I didn't notice at the time, but it has been kindly pointed out that I say the tank size is 28.4 litres, when I meant to say 24.8 litres. Just a slip of the tongue when filming.
Thank you for the quality, no frills production. Agree with your comments. Have a '19 AS with DCT. Other than almost being hit by a van on the freeway because bike shut off suddenly, (fuel cell issue) it's been great. Tip is to commit time to slow speed control, using the rear brake DCT combo. Elevates the riding experience. If you ever get to Pike's Peak, switch to manual shifting. Still a highlight ride! Ride safe from 🇨🇦
Brilliant run down on the ATATS Tony! I've had.my.2022 model for 6.months and as a novice off roader but experienced road tourer, this is certainly one of the best bikes indeed. I totally love mine and you hit the nail on the head with this review!
On gnarly trails, my 17-year-old self back in the late 1970s riding a light enduro would totally leave my 62-year-old self today riding my Africa Twin AS ES. I wouldn't even try to keep up. So yeah, off road at 62 I'm riding my AT more like a low gear tractor and less like a motocross bike.
Put some Mitas E07's on this bike and it becomes a very competent 2 track rider. 20000km on same 2020 bike and takes me all over Western Canada. On and off road. DCT is super comfortable and useful for all my needs. No log jumping for me on the beast. Multi-week camping and adventure is done very well, with Honda reliability. We have three in our group, and all would buy again :-) Everyone DCT, all MX and two Baja riders.
Changed my Tracer 700 for a 2018 ATAS. Brilliant bikes both but absolutely love the Honda. Fabulous ride quality and what a looker. There's just nothing like it!
I bought a lightly used 2019 DCT. 4.0L/100 2up driving easy. I'm well pleased with the gentle manners and the tennis elbow is grateful too. I can see going to the new one for cruise and android auto
I bought a manual ASES 14 months ago and have piled 10300 miles on so far without a single problem. Was also lucky to get the 1st 3 services, genuine Honda aluminium panniers + fitting kit, 3 years roadside assistance ans a year's data tracking all in the price. It's a fantastic motorbike for all sorts of riding. Couldn't wish for a happier ownership.
Currently looking to buy a new Goldwing and thought about trading in my 21 plate ATAS but after a brilliant ride yesterday just can't part with it. Fantastic bike, I love it.
Nice one Tony! I am currently looking for a 2022 AT AS and still toying between the manual or the DCT being an old school clutch rider. The more I study, the more I am thinking the DCT is the way forward. Thanks again - David
I have a 2020 ATAS dct and coming from riding the Suzuki DR800S the dct is a breath of fresh air it's a fabulous system. The AT does everything my DR could plus soooooo much more.
Great Videos, ive seen quite a few now, just got the AT 1100l , awsum bike, from a GSR750, no going back, I love it. Also watched your Kriega videos, great presentation. Fitting my Kriega os + 18l panniers tomorrow , thank you. ;-)
Just off loaded my Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT, overall a great bike, but the seat was a real pain in the bum for me, and the wind noise from the screen was unbearable for me at 6' 2". I tried various screens on it but couldn't solve the problem. Agree with you DCT is a great way of riding, once you are used to it. Back on a 1250 GSA now, but did enjoy my experience with the ATAS with the exception of the scree and seat!!
Interesting feedback thank you. I've not had the same issues as you, although the wind noise is dependant on my helmet choice. I think its the DCT that tips me over the edge....if I was looking at the standard bike against others it would be a more considered choice
Im thinking about buying this Honda 1100 or 1250adv or Triumph Rally exp. Everyone say this is a great bike but Im not sure about DCT. I want to ride my bike and shift my gear and I just dont believe this DCT is soo great. Someone says 10sp auto tranny in Ford Mustang is better than manual....but I see no point in sports car with auto tranny. I believe GS 1250 is more powerfull, has a bigger tank, its much more comfortable and much better weather protection for rider. Triump has really great engine....and this honda is very reliable and more able to go offroad than other 2 bikes....hard to choose.🙈
Good video and a great bike. I’m currently waiting for spring and my Africa Twin AS to arrive that I ordered as soon as they were available to order which was October 25. Personably you couldn’t give me one of the DCT versions. I have never liked relying on a machine for my choice of gear selection, especially when riding gets technical. I’d end up killing my self probably. However aside from that these Africa Twins are an amazing motorcycle. I tried a 2016 and this fall a friend let me put a couple hundred miles on theirs over 3 days, I totally love it even more than the 2016 they let me try. I’ve got a 5300-6000 mile holiday in the works this coming summer! Ride on, be safe.
Cheers Myron, it sure is. Give the DCT a go, it might surprise you, you still have full control over the shifting, but honestly the system does such a good job on its own I hardly used the manual option. Its definitely a bike on my wish list.
I have the same bike . I put a wind deflector on the windshi eld and I ride on a Back Joy seat cushion. 500 mile days are pretty easy. On 2 lane roads. Awesome bike.no problems.
I bought a Standard Africa Twin DCT about 6 weeks ago…I had a CB500x before that. And it’s literally the perfect bike for me (with touring screen fitted) And I must admit it would be a struggle going back to a manual bike after the ease of the DCT I’ve just got used to mine and already done 1800 miles on it! I do hope Honda make a 750 TransAlp…. I would still be interested in one if around 80-90bhp…. DCT option, cruise control and frugal MPG
Wish they come out with the baby AF. Around 600cc ideally not more, under 200kg wet weight, 19 or 21 inch front wheel, seat height around 840mm or less. Same styling, of course.
