test model I received came in that striking red, black, and white tricolour scheme that turns heads even in the most remote roadhouses.
Specs That Matter for Outback Adventures
Before diving into the performance, let’s talk about what makes this bike tick:
- Engine: 1084cc parallel-twin delivering 101 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque
- Transmission: My test model came with Honda’s brilliant DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), but you can opt for the manual if that’s your fancy
- Suspension: Electronically adjustable Showa suspension with 230mm travel front and 220mm rear
- Ground Clearance: A generous 250mm – absolutely crucial for those creek crossings and rocky trails
- Fuel Capacity: 24.8 litres – giving you that much-needed range in the vast nothingness of the Outback
The Real Test: Alice Springs to Uluru
I planned a proper test route: Alice Springs to Uluru and back, with plenty of detours through some of the roughest terrain the Red Centre has to offer. This 1000+ km journey would test everything from highway cruising to sandy tracks and rocky escarpments.
Highway Manners
Hitting the Stuart Highway, the Africa Twin immediately impressed with its stability at high speeds. Even with the notorious crosswinds that plague our highways, the bike remained planted and confidence-inspiring. The riding position is all-day comfortable – a critical factor when the nearest town might be hundreds of kilometres away.
The DCT transmission deserves special mention here. While I was initially sceptical (being an old-school manual bloke), it proved brilliant on those long highway stretches. Just set it to “Tour” mode and let the bike do the thinking while you focus on the endless horizon and keep an eye out for road trains and kangaroos.
Off the Beaten Track
Turning off onto the unsealed roads is where this bike really started to shine. I switched to “Gravel” mode, stood up on the pegs, and the Africa Twin transformed into a different beast altogether. The electronic suspension soaked up the corrugations that would rattle your fillings out on lesser bikes.
The real standout was a challenging section near Kings Canyon with deep sand and rocky climbs. With the traction control dialled back (but not completely off – I’m adventurous, not crazy), the Africa Twin clawed its way through with surprising agility for a bike that tips the scales at over 220kg fully fueled.
The Little Things That Matter in the Outback
When you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest mechanic, it’s the practical features that matter most. The Africa Twin excels with its adjustable windscreen providing excellent protection from elements and massive insects, superb heat management even in 40°C temperatures keeping your legs cool, sturdy stock handguards saving knuckles from acacia branches, a TFT display that remains visible in harsh direct sunlight (crucial for GPS navigation), and impressive fuel economy averaging about 5.2L/100km for a theoretical range of around 470km – giving plenty of buffer between those sparse Outback fuel stops.
Not All Sunshine and Kangaroos
No bike is perfect, and the Africa Twin does have a few niggles worth mentioning. The seat, while better than previous generations, still becomes uncomfortable after 300+ kilometres of riding. The stock tires perform adequately as all-rounders, but they struggle significantly in deep sand, making an upgrade to more aggressive tires necessary for serious Outback adventures. Additionally, the horn is disappointingly quiet, which poses a safety concern when you need to alert road trains or wandering cattle. Finally, the DCT transmission occasionally gets confused during technical off-road sections, sometimes choosing to upshift precisely when you need that crucial low-end torque.
The Verdict: A True Blue Outback Companion
After putting over 1,500km on the odometer in some of Australia’s most unforgiving terrain, I can confidently say the new Honda Africa Twin is one of the most capable adventure bikes for our unique conditions. It strikes that perfect balance between off-road capability and long-distance comfort that’s essential for exploring our sunburnt country.
Is it worth the $22,990 asking price (plus on-roads)? If you’re serious about adventure riding in Australia, absolutely. This isn’t just a poser’s bike for cafe runs – it’s a properly engineered tool for those who want to see the parts of Australia that most people only experience through their Instagram feed.
Written by Michael Bankier
