I have to agree with you whole heartedly, I've owned approximately 35 bikes in my time and have rode all through winter on my 2017 africa twin DCT not because I have to but because I love to. Used every day to commute as well. I've not swung a leg over my panigale since taking ownership of the honda. Horse power doesn't come into the equation its just a mega fun bike on and off road. Cheer Shakey
Absolutely. I only started in DEC21 and have loved touring my 125 and 748. I love the bikes but a recent podcast asked are you a motorcyclist or a traveller. I’m guessing I’m the later but the interest has many different angles. I went out today and had a lovely ride. I had a rough idea where I wanted to go but happily got lost and explored a little. I had planned to be out for an hour or two…was out even longer and was almost late for work. Anyhow, nice video and shows a little of the feel,of moving through a land experiencing the change in climate that is lost on motorists.
I've always said on a bike you become a part of the scenery rather than a spectator. I still love cars but bikes are on another a whole other level when it comes to involvement.
Have done 12k miles on my AT. Agree with Shakey. Don’t need 140 hp and loads of electronic gizmos to feel the freedom of riding. The AT will take you anywhere in comfort and confidence. The BMW is the obvious choice. The AT is the thinking person’s choice. Or to put it another way, how many nice hotel rooms on tours will the money you save with the AT buy you! It’s the best, the cheapest, the least likely to let you down. And you won’t be another GS puppet mindlessly copying everyone else. Fab bike. Fab video. Thanks Shakey!
I agree wholeheartedly with the early swiss army knife analogy. I've had sports bikes, naked street bikes and sports tourers, and i really can't see myself on anything other than my adventure bike from this point forward. You can be a hooligan on them, go on and off road, for a quick day long jaunt, or a full 8 hours of motorway riding. They ride empty, or laden up with luggage and pillion. They really do absolutely everything, extremely well.
Shakey has been a brilliant addition to the channel, really enjoy his honest and balanced opinion. Would love to see a larger group of bike tests, I don’t know how much media training Shakey has had but he comes across completely natural and likeable with a professional delivery style. A very sensible and informative review, it’s important to bikers that someone of his experience lets you know what the handling and feel of a bike is in cold and wet conditions. I know he wasn’t supposed to mention the scenery but as a proud Welshman it was good to hear him wax lyrical about the scenery 30:25 even when the weather is cold and miserable.
Shakey is a Pundit for both World Superbike & British SuperBike along with Jamie Whitham and Matt Roberts on eurosport, so has about 4+ years of TV Journalism Experience. 👍
Samieb155 oh he has much more than just 4 years as a journalist, Shakey has been working with motorcycle magazines since the early to mid 90's most famously when he worked with fastbikes, there are plenty of fastbike videos on UA-cam from that time. Eg how to pull wheelies and impress people, this was before his bike racing really took off and he won the privateer championship in bsb on a silver gsxr750.
I think this video sums up nicely why Shakey was (is) such a popular biking champion. Who else would retain real world relevant points in such a great understated style while having more riding ability if blindfolded compared to most of us. Great viewing.
Great review, being 6ft 3 I've been aiming for one of these for a long time, BMW has always been the gold standard, but the triumph has really caught my eye for a while now
Just for info I’m 6’3” with long legs. 20 years ago I had the R1150GS and that went all round Europe in blissful two up comfort. Fast forward through Harley’s old and new ish, a Buell, a Yamaha MT-01 (a very underrated machine) and a 2016 R1200R. The R1200R was sold because it was too cramped. Lovely bike but just a touch too short in leg room. The salesman caught me in a weak moment and for an extra 11hp and an undisclosed (how much…..) sum of cash a year old 2019 R1250GS Rally TE was mine. If you’re tall it’s an incredible bike. The Adventure is a different dynamic, now I never thought it would be but I rode the GS & the GSA back to back. It’s the GS all the way. Love to know how you get on, in early March they will no doubt have a surplus of part ex’d bikes with the registration change. Snap up a low mileage one old man owner. I know I did 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@PhilbyFavourites thanks mr. i ran a 2005 Kawasaki Z750S for 8 years and well that was small and i toured on it for 9 months, cramped didn't sum it up, after 50 miles I'd be stretching in all manners, so I think anything more upright for me will be heaven
What a great video, really enjoyed that, thanks. I'm a big fan of the AT too, as you say not the fastest, most powerful or lightest, but there's just something about it. I noticed the editor didn't spot the secondary display on the Africa Twin when the speedo was being blurred 😂😉
I used to live just off the A5 in this area and I totally agree with Shakey, the roads around there are absolutely brilliant, world class even. Great show mate, a real review from a real bloke. Nice one guys....
Hey Shakey. Cracking video. Agree result. Bmw and Triumph are brilliant but have more than enough of power, gadgets etc for any situation. Rode Africa Twin recently, hits the sweet spot. Comfy with enough go for the road. Snowdonia is superb,.. can't wait to visit again. Have you tried North Antrim Coast road? C 😀
The standard exhaust on the Africa twin has a valve too. Additionally the Africa twin will keep up with the bmw easily but suspect you didn’t have the dct in the sports setting. In D it shifts early.
Are you doing some more of the Byrne Out episodes? It's without a doubt some of the best presentation and knowledge I've seen in these kind of tests/reviews. Also all the bike collection episodes are addictive. Please please please are you doung some more.? Thanks Martin
Finally a review where it isn't about money. People are also strapped for cash these days. Fewer are able to drop 20K! On a bike. Fantastic presentation, camera work, post production. Well done to "Everyone" on the TLBS. Keep Em Coming.
Loved this video. These are exactly the types of bikes that I am most interested in. I just feel so much more comfortable on normal roads sat in an upright position. Our roads in the Uk are so bumpy that you just don’t want a stiff bike and 100bhp is plenty, so the Honda feels just like the right choice for me too. Well done Shakey!
A half decent rider on an adventure bike will be just as quick on welsh twisties, I’m not even a quick a rider and I ride with knobbly tyres and a lot of sports bike riders I come across aren’t that good in corners.
