The “baby” Africa Twin no one knows about - reviewed
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Join me for an in-depth review of the Honda XRE, the 291CC miniature Africa Twin that accompanied me on my 10-day adventure. In this video, I share my thoughts and experiences riding this confident bike through various terrains. Discover what makes the Honda XRE a standout choice, as I delve into its features and specifications. From its height and riding posture to the practicality of luggage bags for off-roading, we cover it all. Learn about the power, protection, ground clearance, suspension, and wheel size that contribute to the XRE's performance. I also provide insights into the usefulness of luggage racks and demonstrate how to lift the Honda XRE. And if you've ever wondered why Honda launched the XRE exclusively in Latin America, I'll address that too. Whether you're considering this bike or simply curious about its capabilities, this review will provide valuable insights. Watch the full video to get all the details and make an informed decision.
Big thanks to Big Little Rides for getting 9 ladies from 6 countries together for a Colombian adventure! This is part one in the video series so I hope you enjoy:
Part 1: • Video
Part 2: • Leave the kitchen sink...
Part 3:
Honda XRE review: • The “baby” Africa Twin...
Enduristan bag review: link
Colombia had hands down you’ve jumped into my top three favourite motorcycle riding countries. What are your top three or top bucket lists countries?
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Jurga and Egle offering incredible womens only adventures all over the world
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Timestamp:
0:30 - After riding the Honda XRE for 10 days my thoughts
1:13 - What is the Honda XRE?, Is this the Baby Africa Twin?
1:25 - 291CC Miniature Africa Twin a confident bike
1:50 - Honda XRE height and riding posture
2:40 - Luggage bags on the bike for offroading
2:44 - Power and protection
3:25 - Ground clearance and suspension
4:06 - Wheel size and specifications
4:35 - All about Luggage racks
5:35 - How to lift the Honda XRE
6:05 - Why did Honda launch XRE in only Latin America?
Music Credits: Epidemic Sounds www.epidemicso...
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Lighter, more manoevrable, easier to climb aboard - and a lot cheaper. That's why a CRF 300 L/Rally is such a successful bike in Europe. Hope it gets some competition soon. Thanks for your report, Günter/Nürnberg
The closest competition is the klx300, but it doesn't have much wind protection
@@ezequielbadillo1013 The KLX 300 ist not available in Germany. We get the Chinese Voge 300 Rally with a Kawasaki engine copy. Cheers, Günter
Nice video. Thanks. 300XRE is a continuation of 250XR Tornado which was sold in South America too. I had it for 3 years in Peru. An excellent, light and reliable bike: 30,000km, no drops. She felt like a bicycle.
Nice review of a great little bike! This is definitely an all-round bike. Glad you included the “pick it up” demonstration. So many people struggle with this. Ride safe Vanessa!
That’s a great bike and a load of fun for tripping. Unfortunately so many get caught up in a mind trip and purchase heavy adventure bikes which is ok if your plan is to only stick to the tar. Adventure riding needs to be a blast which is not the case if one is trying to punch above you weight off road on a heavy adventure bike. Great channel and keep having fun!
You had me at “ Honda xr “
Very cool bike, looks to be that old school reliable platform style Honda always pulled off. I own a 250r and a 650r and love them both to death! Thanks for the great video, enjoy that coffee!!
Honda NX 400 Falcon, is the bike I still use these days for everything including aggressive off-road.
It was another exclusive Honda model for Latin America and Africa, but it ended up also coming to Portugal.
It's basically the engine from the XR 400, a little more docile, with 30hp, but with plenty of torque, which is what we need most off-road.
It is an old motorcycle, but quite reliable, bulletproof.
Thank you for sharing this little bike with us. There was a JDM 400cc version back in the day. And thank you for showing us what many regard as the proper way to pick up a bike. Too many seem to struggle with the rather cumbersome backwards method. Excellent video.
Thank you so much for the pick-back-up demo ! It's so rare to see this in bikes reviews but so important.