Great review as always Tony, and getting slicker. Your passion for the Big Lad mirrors mine mate. Honda fan for over 5 decades since a bairn and still love my classics, but at 60, I did a 400 mile trip 2 weeks ago with minimal breaks, and would not be scared if I had to do 600 in a day on mine……. And that’s with the knee and hip twinges we silly old farts usually suffer. Well I do anyway 😳🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think the biggest statement in this video is at 2:16, "real world riding experiences" Unlike other brand Aventure Bikes that have 12.XX:01 and 13.XX:01 compression ratio's, Honda kept the Africa Twin compression ratio at 10.00:01. Coupled with Honda's dense World-wide dealership network, this makes the Africa Twin a true World traveler. Try running a Ducati 1260 with 13.00:01 compression on sub 87 octane pump fuel in South America. Or some "fuel" you have to buy from a wooden sales stand on the side of the road poured from a plastic bottle. Then as you pull away, "Naaaaah!, Naaaaah! Blaaaaahhh!!!!"
I'm a Honda bike fan from sins I remember, got different Africa twins from rd03, rd04, RD07A and was willing to buy my dream bike atas, after a meeting in a Honda shop, i got the delivery date in march 2023..... Got me a BMW 1250 Gs Adventure.... I was hating BMW the day before. But waiting a year for a bike is just abuse.
£17.5k is crazy money! I was fortunate when I bought my 1100 standard in 2020 there were lots of bikes around that had been pre-registered during COVID, so I got mine for £10k. The white frames suffer Terribly with rust. If I was going to spend £17 grand on a bike, I'd be looking at Ducati Desert X or V2 Multistrada.
@@mancavemoto You’re right. Wouldn’t be spending £17k on either of those models either. Don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote this. Must have been drinking. I think I was trying to say the Honda is not a premium bike, and instead of paying £17k for the Honda, I’d be looking at the Ducatis at a much lower price than £17k. (Think they both start at around 13).
Great review. I’ve had my 2020 ATAS in pretty much your spec. I love the DCT and most of the ergos. The peg to seat distance is too little for me (I’m a bit shorter than you) after a GSA. They are too far forward putting you too close to the bars standing. I find the springing very soft and damping even on softest doesn’t iron the chatter on poor roads. For all the electronics, why no tyre pressure monitor or adaptive cruise? For that money I’d expect absolutely everything. These are my niggles. It does amazing economy over 35 mph but around town or lower speeds it’s actually quite heavy. I really can’t see why. At 70mph I have seen 75 mpg average yet at a steady (speed camera forced) 20 mph on 55 to 60. Overall I like the ease of the DCT but the manual override foot change is an excellent if pricy extra for that need of a lower cog. I’m getting over 300 miles before fill ups. The “miles left” is somewhat optimistic although I haven’t run it to empty. I’m on one bar left at 300 miles covered from full and supposedly 86 miles left. Wouldn’t chance it on a “smart” motorway……
Yes the miles left is a bit of a lottery, it seems to stay high for a while then drop suddenly. Also I don't know where they placed the ambient temperature sensor, but its usually way out ie reading much higher than the actual temp!
@@mancavemoto I know. They put me off Honda for life after buying a brand new VFR800 and sold it after only 11 months and 4k miles as they couldn't or wouldn't sort the problems out.
Excellent review excellent bike. But, for me too heavy, too big and too expensive. Honda need to get something on the road similar to the Yamaha 700 or the Aprilia 660 then they could have my money. New Trransalp?
Thanks, yep its a big heavy bike. There has been a rumour of a smaller capacity bike in their adventure range, but I don't know if thats just wishful thinking?
Just to clarify things: A bit more expensive for the 16k miles means in Germany: 800 € when you don´t have to adjust valves. > 1000 € with adjusted valves. Let that sink in. More than 1000 € for a service! I love this bike, I really do, but that is the reason why I will never own one. This is nuts!
How does this compare to a NC750X DCT as a daily commuter? I don't think I would utilize it's off-road capabilities much, if at all. Bear in mind that this would be my first bike in about 35 years.
Great review!!! 👌🏻😉 Can this bike handle all day 2up riding? I'm afraid I'll lack power on those long up hills with a pillion and loaded with gear! I'm also looking at the Yamaha Super tenere 1200 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA... Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated! ✌🏻 😉
Yes I don't think it will be a problem, theres plenty of low down torque with a pretty broad spread. The DCT is also perfect for two up riding. The super tenere has very similar power figures, albiet a little bit higher (109hp & 113nm) but its also a little heavier. The old Tiger 1200 xc has more hp, but less torque than the Honda (139hp & 90nm) with about the same weight.
Top! I have it listed on the top 1 motorcycles to buy and own... The DCT on 2022 models should be geared differently to make it more roadworthy in tight corners at low speeds.
Any comments on vibration thru bars at motorway speeds? I’ve a Tiger 900 rally pro, 2 years in, and want to take it into Europe, at least 20 hours riding, out and same back . Tiger gets a bit tiring pretty quickly on the motorway 70-80 mph.
There’s a little bit of vibes through the bars, but not much at all. I found there’s actually more through the pegs, but not to the level that I could say I took much notice of it. I’ve tried the Tiger 900 and I would say it is much more pronounced on the Triumph
Yes it’s still good, you can’t stall it which is useful and you can dial in different amounts of engine braking, in fact I think the off-road mode has it set at maximum?
