Honda Africa Twin 850 on the way

Bruno Gomes

June 4, 2019

Honda is working on a mid-sized Africa Twin to follow up on the bigger Africa Twin 1100 expected to arrive in 2020.

Honda Africa Twin 850

We’re still six months away from getting into 2020, but rumors of new motorcycle keep showing up. This time, and after news of a bigger and more powerful Africa Twin 1100, the rumor is about a mid-sized Africa Twin 850.

Once again our Japanese friends of Young Machine magazine reveal the render image and details of the Africa Twin 850. Expected to arrive in 2020 to dealerships, this new Honda will keep Honda battling for the mid-sized trail motorcycle crown.

According to the details revealed by the Japanese press, Honda will reduce the diameter of the pistons on the twin-cylinder engine. Currently being used on the Africa Twin 1000, this engine will see its displacement go down to 850 cc. Power will be close to the current 1000 cc model.

Honda recognizes that the Africa Twin 850 needs to be rider friendly. So the new bike will keep the same chassis components, but the seat height will be reduced. The rider will also have the option to buy the bike with manual gearbox or Honda’s own DCT transmission.

With the arrival of the Honda Africa Twin 850 and the new Africa Twin 1100, Honda will get to battle in two different segments. On the mid-sized adventure trails, against the likes of Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 790 Adventure, or even the BMW F850 GS. On the big trail segment against BMW R1250 GS or the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, just to mention a few.