Perhaps one of the most genuinely enthusiastic reviewers and good to hear a few criticisms too.. It's funny with bikes. Some bikes I expected to wow me but for some strange reason, didn't. Where as something that on the spec sheet could be called a bit below par, you end up gelling with.
Down to earth honest review, respect Shanes on track results and his new career on this channel is spot on! Authority and knowledgeable always trust Shanes opinions keep it up
In March 2021, I bought a Ducati Streetfighter V4S as a bit of a treat. However, six months later I sold it and replaced it with a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports. I'm never going to sell the Honda. It's just such a loveable bike, and it'll go everywhere and do everything. Glad Shakey appears to love it as much as I do.
So... looks like im gunna have to book a bike tour of Wales before i leave. All great bikes, horses for courses. I personally love my 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT. It's my choice. Thanks Shakey
So I'm browsing 'Trader debating whether to blow money I don't have to spare on an Africa Twin when this video pops up on my notifications. When 'she' finds the bank statement I'm blaming Shakey.
Fantastic video and comparison. Particularly I had the BMW LC 1200, then I had the KTM 1290 SAS. Both fantastic bikes, highlighting the poise and agility in curves of the BMW, as well as the KTM engine (for me the best engine in this category). After suffering the immense heat that KTM gives off with its V-twin, I decided to change it. I tried the 2022 version of the AT in manual and DCT version. I tested the Triumph 2022 GT and rally. I finally opted for the Triumph Rally Pro version (20 liters) for the following reasons: 1) More comfortable seat and geometry (I'm 6.10 feet tall). 2) Suspensions are second to none. 3) The handling on mountain roads with a 21 tire is better than the AT. 4) It has a quick shifter similar or better than KTM. 5) The cardan shaft simplifies your life. Maybe I got used to draw a smile under the helmet, with the sensations of the KTM engine. This Triumph engine is the closest (I discard Ducati because of its reliability). Maybe when I'm a few years older and need smoothness, automatic shifting and cushioned sensations, I'll reconsider the AT.
There’s one big thing going for the Honda…£5.5k cheaper, than the others. However, you can see why it’s so much cheaper. The quality of materials may be good, but it’s not exactly the doyen of technology or engineering. That swing arm looks like it came off a CB125! Again, that does mean that it’s cheaper to fix, especially when you drop it. It also means that buying a second hand one is cheaper too. Unfortunately, there’s those of us who prefer a BMW, and to pay a premium price for a premium bike. I chose an RT over the GSA, but I didn’t ever consider anything other than a BMW having owned one before and other bikes. Ownership is always better with the Beemer if you can afford it.
The noise at the front is the tyre. I spent ages with an airline trying to make the noise and couldn't. However, when I got the tyre chaged mid ride in Italy, it instantly disappeared.
Three great bikes! I agree on the winner. I just love the DCT. And the power is enough for the bike's purpose. I have the 2019 version with 95 PS and this already is sufficient for my style of riding.
but the BMW headlight spells XC!!! How can you not love that?? Shane is simply a great reviewer. I'm never going to be in the market for another motorbike, unless I want a divorce but, I can pretend and live vicariously through Shane!
The wind roar that you're hearing from the R1250GS could well actually be the tyres in combo with something weird it does with the front fairing. I had the standard fit Bridgestones on mine and it was so loud that even at 30 or 40 mph if I didn't have earplugs in then it would be almost unbearable. I changed to the Michelin Road 6 (and same effect on the Road 5's) and the noise all but vanished.
Oooh bike content from Late Brake Show is a nice change. These are all dorky dad-bikes to me, but you can't deny the functional appeal to them. Loved the video, hoping to see more bike stuff in the future !
I’m fortunate enough to have a Honda AT and a BMW RT”1250 RT (the touring equivalent of the GS) both great bikes. If I could only have one bike I think I’d go Honda over BMW, based on styling, price and the fact that everyone thinks the GS is the daddy. This films suggests otherwise. Thank you.
the road choice probably helped the honda, if you had to drive halfway across half of france first to get to simmilar roads in the alps the choice of bike might have been different, same if there had been off road and dirt and gravel heavy roads. where do the peopple who buy these bikes actually ride them? For light off road and gravel plus the dailly commute would something like the Ducatti scrambler desert sled be a better choice
I have always had a hankering for a aftica twin, so in my eyes by far the winner althoughmi can see the others are nice in the own rights lovely video shakey
Interesting review. Thing is though that you are comparing 2 dirt orientated bikes with a road orientated bike on slippery bitumen. The triumph gt explorer would have been a better comparison. It's lower with a smaller front wheel and more road biased tyres. The Honda is a bargain though if you want a fun all purpose bike.
Great video. Love to know what the fuel economy is like on the AT. I assume it would be good. The old v twin was terrible. Sounds like the pick and so so much cheaper.
If the BMW had the michelin anakee tyres on or panakies as i call them, then that is what causes the awful noise. I've had three BM's and the first thing I do is bin them. Michelin road 6 transforms the bike.
AS good as Adventure Biles are, I'm too small to ride or feel comfortable on them. Had a MTS 1200S from 2012 and whilst I enjoyed it, it always felt a little too big (height I'm 5ft 10in). Prefer the Monster 1200R (Current bike) or the V2 SF. Hopefully you'll get a 'full-time' Journo gig sometime soon, no Pun (ditry intended). Seriously though, Great YT video Shakey 👍🤣🤣
Okay so you’re getting better and better shaky I’m not just saying this to me big headed but I was really good when you consider most people there are deer off road is Tescos that was a really good review. Keep doing it Michael
Can you ask Honda to give you the ADV 350, I’m taking mine from Bristol to Zaragoza this summer. If the Africa Twin is the Land Cruiser, the ADV 350 is the Panda 4x4. Sub £6k new and gravel road compatible, would love to see Shakey on one over some fire roads. While you’re at it get Shakey on the X-ADV and 300 Rally too if Honda are kind to you, would be fun to see a review of all 4 Hondas on/off road.
