In my opinion, the Honda A.Twin CRF1000L is absolutely too heavy for off road (232 kg - 534 lbs). Less than 19 liters (4.96 US gal) is definitely another added minus in terms of consumption. By no means can such a motorcycle be the best or one of the best options to buy (for its class). Tenere XT660Z is a much better choice.
The design n everything else on African twin is awesome. The only problem! It's unaffordable to Africans . Have never seen it in my country though am African. I don't understand
Hello !! can you help me please with a piece of advice ? it is ok as a beginner to purchase this motorbike ? can you provide me a website where i can buy this type of motorbike from usa ? thank you and have a good day !
@@alexandrult.685 It is absolutely suitable for a beginner, but you need to ask yourself where and how you will ride with it. It’s not the fastest, even acceleration isn’t something you’ll be able to put up with, it’s not the most attractive to look at. However, if you want a useful motorcycle that is easy to maintain, with which you can ride well off-road, then you will be thrilled! Unfortunately, I can't advise where to buy it in America, I'm European.
@@metodyx7507 hello ! man thanks for the advices. i`m not a speedy gonzalez type of guy. i prefer to enjoy the ride. take back-roads the the true beauty is. 100-120km/h i find extremely comfortable. i`m more into range than power. that`s why i`m looking for something i can afford maintenance, i can carry some luggage and do a little off road shortcuts :D ( and fishing :))) )
I purchase a 2017 Africa Twin standard model new, and continue to be pleased with it. Ian covers all significant aspects of the bike very well. The newer versions of the AT have more features and complications, but I really prefer the simpler earlier models. The 21/18” wheel set and 27.5 degree steering rake combined with long travel suspension are what make this bike special. I am 68 and can confidently take the AT off road, albeit at slower speeds than a competitive KTM 790/890. I ride a KTM 500 aggressively in hard enduro terrain several times a week, so I know what that is all about. The AT handles like a big dirt bike, has an excellent standing position, and is a superb all rounder. Selecting the right tires for this bike really can improve performance for specific conditions. Forget the extreme off road videos about the AT. There are better bikes for that. This is a comfortable and well rounded exploration bike packed with Honda goodness. As Ian mentions, the stable chassis and excellent handling are strong attributes that keep you upright and safe. Think of the AT as the Labrador Retriever of adventure bikes. Strong, reliable, and lovable.
What modifications or upgrades did you do to your AT? I plan in the future to picking one up. What tires do you recommend? I plan on doing 50/50 street/dirt. I’m not going to race it, I’m just going to enjoy it. All my past bikes have been naked 1,000 cc, & 1,200cc bikes.
Had GS’s for 20 years. Sold my 1200Adv as it was getting a bit heavy to lug round. Got a test ride on a 2017 AT and never took it back! 6000mls, 1 owner, loads of extras. Absolutely brilliant. Most of my riding will be on road. Rob 67yrs
I have a 2017 AT that I bought in 2019 with less than 2k on the clock. Upgraded the skid plate, added Mosko Moto panniers, crash bars and a few other goodies. I just rolled 40k on the clock this weekend. I’ve done the MABDR and most of the NEBDR with it. It’s my daily commuter as well, even when the temps get into single digits. This is the first motorcycle (I’ve owned around 25) that’s my first “forever” bike. Heck, just bought a new Pan America Special for long distance touring. Going to Pittsburgh (900 miles round trip) this weekend and I’m taking the Africa and leaving the Pan Am at home.
Sounds like a good idea, leaving the Pan America behind. I've read the details about the Pan's engine. Three balance shafts ? Harley can't get things right with simple designs. Now they add more monkey motion in their engines ? They're definitely masters of marketing. Time shall tell. There's an old saying, "keep it simple".
@@antonioreyes3028 not that I can tell. It’s got 46k on the clock now and she rebounds like she did when she was new. I think a lot of people who have “issues” think they are Pols Terres or Valentino Rossi. I’ve never once upgraded a suspension and I’ve owned 25 bikes. Get on it and ride!
I bought one, second hand, last year. I use it 95% on paved roads, it's a very comfortable bike, solid and reliable so far. And everyone likes it , it's a beautiful bike. I don't care about the 'soft' suspension since i only weigh 65kgs. Mine is a 2017 model with only 14k kms.
