Thanks for this review. I am just starting to look at a 2024 and it was a very interesting point you made about the foot pag placement. I am going to have to take one for a test ride and see if that is an issue for me or not as I am about the same size as you.
Nice recap. I have 2017 AT, forward peg position is why AT is so comfortable as knee is close to 90 degrees when cruising down the road. Slightly further back pegs would increase knee bend, less comfortable for longer rides. Im 6’1” and have Givi tall touring windshield and same fork air blocker, i have same wind issues you mention on shoulders. Ive experimented with different windshields and can not resolve.
Handle bar risers: try rotating the handlebar mounts 180 degrees. The mounts angle toward the rider about 1/2” at the top, reversing them, and tilting the bars upward a bit, so the grips are “level” give a much better standing position. It looks like you’ve already tilted your bars upward. Bret Tkacs has a video in this if the AT. He’s 6’. I’m 5’10-1/2, fine, in stock position.Very good video, thank you. I watched it my second time this morning. Saw it the first time either right before or just after I bought my Africa twin in May 2020. I have 14,000 miles on it, on my second set of tires some really great Dunlop trail Max missions.
Thanks yeah I saw Brett's video about that soon after posting this-- but since I don't offroad much on this bike any longer, I haven't messed with the risers!
That was a great review. And also, now I know if I do something dumb in front if an AT owner, if they turn their blinker on I will be properly chastised!! LOL. Really informative, looking at the 2021s,but may in reality ha e to buy used. Thanks!!
Thanks! It does just fine on the corners and twistys and that limited slip clutch helps in case you're a bonehead and pop too hard of a downshift in a corner! Some riders really don't like the 21" front for corners but honestly it doesn't bother me all that much (it's a little vague but I don't worry with it). I actually like the greater lean angle over a cruiser for more aggressive cornering -- I'm not sure I could go back to a cruiser ever again after riding this way :) Of course it's no sport bike but it's still fun.
Thanks, glad it was helpful. The hardest part of the B&B install is the header removal and re-installation. It really helps to have someone help you remove the headers / exhaust and reinstall -- I did it solo (removal easy) but lining up for re-install is a bit rough -- that stuff is heavy! I ended up using a rope to suspend the assembly while I re-aligned the header bolts. Also -- the B&B might seem slightly undersized. As you line up the plate, just get a screwdriver or lever and 'bend' the remaining side a bit and it slips over the AT's engine -- It's not a huge amount of force, just a snug fit initially. Good luck! It's a monster of a bash plate and great protection.
@@cputeq007 Encountered some fitment issues. Couldn’t get the holes at the rear right side to line with the brace at the foot peg. Followed the instructions, tried for several hours but to no avail. The other bolts all bolts up nicely. Are you in the CRF1000 & 1100 Africa Twin Facebook group? I posted pictures and video.
They’re not bad. I haven’t teated them in all terrain (broke my ankle on my Wr250r), but I think they’re long wear and maybe 70/30 tires. Definitely not 50/50. More sketchy on gravel and loose dirt than my Shinko 804-805
It was mostly because of cost and availability -- My market (Albuquerque, NM) is heavy on Harleys and dirt bikes, light on ADV (at the time I bought) although they're getting better. This AT was the only African Twin anything (2018+) available within a 6 hour radius. I didn't see enough of a benefit from the ATAS to go for it - I liked the red/white/blue ATAS paint scheme but am just as happy with the AT :)
Thank you for the great review! I am considering buying the 2017 Africa, or 2012 air cooled triple black gs 1200. What are your opinons on my dillema? I ride mostly road, commute, with light gravel roads. I do about 4000 to 5000 miles per year.
Thanks for the comment! I'd try to ride both if you can -- I've never ridden a GS 1200, so I can't say from 1st hand experience how the bike is, but I can give my thoughts. 1) Make sure to compare the 2017 AT and 2018 AT models -- Honda made some significant changes starting 2018. 2) ATs are generally known to be more off-road friendly than the GS 1200, whereas the GS wins on tarmac. So says The Internet Consensus :) 3) I like the GS using a shaft drive - so much less maintenance than chain! Also, valve checks on the GS are easier vs the hell that is the Honda. 4) I am unsure about GS service intervals or how much the user can do themselves - something to consider if you like to do your own maintenance. AT has 8000 mile oil changes, for example. 5) I would research the 2012 GS (or any air-cooled bike) to make sure they don't have problems in stop-and-go traffic. If you're not absolutely stuck on those two bikes, you might consider something smaller. For example, my AT is mostly a commuter now (64 miles round trip to/from work) and while I love the power on the interstate/highway, when doing back-roads (gravel, easy dirt, rocky terrain) I wish I had a smaller/lighter bike like the Tenere 700. I bought the AT thinking I would be 2-up riding but my wife doesn't like to ride :D
@@cputeq007 thank you for your advice! I will see the changes between 17/18 models. I currently drive a smaller enduro (650gs) and also consider travelling with my wife. My current bike is not adequate. Good luck and ride safe!
