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Honda’s Already Legendary Adventure Bike Just Got Even More Irresistible

The 2026 editions of this groundbreaking, iconic motorcycle make it more head-turning and approachable than ever before.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine with bronze casing and silver exhaust pipe against a red background.Honda
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Unlike the multitude of vehicles with geographical names that carry no actual connection to the places in question, Honda’s Africa Twin moniker is as earned as can be.

Four decades ago, Big Red staked its claim to adventure bike dominance through the Paris-Dakar Rally, an epic 6,000-plus-mile race from Paris to Dakar, Senegal, in West Africa.

Rider in red and black gear on a red and black Honda Africa Twin motorcycle riding on sand dunes.
The revamped Grand Prix Red paint scheme looks better than ever for the new year.
Honda

The specially developed NXR750 factory bike won the moto division three times in the late ’80s, sparking the commercial launch of the Africa Twin nameplate in 1988.

It’s been a veritable household name, alongside BMW’s GS, ever since, with the latest edition honoring the legacy via dazzling aesthetics and unprecedented approachability.

Made you look

I feel compelled to lead with the style notes because they are, in fact, the only true update for the new model year. 

Honda is duty-bound to roll out a red, white and blue edition of the bike every year in homage to the original, and 2026 is no different, as all three versions — standard, Electronic Suspension (ES) and Dual-Clutch Transmission Electronic Suspension (DCT ES) — are offered in what is called Pearl Glare Tricolor.

Black Honda Africa Twin adventure motorcycle with bronze engine casing and clear windshield on a gray background.
Those who admire the Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Mana Black Edition will find a lot to love with this color palette, which is limited to the base model of the new Africa Twin.
Honda

However, two new paint schemes demand more attention. The ES and DCT ES trim levels get the latest iteration of Grand Prix Red, which drops the blue accents found in its predecessor for a slightly more aggressive look.

Then there’s my personal favorite, limited to the standard model, a badass take called Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, which is almost entirely blacked out save for the name of the bike in bronze and some light white graphics.

Rider-friendly rally

Beyond the colors, a super-notable element here is how hard Honda is leaning into DCT, with good reason. 

As the whole industry continues to, ahem, shift toward bikes that ease or remove manual transmissions from the equation, Honda rolls out more DCT and E-Clutch options.

Close-up of a white, blue, and red Honda motorcycle engine with "Dual Clutch Transmission" label and black seat.
Honda stands by its more rider-friendly transmissions by slapping a label right there on the engine.
Honda

Considering that nearly half of buyers opted for the DCT-equipped Africa Twin in 2024, I can’t exactly blame them. 

This technology ditches the clutch in favor of automatic shifting, alleviating the stress of potentially stalling on tricky climbs or your hand cramping up during long days in the saddle. 

Of course, another ride-easing element is Electronic Suspension, an upgrade over the fully adjustable Showa suspension that automatically regulates damping based on conditions — and lets you tweak the rear preload while riding.

Adventure motorcycle with red, white, and blue bodywork, gold spoked wheels, and aluminum panniers on a dirt road.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports is optimized for long-distance journeys where roads are the primary surface.
Honda

This year, perhaps sensing that those who love DCT won’t say no to ES, either, Honda dropped the DCT-only model. The ES and DCT ES sweeten the deal with heated handgrips and an accessory power socket, too. 

It’s worth noting that those with long-haul touring aspirations should also consider the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, which boasts a larger fuel tank and a tarmac-oriented 19-inch front wheel.  

All versions of the bike also boast such modern tech features as traction control, cornering ABS, ride modes and a 6.5-inch Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-compatible touchscreen.

Red and black adventure motorcycle performing a wheelie on sand dunes with rider in red and black gear.
Just because the bike has wheelie control doesn’t mean you can’t throw one of these crowd pleasers now and then. (And by “you,” I mean you, not me.)
Honda

Oh, and Africa Twin isn’t the only part that’s true to the name: no matter which option you choose, you get the highly capable 1,084cc parallel twin engine making roughly 100 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque.

Those numbers might not necessarily win the Dakar Rally these days, but they’re more than sufficient for most everyday adventures.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was recently announced for the UK market, which typically precedes the US by at least a few weeks.

No pricing has been publicized yet, but for context, the 2025 base model starts at $14,799, the electronic suspension-equipped model starts at $17,599 and the ES DCT starts at $18,399.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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