Hi Shakey great review- I’m not surprised on Honda winning 🎉 I had two Honda transalps in the past great machines…..won’t set the world on fire just great fun on two wheels
Just because I'm a bit nerdy... the rear brakes on the BMW are 276mm single disc with a double piston floating caliper not 305mm as stated... (sorry)!!
Fair few facts were incorrect. I think the 1250gs should do 140mph with 137hp and the weight is not 242kg he even said the triumph was 17kg lighter than the next shaft drive bike. Does that miss the v85tt though at 229kg
I chose the AT as well - that is what I ride, a kitted out AT - for the next 20 years - this bike is so good. No hate on BMW, but their GS looks like a stuffed pig. Nothing compares to Honda reliability either.
I’m on the fence about this video. The scenery is indisputably stunning, even in winter, adventure bikes are the Swiss Army knives/Range Rovers of the two wheeled world and Shaky had some good points to make. For me though it was the editing. Obviously you just took the audio and added it to random footage of each bike. Cuts between shoots were not always to location the previous shot was in and then the next one jumped back to the previous location. All to disjointed.
I have the older BMW R1200 GS air cooled bike as well as the BMW R nineT, so I am obviously bias to BMW. I went to South Africa last month and rented the Honda Africa Twin with DCT. I am 192cm tall and weigh 142kg so not a small guy. I found the Honda uncomfortable and needed to stop every hour and a half to stretch legs. Something I don’t have to do on my GS. There are way too many buttons and modes on the Honda. I am an old school biker with 35 years experience on bikes and I like to decide when, where and how much power I want to apply. Yes you can switch it all off on the Honda, but every time you switch the bike off it defaults with some of the nanny modes back on when you next get back on it. I was very disappointed with the off road handling as well as an incredibly vague gearbox that always seemed to be in the wrong gear and it took ages to kick down. My old GS is lighter than the Honda at 226kg. The Honda is also very top heavy especially with a full tank of fuel which aided to the bad handling on dirt roads. And yes I do think that the Honda needs a bit more power or at least a better way of delivery. Perhaps slightly shorter gearing would solve the problem. It was gutless at low rpm and when the power did come in at higher rpm combined with bad handling on dirt roads and me sometimes forgetting to switch off traction control it was a dog to handle. The other irritating things were that I often pressed the hooter instead of indicator and often I managed to switch on the heated grips unintentionally due to bad button placement. This was not fun at 42 degrees celsius. I fail to see what all the hype about the Africa Twin is. Maybe I am too big for it, and too old. I don’t need a gazillion of buttons and modes to worsen my bike riding.
GS1250 noise - yep it's the front tire. I have a GS1250 and mine is the same. so much road noise through the front tire. It's pretty disappointing. The older GS1200 didn't have that issue
The 6k or 7k difference in price is a lot. The triumph is shaftdrive and seems really good and ive heard the finish on fasteners is bad. The BMW wont be cheap for servicing and they seem to have some electrical gremlins and reliability issues too. Fine for a few years until the bike is past the initial guarantee. A lot of money just for the prestige of that BMW GS badge made famous by Ewan and Charlie but Alan Sanders took an 800cc triumph tiger around the world with no gremlins and did over 50000 miles in africa, Asia, with the awful roads and needed it to be rugged, reliable and not too difficult to service and maintain himself and those 800 motors were gopd for at least 170000 miles showing no wear and not burning oil. Obviously the 1200 engine is shaft drive and a different animal but for its size range, weight and design it really is a beautiful on and off road practical tourer thats well proven over a good few years now. No sprag clutch issues, much improved electrics and a peach of an engine. I love their triple engines and that was an old 900 triple. They are so much more reliable, refined now and even better brakes. They were really good before but i dont have 19k. Maybe a trophy 1200 second hand for me.
I’m a Honda boi through and through, they are the most forgiving, easiest to get on and go smoothly. Other bikes make you look cooler in the cafe, this one makes you ride better longer faster etc etc etc. I love em all but Hondas win with what seems like less…..
The Intro: talking about KTM being the most winning manufacturer, yet missing in this video... I've ridden the 1250, CRF1100 and a tiger. Comparing the three I must say I'd take the KTM 890advR over these uninspiring other bikes.the tiger is dull and heavy (the tiger800 I've ridden). The crf is a people pleaser, but very unexciting. The 1250 is just way to big and heavy and the quickshifter was really terrible: I could shift smoother myself without using the clutch. The CRF I've owned for 1.5years. I fell in love like you on the test ride. But after 1.5 years I noticed I'd only done 6500km. After a lot of reflection I think it's because the Honda is a people pleaser: uninspiring and very unexciting. I've got an old f800gs and did 5800km in 1.5 months. This does not come from a KaTooM fanboy, but comes from a 2 time f800gs owner with 100k+ km of BMW ownership: if I had this budget and more faith in KTM build quality I'll take an 890advS for the excitement and play fullness!
Can't stand the dct drive give me a full manual any day, for me the 1250gs is class leader but I do love my v4 multistrada but that doesn't come out in winter use my GS during winter. As for the wind noise I don't have that issue maybe it's the screen position.
My 2022 GSA doesn’t have any wind noise. It’s superb and I have no issues riding it for 4 hours without a stop. Super comfy. It just does everything so well. Great review though , even though you got it wrong lol.
Nice video. But it is a pity, that the verdict on BMW and Triumph refers to the machine power : do we need so much power.. Then referring to comfortness: Honda, brand new, you felt comfortable from the beginning. On Triumph not on the first ride, almost the opposite, no more details - but again questioning power. No complain about the power-question from my side, but comparing comfort with power? No! With none of this three you will have fun on heavy offroad tracks, no matter if 240 or 260kg. Next verdict: maximum speed. BMW: 134mls/h, we cannot ride this on the roads we are used to ride... No, we can't, but we also cannot ride 125 mls/h (Honda, Triumph)! Do 9m/h make the difference? Do you? And finally no verdict about mileage: BMW is proven the best, Triumph and Honda behind. My verdict: You fell in love with the Honda ;-) (And I am not a BMW Rider)
My mates, all very experienced dirt riders, rode Africa for a week. They rode Suzuki V-Strom 650's - and had a wonderful time. I rode one of these BMW GS elephants - huge mistake - I had the worst weeks dirt riding in my whole life! These are not dirt bikes! I could not wait to get off that pig every night! A nightmare.