No worries. I think it’s an important one too as it’s inevitable hehe
I live in Medellin Colombia and have a big Yamaha bolt 950. Love it for city driving. Recently there is a new Gringo riding group of about 15 to 20 who do back-country riding and all on road riding trips. Everything from BMW 1250 to Yamaha Enduro 250. My bike is too pretty to really take off-road so need to add a new bike. Been looking at the CMOTO 800 and supposedly will be here next month. The Africa is way too tall. BMW 1250 with seat lowering is fine but expensive KTM and smaller BMW 750 or 800 are all on my radar and now will include this bike too. Enjoy Colombia Thanks for sharing!
@augusttbrante8117 check out the XRE 300, its a great bike for Colombia
XRE 300 sells in very large numbers here in Brazil, most of the users will buy this little trail bike for urban commuting, where it excels in confort and agility. In a distant past I owned a Honda XL 250R, very similar, I think these bikes are okay for short trips, however their low top speed and small size limit their use for serious traveling.
Sounds like a perfect bullet proof hire bike for these kind of tours. Very good vid!!
I'm very happy with mine. I recommend to try it out .
Yey cool
It reminds me of the old Sahara, which was largely only available around there as well. It was a 350 cc, it was basically an XL 350 with the rally package like the NX/dominator 650s.
Oh cool. It’s strange how some bikes only make certain markets hey
@@TheGirlOnABike it is. I live in the United States and now I go online and I find all these great bikes that we never had here. We had the NX 650 and 88 and 89 and then it just went away but they had it for 12 more years in Europe, same with the Transalp. They had all different models in Japan in Europe they had 400 600 and larger models, we only had the 600 for a couple years here.
I love some of the bikes that they get in South America, I really like the 350 singles, it’s smaller and lighter, but it still gives plenty of that good low end, torque power. For dual sport in any configuration it’s a great size. It’s kind of like riding a 250 and having a smaller lighter bike but I’m 240 pounds come at 250 is always just a little bit lacking in power. In the US we had the XL 350 and the XT 350 in the DR 350 for a while, and they were awesome, and most of them had six speeds, which made it just about perfect for a light weight bike that could still lug to people or some luggage, basically like the 300 you’re riding their, but with a bit more torque behind it. And people here hated when those bikes left and left a huge hole in between which is basically filled with the DRZ400. We wondered where all those bikes went but apparently they’ve been making them in other countries and we’re just missing out. I don’t know if it’s because of omissions controls or what’s going on but it kind of sucks. That’s a great bike that we don’t have anything that compares to here. Now we have the CRF 300 rally but The newer engines just aren’t it’s tough and reliable and they don’t have the torque of the old 350s. The old 350s are more comparable to a 400 with the torque, they’re not super fast but for a dual sport the torque is way more important. It’s really sad we can’t get those in other countries. :/
@@TheGirlOnABike Indeed Supercub not sold here in Northern Europe, and if only the 125, not the 50:-(.
I'm living in Brazil and am after a decent secondhand one. They hold there price here as the majority of the market is at the small, commuter, food delivery end of things. Good review which just confirms my choice.
Nice! They are awesome bikes, goodluck with your purchase, i hope you manage to get one!
I’m here in the Ecuadorian amazon having ridden down from Cartagena Colombia on my, You guessed it, Honda XRE 300 abs 2022. I don’t have enough superlatives to describe how much I enjoy my bike.
Good review of a nice bike.
It is very similar to the Honda CRF 300L and CRF 300 Rally, which are available in North America and Europe.
I have the CRF 300 Rally, and it is an excellent little bike.
10 more hp then it might be of interest. It is the 300 Rally in N.America. Needs suspension also.
Hope you have a safe and happy trip. Just about perfect bike. Not too big or small. Just right. Probably great gas mileage.
An absolute ideal bike for Colombia and most of the rest of the world too-would have made a great despatch bike for London 30 years ago
Yeah so true
Think you'll find the Honda XR150L is much more popular........ 300cc is a' big bike' for South America. Has a chain so I wouldn't have used it for a despatch bike, but the CB250RS wasn't too bad if you just rode it in town.......... but the 'glory days' of despatching where coming to an end 30 years ago......
@@buzzinadventures4217 I did just ride in town.I was a full on minimum man-I only rode 250rs's!