Yeah I supposed I could get un-lazy and add a tooth in the back, but it's not that big of a deal, as now it's mostly a road machine for me :D I do wish 2nd was a bit lower though.
My wife isn't a big riding fan :( but from her limited input, she liked it. The rear spring is way too weak for 2-up unless both riders are lightweights - so I personally would upgrade to a stronger spring. But comfort-wise, she thought it was pretty good.
Thanks. My kids are my riding partners...my oldest will be 15 and is pushing 150lbs. I am concerned that my sport touring is not comfy enough for them for long rides. He tends to get squirmy after 1 hr.
I’ve had my jeans catch on my rear brake lever twice…..scary. Luckily I haven’t had a fall yet. But yes, it’s a good case for advocating for “skinny jeans”……..hell no…I would rather fall like a man…than wear girly jeans. But yes I completely understand the jeans getting snagged on the lower equipment.
Nope! We've had a few guys in the Facebook group complaining of that -- usually associated with running too high of an octane. I use US 86 (or 87 at lower altitude)
Mate if it’s T7 then of course it’s going to be intrusive, so don’t haven’t on that and you will not have to complain about it . I personally don’t like any traction control ( only tech I prefer is ABS ) less crap to go wrong , that’s why I would only buy a 16-17 AT - no crap just ABS ( some don’t even have that )
Right I agree, I just wish the default for TC was at level 4 or 5 -- low enough to be useful, but good enough to stop straight-out wheelspin if you want it. I agree, I disable TC and honestly really don't need it -- if I'm afraid of serious wheel spin (icey or rain) then I just put it in power-level 3 (Gravel mode) and it has very slow throttle response
cputeq007 that one thing most of the BMW,s & newer 2020 models were the bike will stay in the Mode after you have changed it , even after turning it off .
Hi, is your windshield lower than the one that is mounted on an adventure sport? If it is lower, could you tell me the name so I can buy one? Mine is too high and I don't like to look through it while riding. Thank you!
IIRC it is, only because the AS came with the tall as standard and this is the short OEM (normal) for the 2018. I don't know if it fits the AS, but if I recall correctly, the AS came with the tall shield as standard whereas the non-AS was the short one as standard.
John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
The other reason why this is a useful review is some of us buy second hand, and a long term owner's view has merit. So cheers for posting :)
Thanks and exactly why I posted it -- I really appreciate the reviews of the less-than-newest bikes !
One of the Brest reviews on this bike. Thank you you answered som many questions I had. New sub.
Looking at swapping my fireblade for one of these, your review was brilliant and honest, very helpful.
Thanks for the kind words! Good luck on your decision.
Good review, appreciate the experience. I agree on the cruise control, I wish more makers would include cruise control.
Thanks for your review! Going for a 2018 AT now so this was very useful.
You're welcome!
Great review, thanks. It’s 2021, and I’m looking at a leftover, brand new 2018 AT.
The winglets sure does help! I have a 2018 DCT excellent review! It's an amazing bike for sure!
This is a great review. I appreciate that you mentioned that there is a taller windscreen available!
Thanks! Though please look at my other video which details the noise between the short and tall OEM and the madstad - madstad wins!
Thanks for this review. I am just starting to look at a 2024 and it was a very interesting point you made about the foot pag placement. I am going to have to take one for a test ride and see if that is an issue for me or not as I am about the same size as you.
Nice recap. I have 2017 AT, forward peg position is why AT is so comfortable as knee is close to 90 degrees when cruising down the road. Slightly further back pegs would increase knee bend, less comfortable for longer rides. Im 6’1” and have Givi tall touring windshield and same fork air blocker, i have same wind issues you mention on shoulders. Ive experimented with different windshields and can not resolve.
Have you had any luck with a solution for the shoulders?
