2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports CRF1000L2 Review
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Dirt Bike Test's Jimmy Lewis and Jon Beck give a detailed test review of Honda's latest Africa Twin. After extensive testing both on and off-road we break down the adventure touring machine.
Jimmy you're spectacular as always! I took your class in Parumph about a year ago and, even though I had no business being there for my level, you were fantastically supportive and patient. I can't thank you enough. You're the jedi master of dirt riding!!
Jimmy Lewis - you are a legend in my book. I have been reading your articles in moto magazines forever. The paper ones that we got in the mail. Yes, I still have those magazines and still read those articles!!!
Best real discussion I've seen so far on the AT and even better that it is about the 2018 model. Congrats both of you. Subscribed!!
Best Africa Twin review by far. Well done to you both.
Agree! Professional, but not over produced or fake.
You guys would have to be the best for reviews that I have watched over the last 12 months. Thank you
The only reason to have a quarter ton 1000cc motorcycle is it's road worthiness. It will always be less than stellar in the dirt because of the weight. But the AT is probably one of the better ones off road. On road, there are better adventure bikes.
Great review guys! I don't know how I wasn't subscribed to the channel but I'm subscribed now! Any upcoming shootouts with the Africa Twin and the KTM 1090coming up? I'm in the market for another Adventure bike and as you know I love and have spent many hours building and making parts for the KTM! I would be interested to know witch you think would be a better platform for me? Keep up the great work and thank you both for review!
GREAT JOB ! MR. LEWIS GOOD HAVING YOU TEST AND EVALUATE MOTORCYCLES !
SO MANY HAVE PONTIFICATED ON AND ON ABOUT THE NEW AFRICA TWIN , WHICH JUST ENDS WITH BASELESS COMMENTS FROM VERY SHORT TERM AND SHORTMINDED TIME SPENT ON THE MACHINE !
I WAITED A LONG TIME FOR HONDA TO PRODUCE THIS LEVEL OF A RE ENTRY INTO "ADVENTURE" TYPE MOTORCYCLE.
I HAD MY ORDER PLACED FROM MY LONG TIME DEALER ( SINCE 1980) , IN TACOMA ,WA. , 2016 ,DCT , LOTS OF ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASED AND INSTALLED BY ME , NOW 3K MILES, MOSTLY OFF ROAD , ONLY ISSUE, A COALENT LEAK !
AS YOU STATED , DCT VERY MUCH LIKE " RECLUSE " TYPE CLUTCH, BUT SOO SMOOTH IN ALL RIDING APPLICATIONS !
THANK YOU.
I just came from a 2016 BMW 1200 GS for this bike. I am getting used to it and I hoping I didn't make the wrong decision. The reason I made the decision is that I wanted an Adventure capable bike that would be better off road than the GS, although the GS is great. This bike is cheaper and I have a dealer close by. I have the DCT and I have been grabbing for clutch! So far the Africa Twin is fantastic. I also considered the KTM as I am a KTM fan boy as well. Thanks for a great video, guys!
And dont know about you but not to mention serious reliability issues with GS. I am considering throwing away my 2017 GS to get a bike that will not cost me 2000 euros every 6 months
@@karoloskoutsogiannopoulos9481 ... what was wrong with your GS?(
So what your opinion about both of it? A little comparison from you will be great.
Awesome that you recognized that the ADVENTURE Sport isn’t a race bike. Recently a reviewer got a bit snippy with my comment to that affect. When I think about this type of bike I’m thinking about the Haul Road in Alaska, the Road of Bones, or the goat path roads in Nor-Cal.
Excellent video, new subscriber.
Exactly!
Awesome review, and the feeling you know what you are talking about is very strong here - I say this because I do not know your channel yet, but the way you put the bike into test makes me feel that's not only a surface bla-bla talk from guys that pretend to know the bike (like it often goes on UA-cam) Congrats and thanks.
I have just test rode the standard A/T 2018 model. My biggest complaint is that,I could not read the dash in bright sun when wearing polarized sunglasses. The seat height is huge, my poor old hips couldn`t handle it.It feels not as smooth as the V-Strom 1000,it feels more hard edged.It has plenty of power & torque,throttle response is very smooth, clutch is excellent.I`m definitely considering getting one. I`ll see how it compares to a KTM 1090r
You guys have done one of the best reviews I’ve seen.