@@buzzinadventures4217I did a World tour of Europe on my CB 250 RSA back in the day. Slow but it got over the Alps and the Pyrenees. Also Demon Hell used to despatch one back in the day.
It's a really pretty bike for some of us that we are not tall. Enjoy the colombian ride, wishing one day go there.
Yeah I so agree.
The plastics look good but it seems to be missing a windshield.
I had heard of this bike and raised an eyebrow when you introduced it, until you mentioned Colombia.
It really is a unicorn bike.
Almost on par with the Himalayan but lighter and prettier.
I heard it might find it's way to Asia but I don't think it did.
Have to look at your other stuff now. 😅
There are a lot of comments already, so my apologies if this has already been mentioned but you can likely disable the ABS simply by pulling the correct fuse.
Also, it's possible to buy a "dummy" fuse that will allow you to add a switch to the ABS circuit (you'll also want to add an inline fuse to the positive wire running to the switch)
Oh wow. Nice. Thank you for letting us know. Clever
@@TheGirlOnABike you're welcome :-) just started following your channel, great content!
I'm in Alaska now, but just bought my second Colombian home and a baby BMW GS 310, down there. I'll be heading down to enjoy them in a couple weeks. I was looking at that same Honda XRE, a lot, before going with the Beamer. The Beamer fit me well, was more comfortable, has a little more power and top end speed. Others on CZcams have claimed that with some suspension upgrades, the Baby GS is a sleeper ripper. The closest bike to the XRE up here to try my leg over it, was the CRF.
If you are in Colombia next time, please reach out. Would love to go riding with you man!
So its basically a CRF 300 Rally, which is available in the U.S. with a 3.3 gallon fuel tank, and ABS that can be switched off.
Halfrica Twin
Haha possible even 1/4 hehe
@@TheGirlOnABike Technically right, but "Quarterica Single" doesn't really have the same ring to it.
Nice review! I've been seeing these all over and have been intrigued. I got a chance to check one out at a dealership in Brazil and wasn't entirely impressed with the fit and finish. Specifically the way the crash bars are mounted to the front cowl, seems like there's potential to do much more harm than good in a crash... Given the market and the price point I think it's a great option, but a lot of improvements would need to be made to make it a serious contender in certain markets...
Nice review. I've thought about an AT for years but they're just too gadgety and expensive. I bought a KLR650 and I love it, but this little XRE would be perfect if I were a smaller person.
The 300s make a perfect option for riding here in Colombia.
Hi Vane Ive one and it Works Great in sands too, 5 gears helps a lot. If you plan to travel to Argentina let us know Thanks.
I rode that exact silver bike when I was in Colombia in Feb. Rented from Jeff. Great bikes for the Colombian roads indeed.
Aw mega yeah Jeff’s the man
Cool video! I love to see young women out adventuring and riding, it bodes well for the future of the sport.
Yes, high power and fanciness are great, I own a Husky 701 and it is a bad ass machine, but the farther you are away from support, the better it is to have a simple and indestructible air cooled bike that can be repaired with a tube of JB Weld and some zip ties. This Honda definitely fills the bill!
I’m riding a AfricaTwin and I absolutely love it. But when it needed maintenance in Bogotá I had the opportunity to ride the XRE for some days. I really loved it and with some little changes for me it is the better “300 Rally”. Until I realised that I can’t buy it in Europe. 🤣 It is a shame, Honda!
What makes it better than the crf 300 rally?
Nice review. I'll be on my XR 250 Tornado at the ABR which is a very similar bike and shares a lot of parts. Brazilian built and great fun.
Love the 250 Tornado, hoping they bring us the new 300 here in Colombia.
I have rented and toured on this bikes little brother the XR150 in Asia and that is a fantastic bike for back road touring. 300cc in a compact package like this would be ideal.
Oh nice that’s mega
Good video darling watch out for these land slides ,old jimmy
Yey thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it
remainds me of my first bike , the NX 250 Dominator..
💪
They are decent. I live in Mexico and they sell them in silver trim here. I wish they’d sell the crf300 L and Rally though!
