Honda Africa Twin 100,000km Review
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- čas přidán 5. 02. 2020
- I do a quick once over of the bike that has 68,000 miles on it. Be nice... no mean comments. My bike is a 2016
Cogent Dynamics Suspension
www.motocd.com
CamelADV Windscreen Brace/Footpeg brace
camel-adv.com
GEAR
Front Tire amzn.to/2vccaPu
Rear Tire amzn.to/2H2NSdI
Slime Moto Pump amzn.to/34Y25mw
Crash Bars: amzn.to/2k8cpCX
Skid Plate: amzn.to/34YTlwg
Side Stand Foot: amzn.to/2yNDu2P
Pannier & Racks: amzn.to/2yOuM4w
Aux Lights: Denali D4
Hand Guards: SW Motech Storm (Made by Barkbusters)
GPS: Garmin Zumo 660LM
Knife: amzn.to/2MOtIIQ
Machete: amzn.to/2BQ1ZTU
Jacket: amzn.to/2Lp0K2r
Pants: amzn.to/2LRXBEr
Gloves: amzn.to/2yNMg0A
Boots: amzn.to/2Ct0WEM
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Hey dude, I am Brazilian and also have a CZcams channel, that has the same problem with comments 😔. People nowadays don't know how to appreciate our will to share experience.
Nice video and nice bike, I love the crf lineup
Review starts at 4:32
AKDetroit Thanks..
Lol jumped to 4:32
Thanks
What a hero!
Thanks
This guy inspired me to take my test and buy a African twin at the age of 38. Love the channel and hope to see new vlogs soon. 💪
i an 75 year old and I wish I could go on a road trip..
Keith Sage what are u waiting for good sir?
Last summer I didn’t go anywhere on account of breaking a
leg, (it was the right one and it’s
still attached to me) however summer 2018 (@ age 68) I came across a couple of
American gentlemen coming up into the Mission BC area to accomplish a mission.
One of the fellows was my age and the other one riding a Can-Am Spyder (at 80+
years) replied to my “How do you like the Spyder” question answering, “I
LOVE IT! It has given me my life back.”
He was a lifelong MC rider now slightly paralyzed on one side. “Traction ctrl, stability ctrl, protection
against the elements. I’m back out into
the wind. What’s not to love.” Maybe a ride like that could make it happen for
you.
Sledmeister Nice to hear there are other options! Raising a glass to your good health.
You can! Make it happen. Best wishes!
I have run into so really old guys with sidecar motorcycles on my trips. Walker/cane in the sidecar. You can do it. Make it work.
I've been riding at least 50 years. Looking at the Africa Twin now for my old age riding. Always owned an Electra Glide or Tour Glide. My comment is that you're review was very helpful and informative. No sense worrying about the haters, they're just full of it. Real riders appreciate what you've produced. 👍
I think I have watched every one of your travel videos. Very inspiring bro!
Anyone who has ridden what you have has nothing but respect from me. I am 56 and just getting back into riding. Slow and steady after 25 years. Fascinating stuff. Thank you for sharing.
I like the way he heads off all the trolls in first few seconds. Love it.
Hey William. You prob don’t remember me but we shared a dorm room in Krakow. I was the guy who had to go to A&E as I temp lost my hearing. I had a tiger then but got a ATAS now, hence I found this video and you. I happened to click on your nordkap video and noticed I was also there the same morning they shut the roads to that race. I too had the shitty weather the day before and a beautiful day next. Small world 🌎 All the best 👍
Your videos are one of the reasons I went for my ‘17 Africa Twin, thanks man! 👍
Thanks for the update. I also have a 2016 and I am still in the honeymoon phase. Keep 'em coming bro! P.S. the Camel brace foot peg support is a must do. I had a long ride home out of the bush with one foot on my crash bar. If you ever come up to Vancouver Island- let's ride!
The 50k km review was the first of your videos of yours that I ever saw, which led to me watching and enjoying all of them. That said you have motivated me to try the moto vlogging thing myself, I'm sure that will lead to sharing some of the haters with you, lol! Thanks for all your hard work!