Thanx for the review guys! I'm a recent owner of an ATAS...bout 8000kms on mine now. Lots I like about the bike, range, power (right where you want it), kitted out well (skid, bars, cargo plate), looks awesome! I do agree....the bar clamps and foot pegs are goofy, but will be easy fixes if I decide to keep the bike. I'm just not sure I'm in love with it; at least not yet. I definitely need to figure out the rear suspension if I'm gonna hang onto this machine as it feels like a catapult at the moment. I'd be stoked to see you guys do a direct comparison / shootout with a 1090 R and a standard ATAS (only fare to compare manual to manual in my opinion. Also.... do you really think the DCT would be any better than a Recluse?! Recluse is lighter and probably (??) more reliable !
what is a recluse?
Great review guys - thanks.
I am NOT a racer. If I am riding in the desert, I always want to be the last one in the group because people do stupid things and I dont want any of them to run over me. :-) I am 63 years old and have been riding since I was about 10 years old and still enjoy the sport. This sounds like a great, reliable bike that I can ride where I want to ride and have a lot of fun. I will give it some consideration.
Man I want one of these bike
Great vid fellas. Where/what trails were you guys riding? It looks great.
I am taking the jump to the DCT just bought one today
How is it so far? Im on the fence about one also.
@@ShooterMedic1818 I absolutely love it man. Dct is different but I injured my foot a few years ago and made shifting terrible, the Rev matching is a symphony to my ears and so smooth. The bike is easy to ride extremely safe and while I haven't done to much single track yet, the suspension is great and I think will be fantastic. It's tall and at 5,10 I am on my tippy toes but getting used to that. The lower seating position helps. Overall good bike and a lot of dealers are giving great prices making room for the 2019s I got my a few grand under msrp
My adventure, touring will always be dct and my commuter electric.
Congrats. I got one too here in Iceland too. Being an owner of BMW GSA LC, that I live, I must say that the Honda is so much more fun....and the DCT is awesome. I hated the idea before I tried it....and bought it. Nothing compares
Don't forget to take your computer nerd with you on your adventure. Manual for me but each to there own.
Very detailed review.. had to subscribe👍
This review is spot on imo.
Honda is not new to DCTs. They have had many models with them and this is a very refined and new revision on Honda established tech.
Why does everybody do a test on the dct bike. Does nobody like a clutch and shifting gears or is Honda pushing this model and talks everyone or makes them do the test on this bike.
I personally think Honda is pushing the dtc
I've got a ktm 1290 sar and I'm sure the africa twin is a great bike whether manual or DCT it's just most reviewers seem to prefer a manual but always say Honda gave them a DCT. Can't blame them I guess if they want to sell more DCT's
I am riding manual Africa over 1 year over 24.000 km. Now I tried DCT version to have an comparision. Believe me, there is no comparision. DCT is absolutely gorgeous. Now I am thinking about changing to DCT.
Maybe a demo bike with DCT has a less down to the toilet money for the dealer because you can't fuck up a DCT in his RPM... for his brake in period. (Ok manual is possible) so i rather buy a dct demo than a manual one. Maybe the dealers think this also
I am in agreement. I like the feel of clicking that shifter lever.... tired of all these bikes built for casuals.
fantastic review .. you two made some very valid points and thanks for bringing your expertise to us .. I've just bought myself the 2018 standard DCT version, as thats the only one available ln India, But given a choice I would have still picked the Std, as I want it as light as it can be ..and lots of fuel pump around here ..when its not, I can easily carry a jerry can along ..
I personally would have preferred the tubeless setup ..
im really looking forward to riding the DCT.. the traffic in Mumbai and India is insane , one really appreciates the dct then .. all the bravado and ego goes out the window when you are stuck in a long ass jam caused by a cow that wouldn't move from the road.,
How I made the choice ,
I had the BMW 650 GS twin earlier, and was really looking forward to the 850 . so I fixed a test ride with the local dealer ..test rode the gs 850 and the 1200 rally .. and went and booked the Africa twin .
850 ..great bike ..too expensive with all the bells and whistles
1200 rally .. the best Adv Bike .. however its a rich mans bike ..and im not a rich man yet.
AT - made too much sense ,especially at its price point here.
So I get delivery in a week and happy miles and smiles from then on ..
Thank you very much for your very informative I have a 2016 Africa twin and I love it
amazing video! Very Nice! I bought this one yesterday!(Africa twin adventure sports) Have a good day!!
We are friend!!!