Aw mega. That's cool
the CRF is a dream, we wish we had that option in Colombia as well. The 300 XRE does well but it would be nice to have the improved plastics and suspension
Honda XRE - Suzuki DR650 -
seat height - 860mm seat height - 885mm standard (860mm at lowered height)
dry weight - 153kg dry weight - 146kg
hp - 26 hp - 40
torque - 28nm torque - 54nm
what do you guys think?
In the USA, Honda offers three different 300 models like the CRF300 Rally, CRF300L, and CRF300LS. They probably think that these three models are enough to meet the demands of their buyers even though they are still hard to find at any dealership.
Oh really, interesting
Nice! I would love it if my Africa twin weighed 149 kilos 😂 honestly, I’m almost 70, and my Africa twin is way too big and heavy and powerful for me, but I love it! I don’t think I could ever sell it. Luckily, I have a CRF300L deal that I can ride when things get too sketchy. I have been seriously considering only using it as a road bike, and for some gravel and some pots of scary dirt. Also, the Eastbound Moto Winch is nice to have in your tail bag.
What about Aprilia Toareg? It's much lighter, offroad capable and still very comfortable for road use.
@@semenchikus yes, I’ve seen videos and read up on specs for that bike. It’s a pricey critter. I got a really good deal on my AT, a 2019 closeout when 2020 came out. But thanks for the reminder, I’ll look at it again. That said, there is still something about the reliability of a Honda that’s hard to give up.
Nice review. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think I'd buy one !
I think a lot would to be honest. Strange they’re not available
Honda Brazil make this bike. It is actually an old bike in our market , as you’ ve mentioned, launched here in 2009. Now, exactly this month, its production was halted , as Honda plans to introduce an evolution, probably in a fortnight. I own one and it’s a good bike, full led and aesthetically pleasant, reasonably fuel efficient ( here we use gas or alcohol, so it is flex).. But we are really looking forward to the next one.
Oh wow that’s exciting. I wonder what the replacement will be like. Thanks for sharing the news
Noraly from itch booth use a 300.not sure which one. Went through south America to Alaska. Now in Africa. Done some 50000km on it and still going strong
I believe she’s on a CRF
she's on a Rally I believe.
Reminds me of the xr250 Tornados we rented on a recent costa rica tour. All you needed for most of that place. E start xr without the rfvc head. Big rack carried stuff well, fat cushy seat.
very similar to the Tornado, the XRE gives a bit more but also weighs a bit more as well. Hoping the new 300 comes to Colombia soon
It has just been discontinued by Honda in Brazil. Apparently they are working on a new Sahara model.
Honda 300 rally here in the states and now they got the lower version . Nice riding in colombia. 👌🏼
Mega cool some have been imported! They’re ace bikes
I never considered a 300 Rally but I loved this bike the moment I saw it. Why no U.S. Honda?
Good thurough review, thank you.
My pleasure
Why doesn't Honda offer this in the U.S. ? Actually, I think Honda would make a killing if they just came out with the SL 350 again. It would be an incredible adventure bike just as it came. No long travel but quality shocks, add disc brakes but no anti-loc, low seat height, highway speeds capable, light weight, off road capable and fun! No brainer!
Yeah I agree. I think it would do well in several markets but not sure sure why they don’t.
It’s pretty much the same bike as the crf300 rally . The only difference is the xre is 2000$ cheaper 😂.
Random question, what pants are those? They look cool .
Wow! Thank you:)
Looks like a replacement for the old XL series of bikes and that has been a hole in Honda's lineup since...the mid 1980s i believe. The XL350 was a great bike, and this looks like the spiritual successor and its way overdue. Nice review too.
Thanks dude
More love for you from romania
Very interesting! I had indeed never heard of this bike. It seems somewhat redundant in capabilities and purpose with the 300L Rally (except that bike does have switchable ABS); would be interesting to see what the differences are. It looks to _not_ share a common engine. If it has even passable suspension (for anyone heavier than a horse jockey), I'd love one.
Super glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Looks like an old school budget spec CRF 300 rally?. Could imagine it finding a ready market throughout much of Africa as well.