These bikes these days with all the technology on them are becoming more like cars! Just think years ago when you seen someone with heated grips on their bike you used to call them rotten, now it’s the first option we all tick 😂
These have gotten about as far from the 'Dakar' origins as could have been imagined. The 'mid-sized' 700 to 900 cc bikes are a lot closer to the original bikes, just much faster, better handling and more versatile.
@@TheLateBrakeShow These bikes are an "Adventure" of-road until about 10.00am. After that they are nightmare! Get yourself a nice second hand old XL600 Honda. You will be much happier with your "adventure"!
Thank you. Well, if we can keep growing the audience and the sponsorship partners (EBC have been excellent to get us this far) then we'd love to bring long form (varied) bike content to TLBS.
Totally agree with your choice, I have the CRF 1000, I came from a Honda Blackbird, I see more of the world when I'm riding the AT, as I ride slower and have time to look around more.. 100 bhp is plenty on the road these days.. I've ridden mine to the Black sea and back, it was the perfect bike for me to do the trip.. Oh .. In my humble opinion, it's the best looking of the adventure bikes.. great vid ..
I got rid of a blackbird partly for the reasons you list. Curling up like a possessed woodlouse and hammering the piss out of it wasn't that big or clever. I've gone to COMPLETELY the other end of the scale and got some honda Cubs now and have 10x more fun. I think the reason for that is how limited they are. They are just enough machine to propel you forwards so anything you manage to get done on them feels like a proper achievement.
Really enjoyed this review 👏 And totally agree with the result. This Honda is one of the most universal bikes for touring purposes. Engine performance is just enough, you can easily go on or off road, suspension so smooth, the sound of standard exhaust 👌 It’s not about driving 150+ km/h, even if it is still possible. I have my second Africa Twin in last 6 years. First was 2018 basic AT model. Last year replaced it by newer 1100ccm ATAS and this could definitely be the only bike for the rest of my life ❤
Beautifully filmed and edited. Shakey's review is a welcome real world change from the usual, without loosing too much fun, blurring tactically applied to parts of the screen, as the grin factor grew.
Just love the sound of that Africa Twin. And love how the DCT uses the low down torque on that engine to just chug about effortlessly with out needing to wind the bike up. It maybe less powerfull but also lower compression ratio and has peak torque lower down the RPM
Let's be honest. Most of the time these bikes will be on the bitumen out the front of a coffee shop. Most guys buy a 1000cc+ dual sport for the look. Not because they can actually ride one off road. Any serious off roader who wants to dual sport will be looking at the 600-800cc bikes.
Exactly. Will never see dirt. Makes me sad when I see an ADV bike with a metal top box and panniers 🤦♂️ the extras catalogue is where the true offroad bike goes to die 😅
Not personally interested in riding one of those bikes but it was great watching Shakey again. Huge improvement in camera work from the first bike video. Very professional amongst that stunning background. Well done. Hats off to James Hillier for finishing the Dakar with that massive injury. Great achievement 👍🏻
I was like that, but after 10 GSXR’s and an MT10, I’ve just bought an Africa Twin and after only a couple of months, it is probably the best bike I’ve ever had, it is fabulous to ride.
Shakeys a natural road tester 🙌 I remember the old days and the Fast Bikes videos down to the South of France on Busas etc 😝 they were fu$%in crazy times lol
I have to agree with you whole heartedly, I've owned approximately 35 bikes in my time and have rode all through winter on my 2017 africa twin DCT not because I have to but because I love to. Used every day to commute as well. I've not swung a leg over my panigale since taking ownership of the honda. Horse power doesn't come into the equation its just a mega fun bike on and off road.
Cheer Shakey
Al Gore rides a DCT
I don't think people understand the sense of freedom you get riding a motorbike. Great video
Absolutely. I only started in DEC21 and have loved touring my 125 and 748. I love the bikes but a recent podcast asked are you a motorcyclist or a traveller. I’m guessing I’m the later but the interest has many different angles. I went out today and had a lovely ride. I had a rough idea where I wanted to go but happily got lost and explored a little. I had planned to be out for an hour or two…was out even longer and was almost late for work. Anyhow, nice video and shows a little of the feel,of moving through a land experiencing the change in climate that is lost on motorists.
I've always said on a bike you become a part of the scenery rather than a spectator. I still love cars but bikes are on another a whole other level when it comes to involvement.
Riding my bike is soul-therapy to me...
Have done 12k miles on my AT. Agree with Shakey. Don’t need 140 hp and loads of electronic gizmos to feel the freedom of riding. The AT will take you anywhere in comfort and confidence. The BMW is the obvious choice. The AT is the thinking person’s choice. Or to put it another way, how many nice hotel rooms on tours will the money you save with the AT buy you! It’s the best, the cheapest, the least likely to let you down. And you won’t be another GS puppet mindlessly copying everyone else. Fab bike. Fab video. Thanks Shakey!
a GS muppet because of long way round...
I agree wholeheartedly with the early swiss army knife analogy. I've had sports bikes, naked street bikes and sports tourers, and i really can't see myself on anything other than my adventure bike from this point forward. You can be a hooligan on them, go on and off road, for a quick day long jaunt, or a full 8 hours of motorway riding. They ride empty, or laden up with luggage and pillion. They really do absolutely everything, extremely well.
