Examining Honda’s 2022 Africa Twin

[Hugh Janus]

Honda’s Africa Twin gets lighter with more torque. (Honda/)

While perhaps not particularly well known in North America, Honda’s original XRV650 Africa Twin stormed the European crossover market some 30 years ago and held its class-leading position until passing the torch to the CRF1000L Africa Twin in 2016. While the two machines shared a name and the basic concept of the high-versatility dual sport/adventure bike, their individual executions of that idea are radically different and perfectly representative of their eras.

The original bike was a svelte 52-degree V-twin. The current machine is a counterbalanced parallel twin with a 270-degree crankshaft; in addition to its versatile chassis geometry and a smooth, flexible, powerful engine, there’s also the option of Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which greatly assists the rider in demanding off-road sections. In 2018, with a few technical updates, the Adventure Sports version was added to the mix.

2022 Honda Africa Twin. (Honda/)

For 2022 both the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports model benefit from technical updates designed to keep them atop their market segment. According to information released in Europe, the fully Euro 5 homologated 2022 engine now displaces 1,084cc, up from the original’s 998cc. The increase comes from a longer stroke, up from 75.1mm to 81.5mm; the bore remains unchanged at 92mm. With the larger engine, output increases from 94 to 101 hp, at the same 7,500 rpm, while peak torque went up from 73 to 77.5 pound-feet at an equally unchanged 6,250 rpm.

The substantial peak-torque increase also fattens the whole torque curve from 2,500 rpm onward. The extra power and torque don’t come from the extra displacement alone. New cam timing and an increase in valve lift (from 9.2 to 10.1mm intake and from 8.6 to 9.3 exhaust) play a significant role, as does increased volumetric efficiency thanks to 46mm throttle bodies, reshaped inlet runners, and repositioned injectors. The engine retains its compact, efficient Unicam SOHC layout and twin-plug ignition, and the exhaust system now includes a new variable exhaust valve.

Lighter Than Ever

The new engine/transmission package is also lighter than the previous version at 5.5 pounds for the manual transmission version and 5.0 pounds for the DCT. The electronics suite also received a massive upgrade; a six-axis inertial platform located at the bike’s center of gravity monitors roll angle/rate, pitch angle/rate, and yaw angle/rate in real time. It also manages rear-wheel traction via throttle-by-wire (TBW) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), front-braking grip through cornering ABS, and front-wheel lift through wheelie control in addition to a new rear-lift control. The electronic engine-management system also ties into the new inertial platform, allowing four choices for power delivery and three levels of engine-braking. The rider can also select from four riding modes: Tour, Urban, Gravel, and Off-Road. The new electronics also control the DCT transmission’s shifting, while the transmission itself has been further refined in terms of smoothness and shift speed.

Honda’s Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission

With DCT, the rider can select from full manual operation, “D” automatic, or a sportier “S” automatic. There’s also a “G” mode for use on dirt/gravel roads. The inertial platform modulates the DCT’s shift points relative to lean angle and available rear-wheel traction. Cruise control is standard equipment, as is a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.

Honda’s DCT engine paired to the Africa Twin Adventure Sports model is well suited for touring. (Honda/)

While the frame’s main structure is unchanged, a new bolt-on aluminum subframe contributes to the bike’s overall 10-pound weight loss. The new Africa Twin looks sharper and more aggressive, standing solidly on its 62-inch wheelbase. An adjustable seat moves from an easily accessible 32.5 inches to a towering 35.2 inches. Steering geometry is set at 27.5 degrees of rake with 4.4 inches of trail. Dry weight is announced at 498 pounds for the manual transmission version, with the DCT bike weighing 22 pounds more.

2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. (Honda/)

While the Adventure Sports version is more touring oriented, the most significant difference is its active Showa suspension system, which is integrated with the selectable riding mode. The 45mm fork delivers 9.1 inches of wheel travel, while the single rear shock and motocross-derived aluminum swingarm return 8.1 inches of wheel travel. Both versions roll on Metzeler Karoo Street tires, a 90/90-21 front and a 150/70-18 rear. The braking system is based on dual 310mm rotors and four-piston calipers up front and a single 256mm rear rotor with a single-piston floating caliper.

While these model changes have not been announced for the North American market, we expect to see an announcement from American Honda in the near future. All in all, the new Africa Twin takes the classic Honda approach of annual refinements and updates. The 2022 model looks to be a fine choice for both European and North American riders.

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[Motobiker]

Odd review this as they seem to be implying this is a whole new bike, but it isn't. it has some very slight updates on the 2020 version, not an evolution, more of the same bike as the 2020/21 version with a few tweaks here and there that nobody would really notice. Theres not even a stand-out new colour version.