Excellent video
Handle bar risers: try rotating the handlebar mounts 180 degrees. The mounts angle toward the rider about 1/2” at the top, reversing them, and tilting the bars upward a bit, so the grips are “level” give a much better standing position. It looks like you’ve already tilted your bars upward. Bret Tkacs has a video in this if the AT. He’s 6’. I’m 5’10-1/2, fine, in stock position.Very good video, thank you. I watched it my second time this morning. Saw it the first time either right before or just after I bought my Africa twin in May 2020. I have 14,000 miles on it, on my second set of tires some really great Dunlop trail Max missions.
Thanks yeah I saw Brett's video about that soon after posting this-- but since I don't offroad much on this bike any longer, I haven't messed with the risers!
That was a great review. And also, now I know if I do something dumb in front if an AT owner, if they turn their blinker on I will be properly chastised!! LOL. Really informative, looking at the 2021s,but may in reality ha e to buy used. Thanks!!
Excellent. Thank you
Down to earth, nice video
Nice video! AT 17’ here, cheers!
Many thanks! They're good bikes :)
The helmet is a fantastic match !!
Good Vid 4 Me, Considering This Bike 2022.
i have a 2017 . I am 5"6" with a 28 inch inseem. I have the optional low seat and I have it in the low position. It is still a strech for me.
Great review im coming from a cruiser as well, wanted a change up thinking about buying one. How does it do for corning/ twistys on the highway?
Thanks! It does just fine on the corners and twistys and that limited slip clutch helps in case you're a bonehead and pop too hard of a downshift in a corner! Some riders really don't like the 21" front for corners but honestly it doesn't bother me all that much (it's a little vague but I don't worry with it). I actually like the greater lean angle over a cruiser for more aggressive cornering -- I'm not sure I could go back to a cruiser ever again after riding this way :) Of course it's no sport bike but it's still fun.
Would you list the accessories?
Thanks for the video. I am waiting for my B&B bash plate to arrive. How was the install? Any tips?
Thanks, glad it was helpful. The hardest part of the B&B install is the header removal and re-installation. It really helps to have someone help you remove the headers / exhaust and reinstall -- I did it solo (removal easy) but lining up for re-install is a bit rough -- that stuff is heavy! I ended up using a rope to suspend the assembly while I re-aligned the header bolts.
Also -- the B&B might seem slightly undersized. As you line up the plate, just get a screwdriver or lever and 'bend' the remaining side a bit and it slips over the AT's engine -- It's not a huge amount of force, just a snug fit initially. Good luck! It's a monster of a bash plate and great protection.
@@cputeq007 Thanks for the information!
@@cputeq007 Encountered some fitment issues. Couldn’t get the holes at the rear right side to line with the brace at the foot peg. Followed the instructions, tried for several hours but to no avail. The other bolts all bolts up nicely. Are you in the CRF1000 & 1100 Africa Twin Facebook group? I posted pictures and video.
How do you find the trailmax mission tyres ? i'm seriously considering them.
They’re not bad. I haven’t teated them in all terrain (broke my ankle on my Wr250r), but I think they’re long wear and maybe 70/30 tires. Definitely not 50/50. More sketchy on gravel and loose dirt than my Shinko 804-805
yess, it helped me :-)
I'm 50 seconds in and I already know there aren't enough likes on this video
Hi mate. U prefer the standard AT to the ATAS. ? Was that a weight thing ?
It was mostly because of cost and availability -- My market (Albuquerque, NM) is heavy on Harleys and dirt bikes, light on ADV (at the time I bought) although they're getting better. This AT was the only African Twin anything (2018+) available within a 6 hour radius.
I didn't see enough of a benefit from the ATAS to go for it - I liked the red/white/blue ATAS paint scheme but am just as happy with the AT :)
Thank you for the great review! I am considering buying the 2017 Africa, or 2012 air cooled triple black gs 1200. What are your opinons on my dillema?
I ride mostly road, commute, with light gravel roads. I do about 4000 to 5000 miles per year.
Thanks for the comment! I'd try to ride both if you can -- I've never ridden a GS 1200, so I can't say from 1st hand experience how the bike is, but I can give my thoughts.
1) Make sure to compare the 2017 AT and 2018 AT models -- Honda made some significant changes starting 2018.
2) ATs are generally known to be more off-road friendly than the GS 1200, whereas the GS wins on tarmac. So says The Internet Consensus :)
3) I like the GS using a shaft drive - so much less maintenance than chain! Also, valve checks on the GS are easier vs the hell that is the Honda.
