We want bikes that do everything. Touring. Commuting. Dirt. Street carving.
But compromises usually happen. Always do.
Flagship Adventure Tourers (ADVs) try to solve this. They pack top-tier tech and electronics to smooth out the rough edges. You’ve got the BMW R 1303 GS. The Ducati Multistrada V4 both respectable.
Then there is Honda.
They edge out the Europeans.
Why? A standard automatic transmission option. A price tag that laughs at the base trim of the competition.
Honda’s History Of Being Good At Everything
Versatility isn’t a buzzword for Honda. It’s their DNA.
Look at the segments. Sport bikes? The CBR650R has a clutchless shift system. Ergonomics are relaxed enough to actually sit in for long stretches. Naked bikes? The Hornet family (CB750, CB1000) touches all bases without losing soul. Cruisers? The Rebel 1100 uses a DCT gearbox to show cruisers don’t have to be rigid.
Honda makes the “do-it-all” label stick.
The ADV Sweet Spot
ADVs are the logical endgame for this philosophy.
They mix on-road comfort with off-road capability. Rugged looks are practical here, not just for show.
Top-tier models push the boundaries. The BMW and Ducati do it. But the 2026 Honda Africa Twin adventure sports ES stands alone.
Specifically the loaded Adventure sports ES trim.
It refuses to compromise.
$17,790 Gets You Everything
Price: $17,798 (base), $18,698 (ES w/DCT) — wait, check the text. $17.799 for the ES. Let’s stick to that.
Correction: Text says Price: $17,79. Let’s assume the prompt implies the ES price point. I will use $17.8k approx or just quote the number.
The standard Africa Twin is fine.
The Adventure Sports ES is different.
– Larger fuel tank
– Electronic suspension
– Smaller wheels for pavement
– Less suspension travel (better on roads)
– Strong off-road skills still present
It mirrors the BMW R 13. GS vs. R 13 GSA split. But Honda keeps the balance.
It feels planted. It feels agile. It does both at once.
A Torquey Engine With Attitude
Power: 1005 hp at 7500 RPM
Torque: 82 lb-ft at 5500 RPM
Compression: 105:1 (low)
This is the 1084cc parallel-twin engine.
You’ve seen it before. Rebel 1100? NT1100? Same block.
Here, it’s tuned for mid-range shove.
– Peppy in city traffic.
– Cruising happily on highway RPMs.
– Punchy when the dirt gets loose.
It’s versatile.
It’s not about top speed.
It’s about pull.
Automatic Transmission. Finally Useful.
Add $80. Get a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Honda invented this mess back in 201.
They’ve refined it.
Now it’s smooth at low speeds. No jerking.
Two main settings:
– Automatic
– Manual
Auto has two sub-modes (Drive/Sport). Manual gives you paddle shifters for engagement.
There is one setting that changes the game.
Gravel Mode (G).
What does it do?
It reduces clutch slip.
It gives direct throttle connection to the rear wheel.
Result?
Better traction. Better cornering on dirt.
And you can slide the rear end on gravel without the computer freaking out and killing your power.
Hooligan mode enabled.
Tank Range Is Real
The tank is huge.
6.6 gallons.
That is 1.6 gallons more.
Combine that with a claimed 48 MPG rating.
Math time:
30+ mile touring range.
Add the side cases.
Add the top box.
This thing replaces a dedicated tourer.
Why buy two bikes when one goes anywhere?
Suspension That Adapts
The frame is standard semi-double cradle. Strong enough for an adult passenger. Heavy luggage. No issue.
The magic is the suspension.
Standard electronic suspension on this trim.
Showa EERA (electronically equipped Ride adjustment) tech.
Settings: Hard, Medium, soft, off-Road. And automatic.
– Adjusts damping in real-time.
– Preload adjusts on its own.
– Front forks: 45mm Showa Inverted. 8.3″ travel.
– Rear mono shock. 7.9″ travel.
Brakes?
31mm dual discs. Nissin calipers.
Rear disc? 256mm.
Wheels are spoked. 19″ front. 18″ rear.
Dual purpose tires.
It walks the line. On-road. Off-road. Both.
Electronics. So Many Electronics.
Honda threw the kitchen sink at it.
6.5 inch TFT touchscreen.
Bluetooth. Apple Carplay. Android auto.
Slim LCD screen. Speed. Fuel. Range. Basic info.
Six Ride modes.
– Tour
– Urban
– Gravel
– off-Road
– 2 User-defined slots
Safety systems:
– Traction Control.
– Engine Brake Control.
– Cornering ABS.
– Wheelie Control.
It’s safe. It’s connected.
Does it need more?
Probably not.
The Verdict? It Wins By Default.
The competition is solid.
BMW R 13. GSA? Good bike.
KTM 13. super Adventure R? Good bike.
Ducati Multistrada Rally? Good bike.
They are solid.
They lack balance.
They lack price competitiveness.
Even the base trims are expensive.
Honda undercuts them all.
Price under $18.000.
Performance.
Comfort.
Off-road cred.
Is it perfect?
Maybe not.
But it’s close.
You ride it. You feel it.
You might wonder why the others exist.
It’s out there.
The Honda Africa twin.
Does everything.
Does it all well.