Shakey has been a brilliant addition to the channel, really enjoy his honest and balanced opinion. Would love to see a larger group of bike tests, I don’t know how much media training Shakey has had but he comes across completely natural and likeable with a professional delivery style. A very sensible and informative review, it’s important to bikers that someone of his experience lets you know what the handling and feel of a bike is in cold and wet conditions. I know he wasn’t supposed to mention the scenery but as a proud Welshman it was good to hear him wax lyrical about the scenery 30:25 even when the weather is cold and miserable.
Shakey is a Pundit for both World Superbike & British SuperBike along with Jamie Whitham and Matt Roberts on eurosport, so has about 4+ years of TV Journalism Experience. 👍
Samieb155 oh he has much more than just 4 years as a journalist, Shakey has been working with motorcycle magazines since the early to mid 90's most famously when he worked with fastbikes, there are plenty of fastbike videos on UA-cam from that time. Eg how to pull wheelies and impress people, this was before his bike racing really took off and he won the privateer championship in bsb on a silver gsxr750.
I think this video sums up nicely why Shakey was (is) such a popular biking champion. Who else would retain real world relevant points in such a great understated style while having more riding ability if blindfolded compared to most of us. Great viewing.
Not surprised Shakey, I own a 2017 Africa Twin DCT and I LOVE it. Great video BTW, i love your episodes of the Byrne Out.
Great review, being 6ft 3 I've been aiming for one of these for a long time, BMW has always been the gold standard, but the triumph has really caught my eye for a while now
Just for info I’m 6’3” with long legs.
20 years ago I had the R1150GS and that went all round Europe in blissful two up comfort. Fast forward through Harley’s old and new ish, a Buell, a Yamaha MT-01 (a very underrated machine) and a 2016 R1200R.
The R1200R was sold because it was too cramped. Lovely bike but just a touch too short in leg room. The salesman caught me in a weak moment and for an extra 11hp and an undisclosed (how much…..) sum of cash a year old 2019 R1250GS Rally TE was mine.
If you’re tall it’s an incredible bike. The Adventure is a different dynamic, now I never thought it would be but I rode the GS & the GSA back to back. It’s the GS all the way.
Love to know how you get on, in early March they will no doubt have a surplus of part ex’d bikes with the registration change. Snap up a low mileage one old man owner. I know I did 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@PhilbyFavourites thanks mr. i ran a 2005 Kawasaki Z750S for 8 years and well that was small and i toured on it for 9 months, cramped didn't sum it up, after 50 miles I'd be stretching in all manners, so I think anything more upright for me will be heaven
What a great video, really enjoyed that, thanks. I'm a big fan of the AT too, as you say not the fastest, most powerful or lightest, but there's just something about it. I noticed the editor didn't spot the secondary display on the Africa Twin when the speedo was being blurred 😂😉
Great quality video. Imagery and scenery.
Plus Shane is brilliant as always.
Greetings from the Netherlands
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed the bikes, the Byrne and the Welsh scenery!
I used to live just off the A5 in this area and I totally agree with Shakey, the roads around there are absolutely brilliant, world class even. Great show mate, a real review from a real bloke. Nice one guys....
Any idea where the opening 5 min scenes were filmed ? I'd like to ride that road.
Hey Shakey. Cracking video. Agree result. Bmw and Triumph are brilliant but have more than enough of power, gadgets etc for any situation. Rode Africa Twin recently, hits the sweet spot. Comfy with enough go for the road. Snowdonia is superb,.. can't wait to visit again. Have you tried North Antrim Coast road? C 😀
The standard exhaust on the Africa twin has a valve too. Additionally the Africa twin will keep up with the bmw easily but suspect you didn’t have the dct in the sports setting. In D it shifts early.
Brilliantly shot and straight to the meat. Shakey is the guy to tell the truth and I loved this video.. Ta.
Are you doing some more of the Byrne Out episodes? It's without a doubt some of the best presentation and knowledge I've seen in these kind of tests/reviews. Also all the bike collection episodes are addictive. Please please please are you doung some more.? Thanks Martin
Finally a review where it isn't about money. People are also strapped for cash these days. Fewer are able to drop 20K! On a bike. Fantastic presentation, camera work, post production. Well done to "Everyone" on the TLBS. Keep Em Coming.
Loved this video. These are exactly the types of bikes that I am most interested in. I just feel so much more comfortable on normal roads sat in an upright position. Our roads in the Uk are so bumpy that you just don’t want a stiff bike and 100bhp is plenty, so the Honda feels just like the right choice for me too. Well done Shakey!
A half decent rider on an adventure bike will be just as quick on welsh twisties, I’m not even a quick a rider and I ride with knobbly tyres and a lot of sports bike riders I come across aren’t that good in corners.
I totally agree with your choice.
Perhaps one of the most genuinely enthusiastic reviewers and good to hear a few criticisms too.. It's funny with bikes. Some bikes I expected to wow me but for some strange reason, didn't. Where as something that on the spec sheet could be called a bit below par, you end up gelling with.
Down to earth honest review, respect Shanes on track results and his new career on this channel is spot on! Authority and knowledgeable always trust Shanes opinions keep it up
In March 2021, I bought a Ducati Streetfighter V4S as a bit of a treat. However, six months later I sold it and replaced it with a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports. I'm never going to sell the Honda. It's just such a loveable bike, and it'll go everywhere and do everything. Glad Shakey appears to love it as much as I do.
Do you find it has sufficient power? I have the r1200gsa at the moment but very tempted.
@@ericstephenson3607 I lost 108bhp when I switched bikes. I don't miss it 🙂
@@Rawricus thanks Martin appreciate it 👍
So... looks like im gunna have to book a bike tour of Wales before i leave. All great bikes, horses for courses. I personally love my 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT. It's my choice. Thanks Shakey
Very nice and sensible choice!
So I'm browsing 'Trader debating whether to blow money I don't have to spare on an Africa Twin when this video pops up on my notifications. When 'she' finds the bank statement I'm blaming Shakey.
Do it. Jonny is considering the same...
Gorgeous area. Hey Shakey, have you considered doing a cheap/beginner bike episode?
