HONDA AFRICA TWIN REVIEW | Pros and Cons | RIDE Adventures
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- Опубліковано 13 січ 2020
- #AfricaTwin #HondaAfricaTwin #HondaAfricaTwinReview
🏍️Welcome ADV riders to another review video. We've been riding the 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports all over the world now and we are now ready to give it the full review. However, since there have not been many significant changes between the 2018 and 2019 versions we have blended this video to a more recent model overview rather than a specific year. Hence no year in the title.
Also as you will notice we also had to touch base on the 2020 Africa Twin since we are very excited and we cannot wait to do a review as soon as we get one in.
Well, as always, thanks for joining and we hope you get a lot of value from watching our ADV motorcycle review videos. Make sure to help support us by hitting like or you can say thank you directly by coming on one of our trips!
★★Eric's Riding Gear ★★
Some of which he's worn for the last 10 years...Literally.
Helmet: amzn.to/2MGMfc7
Face Shield: amzn.to/36ZUh6B
Neck Brace: amzn.to/3tHISSL
Jacket: amzn.to/36Yzwbw
Body Armor: amzn.to/2LA5D9Y
Jersey: amzn.to/2MGt1mV
Gloves: amzn.to/36Z1Sm2
Padded Shorts: amzn.to/3rHN6rR
Pants: amzn.to/36Y2j02
Knee pads: amzn.to/3p71AQ4
Sock liner: bit.ly/3ayOMfS
Boots: amzn.to/3qj7I9D
💻Check us out at bit.ly/RIDEAdventures - Авто та транспорт
Bought this. And I love it so much. So much fun to ride and very capable.
Glad you're enjoying. Such a great all-around bike. RIDE on!
You do really great reviews and tutorials.
AllTruckeredoutADV, thanks for that great feedback. Next video coming out is on the new Yamaha Tenere 700, and plenty more ahead every other Tuesday. RIDE on!
I've been researching this bike for months in anticipation of purchasing one later this winter/early spring. Your review is exactly what I have been looking for. Great information presented very concisely. Thank you! Take my "Subscribe"!
James, pardon the late response, but did you get that new bike yet? Thanks for the note either way, and enjoy when you do!
I sure did!
Another Great and Informative Video. Much Thanks!
Our pleasure, thanks for saying so!
I have this exact bike and love it. Great engine tune they did on it. exhaust note almost sounds after market. Id say the only down side for me is its really top heavy with that full tank. Great review.
Totally agree, great sounding engine. Thanks for sharing and the feedback.
I agree with ShooterMedic. I bought my 2019 with the thought of changing the exhaust in mind….. then I rode it! Needless to say, I won’t be changing it… one of the best sounding stock exhausts in my opinion.
Nice video, thanks for the review!
Thanks, Page Twelve, and we're glad if helps. Review of the 2020 Africa Twin coming soon.
Thanks for the channel. When will you review the newer model of the Africa Twin Adventure?
I really like your videos. Hoping to book a ride with you guys one of these days.
Thanks for that, come join us anytime! We have lots going on.
Great video and review. Totally agree with your comments. A cons I'd probably mention is that oem handguards, as well as the light bar you replaced, really sucks! Cheers from italy
Daniele, excellent point. The half-clasped handguards, flimsy like that, are a bit on the "eh" side. Like the omission of a center stand, all part of offering the bike for such a low price, we suppose. Original light bars and skid plates will be online for sale from folks for years to come for very low prices :)
Hi Eric great video and review is right on. I toured my 2017 AT with all the modifications that became standard on the 2019 model from Canada to Patagonia and home again with not 1 problem or miss step from the bike. I rode a lot of high altitude / above 4000m with ZERO drop in power or performance or gain in fuel consumption. The tainted /low quality fuel I did have to use a few times in remote areas that came from an old plastic jug that a farmer had...or similar, only affected the spark plugs and then only after more than 7-8000km of operation.
I would like to add to your review that the fitting of panniers can pose a few minor difficulties that requires some creative solutions. As the exhaust pipes are a little on the fragile side if the bike were to be dropped on the right hand side, I mounted a set of Heppco Bekker C bow frames, they fit easily and worked just as planned , that is roll over protection. I traveled with soft baggage and these worked very well to keep the baggage in place, and off the hot exhaust. I would recommend this be done or something similar. the newer AT model is also easier to fit the soft luggage over as the grab rail for passengers is redesigned and more stream line so the fitting is better.
Great to see you using a more nimble machine on your tours now too! Good idea!
