The wait is OVER! Introducing the 2026 Honda Africa Twin 650 – a midweight ADV machine that redefines adventure touring for the modern rider. In this in-depth review, we break down everything you need to know about this legendary nameplate's new 650cc version—from engine specs and off-road capabilities to on-road performance, electronics, and price in the USA.
Whether you're a beginner looking to get into adventure bikes or a seasoned rider searching for the perfect lightweight tourer, the Africa Twin 650 brings unmatched versatility, reliability, and Honda quality.
👉 Is this the BEST mid-size adventure motorcycle of 2026? Watch now and find out! 🛣️ On-road comfort, 🏞️ Off-road dominance, 🎒 Touring-ready—this bike checks every box.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below—would YOU ride this across America?
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00:00Honda has a long history of redefining what adventure motorcycles can be.
00:07From the legendary XR series to the now iconic Africa Twin 1100, the company has built a
00:13reputation for making rugged, reliable, and adventure-ready machines. And now, for 2026,
00:20Honda has introduced something many riders have been waiting for, the Africa Twin 650.
00:25Lighter, more agile, and surprisingly affordable, this new bike is designed to bring the Africa Twin
00:32spirit to a broader audience, without compromising on performance, tech, or capability.
00:38The Africa Twin 650 isn't just a scaled-down version of the bigger 1100. It's a purpose-built
00:44middleweight ADV bike engineered from the ground up to deliver a perfect balance of touring comfort,
00:49off-road prowess, and everyday usability. For those who found the larger Twin 2 bulky
00:55or too intimidating, this is Honda's answer, and it's a damn good one. Styling and design,
01:01rugged meets refined. Visually, the 650 carries the unmistakable Africa Twin DNA.
01:09The aggressive rally-inspired beak, upright stance, wide handlebar, and slim tail all contribute to a
01:15bike that looks ready to conquer continents. The front end is dominated by a twin-led headlamp
01:20set up with DRLs, a tall windscreen for wind deflection, and sharp body lines that screen
01:26Dakar heritage. The fairings are minimal but functional, directing airflow where needed and
01:31keeping the rider comfortable during high-speed runs or long-distance slogs. The fuel tank is
01:37slightly narrower than the 1100L but still sculpted beautifully to provide both a large fuel capacity
01:42and excellent knee grip when standing on the pegs. Honda offers multiple color schemes,
01:48including a signature tricolor variant that pays homage to its racing legacy.
01:53Fit and finish are top tier, as you'd expect from Honda, every nut, bolt, and weld speaks of
01:58attention to detail engine and performance, built for the real world. At the heart of the Africa Twin
02:05650 is a brand new 650 cubic centimeters parallel twin engine developed specifically for this bike.
02:12It's not just a detuned version of any existing motor, this one is tuned for maximum
02:16trackability and broad power delivery. With around 70 horsepower and 60 newton meters of torque,
02:23it hits that sweet spot for middleweight adventure. The engine is smooth, torquey,
02:28and impressively fuel-efficient. Whether you're crawling through a rocky trail in first gear or
02:33cruising on the interstate at 75 miles per hour, the motor delivers consistent power without any
02:38unexpected spikes. It's also tuned to run on low-octane fuel, which is a must-have for long-distance
02:45riders venturing into remote areas. The 6-speed gearbox is slick and precise, and for those who
02:51prefer an easy ride, the optional DCT dual-clutch transmission is available. The DCT version allows
02:58seamless gear shifts without clutch input, perfect for city traffic, touring, or new riders looking
03:04for an unintimidating experience. Chassis, suspension and handling, confidence everywhere.
03:11The Africa Twin 650's frame is a newly engineered semi-double cradle steel unit that prioritizes
03:17both strength and flexibility. Designed to be robust enough for off-road punishment yet agile for road
03:23riding, the chassis strikes a great balance between stiffness and comfort. Suspension duties are handled
03:29by premium shower components, with 43mm inverted forks up front offering 8 inches of travel and
03:35a ProLink monoshock at the rear with preload and rebound adjustment. Whether you're bombing fire roads
03:41or dealing with broken pavement, the suspension soaks up imperfections like a pro. Handling is remarkably
03:47nimble. The bike is agile in the corners, stable at speed, and reassuring on loose terrain. The long
03:55wheelbase and 21-inch front latin, inch rear wheels give it true off-road geometry, while the tubeless
04:01dual-sport tires allow for easy puncture repair without removing the wheel, a huge plus for adventure
04:06touring. Off-road ability, built to get dirty. This isn't just an ADV bike in appearance, it's the
04:14real deal off-road. With 8.5 inches of ground clearance, switchable traction control, and off-road ABS,
04:21you can take the Africa Twin 650 deep into the wilderness. Standing on the pegs feels natural, and the slim
04:28tank allows good maneuverability for aggressive body positioning. The engine's low-end torque is ideal
04:34for tight technical trails and steep hill climbs. Even in deep sand or loose gravel, the bike feels balanced
04:41and composed, making it suitable for both seasoned riders and beginners looking to hone their skills.