Awesome bike. Im good on the auto trans though. Im sure its a net positive but the fun of riding is being in control of the vehicle...including shifting
I think DCT is great option to have. Same with quick shifters.
Jimmy is the best as usual.
great review guys ,thanks
Pretty sure this is shot in Prescott AZ representing the hometown!
I'm really curious for these 700-800cc bikes coming soon. I've had a V-strom 650 and a XR650l the XR is a heavy dirt bike but a light street bike. I really think the 380-420lb area is a sweet spot for comfortable street riding but still very capable off road and won't crush you if you drop it lol
Perfect Video. Cool.
Great review. And I've watched and read them all. Would be great to see you guys ride the AT hard and show us what it can do in the right hands. Love the bike so much that I'm ditching my zzr 1400 for it in a couple of weeks. Test rode it 4 times with 3 differents dealerships, 2 up, solo, on and off road (not fast but out there it some real dirt and thick mud), tested the big gs/ducati/triumph and AT wins by a large margin. That's whete I'm putting my money by the end of the month.
You won't regret your choice.....
AT ♥️
Did u ride the ktm 1090r and 1290SAR?
@@awakeadventurer9198 I was really looking forward to test riding the 1190 (looking so bad ass with so much power) 3 years ago but lost interest with increasing concerns about reliability and annoying details. Went for zzr1400 instead. I know, quite a jump. But I got my AT on Friday and started doing some grand debutant green laning and negotiating holes, ruts, etc in the dry on the stock Dunlop tyres. All I can say is: absolutely amazing. Perhaps they'll come up with a 1150 or 1200 version but there is nothing I would change on the AT as it stands apart from having a full crash bar from stock.
@@xontheweb2376 dude, very interesting. So funny....I had a 2013 ZX-14R til I traded it in for the 2015 R1200GSA. Very unique coincidence. I understand your concerns about the ktm. I've had them too. I hear two different experiences from different people, but my friends who own n ride them say just get one and you'll fall in love. Anyway, it's great to hear about your experience w your AT. Is it an ATAS? I'm looking for two things: the toughest off road capable adv bike and the one w cc, quick shifter and the TFT screen too. And it's all for practical reasons/needs. So it narrows the field for me. Watch, the ATAS will come with cc and other options next year, after I've bought another bike. In 2015, I was considering the AT, but it wasn't coming out for many months and wasn't gonna have cc etc. Really neat bike otherwise. So close to being the ultimate bike for me.
@@awakeadventurer9198 yes, I've got the ATAS. they may make a 1100 or 1200 version at some point. I'm sure the 1190 would be great to ride, not sure about ownership. The 1290 is not attractive to me. Loads of bikes are great. But I wanted total freedom so the ATAS is the one that will make it happen. In all situations, I have fun and don't miss the zzr at all.
The crossover craze extended to motorcycles for those who want to "look'' adventurous.
Can you disconnect the power on a DCT like you can on a manual?
More specifics and the reason you'd disconnect the power?
Really bummed that the auto trans is pushed so hard, especially when people really aren't interested. I want to see a review on the manual. Also Honda needs to fix the poor protecting issues. Why is it that the stator cover always breaks on a tip over, especially on an adventure bike.
We have ridden the manual as well. Everything is 99% the same. Manual feels just a little bit more nimble (not 40 pounds though, maybe 20) and the shifting and clutch action of the manual is just fine. Clutch action is smooth and has a long through, not a lot of bite in comparison to a hydraulic unit on a KTM.
People are very interested and it’s the direction bikes will be going in the next decade, especially for ADV. Several manual reviews. I’ve got a manual AT, awesome bike off road. Rode a DCT recently and it’s amazing how well they have it set up
Great Review..Many thanks.
I want one of these so bad.
Would of liked to hear how you switch to manual mode - it needs cruise control. I am 6 2 225- I don’t want a bike that needs to have suspension adjustment cause I am over 200 - confused
This tech is still very early? Uh no. My 2008 GTI has a DCT. It's awesome.
He is referring to its application in motorcycles...duh.
The main problem for me is does it allow you to power over holes or ruts where you need to get the front wheel up and also what about riding over logs?
It does that just fine if you have the throttle control. Maybe not as good for a expert rider with a clutch, but we'd bet most could loft front wheel easier, without stalling, on the DCT bike. Over logs we'd be more concerned with the stock skid plate than with performance of the DCT.