People forget when they weight 15-20stone and complaining the suspension bottoms out and is to soft. If someone else is 11 stone the suspension would be rock hard and literally throw the rider off the bike. It's all a compromise.
Your bike reviews are so comprehensive, I feel like I've actually ridden the bikes! I can hold a detailed technical conversation with any biker based solely on your channel's info. I'm seriously thinking of getting back into bikes after several years lay-off due to a leg injury. Hmmm...
The ABS off mode can be maintain when you cut the engine. Here is the procedure. Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the ABS function on both wheels will automatically be turned on [ACTIVE], but the ABS will maintain the rear wheel [CANCEL] off-function when engine stopped by using the engine stop switch. Very useful to know.
Yes you can maintain ABS OFF by turning OFF the engine with the RED button on your right (The same to start) Do not use the key to stop the engine! Page 118 of the manual SECTION : ABS function on the rear wheel The ABS function on the rear wheel can be optionally turned off for off-road riding. You can turn off the rear wheel ABS function in [OFF ROAD MODE], [USER 1 MODE] or [USER 2 MODE]. u Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the ABS function on both wheels will automatically be turned on [ACTIVE], but the ABS will maintain the rear wheel [CANCEL] off-function when engine stopped by using the engine stop switch.
I’ve had several several bikes. Currently have 4. My favorite by far is my red white and blue AT with gold rims. I have both soft and hard. bags from givi and. Hondaline . Three different tank bags I use. I put and akrapovich exhaust that really lightened up bike but more importantly made it sound incredible. I love the look sound feel street handling of this bike. I’m an old dirt rider and have no problem throwing this thing around I out bark busters on it better skidplate and tires. I actually bought a tenere 700 and for me being a short older rider, that bike was extremely tall, top heavy, and uncomfortable plus I still Owned the AT at the time so I actually made a profit, sold the Tenere and kept my AT. I have seat on low position. I just love the thing!,,
Spot on...I have owned a 2016 since it was new....Now has 52000 miles on it and still going strong...Most of my riding on this bike has been fire roads, and super steep mtn roads....All the way to Alaska and Prudo bay to where I am currently Peru.....Ride it everyday up unbelievable mtn roads here....up to 14,000 ft with no problems....Great bike with just regular maintence.....Honda you just cannot beat in my opinion. My bike is also the DCT which I love....You just have to learn it ways....never going back to shifting either.....
Great vid! - One thing which almost never seems to be considered when buying a bike is how well it actually fits your own size/frame (in particular when you stand up on it) I've had dozens of bikes over the years and currently have the ATAS - one of the main reasons is that at 6ft 2ins (in bare feet) the ATAS actually lets me ride it off road without being bent double - even more so that the standard AT. I'd like to try a T7 but i suspect it might not be tall enough but would prefer a lighter bike. Having said that i never take a full tank of fuel if I'm going off road its got plenty of range even on half a tank!
Thank you for a great review. I live in South Africa and got a 2017 model for about the same price with extras (upgraded suspension, crash bars, etc). I love the bike. Great value and super reliable.
Great video and agree. I was also drawn to a Tenere but it appears that availability will be way off into the horizon. I ended up with a Moto Guzzi V85TT for the time being. Not near as off-road capable but it’s been fun to ride and surprisingly good. Old school engine that is pretty simple and I like it’s not a bike seen every day. Cheers mate
From watching your comparison between old and new AT i think i prefer the no-fuss simplicity of the 2016 model. Thanks for all of the no fluff, comprehensive reviews. 👍
I toured Australia on my XR250, XL600, & NX650. Much of it was off-road - particularly for the first two bikes. I am looking for another bike for my time in Japan, and the Africa Twin, whilst being a bit pricey, is a safe and natural choice for me. You did a good and helpful review. Thanks.
I just bought a slightly used 2018 African Twin today 2/14/22 based on your videos. Was almost ready to buy the KTM 1100 for the same 13K but when I put the two side by side it was clear that I should chose the Honda. Firstly because I'm a 57 year old man who isn't going to push a bike to the limit any longer, (too old for that shit). I'm 6,2' and 230 lbs so the T7 with a passenger would be bottoming out on a speed bump and well, I have the funds to buy whatever the hell I want and I like nice things. The bike I got has all sorts of expensive upgrades too. Touring seat, crash bars, bash guard, side bags, rear rack, headlight guard, fat kickstand foot and the list goes on and on. Probably would be about 23K if a new bike had all that and my used bike only has 10 K miles on it. No dealer prep charge, no destination charge, and it a freaking Honda! I don't want a bike I have to have in the shop from time to time waiting on parts from who knows where. Thanks for the fantastic work you do to help folks like me make informed decisions on very important purchases.
i bought a lightly used 2017 Africa Twin DCT with only 3000 miles on it this past March. i absolutely love it and now have 13,000 miles on it. It has been fantastic on and off road and dead reliable. Other than burning gas and tires, its been a dream.
