Honda Africa Twin

Honda is teasing a new “True Adventure” model for 2020 which is expected to be a large Africa Twin displacing around 1100cc. Honda Motorcycles Europe has released a video to hype the new model (you’ll have to take Honda’s word for it, as no bike actually appears in the teaser) while Honda UK has opened a mailing list for people to receive updates on the new adventure bike and other 2020 models.

The current Africa Twin is still a relatively new model, only introduced for the 2016 model year with the Adventure Sports version following in 2018. Why would Honda release a larger model so soon?

The impending Euro 5 regulations may be one reason. Increasing the displacement will help Honda meet the tighter emissions and sound level requirements, while also helping improve performance. That may be especially important if Honda wants to compete with the likes of the BMW R1250GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1200 and other adventure-touring models that already hold a displacement advantage over the 999cc Africa Twin.

British site Bike Social claims to have some inside knowledge on the new Africa Twin, reporting a 1080cc engine claiming 101 hp and 79 lb-ft. Bike Social also claims the Africa Twin will get the Adventure Sports version’s larger fuel tank.

Honda hasn’t mentioned when we can expect official details on the new 2020 Africa Twin; considering the teaser didn’t even show the bike, Honda’s probably going to release bits and pieces of information over the next few weeks.