Mark, thanks for the note, and isn't it a great bike? --- Good notes and thoughts on the sidecases, and yep, we're using more of the Giant Loop soft bags now as it's just so much easier for protecting the frame, bike, possibly rider, etc. In fact, we have another video coming out about that soon (soft luggage vs. hard.) RIDE on!
Now they need to make a 750cc to compete with KTM and Yamaha. I'd honestly rather own a Honda, but the Tenere 700 is the best bet for now.
Rumors of an Africa Twin 800 have been circulating.....
Honda happy to clean-up on segments they do well in, like cB500x.
@@RIDEAdventures and we’re still waiting. And waiting. Annnndddd waiting…. 😐👨🏽🦳💀✝️
Great review!
Thanks!
Great bike & it’s a Honda. I short listed it, the KTM, & the GS. After researching ad nauseam I ended up buying the GS: 19” front handles better on the street, low center of gravity, more power, & my riding is 80/20 with no single track.
I love my 2017 Africa Twin and the new 2020 is a gem
That 2017 may run for a long, long time.....so enjoy : )
@@RIDEAdventures not planning to change it too much invested in to it😬
That 2020 is really a gem. Darn good bike!
AT actually it's a great bike. I'm thinking if worth change my F800GSA on it...
Great review dude! 😉✊🏻💨
Thanks! 👍 More videos ahead, as mentioned, 790 vs. 700 this coming Sunday : )
@@RIDEAdventures 😉✊🏻💨
I love my '18 ATAS and was a little jealous of some of the additions for 2020. That was before the pricing though. I think I will stick to and continue to be happy with my bike. First thing I did to it though was add the center stand. Then better hand guards and engine protection to follow. Thanks for a good evaluation of it's strengths and weaknesses. Every bike is a compromise and every rider an individual.
Cougar 299, enjoy that 2018! Yep, we're wishing they hadn't hiked-up the price, as higher bike prices means 'less money leftover for using the bike' for everyone. Even our rental Customers, as the more expensive the bike is, the more we have to charge per day. The 2016-19 years will be highly regarded for a long time. The 2020+ will be less so, on the point that now it's so much more expensive.
Nice video. Great looking bike.
Thanks! Yea, where as some bikes seem to have faces 'only a mother could love,' this one's got the looks : )
Another point worth mentioning is that if someone is used to narrow bike in the knee area the Adventure Sports model is not... I am used to sliding forward on previous bikes to hug that tank when needed but this one pushes your knees further out
Excellent point, and certainly worth noting, especially if someone is deciding between the Standard and Adventure Sports versions of the Africa Twin. We had noticed other riders saying the same thing, that they're glad to have the extra fuel, but wished it wasn't feeling so bulky between the knees. Hopefully everyone gets a test ride or rental experience before committing to a purchase. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!
I have a 2018 ATAS also and I think your review is spot on except for the long distance riding capability. IMO this bike is a 300-400 mile a day bike.. also one problem that is world wide in hot environments is the coating inside the gas tank clogging the pre filter and fuel pump. It has happened to my bike twice now but Honda did cover it under warranty
Oops, if we discredited the AT for it's long distance ability. ----- Yep, amazing timing that you mention that fuel tank issue. Four seasons in Patagonia, and here in Oregon, and never a problem...never a single issue with these bikes (other than popping fork seals.) Suddenly 2 weeks ago, we had 2 ATAS's bogging down in the middle of nowhere eastern Oregon on a group tour. Fortunately, our Support Truck Mechanic was able to just clean the pre-filters on the spot, and the bikes continued just fine. --- Thanks for the note and RIDE on!
RIDE Adventures Honda will replace the fuel pumps under warranty even though they are out of warranty. The only reason I had the problem the second time was because the gas tank was replaced . The second time they just cleaned the tank
I love riding in Idaho
Last week did a +1000km day. No problem.
Great review. Like others I initially thought it would be about the 2020 bike but found myself still really enjoying it.
If I could make a review request, could you please do the 2020 V Strom 1050 XT when available and do you have any V Strom 1000 XT's in your fleet and what are they like. Thanks.
C M, thanks. We actually don't have VStroms at this time, but that will likely change as folks are drawn to the incredible riding we have around here in the Pacific Northwest and Oregon. Such a great bike for the purchase/ daily rental price, so great in the amazing paved twisties and sweepers we have, so great for carrying a passenger, and yet very capable when we ride past that dirt road and wonder....."hmm.......wonder where that goes?" Remember to Subscribe and click Notifications, and you'll see when we post VStrom reviews.
This is an incredible helpful video - I feel that you present pros & cons fairly and objectively. I have been debating purchasing a 2017 AT with very low KM (I'm in Canada) or a 2017 F800GS. I am 5'8" and 220lbs. Do you have any comments about which might be the better choice for me? Also, I'm really interested to know your thoughts on the DCT on the AT... Do you feel it should be avoided or is the paddle shifting option ok for off-road?! Look forward to feedback.