Just sold my 2020 AT yesterday. I feel your pain on the menu system on the 2020 and up. Honda made it really annoying. The big ADV bikes quit being worth all the trouble to me these days. Bought a 300L Rally and couldn't be happier.
Great video! I had a 2016 DCT and loved it. Been of the road for 4 years now and looking to get a 21/22 year model. This is coming from 23 years of Goldwing riding!
Great Job. I just bought the 2021 GSA and took it off road for the first time and it is BIG. The Africa twin may be a good alternative for around North Idaho and Eastern Washington kicking around,. Keep up the great reviews I’m enjoying them
Make sure the Adventure Sport model you buy has had the recall done on the fuel cell. I was almost killed on the freeway when my AT died suddenly due to fuel starvation. Almost run over by another vehicle during a passing maneuver. I cleaned the tank and replaced the stock filtration with a Guglatech set. Problem free motorcycle since. DCT model. Love it. Previous GS owner...
It's a great touring/gravel/light offroad bike. I rented a '19 and enjoyed it. Probably great offroad for a better rider than me who is fit enough to pick it up multiple times.
Love your videos and its been interesting to see you evolve and improve. Have Guzzi V85tt and love this bike on and off road. Stripped off the extra non essentials put on some 50/50 tires and I'm sitting on a 6 gallon fully fueled weight of 505 lbs. Lighter than the AT and shaft driven. Love the power output , smooth and simple ride modes that automatically and logically set power delivery, traction control and ABS for Road, Rain and Off-Road. Anyhow, the AT is a great bike and value I've owned many Honda's and they've all been bullet proof and fun to own.
Seems like for 95% of these 2016-2019, people are asking $11k - $12k. And definitely not set up like yours, they're mostly or completely stock. Hoping I can find a deal like yours eventually. Thanks for the informative overview, subscribed.
Hello Ian, you bring up some great points, I think a few of the manufacturers have really missed out on what people really want in an adventure bike. Huge exposed TFT screens and 700 modes to set up a ride are not what I would call ideal. I love the sound of a uncorked Africa Twin, it sounds like a Chevy v8 on cherry bomb mufflers! Awesome! You want something that can do some miles on the road and still not worry about it if it falls into a ditch or stream. BMW GS is a fantastic bike for some situations, but not what i am looking for, I thought the KTM 690 was going to be it, but found it not dirt oriented enough at the time and not good enough on road to be the only bike. Now I have a Sherco 300 SEF-R for my playing in the woods, and a CBR 929 for the road, but it is not what dream about. I would love a comfortable upright ride that is durable and dependable, easy to get parts for, and not difficult to work on, given a fairly high level of skill. KTM look the part but here in Australia you pay through the nose for one. The 790 and 890 seem like a good idea but they are not proven yet and over priced to start with. I think I might have to revisit the Africa Twin. Keep up the good work and love the videos!
Great vid . I’ve had 2 gsa 800’s and 2 gsa1200 lc one tiger 800 xcx and the at 2017 model is by far the better bike . Mines the dct model ex touratech display bike so come with all the extras to . I love it
The Africa Twin feels a lot heavier than the Tenere 700! It makes a world of difference, especially when maneuvering or when you've got stuck. This year I immersed my 2018 Twin for a new Tenere at the dealership. Off-road, the Tenere is the better choice. Unfortunately, on the highway you already notice 20 hp difference ...