Videos like these really make me feel like the money I'm saving up to buy this bike come spring will be well spent. I also follow this German rider who''s rode it for over 300.000km's now, full maintenance every 12,500km and the valves have never needed adjustment. This beauty seems like a winner. Nice work on the chill video bro!
Thats a austrian rider "varahannes"!!!
it`s 430.000 Km now and it`s even the DCT version. That`s wild
over 480 000km already :D
Did you buy it?
Great to see a review from someone who has world experience with the AT. I love my 17 DCT, only 2500 mi so far,, at 64 years I love the DCT, just sooo tallll, my bum hip prevents long rides , many smiles per mile with this fine Honda S/N 0000012
Great video! It is so nice to get informed info from someone who has actually rode the bike this much instead of someone trying to sell you the bike!
I've heard this quote a number of times, "The best bike to ride *insert location* is the one you love." When you are having the worst day, to be on something you love makes a world of difference. I love my 2016 AT with the exception of the fork seals which seem to love to leak on a regular basis. :(
Thanks for the review. I bought a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure DCT and love it, so it was nice to get feedback on long term reliability. No electronic cruise control on my year bike. The DCT is fantastic, although I was skeptical at first.
Have you done any off-roading. Curious how dct performs when one is used to a traditional dirtbike ect
@@TheZakkmylde its pretty fuckin good offroad, especialy on gravel and faster stuff.
If you ride super slow in some technical section it's have its quirks like often switching between 1 and 2 gear, but nothing that i would consider deal breaking overall vastly superior system to traditional gearbox. And contrary to popular believes doesn't rob of of control or fun of gear changes, its gives as much satisfaction or even more when jumping gears, just other kind of satisfaction u know i mean ;
Great video, really did a lot to ease my mind about the future of my bike (only at 21,000km so far). Nice to see I've made the right decision with some of the mods as well. Come up to British Columbia if you haven't been yet, lots of good riding and things to see.
Great video as always! So glad to see your posting again. You inspire me.
Just getting started in this adventure touring riding.
Your content has been alot of help.
Thank you for the videos.!
Your wife rocks!👍
So Awesome she supports you on your adventures.
Thank you again!
Glad you're back in action!
For us prospective buyers, we appreciate the review.
Enjoy your videos very much! I bought a 2017 AT after watching a number of your videos. I live in the Central Valley and perfect bike for all riding scenarios. Enjoying adding parts based on riding opportunities. Thanks for the advice and allowing us to enjoy your adventures. Very inspiring.
I have a 2017 one since last year. Fantastic bike. I only ride on paved roads, and it's such a comfortable bike.
Spending this much time on your haters only validates them. Love the content, but keep it about what we come here for! -Nick
The only thing you validate is the degeneracy of the inflationary use of the word hate. :)
From one Bill to another Will, well done :-) I've followed you from the start, and very much enjoyed your adventures and advice. I've got my name on a new Adventure Sports, for this spring, and like you came from the dirt. First Street bike for me, but Honda reliability and your videos have me sold. To heck with the haters, your great fella. Can't wait for the snow to go, in Canada, and get on an adventure! Glad your back sharing, take care Will :-)
Hey William I always love your videos man.. just waiting for your next adventure.. 👍🤘
Bro, I love the AT and was just watching one of Big Rock Moto videos about AT and he mentioned you there so I am now 8 minutes into this video and I have to say you are awesome! I am just working at home watching it and I am laughing my ass off, I appreciate your sense of humour and just the way you present your self. You really put a smile on my face, thanks for that! I will keep watching, just hit the subscribe thing. Anyway, keep it up! :)
Just recently bought a 2017 AT with 0 miles on it.. DCT. Love it!! Doing a lot of the mods you have. Planning a trip to Alaska. Approaching my first scheduled maintenance too... so still very new. The only mods I have that you don't are a Sargent heated front seat and the Sargent luggage rack with front seat back rest. The other mods are just brand differences. The big difference for me in choosing this bike was I wanted something big enough to mount a sidecar. Building a leaning sidecar rig so I can take my dog to Alaska with me. Of the mods I have already finished installing... the windscreen, a large Touratech, and the Black Dog Cycle works pegs were the absolute game changers for me. Did not realize how bad those tiny pegs were until I put on larger pegs. The windscreen took so much buffeting off and made it genuinely enjoyable to ride. There is a cheap batwing fork shield by various brands on Amazon, that really helped too!. Thanks for the video... I will keep an eye out on for fork springs after Alaska :)
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Just had the chance to ride the CRF1100 Africa Twin and finally Honda got me back. Probably next season I am going to buy one. Drive safe and have fun.