Chris, thanks for the great feedback, we're truly glad if these videos help anyone. ----- No offense to the F800GS.....we've been using them for years with pretty good results, but the Africa Twin would be our choice. Just given the reliability comparisons, performance of the two bikes....the AT is such a better value. As of a few months ago, a Portland, Oregon dealer had 2017's still available for only $9500. If there's a better value for anyone looking to buy a bike, and keep it and ride it forever with the least amount of problems or maintenance issues......it probably exists......on another planet than Earth, though : ) ----- DCT: Honestly, none of us have ever even tried it. In 4 years, we've had only 2 requests for rentals to have DCT, so never bought one. But those 2 requests were from owners who have DCT at home, and love it. Hope that helps! More videos ahead, tomorrow's being Tenere 700 vs. 790 Adventure R. You're probably sized-better for the Africa Twin though.
Wow! You are LEGIT! I did not expect a reply so quickly! Thanks ever so much! You just told me exactly what I needed to hear. As a newbie, it's easy to get confused/sold by passionate riders who are less than objective! A lot of my buddies ride KTM'S and they are OVER THE TOP biased... I just don't feel like I'd be happy with one. Truthfully, the BMW appeals because it's German and I'm a German car guy - I know, that makes ZERO sense! I'm going to get the AT for sure. More importantly, when we are allowed to travel again, I will be coming on one of your tours. I look forward to learning more from you
Thank you very much! Safe riding to you.
@@chrisdocksteader6420, glad if it helps. Ultimately, any one of these bikes could work out great for you. Some KTM and BMW owners never have a single issue, so our viewpoint might be biased in that we're managing/operating so many of them.....and so we do see the issues and trends between mfg's. Stats are there though, and nothing's more reliable than the Yam/Honda/Suzuki/Kawi bikes. Four seasons of AT's, and only a couple of leaking fork seals to report : ) Have fun with yours, and see you when the time is right.
Hello! I really appreciate all the details!!!! I subcribed to your channel a while ago because everything look professional. My question is ... I am thinking between a 2021 Honda Africa Twin andeventure ES and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Which bike do you think will be better ? I am 5'11'' 210 pounds. The Tiger come with more stuff like the quick shifting, heater Seat, and a plug to connect a heater Jacket. The Honda come with electronics suspension I do not know if the electronics suspension will be good because I never own one. The Tiger is less money as well. I would like to know what is your pesrsonal opinion. Thanks in Advance!!!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Welcome. --- Hard for us to comment on the Tiger 900, as none of us have ridden it yet. If it's anything like the 800's, great bike no doubt. Electronic features maybe cancel each other out, in that they both have them. Which do you enjoy sitting over, or riding more? Pretty hard to go wrong with either bike, so look forward to having made the right decision and not looking back and wishing you had chosen the other : )
@@RIDEAdventures thank you for replying back. Hopefully you can get one Tiger 900 rally pro before I decide. Will be nice watch your review. Have a good day !!! Take care !!
do reviews on the smaller adventure bikes. I love my Himalayan, but I am on the fence about moving up to more HP off road. But other smaller bikes like the 300-500cc range bikes.
So noted, we'll get some more done soon.
Hi, thanks for your reviews. Simple and clear and useful info.
I have a 16 model, standard and manual, that I bought used 18 months ago. Still 9000miles. It fits perfectly to me as I am 6'3".
I am not very experienced rider and am trying to learn off roading (soft). I dropped her a few times, mainly because lack of training.
I don't do long travels and always single, although I appreciate its comfort on motorways.
Do you think that is worth trading it for a Tenere 700 as its a bit lighter and nimble?
I rode already the T7 but never off road as i don't feel ok with dropping a friends bike.
Thanks.
Thanks for asking and the great feedback. Wish we could say for sure which bike is best for you, but in case you didn't see.....we actually made a video that might help you decide: ua-cam.com/video/a8E-e8fncTs/v-deo.html
Great, thanks
I have an Africa Twin, I would NOT describe it as Agile, off road its better than most other 230kg adventure bikes but it still a handful off road.
Right, I think we referred to it as 'a bit more agile than some of the 1200cc pigs in the market' or something like that. With it's more slender shape than an R1250GS Adventure for example, hope you're enjoying it.
Awesome!
Thanks, nikvfr1 : ) RIDE on!