04:46Honda has done an excellent job tuning the throttle to be progressive and predictable in low-traction
04:51scenarios. The off-road mode dials down the traction control and ABS sensitivity, giving you more control
04:58while still maintaining safety nets. Riders looking for more serious trail duty can easily swap out tires
05:05and upgrade the skid plate or hand guards. Honda's accessory catalogue has all the Bolt ONS you need.
05:11Road manners, a surprisingly great street companion. One of the biggest surprises about the Africa Twin
05:19650 is how well it performs on asphalt. It cruises comfortably at highway speeds, with little to no
05:25buzz from the motor. The gearing allows relaxed RPMs in top gear, making long hauls less fatiguing.
05:33Cornering is predictable and confidence-inspiring. Whether you're hitting twisty mountain roads or
05:38navigating urban sprawl, the bike feels light and flickable. Braking is sharp and responsive,
05:44with dual-disc front brakes and a single rear disc, all managed via a modern ABS system that
05:49adjusts based on riding mode. The windscreen offers good protection, and the seat is cushioned just right
05:55for long-distance comfort. The suspension, while built for off-road, performs admirably on road too,
06:02absorbing potholes and undulations with poise. Electronic suite, smart and functional.
06:09Honda has packed the Africa Twin 650 with a modern electronic suite that doesn't overwhelm.
06:15You get for riding modes, tour, urban, off-road, and user, each adjusting throttle response,
06:21ABS, and traction control settings. The HSTC, Honda Selectable Torque Control,
06:28works seamlessly to manage wheel spin without being intrusive. The new 5-inch TFT display is crisp,
06:35easy to read, and fully connected. It supports Bluetooth pairing, music control,
06:41and navigation when paired with your smartphone. There's also a USB-C charging port tucked neatly
06:46near the dash for powering your devices on the go. Keyless ignition, cruise control, and heated grips
06:53are standard on the Adventure variant, and there's even a tire pressure monitoring system available as
06:58an optional add-on. Ergonomics and touring comfort, built to go the distance. Honda's experience in
07:05building world-class tourers shines through in the Africa Twin 650. The riding position is upright and
07:12neutral, offering excellent visibility and comfort over long distances. The seat is height-adjustable,
07:18ranging from 32.7 to 34.3 inches, making it accessible for a wide range of riders.
07:24The handlebars are wide and positioned just right for both seated and standing riding.
07:30The footpegs are placed for optimal control without sacrificing comfort.
07:35Long days in the saddle are not only doable, they're enjoyable.
07:39The 5.3-gallon fuel tank offers an impressive range of over 250 miles, making this bike ideal for
07:46cross-country adventures or remote travel where fuel stations are scarce.
07:50Accessories and Adventure Package
07:53For those looking to level up, Honda offers a full range of OEM accessories, including crash bars,
07:59luggage racks, side panniers, top boxes, fog lights, and even a quickshifter kit.
08:05The Adventure Sports variant comes pre-equipped with some of these items,
08:09making it an ideal turnkey solution for touring riders.
08:12Additionally, there are rally kits available for those who want a stripped-down, dark-aready setup.
08:19Whether you're going full overland or just doing weekend rides, the Africa Twin 650 is customizable to your lifestyle.
08:27Price, availability, and final thoughts
08:30The Africa Twin 650 is expected to launch in Q1 of 2026, with pricing starting at US$9,999 for the base model and around US$11,499 for the Adventure Sports trim.
08:46That's incredibly competitive for what you get, especially when you factor in Honda's reputation for reliability and low-maintenance costs.
08:53This bike doesn't just fill a gap, it might very well set a new standard in the middleweight ADV segment.
09:00It combines real off-road capability, refined on-road performance, and a suite of practical features that make it equally good for commuting, weekend riding, and full-blown adventure touring.
09:12Whether you're a first-time ADV rider or a seasoned traveler looking for a lighter second bike, the Honda Africa Twin 650 should absolutely be on your radar.