Compared to my KTM yes it does a little, but overall its nicely balanced. I assume the Adventure Sports wheels would be a stright swap, but as they have not been homologated Honda cannot confirm this. For me the DCT standard bike with the tubeless rims would be the way to go maybe? But the Adventure Sports has got me interested
Hello to the motorbike community. I have a question for anyone with the knowledge and experience. I am contemplating buying a brand new ADV this spring. I basically have it narrowed it down to 2 options. Option A) 2023 Honda Africa Twin Super Adventure Manual. Like the style and look, I am concerned about the continual maintenance on the chain. It is not uncommon for me to jump on my current bike and put ~500 km's on it in a day on the weekend (311 miles). I am also concerned about the comfort, both in the seat and wind protection. I read lots of information and people love them and of course people will gripe as well and for good reason, experience on the bike. Everyone is different. Is this bike going to be comfortable enough for a few very long days in the saddle from time to time? Although we all get off our bikes every 2-3 hours to fuel on a long trip, still good to have really good comfort when needed. Is this bike the one to have if a person gets an upholsterer to redo the seat to your butt contours? Will that make it an awesome long haul machine? Option B) 2023 Yamaha Super Tenene 1200. I understand this bike is boring (perhaps compared to some of the competition) but with that come great all day comfort in the saddle and super easy maintenance and reliability. Maybe not as much fun as some of the competition, but my current bike also has shaft drive and has had zero issues in 13 years of ownership. So maybe I don't want to give up reliability and low maintenance? Also, perhaps the Tenere is reaching it's last year of production, what happens if they do this year and I want to own the bike for 10+ years? This bike that I buy will be a long long time purchase and possibly my last bike (maybe not), but as we get older we look for more comfort. The riding I will do is 80-90% on the pavement and 10-20% gravel and fire roads. HOWEVER, I live an hour away from the mountains and perhaps with an ADV, that ratio will switch to less highway and more gravel/fire roads..........we'll see, the ADV could open a whole new chapter in my riding. The Honda would be a no brainer, but does the Yamaha do the same job with a little less fun factor? Would love feedback from all people that have/had either or both bikes and let me know based on your experience and knowledge. Thank you!
I wouldn't worry too much about chain maintenance, modern chains are very good, and with regular cleaning and lubing they are not a problem. I find the Africa Twin a very comfortable bike and have spent long days in the saddle on it. There are plenty of aftermarket air cushions or seat covers if you need more comfort. The Super Tenere is a good looking bike too, and the shaft drive make looking after it easier, but it does also make it heavier. Its quite a chunky machine! If they stop production (theres no indication they will) the model will still be supported for many years. You could always consider some of the middle weight adventure bikes?
Do you have any difficulties with the DCT if you're just trying to roll the bike forward at super-slow speeds? I've bought one, the standard model AT with DCT, and I'm coming from a CB500 manual bike. Normally when I'm say just rolling out of the garage and down the hill to the close I'd be doing that at around walking pace or less - we have a lot of parked cars around and you just don't want to really let rip till you get to the dual carriageway a couple of streets away, for fear of hitting or scraping something, or meeting the postie haring round the corner the other way. Normally I'd set a little gas & feather the clutch, giving it a little braking as I go, but on the AT of course there's no clutch. I found the biting point on my DCT was very much all or nothing like, here's power, or here's no power, no kind of hanging around in that friction zone. On the CB I could let it creep at idle in first while using the clutch to tell the bike when I wanted power or not, but if you're not on the throttle at all on DCT, you get no power to the wheel. Am I right in thinking the back brake is king here, the key to moderating that 1-2000 rpm where the power's kicking in? Like, give it slightly more than it needs to bite but keep the brake dragging?
Yep its just a case of getting used to being gentle on the throttle. I don't find it snatchy, but it can depend on what mode youre in. I used the rear brake to kind of mimic a clutch drag at low speeds
I'm a little late to this video, but I'm looking at getting into adventure biking. I've always rode Honda Dirt bikes in the past so I'm partial to the brand. How is the Africa for taller riders? I'm 6'4" about 249lbs, will the Africa handle my body type?
Ihavea dct without es, great bike until you get into a confined space, turn in a tight spot and I’m really missing the clutch to control the power / drive , finding it a real handful, riding the rear brake is not much help ….. ride my old non dct 1000 yesterday…. Sometight steep lanes and tracks, easy as …. AS would have been a nightmare. Awesome road bike / tourer ….. perhaps not quite right for my type of riding.
Thanks for sharing, yep that can be one drawback of DCT, the potential to 'whisky throttle' is there when trying tight manouevers. I definitely see it as an adventure tourer, mainly road, but twith a few nice open gravel trails or fire roads. Mind you Taka Fujinami shows what it can do in the right hands I guess!
@@simonthomas5367 agree that’s what I tell my mate who has a Bmw Rs and now Multistrada what’s the deal with less weight oil (spray can ) once every few weeks
Shaft drive.....increased cost, added weight and more parasitic driveline power loss? 🤔 No thanks. I'll gladly lube a chain every week for the reasons above. Chains allow for gearing changes at home in under an hour too. 👍
Hi Tony Honda do a 333 deal 3 years warranty 3 years breakdown 3 years service free . I have a crf1100l how did you get around the apple car play connection mine is so hit and miss . Best wishes martin
Interesting, cheers Martin I hadn't seen that. Once i'd establised a connection with the bike and a headset it seemed to be pretty consistent. For me it just means running with a tank bag so that I can stash the phone away safely
Thanks Tony that must be it I only connect apple car play now and again just normally phone to headset for mapping as I can’t be bothered with the faff .
I have exactly the same bike three months now,13000k, what I don't like?the seat could be better ,the TFT becames black sometimes, when it is very hot whether (I hope to replace it in guarantee) but the most important is that when the bike runs if you leave the handlebar it doesn't go straight but turns slowly to the right side.I thought that it was a problem of my bike, but i tried another one (test ride on the dealer that I took mine, also new) and that one did the same.Have anyone noticed this?(sorry for my poor English, I am Greek.
too many electronics for me to trust it out in the scrub. Should have been pretty much an 89 model with some modern features like fuel injection. They should have kept the analog dash and just added the screen above it. This is just Honda grabbing the name of a classic and throwing it on something not even comparable. Its like when they made single cylinder sport bikes and called them a CBR.
is it losing its luster??? Big fan of the AT but its starting to fall into the iconic category of doing everything "good" and nothing great... Sound familiar? Is the AT an expensive KLR???? in the dirt, its good but not fun (due to weight) and clearly not great. On the highway, it pales in comparison to BWM or Triump.