Did you ever have any fuel tank issues with any of your Africa twin Adventure Sports? Mine started sputtering and stuff when trying to accelerate hard. Tore it down and and the tank had all this metallic crap plugging the fuel screen in the sending unit. I hear it's some sort of coating they put in that breaks down or something along those lines.
Yep, two of the ATAS's (the only 2 that are AS versions) started showing signs of restriction a few months ago. Fortunately, the same pretty-easy cleaning job you mentioned keeps them going. Honda did offer replacement fuel pumps under warranty (even though out of warranty), although the pumps themselves are fine. Just needed to clean the filters.
@@RIDEAdventures I went to my dealer to get answers. They said they couldn't tell me if it was a warranty thing unless they took it apart and submitted a claim. I just felt they said that in case it wasn't under warranty they could then charge me for taking it apart. It was easy enough, though. On a side note, your tours look amazing. Maybe someday I'll have the funds.
@@arnoldis24, thanks, and yea, keep in mind our Self-Guided/Rental versions of our group trips are quite popular for keeping the costs down. Still incredible riding and adventures. --- Interesting about the dealer, and indeed, it seems like this "sort of a recall" by Honda. As in .....they'll take care of it if you call Honda USA for example, but the local Honda dealers know nothing about it.
What is this fixation with centre stands on off road bikes? Is it an american thing? Not only does it weigh more but being a higher bike centrestands have to be bigger and more difficult to use. How about a video on sidestands and all the advantages they have(like turning a bike 360 etc).
Yea, they add some weight and cost, but can be a major convenience and safety factor when fixing flat tires (especially those that have tubes in them.) Also for storage, straight-up instead of leaning to the side. ---- We do have our video on 4 Turn-Arounds, one of them being the kickstand move you mentioned: ua-cam.com/video/UGEBC2WHsgw/v-deo.html
What are your opinions of the "high fender" replacement kits that are available for this bike? What sort of rider/s are those fenders suited for? Are there any _Cons_ to keeping the standard (low) front fender?
We haven't actually tried any of the kits, but the Africa Twin has decent spacing in there to begin with. In case that sticky-mud is ever encountered. (Higher would be better though.)
I guess the new Africa Twin since 2020 has sub frame bolted already.
How tall are u? Is there a cruze control option? Great review
About 6'3" but with only a 32" inseam, and yes. On that 2018, they didn't have cruise control, but newer models do. Have fun and thanks for watching!
@@RIDEAdventures thanks mate
Hope honda got the heated grips updated, early years...not too hot. Literally. Love my 2016 DCT. No mention of close fitting front fender? MUD :( And still no tubeless tires?
With 5 temperature options on that switch, they nailed that side of it. Just the position of it is ridiculous, so easy to bump accidentally. Fender is pretty close, no? ---- Looks like tubeless rims for 2020. Of course there are pluses and minuses to that : )
Awsome
Any overall comments between riding the cb500x and the Africa twin? Is the power difference very pronounced and is the ride quality very different?
Kim, yes, quite a difference in power to weight ratio, and the Africa Twin's suspension compenentry and adjustability set it ahead of the CB500X for sure. Both enjoyable bikes....definitely a case of spend more = get more.
RIDE Adventures thanks man really enjoy your channel!
@@KimCruz1, glad if you enjoy or if it helps :)
Out of all the adv bikes I’ve been looking at for a few months, Ive come to realize that I want something light , relatively cheap, rugged and simple that can go anywhere. So i think for right now my mind is set on the Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR ( long range ) I know it’s not an adv bike per say but it will do everything I need and plus I’m not traveling acrossed the US anytime soon.
An Africa Twin would be in 2nd place if the 701 didn’t pan out, great video!
Beauty is, all bikes mentioned sure can be a part of adventures. Something like the 701 Enduro LR of course could be left half full, making it a bit more agile for a local day in single track. Then fill-it-up when you're ready to head on a long trip. Versatility, options, capabilities.....we likey : )
Look into the 701 Enduro Rally kit. Very nice adv kit.
RIDE Adventures yep!
Shane Keulen yea I’ve been looking into that as well, they look the business. Lots of customizable fun in my future for sure 👍🏻
How about a review of the Moto Guzzi V85 TT?
Looking forward to it, but it may be a while. Until we have MotoGuzzi representation & sales in our hometown of Bend, Oregon......it's not likely. Thanks for inquiring though.
Hello,
Your exhaust com from a 2016/2017 at!
Why this choice?
Not sure we understand? This bike was a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports with the original exhaust still on it.
Yes! I knew there would probably be a payoff of some sort if I sat and listened thru all those damn advice videos that make me feel like a jerk-
Having Eric sets us straight on the AT is turning my long term goal into an impulse buy real quick.
nice
My bike. Loving it more everday. Capable on and off road when you understand how to ride it.