We have, and we will. Cheers Legotruck82
The Honda CB500x is a great little beginner bike. I've done 8000 miles on mine in 2022, much of it around North Wales and Snowdonia.
The first thing I noticed about the GS was the front end noice, they are all like that
Fantastic video and comparison. Particularly I had the BMW LC 1200, then I had the KTM 1290 SAS. Both fantastic bikes, highlighting the poise and agility in curves of the BMW, as well as the KTM engine (for me the best engine in this category). After suffering the immense heat that KTM gives off with its V-twin, I decided to change it. I tried the 2022 version of the AT in manual and DCT version. I tested the Triumph 2022 GT and rally. I finally opted for the Triumph Rally Pro version (20 liters) for the following reasons: 1) More comfortable seat and geometry (I'm 6.10 feet tall). 2) Suspensions are second to none. 3) The handling on mountain roads with a 21 tire is better than the AT. 4) It has a quick shifter similar or better than KTM. 5) The cardan shaft simplifies your life.
Maybe I got used to draw a smile under the helmet, with the sensations of the KTM engine. This Triumph engine is the closest (I discard Ducati because of its reliability). Maybe when I'm a few years older and need smoothness, automatic shifting and cushioned sensations, I'll reconsider the AT.
There’s one big thing going for the Honda…£5.5k cheaper, than the others. However, you can see why it’s so much cheaper. The quality of materials may be good, but it’s not exactly the doyen of technology or engineering. That swing arm looks like it came off a CB125! Again, that does mean that it’s cheaper to fix, especially when you drop it. It also means that buying a second hand one is cheaper too. Unfortunately, there’s those of us who prefer a BMW, and to pay a premium price for a premium bike. I chose an RT over the GSA, but I didn’t ever consider anything other than a BMW having owned one before and other bikes. Ownership is always better with the Beemer if you can afford it.
The noise at the front is the tyre. I spent ages with an airline trying to make the noise and couldn't. However, when I got the tyre chaged mid ride in Italy, it instantly disappeared.
Thanks - Which tyres did you go from and to? - Many thanks in advance
Excellent show , all done without notes and on the fly .. .😎
Fantastic. Having been a Honda girl all of my life, I had no doubt what the winner would be out of the three which u tested.
Excellent test, Shakey is brilliant at this.
Three great bikes! I agree on the winner. I just love the DCT. And the power is enough for the bike's purpose. I have the 2019 version with 95 PS and this already is sufficient for my style of riding.
Was the bmw fitted with bridgestone tyres. If so that was the noise you where getting.
Not a bike rider, but prefer this style of bike over others, so fab episode, great presentation and yes epic scenery! Perfect way to end it too!!
but the BMW headlight spells XC!!! How can you not love that??
Shane is simply a great reviewer. I'm never going to be in the market for another motorbike, unless I want a divorce but, I can pretend and live vicariously through Shane!
Good choice on the Honda, they know how to make a good bike. Great videos, keep it up
I did a Snowdonia tour on my Niken GT this year....I think you would have been a lot happier on one of those. Lol
Great video and those bikers coming the other way when he was riding the Honda had no idea who was on the bike! I hope they watch this! 👍
Great vid.
Road noise from the front tyre is a pain - different tyres can cure it...but should that be necessary?
The world is mad and the prices of these bikes are crazy too🤯
The wind roar that you're hearing from the R1250GS could well actually be the tyres in combo with something weird it does with the front fairing. I had the standard fit Bridgestones on mine and it was so loud that even at 30 or 40 mph if I didn't have earplugs in then it would be almost unbearable. I changed to the Michelin Road 6 (and same effect on the Road 5's) and the noise all but vanished.
Great video as always, you should come to North Wales more often Mr Byrne!
Well done shacky really enjoyed the video, I must say they are all great bike's but I'm with you on your decision thanks.
Oooh bike content from Late Brake Show is a nice change.
These are all dorky dad-bikes to me, but you can't deny the functional appeal to them. Loved the video, hoping to see more bike stuff in the future !
Thank you, glad you appreciated it.
I've never ridden a motorbike, and now I want an Africa Twin.
Loved this Shakey. The wind noise issue is a GS thing. Mine is the same. Still love it though.
I’m fortunate enough to have a Honda AT and a BMW RT”1250 RT (the touring equivalent of the GS) both great bikes.
If I could only have one bike I think I’d go Honda over BMW, based on styling, price and the fact that everyone thinks the GS is the daddy. This films suggests otherwise. Thank you.
Wonderful bikes
Cheeky little overtake on solid white line @ 8m 42secs 😁
I own a Ducati V4S it’s certainly a great road bike, it’s also very big and top heavy so good luck riding on rough dirt roads.
Change the the OEM Bridgestones for Conti’s, no noise!! We’ll know amongst GS’ers.
the road choice probably helped the honda, if you had to drive halfway across half of france first to get to simmilar roads in the alps the choice of bike might have been different, same if there had been off road and dirt and gravel heavy roads. where do the peopple who buy these bikes actually ride them?
For light off road and gravel plus the dailly commute would something like the Ducatti scrambler desert sled be a better choice
I have always had a hankering for a aftica twin, so in my eyes by far the winner althoughmi can see the others are nice in the own rights lovely video shakey
Nice one Shakey. Good to see you rode the Best one first.
Interesting review. Thing is though that you are comparing 2 dirt orientated bikes with a road orientated bike on slippery bitumen. The triumph gt explorer would have been a better comparison. It's lower with a smaller front wheel and more road biased tyres. The Honda is a bargain though if you want a fun all purpose bike.
Lovely job, Shakey
Fantastic video
We’re was it filmed
Great video. Love to know what the fuel economy is like on the AT. I assume it would be good. The old v twin was terrible. Sounds like the pick and so so much cheaper.
If the BMW had the michelin anakee tyres on or panakies as i call them, then that is what causes the awful noise. I've had three BM's and the first thing I do is bin them. Michelin road 6 transforms the bike.