the best version of these awesome Bikes are 2018 or 2019 version (2th version) but 2016 or 2017 are still exceptional ///// 2016 to 2019 are the BEST FRAME absolutely in off road use ///// The 1100L frames 2020 or 2021, (euro5) are for road use mainly ..... Believe me. ( sorry for my english..... (I have Africa Twin ADV Sport 2018)
Very informative thank you, tossing up between Africa twin and ktm 1190 but thinking africa because of reliability as 90% of my riding will be highway 10% dirt road touring around Australia, thanks again
Great informative video Big Rock Moto! Bought my Australian Africa Twin new in 2016, got the faster, red and black one (old school manual gear change model). Fantastic road and off road bike, cant think of anything that I would like to replace it with . Longest day trip was 10 hours in the saddle and was glad to get off .Now has 30K klms on the clock and third set of tyres .Only problem from new, was replacing the poorly made wheel spokes after corroding inside 5K klms. Fixed under warranty twice and a faulty engine kill switch on the right hand grip. Apparently not adequately greased on the factory floor. Was a common complaint in this country. Otherwise its the best bike I have ever owned. Nearly 70 now !!! and unless the wife sells it from under me ,I will probably take it to the grave! Greetings from Sydney ,Australia.
Wasn't aware of the wheel spoke problem maybe its the crocodile pee from crossing your rivers.what did you buy for replacement spokes? ty and Happy trails ahead
@@gordonjames8811 Could be the crocodile pee....unfortunately the original spokes were not made of stainless steel and hence formed a corrosion on most the spokes ,front and rear, after contact with water. The local Honda rep arranged to replace them with the same batch of spokes that Honda wanted to get out of their warehouse stock . They too corroded within 2000 klms and Honda Australia, in their wisdom replaced them a third time ,at their expense and my inconvenience, with stainless steel spokes. The local mechanic at the Honda dealership shook his head in disbelief at such poor handling of a warranty claim as he was the one to reset the wheels both times .I knew of 3 other Africa twin owners in my local region who had the same problem with these spokes. Still a great bike though!
Great video Ian! Last year I was looking to buy my first ADV bike. Initially I was looking at used F 800 GSs, which where I live you can get for a reasonable price (around $6000), most of them with low mileage. However, if you are going to want to put some aftermarket parts on the bike then this of course not all the money you'll end up spending. Considering this I started looking at new bikes, namely the Africa Twin and the T700. Test rode both the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with DCT and electronic suspension and the base model. The Adventure Sports wasn't what I was looking for, but I really liked the base model. However, after having tested the T700 also, I was convinced that that was the bike for me. Comes with all the features I want and need, does not have cumbersome (as you pointed out) electronics, is a few grand cheaper and luckily shipped within 3 weeks after purchase. I do not regret my choice, I'm absolutely happy with my T7, although I admit having a look at a used CRF1000L like the one you have would not have been a bad idea :) Only problem was that great deals like the one you got were not really out there in my area, looks like you have more luck in the western US 👍 Anyway thanks for the video, really helps when you're looking for a bike :)
Really nice to know my 2019 is worth good money. But I won’t let it go until I’m too old or beat up, to pick it up from a fall. At 68, that could be about any time. I’m getting a little stiff…
It's 2024 now, I'm 70, and can't pick up the AT anymore. It's Jan 25th, I have a 2024 XL750 Transalp in the garage, and it's too cold and wet to get out for a while. I hope I made a good choice to replace the AT, which I have on Craigslist right. For only 50# lighter (unloaded), this bike is reasonably easy to pick up. Two years from now, I might be in the same shape again, and have to downgrade again. It's all fun!
Great video. Thanks for your input. After the video I found a 2016 with 9000 highway miles, and in pristine condition. Traded my KLR and rode the AT home. So far, I’m in love with it😎
I was looking pretty hard at the T7 last year when I figured out how hard they were to get. I ended up buying a low mileage 2017 AT with upgraded crash protection and saddlebags for less than 10k. When you consider the current market, taxes, and upgrades to the T7 it was just a way better deal to go with the yesteryear AT.
I just hired this bike for a weekend, and it's amazing on the road. Suspension is much better than tenere 700, engine is damn good. It is a little bit heavier than T7 but changing only battery and exhaust will reduce 5kg.
If you consider buying it, please take into account the following: it is a very heavy bike, difficult to pick up on your own and you have to have a proper off road boots (not Toucans or other flip flops but proper boots). It is top heavy. It has jerky throttle at low speed-non of you tube channels mentions it but it is a well known issue if you check more independent forums. While off roading it is very easy to add too much throttle (with obvious consequences) as it is very responsive and kind of on and off, jerky type. It is a great bike in many ways just don't decide to buy it based only on you tube channels. I took the bike off road a few times and decided not to buy it but before, watching endless you tube clips I was convinced it was a bike for me.