Only problem, a little too heavy. 200 kg wet would be great.
A _full tank_ of gas adds a fair bit of extra weight to it, too.
Hi,
Do you prefer Ténéré 700 or africa twin? And why?
Watch for our upcoming video "Size Matters" on exactly this topic! (Hint: That was the answer.)
Whats the top speed
Huge gas tank - 25 litres, I think. To keep weight down, don't fill it to capacity.
The best
Such a great bike!
Was expecting a review of the 2020.....in 2020
Ha, yep, funny how other work and our video recording/production schedule gets 'let-out' a bit sometimes. Still a relevant review though, as riders will appreciate the 2016-19 models for a long time to come.
Here you go, your review: "2020 Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 Review
ua-cam.com/video/zGuqX9YHXxo/v-deo.html
_- Your welcome._
africa twin bounced a lot with the 2020 model compared to the models before, it also offered a lot of equipment but a dizzyingly high price, now my opinion is that it should not have entered this segment bmw gs because it is a competition that is not financially achievable for the normal driver , I am convinced that they will move further away from their standard customers than gain customers from gs or tigers ...
Yep, a manufacturer as well-experienced as Honda probably had this well planned out: Make a huge statement by re-releasing a reliable, fun, excellent machine back into the marketplace at a category-leading low price. Then, give it a few years, let 'the word get out' about what a great value/bike it is, and then add-in $1000 more in mfg costs, but crank up the price by $3-4k or whatever it is. ----- We will still be buying them, cause they're great, and will probably still lead the category in terms of reliability. A point that is absolutely essential for us as a Rental Operator.
RIDE Adventures i disagree with you, bmw gs has a long history in the high luxury segment it gives, the difference of 1000e that is currently in my country can not justify a motorcycle that is under 30 hp and 150ccm or with the equipment bmw offers, even though africa is in that segment greatly improved the offer, I'm a big Honda fan but this was in my opinion stupid and not thought out, gs is a motorcycle bought by motorists with greater opportunities and this is known in the motorcycle world ....
@@MM1300R, we're not claiming to know the exact pricing difference from market to market, but if it's only a 1000Eur difference for you, then of course that makes the Africa Twin less unique. --- Not sure what you mean about 'under 30hp and 150ccm' though, as that definitely is not the case with the 1000cc/95hp Africa Twin. --- While we've enjoyed 10+ years now relying on the BMW's, and many of our Customers have had incredible life experiences renting GS's from us, let's be clear: BMW quality is not what it used to be, nor is their quality as top-level as Honda's quality standards in this adventure bike category.
RIDE Adventures everything is about money and you get a honda for it there is no excuse for so much price increase because it gives too little power as well as upgrade options, bmw as bmw has its customers but they in their segment did not go over the other about this story ...
@@MM1300R , we agree, the 2020 Honda's new features probably don't justify the price increase. Probably just part of their original marketing/pricing strategy we suggested above.
These would make a cool looking scrambler
In my opinion, as the owner of the 2018 model, the weight of the motorcycle and the width of the tank are problematic. And no full tank off-road!
Otherwise I have nothing to object to!
Yea, it seems to be a rider's femur length that has some people bothered by the tank. Just curious, are you long-legged? Eric has only about a 32" inseam, so it doesn't bother him so much.
Isi a 700 cc??
Rhys, this bike was a 2018, when they were 1000cc's. Starting 2020, they're now 1100cc's.
Be nice if they had an 800cc AT. 1L is just too big for much beyond gravel
Hang on, rumor has it the TransAlp 800 is coming. Maybe 2022.
Saw a guy riding one yesterday with shorts and flip flops :facepalm:
No center stand for this kind of money ?!?
Calin, yep, that's part of how/why Honda has been able to offer so much bike for such a low cost. Showroom sticker prices wouldn't have been so low had it been included. Still an incredible value, these 2016-19 years. Grab one if you haven't :)
Mine was included but they where having issues with the clip breaking so I received it a month after purchase with the revised clip.
@@Macca260 No bike deserve the price of a car.
@@Macca260, interesting, we never saw one included, but did have a C-clip problem with one of them.
@@fcalin21 You shouldn't compare the price of bikes with cars,bikes have a much lower production rate then cars, but... you would expect a hand built Ferrari would cost you more then a KIA
Just subscribe because you ride an AT.
It's such a great bike! Hope you're enjoying yours.
This bike is just way to heavy
+ no cruise control
May everyone's roads be so twisty and varied that they never need it : )
@@RIDEAdventures True, but I need highway to get to twisties :-)