I would say no, it isn't. Doing everything good is a, err, good thing isnt it? Its good and still fun in the dirt (but you can't comapre it to an enduro bike obviously) and its a great bike on the highway too, I would say it matches the two bikes your mentioned for riding enjoyment?
20000km on mine. Ride Canadian Rockies. Plenty of offroad. Bike doesn't stall, as it's DCT. One of the benefits. Mine is electronic suspension, and the bomb for various conditions.
Mine only stalled due to the "sports adventure" fuel tank weld flaking issue, plugging fuel filter. It's awesome, as it won't stall. Just remember not to whiskey throttle, as there's no clutch/quick stop of power off function. Throttle on in gear, and forward motion is applied.
You forgot to mention the most stupid thing about this bike (and what is stopping me spending 14k on one at this very moment) and that is the fact that the indicators stay on as running lights. Dangerous, stupid and completely unnecessary! Make them white whilst as running lights and orange for indicating, it's very easy and a LOT safer. Bloody stupid, stupid design!!
@@mancavemoto There are reports of some people having problems. I watched a video the other day of a guy that changed his lenses and bulbs so they are white always on and amber flashing, this is what I would probably do. Anyway, it looks like an accident waiting to happen to me, just my opinion but saying you haven't had a problem doesn't mean you won't at some point and biking is all about mitigating risk as much as we can. It's like riding at 160mph and saying it's not dangerous because you haven't had a problem, it's still dangerous it's just you've not encountered a problem yet but the chances of you encountering a problem are significantly higher and I believe this to be the case with these `always on` indicators. They're an answer to a problem that never existed and just increase risk, like I said, a bloody stupid design!
I didn't notice at the time, but it has been kindly pointed out that I say the tank size is 28.4 litres, when I meant to say 24.8 litres. Just a slip of the tongue when filming.
Well there you have it. I can never watch your channel again due to such gross negligence. lol
It was a great video.
@@freedomisntfree131 🤓🤣
Thank you for the quality, no frills production. Agree with your comments. Have a '19 AS with DCT. Other than almost being hit by a van on the freeway because bike shut off suddenly, (fuel cell issue) it's been great. Tip is to commit time to slow speed control, using the rear brake DCT combo. Elevates the riding experience. If you ever get to Pike's Peak, switch to manual shifting. Still a highlight ride! Ride safe from 🇨🇦
Thanks for sharing! I Pikes Peak is on my bucket list for sure!
Brilliant run down on the ATATS Tony! I've had.my.2022 model for 6.months and as a novice off roader but experienced road tourer, this is certainly one of the best bikes indeed. I totally love mine and you hit the nail on the head with this review!
Thanks Brett, Great to hear, its certainly the bike i levitate towards the most at the moment.
@@mancavemoto Yeah she's hard to turn down!!
On gnarly trails, my 17-year-old self back in the late 1970s riding a light enduro would totally leave my 62-year-old self today riding my Africa Twin AS ES. I wouldn't even try to keep up. So yeah, off road at 62 I'm riding my AT more like a low gear tractor and less like a motocross bike.
👍👍
Put some Mitas E07's on this bike and it becomes a very competent 2 track rider. 20000km on same 2020 bike and takes me all over Western Canada. On and off road. DCT is super comfortable and useful for all my needs. No log jumping for me on the beast. Multi-week camping and adventure is done very well, with Honda reliability. We have three in our group, and all would buy again :-) Everyone DCT, all MX and two Baja riders.
Nice!
Changed my Tracer 700 for a 2018 ATAS. Brilliant bikes both but absolutely love the Honda. Fabulous ride quality and what a looker. There's just nothing like it!
Couldn't agree more!
I bought a lightly used 2019 DCT. 4.0L/100 2up driving easy. I'm well pleased with the gentle manners and the tennis elbow is grateful too. I can see going to the new one for cruise and android auto
It is a lovely machine and i'd love to own one. Lets see how things go!
I bought a manual ASES 14 months ago and have piled 10300 miles on so far without a single problem. Was also lucky to get the 1st 3 services, genuine Honda aluminium panniers + fitting kit, 3 years roadside assistance ans a year's data tracking all in the price. It's a fantastic motorbike for all sorts of riding. Couldn't wish for a happier ownership.
Sounds like a great deal. Its definitely on my list and its only competitor at the moment is the Norden 901
Your enthusiasm for riding and motorcycles is infectious. King regards from barcelona!
Thank you very much!
Currently looking to buy a new Goldwing and thought about trading in my 21 plate ATAS but after a brilliant ride yesterday just can't part with it. Fantastic bike, I love it.
👌👍
Nice one Tony! I am currently looking for a 2022 AT AS and still toying between the manual or the DCT being an old school clutch rider. The more I study, the more I am thinking the DCT is the way forward. Thanks again - David
No problem David, thanks for watching. Yep i'm as keen on manual bikes as the next man, but theres just something about this system that one me over.
I have a 2020 ATAS dct and coming from riding the Suzuki DR800S the dct is a breath of fresh air it's a fabulous system. The AT does everything my DR could plus soooooo much more.
Just bought one, I’m going to pick it up in 2 hours. I hope I like it hahah
Nice, enjoy!
I picked up a new AT AS dct a couple weeks ago, and it's amazing. The best bike I've ever owned.
@@greg2605 made almost 200km today, what a great bike. The only nitpick is that seat is really hard.
