As you might already know, here at Overland Expo, we’re big fans of the Honda Africa Twin (and if you weren’t hip to that, check out our 2021 Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build). So, we were delighted to see that Honda’s first press announcement of 2022 features fresh versions of their adventure-touring platform.
I wouldn’t say there’s anything revolutionary about this year’s Africa Twin, but that’s how Honda rolls when they’re already doing something right. Since its 2016 reintroduction, the Africa Twin has undergone steady, calculated improvements and that is the case again this year.
Both the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports ES version feature a high-mount front fairing, upright body position, and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. Curb weight for the ES is 529 pounds with its 6.5-gallon tank full and the standard version weighs 505 pounds. If you select the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) version of either bike, you’ll add a little over 20 pounds to your ride.
READ MORE: CAKE Introduces New :WORK E-Bikes so You Can Have Your Cake and Ride It Too
In the world of powersports, Honda pioneered the DCT, having first offered it in 2009. The Africa Twin was the first to bring the automatic transmission to adventure motorcycling and, now globally, approximately half of all Africa Twin customers choose the DCT transmission. For 2022, both Twins are available with either a manual gearbox or DCT, which has a program change for 2022, delivering smoother shifting in the lower gears.
Both Africa Twin versions are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The off-road oriented standard AT now comes with the same rear carrier as the more distance-oriented Adventure Sports ES. Meanwhile, the Adventure Sports version gets a shorter windscreen for improved visibility.
For 2022, the standard CRF1100L will be offered in a new Grand Prix Red color and the Adventure Sports receives a new red, white, blue livery called Pearl White. MSRP for the standard AT is $14,499 or $15,299 with DCT. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES costs $17,299 or $18,099 with the DCT.