Great vlog... I have the 16' as well and most of the mods you've done and for probably the same reasons. I think my only complaint on my bike would be the seat. I rode to the Arctic Circle last year and there was no way I could have made it without the Air Hawk seat cushion... it's money. Thanks for the vids.
Great review man. I’ve always had a soft spot for a Africa Twin. Maybe soon I’ll pull the trigger on one.
Howdy William, love your videos :) I just want to give you some advice regarding the valve clearance thing. Im not hating or anything like that, just some friendly advice :)
I work in a Honda dealership where i live and from what i have experienced so far in our shop doing services on Africa Twins it is as you said normally you dont really have to adjust anything or if anything its minimal adjustment. The thing is when you hear the valves making that distinct sound where the gap between the valves are too big, that doesnt harm the engine. What you do need to worry about is if the clearance becomes too small, and you wont be able to hear any sounds like you would if the clearance was too big but when the clearance is too small from what ive heard that can cause the valves to burn/get damaged and thats when it gets really expensive to repair. All in all i just wanted to recommend to you , if you want that is totally up to you of course :), to get a dealership to just check the clearances just to be on the safe side. Im sure it costs alot to take it to a dealership but it could potentially save you alot of money if your valves get damaged.
We havent so far had anyone ride as much as you have on an Africa Twin and bring it in for service, so for all i know your bike is perfectly fine and dont need valve clearance adjustment :)
I bought myself the new 2020 model Adventure sports and cant wait to take it out for a ride when the snow goes away :D
I was going to say something similar, you actually want the bike to be a bit clacky, knowing that the valves are loose-ish within specs. It's when they stop making that sort of valve-noise that you should be thinking about checking them. They don't get looser from putting on miles, that's never the issue, they tighten up.
My 2 cents, retired MC Tech, yes clearance dimentions decrease as valves "recess" into the head/valve seat. Not as much of an issue with modern machines , but was very important in the days where valves seated directly into head, vice a valve seat. It is still a maintenance item to be looked at,,,your ears are your friends, use them. I love to ride at 50-55 seems to be the sweet spot, above that my motor gets a little clackety, especially when riding in 90 plus temps. The DCT gets a little grabby also in these conditions, have heard that synthetic oil helps with this. Any DCT riders want to chime in on this? I waited a long time for this new re-introduced AT, honda nailed it, so glad I waited and pulled the trigger on my 2017 DCT HRC S/N 0000012, fantistic machine.
Yep, my Dad always told me "a noisy valve is a happy valve".
The_0ne_Eyed_Owl , how are you liking the AT Adventure Sports Bike ? I am considering it myself...
@@jblue1299 if i was gonna buy another AT id get the 2020 and save 6000 to 8000 bucks. the new AT fixes all the issues of the 2019. i want tubeless tires cruise control etc. that all added up. when i can but the 2020 and just add luggage and crash bars. but for the 3 weeks i got to ride it last summer ( i bought it at the end of season) i put just a shade over 5000kms on it and there was no issues at all, in typical honda fashion. but but the new one you will be much happier. i had to lower mine with hyper pro suspension cause i wanted all the feature of the adventure sports but i was on my very tippy toes on flat ground. im also 6ft tall so thats saying something
Thanks for sharing your experiences! It is definitely helping me decide on my next setup!