Great Videos, ive seen quite a few now, just got the AT 1100l , awsum bike, from a GSR750, no going back, I love it.
Also watched your Kriega videos, great presentation. Fitting my Kriega os + 18l panniers tomorrow , thank you. ;-)
Glad you like them Andrew, thanks for watching
Just off loaded my Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT, overall a great bike, but the seat was a real pain in the bum for me, and the wind noise from the screen was unbearable for me at 6' 2". I tried various screens on it but couldn't solve the problem. Agree with you DCT is a great way of riding, once you are used to it.
Back on a 1250 GSA now, but did enjoy my experience with the ATAS with the exception of the scree and seat!!
Interesting feedback thank you. I've not had the same issues as you, although the wind noise is dependant on my helmet choice. I think its the DCT that tips me over the edge....if I was looking at the standard bike against others it would be a more considered choice
Ive read the cover you can get that goes over the fork area on the tank it helps a lot with buffeting.
Im thinking about buying this Honda 1100 or 1250adv or Triumph Rally exp. Everyone say this is a great bike but Im not sure about DCT. I want to ride my bike and shift my gear and I just dont believe this DCT is soo great. Someone says 10sp auto tranny in Ford Mustang is better than manual....but I see no point in sports car with auto tranny. I believe GS 1250 is more powerfull, has a bigger tank, its much more comfortable and much better weather protection for rider. Triump has really great engine....and this honda is very reliable and more able to go offroad than other 2 bikes....hard to choose.🙈
Good video and a great bike. I’m currently waiting for spring and my Africa Twin AS to arrive that I ordered as soon as they were available to order which was October 25. Personably you couldn’t give me one of the DCT versions. I have never liked relying on a machine for my choice of gear selection, especially when riding gets technical. I’d end up killing my self probably. However aside from that these Africa Twins are an amazing motorcycle. I tried a 2016 and this fall a friend let me put a couple hundred miles on theirs over 3 days, I totally love it even more than the 2016 they let me try. I’ve got a 5300-6000 mile holiday in the works this coming summer! Ride on, be safe.
Cheers Myron, it sure is. Give the DCT a go, it might surprise you, you still have full control over the shifting, but honestly the system does such a good job on its own I hardly used the manual option. Its definitely a bike on my wish list.
I have the same bike . I put a wind deflector on the windshi
eld and I ride on a Back Joy seat cushion. 500 mile days are pretty easy.
On 2 lane roads. Awesome bike.no problems.
Yep, I’m a big fan
300 mile range and a fully optioned price of $22k for an ATAS DCT has this as the front runner for my first ADV bike. Wish it had shaft final drive
I bought a Standard Africa Twin DCT about 6 weeks ago…I had a CB500x before that. And it’s literally the perfect bike for me (with touring screen fitted)
And I must admit it would be a struggle going back to a manual bike after the ease of the DCT I’ve just got used to mine and already done 1800 miles on it!
I do hope Honda make a 750 TransAlp…. I would still be interested in one if around 80-90bhp…. DCT option, cruise control and frugal MPG
Theres always the NC750X, stick some spoked wheels and dual sport tyres on one of those and theres your Transalp?......kind of
It's supposed to be coming next year I guess
Wish they come out with the baby AF. Around 600cc ideally not more, under 200kg wet weight, 19 or 21 inch front wheel, seat height around 840mm or less. Same styling, of course.
It keeps cropping up as a rumour, so we’ll just have to have our fingers crossed.
It is also in the news in Japan. The development seems to be in Europe.
Great review as always Tony, and getting slicker. Your passion for the Big Lad mirrors mine mate. Honda fan for over 5 decades since a bairn and still love my classics, but at 60, I did a 400 mile trip 2 weeks ago with minimal breaks, and would not be scared if I had to do 600 in a day on mine……. And that’s with the knee and hip twinges we silly old farts usually suffer. Well I do anyway 😳🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It's the bike i keep coing back to, so its definitely got under my skin. For most of the riding i do its an ideal machine
My dream bike, but seeing as I am buying my first ever motorcycle this summer, I think I'll get a KLR650 to get comfortable on first.
A good bike too, enjoy! Its a shame Kawasaki haven't brought it to the UK
I wondered if I could love the middle ground between the Yamaha T7 and BMWGS.
I'm on a standard 1100 and thought so.
I think it’s a lovely bike to ride and live with
I think the biggest statement in this video is at 2:16, "real world riding experiences" Unlike other brand Aventure Bikes that have 12.XX:01 and 13.XX:01 compression ratio's, Honda kept the Africa Twin compression ratio at 10.00:01. Coupled with Honda's dense World-wide dealership network, this makes the Africa Twin a true World traveler. Try running a Ducati 1260 with 13.00:01 compression on sub 87 octane pump fuel in South America. Or some "fuel" you have to buy from a wooden sales stand on the side of the road poured from a plastic bottle. Then as you pull away, "Naaaaah!, Naaaaah! Blaaaaahhh!!!!"
A very good point
Great Video, CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Thank you!
Great review. Complete and well balanced, tho preaching to the converted here!
Thanks 👍
All fair comment.Thks.
No worries
I'm a Honda bike fan from sins I remember, got different Africa twins from rd03, rd04, RD07A and was willing to buy my dream bike atas, after a meeting in a Honda shop, i got the delivery date in march 2023.....
Got me a BMW 1250 Gs Adventure....
I was hating BMW the day before. But waiting a year for a bike is just abuse.
great video mate / great bike :)
Thanks! 👍 and it sure is...
£17.5k is crazy money! I was fortunate when I bought my 1100 standard in 2020 there were lots of bikes around that had been pre-registered during COVID, so I got mine for £10k. The white frames suffer Terribly with rust. If I was going to spend £17 grand on a bike, I'd be looking at Ducati Desert X or V2 Multistrada.