I really wished you had talked about the changes made from 17-18 mainly the fly by wire throttle introduced in 18. That is a big selling point for some inmo. That’s why I will never give up my 17. Ever!
I personally have never ridden offroad myself. But I have been riding for 6 years now. I'm looking at getting a new royal Enfield Himalayan to for second motorcycle to start doing some offroad riding they are cheap and light and easy to ride for a offroad beginner.
Great video! I’m a long time BMW rider that bought a new 2018 AT Adventure Anniversary edition with the DCT. I Love this bike! With 2+yrs and some thousands of miles I like it as much as I did the first day :) If you’re looking used I can attest that they are wonderful.
I spent some time going back and forth about which bike I wanted and why. I came to a lot of the same conclusions that you did back in January/February 2020. I settled on a 2019 Africa Twin and the market was fairly thick with them within a decent driving distance of me in Northwest Arkansas. I popped in to the local Honda dealer to check out a gently used 2016 and ended up paying $9k cash for it and have enjoyed every minute on it.
What do we think now is 2024 and 2025? I have few bikes that I have kept and sold over the past 10 years but I daily ride a f800 for the past 6 years, I love the ergos, fuel eco, reliability, all the mods but I am almost om 200 000km now and when it dies I want something new. I have had an 800 tiger, a 1200 gs, 990, 790 but none I have enjoyed as much as my bargain bin 800. Will a 2017 AT serve me well for 100 000km of commuting, 500km a day slogs, and some short but very abusive off roading on the weekend? I can't remember the last speed bump I didn't jump ay 100kmh and the 800 loves it
Good video, completely agree. KTM looks nice but I fear it would turn me into a mechanic. As you say, once you are familiar with AT fairing removal, getting into the valve check etc is all fairly simple and provides some fun stuff to do in winter. Thanks as ever from UK.
Ironically, dealing with issues is why I'd never pick a Honda over a KTM. KTM bikes are meant to be worked on, and the dealers make it really easy to get necessary parts in reasonable prices. Dealing with Honda dealers and the part costs mean I really don't want to own any newer Honda machine.
Earlier this year, I came across a used 2017 Africa Twin with less than 2000 miles on it. It didn’t come with much in the way of accessories, other than the factory low seat, which I definitely had to have, but it was nearly brand new and priced less than $10,000, so I bought it. I love the simplicity of the bike compared to the 2021 version, which I’m also fortunate enough to own. I do love the 2021 bike. It is smoother and faster than the 2017, the seating position is more comfortable for me (only slightly), and I appreciate the big display, the rider modes, and the ability to fine tune everything. However, as just a get-on-it-and-go bike, the 2017 is hard to beat. Thanks for the video!
I just sold my Rebel 500 (first bike) and bought a 2017 Africa Twin DCT with 9,000 miles. I've watched almost every video on RUclips about them and I finally pulled the trigger thanks to videos like yours! =
tempting and i like the bike was simpler. but the one big thing I would want on a bikeat that price point is cc. but its seems cc has to always be packed with active suspension and a full color display, which i dont want.
Another incredible video, thank you! After owning a few KTM's: 2015 500 EXC, 2014 200 XC-W, 2013 250 XC-W and my recent 2018 350 EXC-F, I am no longer planning on buying a KTM. My 2018 350 was purchased from a KTM dealer that replaced the engine after the 'plastic' gear used in the engine failed. Plastic gear in a KTM? Total insanity! Since I no longer plan on technical off-road riding, I am in the market for a nice dual-sport bike. When I used to ride sport bikes up Angeles Crest and Ortega Highways in Southern CA back in the 80's and 90's, Honda was almost always my choice of sport bike. I even purchased a 1990 RC-30 that should still be in my garage but is not. Anyway, I think you are correct about the 2016-2019 Africa Twin. It is a beautiful bike and given the kind of riding that interests me now, I will keep my eyes open for one. Thank you again, you are among the best motorcycle journalists in the business!
After 5 months on waiting list for a T700 the local dealer dropped the last brand new 2019 AT to $9900. No brainer for me at that price. I’ve put 2k on it so far and love it. After riding the KTM 1290 the last couple years, this feels nimble and sleek. Good balance of off-road ability and pavement munching to get places afar.