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Enjoy watching all your videos. I can only imagine all the work that goes into them. 👍👍
Hi William - so I noticed that you changed the set up for your Rotopax tank inside your L pannier. Can you please share with us what you did? It does not look like the first set up you had before.
Thank you, Sir.
Thanks Billy. Good review and excellent testament to the reliability of the Africa Twin. I had been holding off on buying an Africa Twin because because they did not have the features I was looking for. The 2020 AT has changed that and that will be my next bike.
Love the way you go about the whole things, very pragmatic. Thanks for the vid
Hey! Great Video! Quick Question: Where did you get your "cruise control"? Thanks.
Great review !!! Thanks a lot for the video. I'm planning to get myself an Africa Twin this year... we'll see :D
Enjoyed the review, looking forward to your next 100k.
Ride safe Bill. We need the on-going videos!
I like your video and I'm actually thinking about one of these bikes. I found your video entertaining and great honest review. Keep up the Great work.
Man, I love your work on that patio covering!
Love all your videos, very inspiring. I have a 2016 AT, DCT, Sometimes when it's cold, seems like it's a hard start .... Have you experienced anything similar?
I second that notion very (inspirational). I can only dream of owning a motorcycle I can say I put 68,000 miles on.
You’re a cool dude, love the bike, I like anything Honda. Greetings from British Columbia
where in British columbia do you live? I live in alberta and have to come to vernon bc to get my suspension tuned after i installed my new stuff. If you ride we should link up
Don't care what you ride can never go wrong with Honda
feels a little chaotic but love the videos, your quite right its your opinion and i can switch off at any time. never known anyone do so many miles on the AT so your opinion is important to me. keep up the good work.
Loved the video as I have most of the others esp the trip down Africa. Greetings from a 2017 owner in South Africa
Love the comment because of „hate“. You pass my hometown in Germany, you remember Heidenau,lol. Thank you for taking us with you.
I really appreciate your videos. Very easy to listen too and a lot o practical advice for me. I own a 2016 DCT in Japan and really love the bike.
When and where is the next trip?
Glad to seee the bike looks so good with that mileage well done I know how it feels
Thanks for sharing - hoping my 2016 CRF1000 DCT also provides similar reliability, and as usual I also enjoy picking up on your good products-tips-experiences.
Glad your back homie!!
Maybe a handful of people in the world that do what you do thanks for taking the time to video it .
good honest review nice to know how reliable bikes are. Mick
Really wanting an ADV bike after an 8 year hiatus and riding dirt bikes in my teenage years. Strongly looking at the Africa twin, bigger than a T7 but smaller than a 1200GS and the low compression ratio for longevity, this sealed the deal, hoping to get deal this winter 🤞
excellent review, thank you so much for the time you put in.
Me as a total noob and in the planning stage of buying a bike i find this very helpfull.
Watched the whole thing, I like your rationale for choosing the Africa Twin, thanks for the tips & your overall impression. I'm really considering the T7 right now. I love KTM, but for long distance riding like TAT, BDRs I think the T7 or AF Twin would be better choices.
Thanks for the vid. I've been jonesing for an AT, but have an addiction for speed - which is why I do not have a bike at all because I have children and four dead former riding buddies. But I ride mountain bikes (you know... pedals) and love that, and I love the utility of these ADV's. Imagine my surprise when my 14yr old son, who gave up talking to me and his mom a year ago, and who just started riding a 125cc Chinese dirt bike a month ago, this week said "Dad, when we go motorcycle riding after I turn 16, I want an Africa Twin."
Boom!
Top review William. A good set of pointers of the AT regarding services, valve adjustment etc. And like the man said, if its not broken, it's running tip top then don't change it.. Safe journeys 💪 👍
William, I purchase a set of the Double Take Mirrors and I couldn't be happier.....so much easier to adjust and fold out of the way.
Valve checking. "Is your bike running ok? Then why check them?" The difference between an engineer and a mechanic. Listen to the mechanic.