I'm a little confused? £17.5k on an Africa Twin Adventure sports is crazy money, but £17 on a desert x or Multisrada v2 is acceptable?
@@mancavemoto You’re right. Wouldn’t be spending £17k on either of those models either. Don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote this. Must have been drinking. I think I was trying to say the Honda is not a premium bike, and instead of paying £17k for the Honda, I’d be looking at the Ducatis at a much lower price than £17k. (Think they both start at around 13).
@@Herbster71
The AT starts right around that same price.
The AT 17k price includes the AS-ES-DCT equipment options.
Great presentation thanks
Glad you liked it!
Great review. I’ve had my 2020 ATAS in pretty much your spec. I love the DCT and most of the ergos. The peg to seat distance is too little for me (I’m a bit shorter than you) after a GSA. They are too far forward putting you too close to the bars standing. I find the springing very soft and damping even on softest doesn’t iron the chatter on poor roads. For all the electronics, why no tyre pressure monitor or adaptive cruise? For that money I’d expect absolutely everything. These are my niggles. It does amazing economy over 35 mph but around town or lower speeds it’s actually quite heavy. I really can’t see why. At 70mph I have seen 75 mpg average yet at a steady (speed camera forced) 20 mph on 55 to 60. Overall I like the ease of the DCT but the manual override foot change is an excellent if pricy extra for that need of a lower cog. I’m getting over 300 miles before fill ups. The “miles left” is somewhat optimistic although I haven’t run it to empty. I’m on one bar left at 300 miles covered from full and supposedly 86 miles left. Wouldn’t chance it on a “smart” motorway……
Yes the miles left is a bit of a lottery, it seems to stay high for a while then drop suddenly. Also I don't know where they placed the ambient temperature sensor, but its usually way out ie reading much higher than the actual temp!
Great review
Cheers
Congratulations from Honda One Heart world's 💝
Thanks
Would love one. But unfortunately my local Honda dealer in South wales (Bridgend) is a total waste of space.
Thats a shame
@@mancavemoto I know. They put me off Honda for life after buying a brand new VFR800 and sold it after only 11 months and 4k miles as they couldn't or wouldn't sort the problems out.
Well done on the sat nav screen. 😂
Sounds painful!
Excellent review excellent bike. But, for me too heavy, too big and too expensive. Honda need to get something on the road similar to the Yamaha 700 or the Aprilia 660 then they could have my money. New Trransalp?
Thanks, yep its a big heavy bike. There has been a rumour of a smaller capacity bike in their adventure range, but I don't know if thats just wishful thinking?
Just to clarify things: A bit more expensive for the 16k miles means in Germany: 800 € when you don´t have to adjust valves. > 1000 € with adjusted valves. Let that sink in. More than 1000 € for a service! I love this bike, I really do, but that is the reason why I will never own one. This is nuts!
Ouch! that does seem a lot. My local dealer quoted £500-600 for the 16k Service incl a valve check. £200 without.
I got the adventure sport with out the DCT and got a quick shifter
Nice, they also offer a foot shifter for the DCT version if riders would rather change with their foot rather than stab buttons
good and fair review
Cheers
Hi, one correction, it’s 24.8 litre tank not 28:4. Still a great review. 👍
Good spot, I didn’t realise I’d transposed the numbers by accident when talking to camera! Thanks for pointing it out
How does this compare to a NC750X DCT as a daily commuter? I don't think I would utilize it's off-road capabilities much, if at all. Bear in mind that this would be my first bike in about 35 years.
It would work well, but it is a bigger heavier machine. Long distance riding it woud offer more comfort, but for commuting the NC750X is a great bike
Great review!!! 👌🏻😉
Can this bike handle all day 2up riding?
I'm afraid I'll lack power on those long up hills with a pillion and loaded with gear!
I'm also looking at the Yamaha Super tenere 1200 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA...
Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated!
✌🏻 😉
Yes I don't think it will be a problem, theres plenty of low down torque with a pretty broad spread. The DCT is also perfect for two up riding. The super tenere has very similar power figures, albiet a little bit higher (109hp & 113nm) but its also a little heavier. The old Tiger 1200 xc has more hp, but less torque than the Honda (139hp & 90nm) with about the same weight.
Thanks for your quick reply 👍🏻
Yup, I think I'm gonna book a test ride and see how the AT (DCT) handles....
Thanks again!
✌🏻😉
Top! I have it listed on the top 1 motorcycles to buy and own... The DCT on 2022 models should be geared differently to make it more roadworthy in tight corners at low speeds.
Same here. Its fine, you just have to be gentle and use the rear brake a bit like a clutch when needed
@@mancavemoto Indeed, trail-braking is an essential to learn and master. 👍
Chain drives makes gearing changes a breeze for DIYers. Under one hour.
Any comments on vibration thru bars at motorway speeds? I’ve a Tiger 900 rally pro, 2 years in, and want to take it into Europe, at least 20 hours riding, out and same back . Tiger gets a bit tiring pretty quickly on the motorway 70-80 mph.
There’s a little bit of vibes through the bars, but not much at all. I found there’s actually more through the pegs, but not to the level that I could say I took much notice of it. I’ve tried the Tiger 900 and I would say it is much more pronounced on the Triumph
Great bike I wanna one but is DCT good for off-road and uphill and downhill or the manual!??
Yes it’s still good, you can’t stall it which is useful and you can dial in different amounts of engine braking, in fact I think the off-road mode has it set at maximum?
Does it feel top heavy, Tony? I wish they'd put cross-spoke wheels on the standard L. And DCT, of course. I like the L's lower screen.