Yeah I’d agree
We have the Rally 300 in Canada. I had a BMW R1150GS and it’s not the bike to get into really muddy or deep sand situations, especially solo. The Rally is lighter, you rarely need the speed and most off the grid countries have reasonable parts and dealers available for bike. For a heavier person and gear, the suspension needs an up grade.
Crash guards and saddle stays might be extra fitted. They don't come standard on any bikes. Also it could be a flex fuel'd motorcycle which can run on petrol ethanol blends.
I assume the 127 dislikes on this video are people not in South America who are mad because they can't buy an XRE 300. I'm a huge fan of small ADV bikes. Manufacturers only recently and reluctantly started making them, and they treat them as bastard ADV step children - beginner bikes in the western world and aspirational bikes in Asia. They refuse to give them proper ADV bike features such as large fuel tanks or tubeless spoke wheels because they don't want their beginner ADV bikes taking sales away from their large and mid size ADV bikes. I was hoping the reintroduced Honda TransAlp would be a 350-450 cc Africa Single, but I knew it would be a competitor to the very successful mid-size Tenere 700.
I completely see what you're saying. It really is a fantastic bike and I don't get why they don't sell it in other markets. You make a great point!
Looks like we can get it here in Thailand too!
Neat machine!!!
Depending on the year, the African Twin
seat height is the same, a tad taller and a tad lower.
Power to weight ratio of the twin is about twice that
of the XRE. Twin is about 160lbs heavier (wet) with a
3'' + - longer wheel base. Wheels are the same size
for both bikes, ground clearance is comparable.
Air cooled XRE, probably about 1/3 the price of a Twin.
Nice bike, good styling, hideous black rims.
We have the Yamaha XT250 here in the US, better
looking bike, 50lbs/23kg lighter, but woefully underpowered,
very similar specs to the XRE otherwise.
That girl knows what she is talking about! Only thing i miss is how far can i get with a fuel tank? Another thing: as far as i know, thats a dual fuel, you can drive E85. Honda, whats up? We would buy that thing in the EU! Where is the problem?
Haha thanks, mega appreciate that! As for fuel, I guess depends how hardcore you ride it 😜 hahah
Interesting little thing.
They should make a 300cc and a 500 or 600cc and launch in Europe.
Fill in the gaps and add some competition to the market.
Yeah good idea
What are the differences between this and CRF 300 L?
Yes! Can someone do a comparison! Is it just the same bike with different badges or what?
I like it. I bought a Versys X-300 for much the same reasons.
I LOVE Colombia and yeah I'm a little jealous.
Nice possible replacement for my beginner Varadero 125 that isn’t perhaps as 125cc as it was!😉
Great review
Europe does have the 300 rally I think. Great video.
Yeah the CRF version so a little different
Eiiiii nos vamos de ruta? 😬
Cool bike, seen lots of them in Brasil
Perfect bike for those roads, some better forks and rear shock would helpful, mine was terrible on my fmx 650 that’s why I swop with a ktm 690 .
Beautiful bike
❤️
very nice
Nice review!
What trousers do you wear in the video?
Love 'em!
They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯
Here in the U.S. about the only option currently available in the mid-size adv market is the Himalayan. I hope the big four gets a hint and starts selling these bikes. For too long we could only get big bikes with mega horsepower.
wait what? in the USA every Japanese manufacturer minus Yamaha has a 650 thumpers and plenty of dualsport options that blow the Himalayan out of the water for functionality
@@roryisaaks9448 the video was of a 300cc bike. There is almost nothing in the 300cc-400cc category. Some people don't want a 650cc or larger.
@@garydixon6947 you can still buy a drz400s which is a far better bike than the himalayan or the crf300l
@michael close
The DRZ is excellent. Off Road. On road it is terrible
Very good Vid. I really like the style color/fit of those riding pants you are wearing. What brand are they ? Thanks
Thanks due. They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯
The Japanese have withheld many a great bike from the USA market for decades. Good Luck finding a primo Transalp.
🤭💪
Does it have a Gear Position Indicator ? ,
LED Turn Indicators ? ,
Pre-Load Adustable Rear Shock ? ,
How is it's Instrument Cluster ? ,
What is it's Suspension Travel ? ,
I like finally some one is talking about this bike which Honda should have launched it here , but Disappointed that some that they missed to talk about some think that I wanted to know about .