Is your bike running ok ? Then why your change oil ? 😂😂😂
@@SelyanK oils get contaminated and turn into lapping paste, Honda must have put some pretty good valves in that motor, if no noise and starts easy, all good, must be in spec.
Great review William, agree with the Mitas E07 (R) and Michelin Anakee Wild (F) tire combo ... been running this set-up on my own Africa Twin for the last 10,000km, should get another 5,000km out of them.... my bike is on 56,000km now, also 2016 model, simply bulletproof bikes ... keep the videos coming, thank you and greetings from South Africa!
As a 1090R owner and my good buddy has a 16 Twin I love them both! I just wish the Twins suspension was a bit stiffer on it factory. Good video man!
That's a very healthy mileage. Good to see. I test rode the 1000 dct a few years ago, but ended up buying the VFR1200 Crosstourer dct. Well, now looking at the 1000cc again. I do like twins. Great video buddy.
Thanks for this video. I'm looking to buy a bike and I cannot decide. This makes it easier.
Tengo una 2017 dct es maravillosa tengo 50000 km no ajuste valvulas ni cambie bujias ni cadena ni piñon , solo aceite y filtros incluidos los de aire, muy buen video y seguire disfrutandola. Un abrazo desde Argentina!
I personally liked the video way more than i thought i would, good quality and ''raw'' footage if you know what I mean, i will now go and watch your other vids. P.S. Enjoy your bike and 100,000km...wow, surprised the bike is looking so good still.
Great video. Thanks man. I ride the KTM 1190 Adventure which I totally love- but I've always admired the Africa Twins. They're beautiful.
2nd of two Africa twin long term review videos I've watched tonight and both had significant helicopter noise. Love it haha
I've been watching your videos for awhile now but somehow missed where you explain the arrow drawn on the windshield. What's up with that? Thanks for sharing!
I bought 2 Africa Twins after watching all your videos!
Arrow was a reminder to keep left in left side drive countries. If wasn't been removed he probably liked the way and steel keeps that side ;)
So much better someone who rode the thing...rather than someone with a 20 year old Harley with 4000 miles on it
As the vale train wears the valve clearance gets smaller. You wont notice any difference until your valves are burnt.
Honda's have always been bulletproof, even the cars. I've always been a big fan. Defo worth spending your hard-earned on.
True, my 30 year old CRX have 300 000km on it, runs as good today as it did 29 years ago 👍
The reason why the brace the rack to the rear licence plate holder is to support the licence plate holder instead of the other way round. It gets a huge amount of vibration and fatigue back there and will eventually cause fractures in the plastic without the brace.
Thanks for a very thorough review! This is the bike I would have gotten to replace my XR650L but I think I have my sights set on the Ténéré 700 now.
I went from a 650L to this, still got the 650L and use it for mud. Twin is a great machine but it's not as fun off-road as the brp. I don't sweat dropping the L. The 700 tenere looks fun too. If you're leaning more towards dirt get the 700. The twin isn't a dirt bike. It's a "dirt road" bike.
@@StocksFarm I completely agree with you. I just bought a 2018 ATAS and thought I was going to be able to do dirt bike type riding....that turns out not to be the case at all. I have taken it on some light trails, but initially tried taking it on some serious dirt bike trails and failed miserably. I laid it down a couple of times in the dirt already. I was dead set on the XR650L and got mesmerized by the AT. Unfortunately, after a month, I've found out that it's about 85% road, and 15% dirt. Totally bummed about it. Oh well, I'll keep it a while and eventually trade it in on either a CRF450L or a XR540L. Live and learn.
@@toddschmieder7873 xr650l is a great rugged bike if you're lookin for that old school honda grunt. But it needs mods. Crf450l looks like a good bike too but a buddy on a riding group traded his 650L for one. At first he loved the 450 then after a few months and the new wore off he found himself missing the low end grunt of the XR650L.
@@toddschmieder7873 far as the Africa twin goes, honda got me too on all those promotional videos of guys riding hardcore offroad. Lol. 24k miles later and it's seen as much off road use as most goldwings but isn't nearly as comfortable. That being said I'm considering letting her go. Been wanting a toy hauler instead.