Compared to my KTM yes it does a little, but overall its nicely balanced. I assume the Adventure Sports wheels would be a stright swap, but as they have not been homologated Honda cannot confirm this. For me the DCT standard bike with the tubeless rims would be the way to go maybe? But the Adventure Sports has got me interested
@@mancavemoto Yes, the L model with DCT and tubeless rims. What a bike.
Hello to the motorbike community. I have a question for anyone with the knowledge and experience. I am contemplating buying a brand new ADV this spring. I basically have it narrowed it down to 2 options.
Option A) 2023 Honda Africa Twin Super Adventure Manual. Like the style and look, I am concerned about the continual maintenance on the chain. It is not uncommon for me to jump on my current bike and put ~500 km's on it in a day on the weekend (311 miles). I am also concerned about the comfort, both in the seat and wind protection. I read lots of information and people love them and of course people will gripe as well and for good reason, experience on the bike. Everyone is different. Is this bike going to be comfortable enough for a few very long days in the saddle from time to time? Although we all get off our bikes every 2-3 hours to fuel on a long trip, still good to have really good comfort when needed. Is this bike the one to have if a person gets an upholsterer to redo the seat to your butt contours? Will that make it an awesome long haul machine?
Option B) 2023 Yamaha Super Tenene 1200. I understand this bike is boring (perhaps compared to some of the competition) but with that come great all day comfort in the saddle and super easy maintenance and reliability. Maybe not as much fun as some of the competition, but my current bike also has shaft drive and has had zero issues in 13 years of ownership. So maybe I don't want to give up reliability and low maintenance? Also, perhaps the Tenere is reaching it's last year of production, what happens if they do this year and I want to own the bike for 10+ years?
This bike that I buy will be a long long time purchase and possibly my last bike (maybe not), but as we get older we look for more comfort. The riding I will do is 80-90% on the pavement and 10-20% gravel and fire roads. HOWEVER, I live an hour away from the mountains and perhaps with an ADV, that ratio will switch to less highway and more gravel/fire roads..........we'll see, the ADV could open a whole new chapter in my riding. The Honda would be a no brainer, but does the Yamaha do the same job with a little less fun factor?
Would love feedback from all people that have/had either or both bikes and let me know based on your experience and knowledge. Thank you!
I wouldn't worry too much about chain maintenance, modern chains are very good, and with regular cleaning and lubing they are not a problem. I find the Africa Twin a very comfortable bike and have spent long days in the saddle on it. There are plenty of aftermarket air cushions or seat covers if you need more comfort.
The Super Tenere is a good looking bike too, and the shaft drive make looking after it easier, but it does also make it heavier. Its quite a chunky machine! If they stop production (theres no indication they will) the model will still be supported for many years.
You could always consider some of the middle weight adventure bikes?
@@mancavemoto , Thanks for the feedback.
Do you have any difficulties with the DCT if you're just trying to roll the bike forward at super-slow speeds? I've bought one, the standard model AT with DCT, and I'm coming from a CB500 manual bike. Normally when I'm say just rolling out of the garage and down the hill to the close I'd be doing that at around walking pace or less - we have a lot of parked cars around and you just don't want to really let rip till you get to the dual carriageway a couple of streets away, for fear of hitting or scraping something, or meeting the postie haring round the corner the other way. Normally I'd set a little gas & feather the clutch, giving it a little braking as I go, but on the AT of course there's no clutch. I found the biting point on my DCT was very much all or nothing like, here's power, or here's no power, no kind of hanging around in that friction zone. On the CB I could let it creep at idle in first while using the clutch to tell the bike when I wanted power or not, but if you're not on the throttle at all on DCT, you get no power to the wheel. Am I right in thinking the back brake is king here, the key to moderating that 1-2000 rpm where the power's kicking in? Like, give it slightly more than it needs to bite but keep the brake dragging?
Yep its just a case of getting used to being gentle on the throttle. I don't find it snatchy, but it can depend on what mode youre in. I used the rear brake to kind of mimic a clutch drag at low speeds
I'm a little late to this video, but I'm looking at getting into adventure biking. I've always rode Honda Dirt bikes in the past so I'm partial to the brand. How is the Africa for taller riders? I'm 6'4" about 249lbs, will the Africa handle my body type?
I think it’ll be perfect for your size!
@@mancavemoto Thanks for the reply, much appreciated!!
If you were buying, which would you pick, A Twin or NT 1100?
For me it'd be the AT, but then i've been a big fan of that bike for years
Ihavea dct without es, great bike until you get into a confined space, turn in a tight spot and I’m really missing the clutch to control the power / drive , finding it a real handful, riding the rear brake is not much help ….. ride my old non dct 1000 yesterday…. Sometight steep lanes and tracks, easy as …. AS would have been a nightmare.
Awesome road bike / tourer ….. perhaps not quite right for my type of riding.
You have to use the rear brake to modulate the pull.
Thanks for sharing, yep that can be one drawback of DCT, the potential to 'whisky throttle' is there when trying tight manouevers. I definitely see it as an adventure tourer, mainly road, but twith a few nice open gravel trails or fire roads. Mind you Taka Fujinami shows what it can do in the right hands I guess!
Have you heard of the new one in the pipeline, Africa Twin turbo 😉
Now we're talking 😉
Nope I haven't but turbos on bikes have previously been problematic !
@@mancavemoto
Aah I didn't know that !
Surely if Honda do it, they would get it right ??
Reputation and all that !!
What bikes had them before pal ??
What brand/model tail bag are you running? (9 minutes 22 seconds)
Its an SW-Motech Road Pack - czcams.com/video/WWjqayXm2ec/video.html
Off topic, but can I ask what editing software you use please
Sure, I use Final Cut Pro
@@mancavemoto thank you 👍
I’d love to see a drive shaft on these.