I had 4 of the XL 1000 Varadero I guess the forerunner of the A T
As someone who spends 70% of riding on road, do you think this bike would be a best buy for me ?
At 70% road, there are better bikes with more road focus. But for a bike with so much off-road ability it will not ever disappoint you when on pavement.
@@DirtBikeTest What would be the choice in this case?
Aggressive riding, KTM1290R, relaxed BMW 1200GS
Im riding both std africatwin and adventure sports... i did my trip alots on road and i never got any trouble cause the bike is relaidble comfort and stable with hight speed
@@DirtBikeTest Ktm 1290R isn't a lot better offroad than the BMW? And why not put Suzuki Vstrom 1000 there, isn't it ok for 70%?
Bumps the miles past 200? I am guessing you meant to say 300.
Have they sorted out the front fork wear problem ?
We have not put enough time on one to comment on this. But only believe 22% of what you are reading on the internet...
Sounds like you guys really understand the bike, but would have made a better video to overlay speech on video of the bike in action.
We spend the time riding the bike and learning about it more than shooting a lot of running video. That takes a fair bit of time. Maybe in the future we'll try for a bit more.
Why the silencer is the same of m.y. 2016/2017 ? (Here in Italy/Europe, my silencer it's different... THX
Ive seen 132 on mine so far . Cruised with the traffic in Tennessee on the interstates at 90 to 95 for two days ending up at deals gap .from there back to Indy in one day riding and it didnt wear me out doing it ! Believe it or not the moose racing wind shield really works , wearing the honda arai helmet i didnt get any wind buffeting at the speeds i was cruising at ..i dont know what people are thinking ,but in southern Kentucky and Tennessee on the way to the tail of the dragon , if you aint running at around 90 miles an hour you are getting pasted about every 15 seconds with someone on your tail too close .so i kicked the ol' africa twin up in the triple-digits for about a half hour at a time to get clear out of the packs they like to run in
I have ridden big bore xr's on the street since 1985 and i always found that if you gave them more damping rebound on the rear leaving all other settings default they handled great on or off the road ..and my africa twin is no different, so i gave it about 5 clicks heavier on the rear rebound , now it lands on the rear wheel first after a jump and it does not fell like in wants to endo going down steep hills like it did before ..but be careful if do this cause too much rebound will cause the suspension to pack down and bottom out before it has time to recover from the last technical sections
Honda loves to push *DCT.*
I am sure these guys were told or *_encouraged_* to talk well about dual clutch transmission "DCT" or automatic transmission).
Been riding motorcycles a long, long time and IMO:
- DCT is for the heavy cruiser Gold Wing or newbies (new riders)
- Go with Manual Transmission for more control, lighter weight bike, and easer/cheaper maintenance.
- DCT is not for everyone and may hurt your re-sale.
IMO as an owner of the *_2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports_* in manual.
Can the Africa Twin be “uncorked”?
In what way? And why? For sure anything is possible. How it would affect the DCT and shift points would be interesting for sure.
a
what are the best tires in your opinion?
Kenda Big Blocks
He was forgetting to mention the cutting of the fuel tank and other parts.
Explain a little more please?
Thks.
I don’t think I’m a better shifter than the DCT, I would just rather shift myself.
WHY did they name it 'Africa' ??
After the original? Which was based on a Dakar model? Note that back then Dakar used to actually take place in Africa :)
I ride a KTM1190r that isn't much heavier than the AT, its a stated 150hp, OH and I know what to do with all that power and wish it had more, I do at least 50% of my riding in the dirt but on the street it is very capable. But you have to shift it;-)
I don't get why an automatic has to be 30llbs heavier
It's 23 lbs iirc
At 5 foot 7, how much would this bike suck for me?
I don't understand the question? Seat height wise? First I need to know how much you ride with your feet touching the ground, then discuss the reason seat height is such an important sales feature but not practical for riders above the beginner level.
Axel, I’m the same ht as you and have owned the ATAS since June. I also purchased the lower seat which helped considerably. No issues for me.
At some point traveling to and from your destination you’re going to encounter stop lights. With that weight plus luggage and everything in it, that’s when seat height will matter. I can see why he’s asking that question.
@@leroyjones769 yeah, this UA-cam channel is full of dicks. Unsubbing.