4) I am unsure about GS service intervals or how much the user can do themselves - something to consider if you like to do your own maintenance. AT has 8000 mile oil changes, for example.
5) I would research the 2012 GS (or any air-cooled bike) to make sure they don't have problems in stop-and-go traffic.
If you're not absolutely stuck on those two bikes, you might consider something smaller. For example, my AT is mostly a commuter now (64 miles round trip to/from work) and while I love the power on the interstate/highway, when doing back-roads (gravel, easy dirt, rocky terrain) I wish I had a smaller/lighter bike like the Tenere 700. I bought the AT thinking I would be 2-up riding but my wife doesn't like to ride :D
@@cputeq007 thank you for your advice! I will see the changes between 17/18 models. I currently drive a smaller enduro (650gs) and also consider travelling with my wife. My current bike is not adequate. Good luck and ride safe!
I noticed a big difference between the Triumph Tiger 800 and the AT as far as gearing, the Tiger just chugs along easily in 2nd or 3rd gear..
Yeah I supposed I could get un-lazy and add a tooth in the back, but it's not that big of a deal, as now it's mostly a road machine for me :D I do wish 2nd was a bit lower though.
Any feedback on riding 2 up? Especially from the passengers point of view?
My wife isn't a big riding fan :( but from her limited input, she liked it. The rear spring is way too weak for 2-up unless both riders are lightweights - so I personally would upgrade to a stronger spring. But comfort-wise, she thought it was pretty good.
Thanks. My kids are my riding partners...my oldest will be 15 and is pushing 150lbs. I am concerned that my sport touring is not comfy enough for them for long rides. He tends to get squirmy after 1 hr.
I’ve had my jeans catch on my rear brake lever twice…..scary. Luckily I haven’t had a fall yet. But yes, it’s a good case for advocating for “skinny jeans”……..hell no…I would rather fall like a man…than wear girly jeans. But yes I completely understand the jeans getting snagged on the lower equipment.
Take iT......Like a Man, Lol
Do you have an engine knock on startup or during driving?
Nope! We've had a few guys in the Facebook group complaining of that -- usually associated with running too high of an octane. I use US 86 (or 87 at lower altitude)
Do you take your bash plate off for oil changes?
Yep, takes about an extra 10 mins in the process. Luckily the AT has 8000 mile intervals, so it's not too bad at all.
Did I see the top of a steering stabilizer?
Yep, MSC Moto stabilizer
Mate if it’s T7 then of course it’s going to be intrusive, so don’t haven’t on that and you will not have to complain about it . I personally don’t like any traction control ( only tech I prefer is ABS ) less crap to go wrong , that’s why I would only buy a 16-17 AT - no crap just ABS ( some don’t even have that )
Right I agree, I just wish the default for TC was at level 4 or 5 -- low enough to be useful, but good enough to stop straight-out wheelspin if you want it. I agree, I disable TC and honestly really don't need it -- if I'm afraid of serious wheel spin (icey or rain) then I just put it in power-level 3 (Gravel mode) and it has very slow throttle response
cputeq007 that one thing most of the BMW,s & newer 2020 models were the bike will stay in the Mode after you have changed it , even after turning it off .
Do uou have any rust problems with the frame?
Hi sorry for the slow reply - no rust problems, but I live in the desert ;)
Hi, is your windshield lower than the one that is mounted on an adventure sport? If it is lower, could you tell me the name so I can buy one? Mine is too high and I don't like to look through it while riding. Thank you!
IIRC it is, only because the AS came with the tall as standard and this is the short OEM (normal) for the 2018. I don't know if it fits the AS, but if I recall correctly, the AS came with the tall shield as standard whereas the non-AS was the short one as standard.
What type of bash plate is that?
B&B Dakar ;)
What skid plate is that?
B&B Dakar from Australia
What crashbar do you have?
Altrider uppers!
Clean your bike man... thats a nice bike
Haha thanks and nice user name :) I live down a mile of dirt road and ride offroad all the time, so my AT being clean is very rare :)
So, you’re one of those tall people...
I am kinda dwarfing him haha, with 220 LBs, big muscle and 6'4 =P
😂😂😂... If you like this bike, I'd hate to see what you say about a bike you don't like... 😂😂
Haha thanks for the comment. I try to keep it real and not be overly-enthusiastic. It's a good bike, that's for sure. Perfect? Naaaah :D
M Tariq javed win
Wind. In your face is why i ride buy a car
dude ..fell asleep...
John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Did he ride an Africa Twin?......