That could be an interesting development, but i assume it a big R&D investment for Honda to make, and it adds even more weight!
They had shaft on pans so nothing new for Honda so extra weight is the factor
It's already heavy. Oiling a chain every week is really not complicated.
@@simonthomas5367 agree that’s what I tell my mate who has a Bmw Rs and now Multistrada what’s the deal with less weight oil (spray can ) once every few weeks
Shaft drive.....increased cost, added weight and more parasitic driveline power loss? 🤔 No thanks.
I'll gladly lube a chain every week for the reasons above.
Chains allow for gearing changes at home in under an hour too. 👍
Hi Tony Honda do a 333 deal 3 years warranty 3 years breakdown 3 years service free . I have a crf1100l how did you get around the apple car play connection mine is so hit and miss .
Best wishes martin
Interesting, cheers Martin I hadn't seen that. Once i'd establised a connection with the bike and a headset it seemed to be pretty consistent. For me it just means running with a tank bag so that I can stash the phone away safely
Thanks Tony that must be it I only connect apple car play now and again just normally phone to headset for mapping as I can’t be bothered with the faff .
DCT é Top
Yes
It is a good looking adventure bike, have to give it that. Out of interest, what's the other bike in your top two, Tony?
The other bike is a Husqvarna Norden 901
A wired connection between a phone and the vehicle is NOT required with all vehicles.
Not all now no, some 2022 onwards model year cars work with a wireless connection.
I have exactly the same bike three months now,13000k, what I don't like?the seat could be better ,the TFT becames black sometimes, when it is very hot whether (I hope to replace it in guarantee) but the most important is that when the bike runs if you leave the handlebar it doesn't go straight but turns slowly to the right side.I thought that it was a problem of my bike, but i tried another one (test ride on the dealer that I took mine, also new) and that one did the same.Have anyone noticed this?(sorry for my poor English, I am Greek.
Hey Peter, not something i noticed. This might sound like a stupid question, but its not the natural camber of the road doing that is it?
@@mancavemoto it's not a stupid question, its a fact in too many bikes until now, make a search in some British forums to see
Sorry I worded that badly, I didn’t mean yours was a stupid question, I meant MINE might sound like a stupid question about the camber.
I this a automatic?
DCT Transmission
Really would like to buy a ES DCT, but it's 28000€ in Finland.. Thanks to taxation. Nice review though.
Ouch!
All I need is 2 years... damn uk and rider age laws
bummer
too many electronics for me to trust it out in the scrub. Should have been pretty much an 89 model with some modern features like fuel injection. They should have kept the analog dash and just added the screen above it. This is just Honda grabbing the name of a classic and throwing it on something not even comparable. Its like when they made single cylinder sport bikes and called them a CBR.
That is a consideration, but I've not heard of any issues. I see it more as Honda working with a heritage that they have and can build on.
Nice bike but I prefer Triumph’s Tiger
Fair enough
is it losing its luster???
Big fan of the AT but its starting to fall into the iconic category of doing everything "good" and nothing great...
Sound familiar? Is the AT an expensive KLR???? in the dirt, its good but not fun (due to weight) and clearly not great. On the highway, it pales in comparison to BWM or Triump.
I would say no, it isn't. Doing everything good is a, err, good thing isnt it? Its good and still fun in the dirt (but you can't comapre it to an enduro bike obviously) and its a great bike on the highway too, I would say it matches the two bikes your mentioned for riding enjoyment?
The g.o.a.t bike
I could be!
What is the dct like when you stall on an incline off road ?
That’s the beauty, you can’t stall a DCT bike
20000km on mine. Ride Canadian Rockies. Plenty of offroad. Bike doesn't stall, as it's DCT. One of the benefits. Mine is electronic suspension, and the bomb for various conditions.
Mine only stalled due to the "sports adventure" fuel tank weld flaking issue, plugging fuel filter. It's awesome, as it won't stall. Just remember not to whiskey throttle, as there's no clutch/quick stop of power off function. Throttle on in gear, and forward motion is applied.
What's the other one you'd potentially reach for your wallet for? Tiger 9 or 12 maybe?
It would be the Norden 901
@@mancavemoto aha! Cheers... would be the Honda for me I reckon
I would kinda like to know the origins of "burnt dick hill"
Ha me too!
"32" inside leg" inseam? 😂
Yep 'Inside Leg' proper English ;)
So… what you’re saying is…. …. …. you didn’t fall off! 🤐
Nope, there’s lots of bikes I haven’t fallen off of
You forgot to mention the most stupid thing about this bike (and what is stopping me spending 14k on one at this very moment) and that is the fact that the indicators stay on as running lights. Dangerous, stupid and completely unnecessary! Make them white whilst as running lights and orange for indicating, it's very easy and a LOT safer. Bloody stupid, stupid design!!
I’ve mentioned it in previous videos, but to be fair in all the time I’ve been riding hondas with this feature I’ve never had a problem
@@mancavemoto There are reports of some people having problems. I watched a video the other day of a guy that changed his lenses and bulbs so they are white always on and amber flashing, this is what I would probably do. Anyway, it looks like an accident waiting to happen to me, just my opinion but saying you haven't had a problem doesn't mean you won't at some point and biking is all about mitigating risk as much as we can. It's like riding at 160mph and saying it's not dangerous because you haven't had a problem, it's still dangerous it's just you've not encountered a problem yet but the chances of you encountering a problem are significantly higher and I believe this to be the case with these `always on` indicators. They're an answer to a problem that never existed and just increase risk, like I said, a bloody stupid design!
Doesn't sound right to hear someone say that any bike weighting 550lbs with an 1100cc motor is a little heavy! Lol.