I'm also 5' 7" and use me seat on the higher position, you need time to adapt but it's really not a big issue, you'll get used to it. Adjust your position (move your ass left or right) and take notice of the ground below before you stop it. If the ground isn't leveled be aware of it prior or else you're going to loose your footing. My AT has only falled stopped because of the unleved ground. Another advice is, put your foot in front of the footpeg if you're sttoping going up and vice-versa if you're going down. I think that 5' 7" is the absolute minimum height to use the higher seat position. Riding there are no problems for me, stopping is when you need to be aware of whete you stand.
Too much talk not enough riding
Hate to say it but we agree with you.
My 800XC sucked off road. This must be even worse.
No, The Honda is way better in every aspect from ergonomics to suspension and moatly not feelng so top-heavy even with a larger motor.
Is it as good as a DR650 offroad?
@@JayBee-se8ou no, because of the weight, two different animals.
I think I just watched an infomercial
DCT is the biggest reason i want an Africa Twin over anything else in the market... give me a DCT GS and i'm sold.
For fucks sake! Why does Honda only push the DCT to review?!
They don't...We requested it. We know how a regular transmission works and the AT with the normal transmission is just fine. It might feel just a little bit lighter, but not much.
Dirt Bike Test Thanks for the response! It wasn't anything bad directed towards you guys. Legitimately one of the best reviews I have seen on the AT, its just that I have not seen any review at all with the standard transmission.
Africa Twin is too big and too heavy for me. I'm 5' 11" and this is just too big - imo.
Main tester is 5'10" and his wife, 5'8" also has no issues with bikes like this being too big. It (they) are the right size for the job of adventure touring.
RC - I’m 5’ 10”, thin (except for my gut), sparsely muscled, with a 30” inseam, 72 year old guy who’d never ridden an adventure bike nor dirt bike. I understand your apprehension surrounding the Africa Twin . I’d much the same fear of such a high seat height. I’d owned a couple of standard bikes, sport touring, Luxor’s tourers and my last bike was an Indian Chieftain. However, comfort and slow speed handling became an issue along with the desire to ride something different and something lighter than the 700-800 lb bikes I had been. All it took for me was a 20 min test ride on the standard Africa Twin with the DCT to overcome most of my fears. I’ll admit that 32 years of riding experience added to my confidence in being able to adjust to my physical shortcomings when riding the AT and realized there would be a period of time before I would feel comfortable riding it. I don’t know why I’m able to ride for extended period of time on the AT without getting a sore ass or a backache that were always plaguing me with most bikes I’d been riding. Ergonomics I suspect. Having some arthritis in my hands dictated I go with the DCT and I could not be more happy with that choice. RC, just take a test ride and I think you’ll find that you’re more capable to ride the AT than you think. Don’t forget to put the sear in its lowest position.
I'm only an inch taller than you and I didn't find it to be too tall at all.
Left ear
99% talk in a studio and 1% actual footage of the bike in action equals a fat fail for me as far as this review is concerned
You are correct there for the average UA-cam viewer, but for someone interested in the information, they will listen. You should try a Tech Talk Taco Tuesday that we do, you'll hate that!
such long review and almost none negatives? Also heavy DCT choice? come on, I would expect better then that. Honda paid for that review? display is not good, very reflective, you can see yourself as in the mirror, crash bars and foot pegs are a joke, etc etc
The review is an accurate review of the bike for its intended market. And some of us like looking at ourselves...
@@DirtBikeTest I appreciate what you guys do, because WE all really need real detailed reviews. However, I struggle to believe this is entirely honest because you guys don't show any real passion or excitement about this bike w the DCT. And CLEARLY Honda is pushing this bike big-time since they seem to give the DCT version to most reviewers. I'm not interested in it so it's a bummer. I know I'm not the only one since I watch n read everything I can find. Just my experience n perception. Maybe you're just being fair n giving it a chance. That's cool.
I have to say I love your response to Robson Enduro. Made me laugh out loud! Thank you!
@Robson Enduro: exactly what I think, Jimmy Lewis if I'm not mistaken was a Dakar rider and he is promoting DCT ??? come on...
real men don't ride DCT LOL
Jimmy Lewis rides more like a girl, we know.
I wouln't have minded having the little shift-gnome for lazy evenings or city riding. You can provide passive or active input to the DCT and even do it manually via pedals or foot shifter if you so please. The only thing not to like is the way it accellerates from a standstill.
"real men ride Haley's and never tell anyone about that time they made out with a dude at Sturgis because... I'M NOT GAY, HE WAS GAY."
Should have stated it was a DCT test to start with. Waste of my time.
Your time worth that much.....