That's all information you can read on a spec sheet. I never focus on the Base information ❤️
@@TheGirlOnABike OK , I know it right , To read from spec sheet but that's not exactly what I'm looking for , Especially not from Gentle , Professionals and Experience-ed Ladies like you I expect to see you girl's not just talking about ride experience and features but also to know whether those features work as intended and as promised by Brand ?? , how useful they are in practical Real Life Scenario's ? & In your Trip ? and What the bike missed out on ?? and what it should have if it ever comes to North America of Europe ??
Love ❤️ your Review 🎬 but it's not as deep as I expected it to be , also Reviews in Latin are something that I can't understand as it's a different language .
@@TheGirlOnABike I don't know how long was your trip, so sorry for expecting too much .
I was doing some research on purchasing an older XR200R here in the USA. While looking, I ran across a site that makes it look like Honda still sells the whole XR line in Australia. From the smaller 100 up to the 650. The 650R. Not the dual sport 650L we have here. I am still asking why Honda dumped the XR line here and only left the CRF. The CRF are good bikes, but they are absolutely not trail bikes. Gearing and suspension is all wrong for tight twisty off road trails. The XR dominated in that field. That XRE looks really nice. Take the CRF300 Rally, but better.
I hear you. I wonder if emissions and market laws have a factor 🤷♀️
I had the nx4 falcon verry similar bike, loved it but could not move with it to the states
Ah that’s a shame.
Actually it's available in Central America and Mexico too, not only in South America.
Oh cool. That's good. Thanks for adding that info
Air cooled bike are so hot to ride they are not worth anything unless you are winter riding .?
Cute little bike!
❤️
That is a very nice bike indeed.
👌
You might mention that this is a DOHC motor. The Honda singles that we get in the U.S. are SOHC. But I have seen the DOHC 250 Tornados in Guatemala. So this is a completely different cylinder head than we get in the U.S., with two camshafts instead of one.
Yeah I'm not aware of any official import of this to USA. Not sure why as fab little beasts
This bike is not only available in south America get your facts right there's about three parked in front of my house here in Thailand in the moment
Oh nice that's mega to hear. Great such an ace model is getting about the different markets. Does it sell under the exact model name too?
Nice video. I have never seen this bike in the US. But then we don’t get several bikes, that end up EU only.
Yeah so true
Nice bike
👌
I think the x300 versys is a comparable vehicle. What I ride for the light weight and twin cylinders
Haha it is a funny little machine! And I lik it. Reminds me a bit of my old Dominator 250. Go on.
💪
I guess it only has 5 gears or you would say it has 6 . Which is important to me for smaller bikes + abs is a downer .
I said years ago that if Yamaha put the R3 motor into the WR250R chassis they would have a winner.
Sadly never happened.
👍
Why not just get a DR650s or DRZ400s? Similar prices and weights but can be used at highway speeds (80-85mph) here in the western US. Is this bike more of a euro thing?
Yeah that’s a fair view. I guess we never needed to go that fast hehe
i would love that bike! but as you said, not in the USA. why does honda do that with so many bikes?
I am not sure, but it can be a real shame that some countries miss out on particular bikes
I saw a bmw g310gs, would love to know which 1 is the better starter 300cc adventure bike, as they seem to be in competition with each other
Alright 👍 our commander 🤘 😊😅
Tw200 gets the job done. I love cruising around 45 50 mi an hour. Slow and easy soaking up the countryside
I hear you there. It's not all about speed
Wow thats actually a very cool all rounder but what do we get?...an XR150L midget bike
Haha
I think a T7 is better if you need to do distance on roads as well
Potentially but it's a very big bike in comparison for those wanting to build confidence
Perhaps Baby Africa Single would be a more proper term?
Maybe. Still looks like a baby hehe
Looks like crf300 rally with lower and more comfy seat. Maybe different suspension? Who knows. Hot chick, great presentation. I like all Hondas. Well, I like most motorcycles.
Haha thanks glad you enjoyed it
Honda, a 450 XRE PLEASE!