AS good as Adventure Biles are, I'm too small to ride or feel comfortable on them. Had a MTS 1200S from 2012 and whilst I enjoyed it, it always felt a little too big (height I'm 5ft 10in). Prefer the Monster 1200R (Current bike) or the V2 SF. Hopefully you'll get a 'full-time' Journo gig sometime soon, no Pun (ditry intended). Seriously though, Great YT video Shakey 👍🤣🤣
Don't miss the opportunity to be the first english speaking reviewers to review the tenere 700 world raid :)
Okay so you’re getting better and better shaky I’m not just saying this to me big headed but I was really good when you consider most people there are deer off road is Tescos that was a really good review. Keep doing it Michael
I have same bike Shane but a 2018 version and she's amazing chosen wisely mate 👍
Can you ask Honda to give you the ADV 350, I’m taking mine from Bristol to Zaragoza this summer. If the Africa Twin is the Land Cruiser, the ADV 350 is the Panda 4x4. Sub £6k new and gravel road compatible, would love to see Shakey on one over some fire roads. While you’re at it get Shakey on the X-ADV and 300 Rally too if Honda are kind to you, would be fun to see a review of all 4 Hondas on/off road.
Would love to know where this review starts, looks fantastic.
llyn ogwn, nant ffrancon pass
Hi Shakey great review- I’m not surprised on Honda winning 🎉 I had two Honda transalps in the past great machines…..won’t set the world on fire just great fun on two wheels
Just because I'm a bit nerdy... the rear brakes on the BMW are 276mm single disc with a double piston floating caliper not 305mm as stated... (sorry)!!
Fair few facts were incorrect. I think the 1250gs should do 140mph with 137hp and the weight is not 242kg he even said the triumph was 17kg lighter than the next shaft drive bike. Does that miss the v85tt though at 229kg
I live and ride in north wales I love the roads here I also ride a triumph what a great video guys thanks
I chose the AT as well - that is what I ride, a kitted out AT - for the next 20 years - this bike is so good. No hate on BMW, but their GS looks like a stuffed pig. Nothing compares to Honda reliability either.
Good review , I’ve got the beemer and it’s tyre noise.
Cool bikes, for the older gent, maybe.
I’m on the fence about this video. The scenery is indisputably stunning, even in winter, adventure bikes are the Swiss Army knives/Range Rovers of the two wheeled world and Shaky had some good points to make. For me though it was the editing. Obviously you just took the audio and added it to random footage of each bike. Cuts between shoots were not always to location the previous shot was in and then the next one jumped back to the previous location. All to disjointed.
Where in 🏴?
The front end noise from the GS is tyre dependent.
Put a different brand and it disappears.
I have the older BMW R1200 GS air cooled bike as well as the BMW R nineT, so I am obviously bias to BMW.
I went to South Africa last month and rented the Honda Africa Twin with DCT. I am 192cm tall and weigh 142kg so not a small guy.
I found the Honda uncomfortable and needed to stop every hour and a half to stretch legs. Something I don’t have to do on my GS.
There are way too many buttons and modes on the Honda. I am an old school biker with 35 years experience on bikes and I like to decide when, where and how much power I want to apply. Yes you can switch it all off on the Honda, but every time you switch the bike off it defaults with some of the nanny modes back on when you next get back on it. I was very disappointed with the off road handling as well as an incredibly vague gearbox that always seemed to be in the wrong gear and it took ages to kick down. My old GS is lighter than the Honda at 226kg. The Honda is also very top heavy especially with a full tank of fuel which aided to the bad handling on dirt roads.
And yes I do think that the Honda needs a bit more power or at least a better way of delivery. Perhaps slightly shorter gearing would solve the problem. It was gutless at low rpm and when the power did come in at higher rpm combined with bad handling on dirt roads and me sometimes forgetting to switch off traction control it was a dog to handle.
The other irritating things were that I often pressed the hooter instead of indicator and often I managed to switch on the heated grips unintentionally due to bad button placement. This was not fun at 42 degrees celsius.
I fail to see what all the hype about the Africa Twin is.
Maybe I am too big for it, and too old. I don’t need a gazillion of buttons and modes to worsen my bike riding.
GS1250 noise - yep it's the front tire. I have a GS1250 and mine is the same. so much road noise through the front tire. It's pretty disappointing. The older GS1200 didn't have that issue
The 6k or 7k difference in price is a lot. The triumph is shaftdrive and seems really good and ive heard the finish on fasteners is bad. The BMW wont be cheap for servicing and they seem to have some electrical gremlins and reliability issues too. Fine for a few years until the bike is past the initial guarantee. A lot of money just for the prestige of that BMW GS badge made famous by Ewan and Charlie but Alan Sanders took an 800cc triumph tiger around the world with no gremlins and did over 50000 miles in africa, Asia, with the awful roads and needed it to be rugged, reliable and not too difficult to service and maintain himself and those 800 motors were gopd for at least 170000 miles showing no wear and not burning oil. Obviously the 1200 engine is shaft drive and a different animal but for its size range, weight and design it really is a beautiful on and off road practical tourer thats well proven over a good few years now. No sprag clutch issues, much improved electrics and a peach of an engine. I love their triple engines and that was an old 900 triple. They are so much more reliable, refined now and even better brakes. They were really good before but i dont have 19k. Maybe a trophy 1200 second hand for me.
Love your racing it was fantastic top drawer, but this?
I’m a Honda boi through and through, they are the most forgiving, easiest to get on and go smoothly. Other bikes make you look cooler in the cafe, this one makes you ride better longer faster etc etc etc. I love em all but Hondas win with what seems like less…..
Suspension ???
The Intro: talking about KTM being the most winning manufacturer, yet missing in this video...
I've ridden the 1250, CRF1100 and a tiger. Comparing the three I must say I'd take the KTM 890advR over these uninspiring other bikes.the tiger is dull and heavy (the tiger800 I've ridden). The crf is a people pleaser, but very unexciting. The 1250 is just way to big and heavy and the quickshifter was really terrible: I could shift smoother myself without using the clutch.