That's interesting. In Europe where I live I was able to get a T700 within less than a month in fall last year. I also tested a KTM 1090, and although certainly a bit lighter than a 1290 it was too tall and heavy for me, I feel more comfortable on the Tenere.
Agree with your comments about the old v new AT. I waited for the 2020 model as it seemed a large number of improvements. Prefer the tubeless tyres for one, but you’re right about the TFT screen. Too much, too slow, too unreliable. It is not an improvement over the older model, it’s a gimmick. You do have a “favourite switch” though, which I allocated to gravel mode, as they removed the “G” switch on the newer bike. So I can select traction control off with one switch.
Bingo! Bought my 2016 in January this year, after spending a couple of months comparing different biks and coming to a lot of the same conclusions you have here. Really nice sweet spot of price/performance/reliability. It's simply the Honda of the category. Got it for $9K with just over 9k miles and some nice extras- factory panniers and top case, crash bars, aux lights etc. There were several around the SF bay / Nor Cal area at the time but everything seems to have dried up since then, I think I got lucky on the timing as the Great Everything Shortage of 2020-21 doesn't seem to be slowing. Good vid!
Picked up my 2018 AT Adventure Sports a couple of weeks ago. Great bike! Your video helped a lot with my choice, many thanks. Any tips on mixed tyre choices for this bike? Probably 70/30 road/trails?
I will go for the Africa twin, because I need an off road focused adv bike with good road manners, I need reliability, I need a friendly and easy bike, even the seat height is friendly with 250 mm of ground clearance. It have all the necessary electronics - nothing more nothing less (I prefer 2018-2019 bike as it carries important upgrades including 7 level traction, 3 level engine braking, settings remain same when we turn off etc)
For an 80/20 maybe even 90/10 riding, would you still recommend this? I want a fun commuter that can I can take into the desert on rare occasion. I was leaning towards the CB500x, but this video has me reconsidering.
I'm 5'8" so not a baller! I'm in process of selling my two Harleys so haven't hit the search or sat on a African Twin or NC750x yet. For a guy my size, your recommendation?
Love your vids! I sat on a used 2016 Twin today at the dealer. It has 8k miles on it. Thinking super hard on it. I'd be saving thousands for a solid bike I'm hoping. Anything I should look for far as wear & tear? Thanks!
Îm actually on the market to buy ... was pretty sure it was the best for my needs ! With Your shared experience the deal is sealed ! Thanks for the Good work !😉😃
Yes U're damn right. I had AT 1000 manual, AT 1000 DCT and now have ATAS 1100 DCT. Every was very good and the last one is great but this TFT Android based Gameboy makes me sick. It's very slow and complicated. I bought it mainly because of Apple Car Play.
You helped me to decide on buying a 2019 Africa Twin. I’ve been researching them for the past week. I went to dealer and sat on one with only 2,600 miles on it. It felt perfect. I have a 32” inseam, and sat on it with my feet flat. I’ve owned two GS(s), a 1100 and a 1200. They have issues I don’t have time to go into here. (One being the seat height.) And I owned a 2019 Tiger 800. It wasn’t big enough for me. This one seems like a good in between. I haven’t ridden it yet. It seems like a good 50/50 kinda bike. I live in The Ozarks of Arkansas, and I think this will be perfect for where I live. Thanks for posting this video. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I am looking for a similar bike in the next few months, but I have heard from several people that ATs are very top heavy and difficult to lift, any thoughts on that?
It's a big bike so it's heavy but the weight is mostly on or below the vertical median so until you reach the tipping point it feels light. When you're moving, due to gyroscopic effect it isn't really an issue. Lifting a bike is an art. I'm 65 years old, 5ft 6in tall and I weigh 160 pounds and I can easily lift my AT with a back squat
This is big and heavy bike, I know like KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have good ground clearance and wheel size "18"-"21" (both 25cm and around 240-250kg). They "much better" than BMW R1250GS Adventure, Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer, Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200... wheel size "17"-"19" (ground clearance 21cm or less and weight 260,270,290kg) but still is too heavy for hard off road!! Everything up 210kg is primarly touring bike. For road use and difficult off road track I recomended ligher bike, today they many option on market!