@@StocksFarm I totally get it and I appreciate the advice regarding the CRF450L & XR650L. I'm definitely a bit bummed about the Twin as I thought she'd be a monster in dirt with occasional difficulty due to weight. Turns out, she's not that good in the dirt and I've got about 80/20 knobbies on it. I guess like you, I drank the adventure bike cool aid as well. I was hoping for a solid bike on the road(which it is) that could get me to some serious off-roading, then hit the trails in the same manner. About a month after my purchase, I found out that unless it's basically hard pack dirt, you're kinda screwed. The weight is just too much to overcome. Definitely kinda bummed about it, was looking for more dirt than road, ended up with the opposite.
Thanks William for this video
Very informative about the bike and entertaining
I came across to your video because I am interested in getting a AT Sports (After 5 GSs and one FJR this time I definitely want the new Honda, so I am trying to listen to long time owners like yourself
Ride safe
Marcelo
So I have been on the fence about buying my 1st adventure bike .
Iv been a sport bike rider & cruiser rider for 25+ years.
I narrowed it down to the Yamaha super tenere & the Africa twin.
Upon watching your videos iv decided to go with the twin.
Love the content!👍
God bless 🙏 & maybe I will run upon you out there somewhere. 😎
Love your video. It's like spending some time with you in your garage. Well, that without the beers...
Hi, it's was really nice to see your video first time. I like Honda. Currently I own NT700 ant I'm thinking to change one. Your review gave me a positive feeling that I'm on the right side of my choices regarding to the Honda motorbikes. All the best. I'm waiting for your next report.
Thanks Bill ,I was wondering how the AT would hold up long term. 👍👍
Awesome, Thanks for the review. Have you changed any fluids besides engine oil? What engine oil & change frequency?
Great review! Glad I bought one :) If I put half that many miles on it I'll be happy
Wow man! Serious seat time. Must be something to see the world on 2 wheels
I’m not sure why anyone would be negative toward some dude that rides motorcycles and makes content doing so for other people to enjoy. Got my sub.
There needs to be more reviews like this, the problems is there just isn't enough people qualified to make it. ;) I'm in the market for a road tourer, I live in the UK and just can't bring myself to buy a BMW GS. I think the Africa twins reliability wins out. :)
Please make a video on the T.A.T. (Possibly with Meredith) I love your videos and have been living vicariously through you since getting injured.
Always enjoy your videos. When are you getting back on the road/off road? Do you have a good guess how many miles of the 68k were on pavement and gravel/dirt?
1/3 dirt . the rest pavamiento and space travel.
Having only had shaft drive bikes, i am nervous about getting into chain maintenance for long, long trips. How often did you find yourself lubing or cleaning the chain when you were riding around the world?
Hi William I Enjoyed the video as always, thank you.
Got to the 4min mark and you had my full attention. You and I would get along very well, especially knowing that we have our own opinions and we don't need to agree with each other and that's ok.
Just to say, your attitude and the content has just made me subscribe! 👏👍😀
hey mister. i have a 2019 honda africa twin adventure sports they do not come with cruise control but i installed a mc cruise on mine with is electronic cruise. works amazing and the best instruction manual I've ever seen. also their customer service is some of the best in the business. but i guess the 2020 has all the bells and whistle including a tft with built in gps. have you tried the motoz tractionaters yet? i got my eye on those. if i don't get those ill probably go with the mitts e07 or metzler karoo 3
Where did you get that service manual and does it include Varadero xl1000 2007 or just the Twin models?
Great video!! What kind of seat do you run?
Nice video pal and nice guy, could you tell me what lift your using and price mate, looks very handy
Hi William I just wanna say this is an really brilliant video very helpful I'm just looking at moving from a single back to a twin. Now I'm not gonna be green laning as much (moving to Scotland an theres no lanes) an going to Norway Iceland an Nordkapp keep up the awesome vids :)
Wow man, fantastic video!! You ever make it up to Western Canada (Victoria) I will buy you a beer. or 10.