The CRF I've owned for 1.5years. I fell in love like you on the test ride. But after 1.5 years I noticed I'd only done 6500km. After a lot of reflection I think it's because the Honda is a people pleaser: uninspiring and very unexciting. I've got an old f800gs and did 5800km in 1.5 months.
This does not come from a KaTooM fanboy, but comes from a 2 time f800gs owner with 100k+ km of BMW ownership: if I had this budget and more faith in KTM build quality I'll take an 890advS for the excitement and play fullness!
Can't stand the dct drive give me a full manual any day, for me the 1250gs is class leader but I do love my v4 multistrada but that doesn't come out in winter use my GS during winter.
As for the wind noise I don't have that issue maybe it's the screen position.
My 2022 GSA doesn’t have any wind noise. It’s superb and I have no issues riding it for 4 hours without a stop. Super comfy. It just does everything so well. Great review though , even though you got it wrong lol.
Nice video. But it is a pity, that the verdict on BMW and Triumph refers to the machine power : do we need so much power.. Then referring to comfortness: Honda, brand new, you felt comfortable from the beginning. On Triumph not on the first ride, almost the opposite, no more details - but again questioning power. No complain about the power-question from my side, but comparing comfort with power? No! With none of this three you will have fun on heavy offroad tracks, no matter if 240 or 260kg. Next verdict: maximum speed. BMW: 134mls/h, we cannot ride this on the roads we are used to ride... No, we can't, but we also cannot ride 125 mls/h (Honda, Triumph)! Do 9m/h make the difference? Do you? And finally no verdict about mileage: BMW is proven the best, Triumph and Honda behind. My verdict: You fell in love with the Honda ;-) (And I am not a BMW Rider)
My mates, all very experienced dirt riders, rode Africa for a week.
They rode Suzuki V-Strom 650's - and had a wonderful time.
I rode one of these BMW GS elephants - huge mistake - I had the worst weeks dirt riding in my whole life!
These are not dirt bikes! I could not wait to get off that pig every night! A nightmare.
Bit odd to reference the Dakar and then go to Wales to test ride 3 dual-sport bikes and then not go off-road at all.
Honda 👍
These bikes these days with all the technology on them are becoming more like cars! Just think years ago when you seen someone with heated grips on their bike you used to call them rotten, now it’s the first option we all tick 😂
I’ve ridden several GSA’s and wasn’t impressed. The tanks are huge and not conducive to any serious off-road.
Bmw is tyre noise not wind
These have gotten about as far from the 'Dakar' origins as could have been imagined. The 'mid-sized' 700 to 900 cc bikes are a lot closer to the original bikes, just much faster, better handling and more versatile.
Really interesting point of view. I am seriously looking at an adventure bike but have always discounted the Honda as being too off road focussed
Time to take another look?
@@TheLateBrakeShow These bikes are an "Adventure" of-road until about 10.00am.
After that they are nightmare!
Get yourself a nice second hand old XL600 Honda. You will be much happier with your "adventure"!
remember best terms in the planet NICE AWES0ME🎉✨🎉✨🎉🎉🎎🎭🎎🎭🎎🎭🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑✨🎆
I hope Shakey is a permanent part of the channel Johnny he is superb.
Thank you. Well, if we can keep growing the audience and the sponsorship partners (EBC have been excellent to get us this far) then we'd love to bring long form (varied) bike content to TLBS.
Essential watching!
Totally agree with your choice, I have the CRF 1000, I came from a Honda Blackbird, I see more of the world when I'm riding the AT, as I ride slower and have time to look around more.. 100 bhp is plenty on the road these days.. I've ridden mine to the Black sea and back, it was the perfect bike for me to do the trip.. Oh .. In my humble opinion, it's the best looking of the adventure bikes.. great vid ..
87hp but i also have 1 and its enough
I got rid of a blackbird partly for the reasons you list. Curling up like a possessed woodlouse and hammering the piss out of it wasn't that big or clever. I've gone to COMPLETELY the other end of the scale and got some honda Cubs now and have 10x more fun. I think the reason for that is how limited they are. They are just enough machine to propel you forwards so anything you manage to get done on them feels like a proper achievement.
Really enjoyed this review 👏 And totally agree with the result. This Honda is one of the most universal bikes for touring purposes. Engine performance is just enough, you can easily go on or off road, suspension so smooth, the sound of standard exhaust 👌 It’s not about driving 150+ km/h, even if it is still possible. I have my second Africa Twin in last 6 years. First was 2018 basic AT model. Last year replaced it by newer 1100ccm ATAS and this could definitely be the only bike for the rest of my life ❤
Beautifully filmed and edited. Shakey's review is a welcome real world change from the usual, without loosing too much fun, blurring tactically applied to parts of the screen, as the grin factor grew.
Just love the sound of that Africa Twin. And love how the DCT uses the low down torque on that engine to just chug about effortlessly with out needing to wind the bike up. It maybe less powerfull but also lower compression ratio and has peak torque lower down the RPM
Let's be honest. Most of the time these bikes will be on the bitumen out the front of a coffee shop. Most guys buy a 1000cc+ dual sport for the look. Not because they can actually ride one off road. Any serious off roader who wants to dual sport will be looking at the 600-800cc bikes.
Exactly. Will never see dirt. Makes me sad when I see an ADV bike with a metal top box and panniers 🤦♂️ the extras catalogue is where the true offroad bike goes to die 😅
Not personally interested in riding one of those bikes but it was great watching Shakey again.
Huge improvement in camera work from the first bike video. Very professional amongst that stunning background. Well done.
Hats off to James Hillier for finishing the Dakar with that massive injury. Great achievement 👍🏻
I was like that, but after 10 GSXR’s and an MT10, I’ve just bought an Africa Twin and after only a couple of months, it is probably the best bike I’ve ever had, it is fabulous to ride.
Shakeys a natural road tester 🙌 I remember the old days and the Fast Bikes videos down to the South of France on Busas etc 😝 they were fu$%in crazy times lol