Just bought a 2015 KTM 1290 SA with 24k on it for $9500. It's in really great shape with all the goods already on it. Luggage, custom touring seat, new chain and sprockets. Will be used for mainly road touring but some off road here and there. Thing is a torque monster. Hope I made a good choice. 🤞
As a matter of fact I AM planning to buy a Tenere 700 or the AT in January. Looking for all the pros and cons of each! It's still 50/50 at this point...
I just bought a 2017 Africa Twin with only 1700 miles for my first bike. Came with Tusk aluminum saddleboxes, givi 15l tank bag, full givi crash bars. I put on doubletake adventure mirrors with extensions, Barkbuster VPS handguards, camel adv camel toe kickstand and windscreen brace, centerstand, ims adv 2 footpegs, xgrip ram mount, fastway billet cargo rack. I have an altrider skidpIate in the garage waiting to be installed. I was planning on the F850gs until I was able to mount and compare the 2. The BMW was way more top heavy. Bought some Alpinestars boots and their v3 drystar honda jacket. Bought a cheapo Yema helmet from Amazon but now looking at an Arai XD4. Your videos helped me decide on the AT. Thank you sir.
AT2020:Kutting power and not the contact an the screen and settings stay on. Enough for a good 10 min.brake. Sucks when you drop it and you have to switch off to start it again, especially on difficult terrain
Now I want an AT. Is bike owning, viral or bacterial. For some reason since I bought my klr650, I keep looking at Goldwings, crotch rockets, dirt track 2 strokes and litre plus ATV bikes. So basically I’m buying back all the bikes I had years ago. When someone asks if I’m selling my KLR I’m appalled- NEVER! Thanks for the honest review, I’m a bigger guy and the only issue I had riding an AT was bottoming out -a lot. I passed one up recently now I’m kicking myself….
Yep, not everyone is equipped to deal with the AT as it's 500lbs. I have no issue with it off-road and ride with much smaller bikes but I have it setup correctly. Same as this guy and he only weighs 160lbs. ruclips.net/video/whYAwn0hvms/видео.html
Ian I just want to say thanks heaps for your channel. I really like your thorough reviews but your casual style. It works really well and I’m working through watching all your videos. I’m really tossing up between AT and bmw 1250gs. I’m prob gonna go Africa twin. Hi 👋 from Australia 🇦🇺
I just got a 2016 AT with 7,000 miles on it for $10k in NorCal. Prices are kinda up but I'm very happy with my purchase. I wanted the T7, but I think I get more bike with the Africa Twin.
Thanks for another great episode. Man, you had me sold on the T7, but, this review has me sold on the Africa Twin. I saw a used on at my Honda dealer a couple weeks ago. It looked great. I think I’m going to ask them about it. I do love the look of the bike, also. The one I saw, in black, looked perfect. I am currently riding my old ‘06 KLR, and the new Honda CRF300 Rally. Happy Trails
Great video Ian. I totally agree with everything you said. I bought a second hand 2016 black AT in January 2020 with 31.000 Kms (19.000 miles) in perfect conditions, with every extra you can think of for € 10.000. The best thing I've ever done. I use it a lot both for short day trips and longer ones. My therapist. I have no intention of swapping it. To me, one of the best all around motorcycles on the market. For touring / commuting / gravel / off road, does it all. Are there better motorcycles for each of the different categories? Yes of course. But can one combine all of them? I haven't found a better one yet... Greetings from Portugal.
Awesome stuff dude, really like your take on things. I moved from a 2016 Tiger 800 XC to a 2018 A-T based on some intermittent cranking issues with the Triumph. No regrets on the move, but it reaffirmed that there is no "unicorn" (i.e. perfect) bike. I love the one-touch ABS button as well as the off-road manners of the A-T, although my demo ride experience with the staggered firing order of the new Tigers indicates they're probably way better off-road than my 2016 was. I got a really good deal on the A-T and fully appreciate the reliability, durability, and dealer network of owning a Honda, but I'm not sure if it will be my forever bike.
Best used AT twin deal I could find was $10,500 for a low mileage standard '19. The T7 I had a deposit on finaly showed up out of nowhere. Not disappointed in the least and actually prefer the bare bones nature as that's what I'm used to anyway.
It is a great value, but factory cruise control and linked brakes on the 2020+ is worth it. This is an adventure touring bike. Having a real cruise control is nice.
I bought a used 2016 model in this same color for $9,000. It had 16,000 miles on it. I have had to put on a new set of brake pads and I just replaced the chain and sprockets. I went with a 15/42 over the stock 16/42 and it is perfect. Really made a noticeable difference. You can also turn off the traction control by holding down on the trigger switch. I love this bike except for the fact that the traction control have to be set every time you restart the bike unless you like the traction control on full and the rear abs on.
I’d love to have the A. Twin- used- waiting for KLR to die- But that waiting on the computer to let me ride- NO WAY- I’m sure the new ones are great but that screen would get hammered!
This is great content for the real world, hiliting good value used bikes when the secondary mkt presents opportunities to buyers on a budget. More, please !
I have a 2020 model. New from the dealer. Grate bike but as you seed the screen suck at the star up, but for the rest is a grate bike. But if I head to buy a used one still the twin would rock my hart. Grate video keep on the good work. :)
Spot-on assessment on the bike. I got lucky and got one for $9500usd as a new old stock at the end of 2020, which was $11,230 OTD price (Oregon has very high DMV title/registration fees for new vehicles, I think it almost $500 of the total cost). I do like the mechanical and electronics upgrades of the newer Africa Twins but, after finding out about the long wait people are enduring to get access to certain menu items at start-up, and the lack of TC button and ABS button, I'm glad I got the 2019.
NEW MERCH SHOP ! : big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LINK: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1053&BigRockMoto&
In my opinion, the Honda A.Twin CRF1000L is absolutely too heavy for off road (232 kg - 534 lbs). Less than 19 liters (4.96 US gal) is definitely another added minus in terms of consumption. By no means can such a motorcycle be the best or one of the best options to buy (for its class).
Tenere XT660Z is a much better choice.
The design n everything else on African twin is awesome. The only problem! It's unaffordable to Africans . Have never seen it in my country though am African.
I don't understand
Hello !! can you help me please with a piece of advice ?
it is ok as a beginner to purchase this motorbike ?
can you provide me a website where i can buy this type of motorbike from usa ?
thank you and have a good day !
@@alexandrult.685 It is absolutely suitable for a beginner, but you need to ask yourself where and how you will ride with it. It’s not the fastest, even acceleration isn’t something you’ll be able to put up with, it’s not the most attractive to look at. However, if you want a useful motorcycle that is easy to maintain, with which you can ride well off-road, then you will be thrilled!
Unfortunately, I can't advise where to buy it in America, I'm European.
@@metodyx7507 hello ! man thanks for the advices. i`m not a speedy gonzalez type of guy. i prefer to enjoy the ride. take back-roads the the true beauty is. 100-120km/h i find extremely comfortable. i`m more into range than power. that`s why i`m looking for something i can afford maintenance, i can carry some luggage and do a little off road shortcuts :D ( and fishing :))) )
I purchase a 2017 Africa Twin standard model new, and continue to be pleased with it. Ian covers all significant aspects of the bike very well. The newer versions of the AT have more features and complications, but I really prefer the simpler earlier models. The 21/18” wheel set and 27.5 degree steering rake combined with long travel suspension are what make this bike special. I am 68 and can confidently take the AT off road, albeit at slower speeds than a competitive KTM 790/890. I ride a KTM 500 aggressively in hard enduro terrain several times a week, so I know what that is all about. The AT handles like a big dirt bike, has an excellent standing position, and is a superb all rounder. Selecting the right tires for this bike really can improve performance for specific conditions. Forget the extreme off road videos about the AT. There are better bikes for that. This is a comfortable and well rounded exploration bike packed with Honda goodness. As Ian mentions, the stable chassis and excellent handling are strong attributes that keep you upright and safe. Think of the AT as the Labrador Retriever of adventure bikes. Strong, reliable, and lovable.
so well said!
What modifications or upgrades did you do to your AT? I plan in the future to picking one up. What tires do you recommend? I plan on doing 50/50 street/dirt. I’m not going to race it, I’m just going to enjoy it. All my past bikes have been naked 1,000 cc, & 1,200cc bikes.
@@BigRockMoto What do you say about new Africa after 2020?
Had GS’s for 20 years. Sold my 1200Adv as it was getting a bit heavy to lug round. Got a test ride on a 2017 AT and never took it back!
6000mls, 1 owner, loads of extras. Absolutely brilliant. Most of my riding will be on road.
Rob 67yrs
I think you got away with it. They wont be looking for you now, 4 years later.
@@MotoGuzziMoto well-done amigo!
I have a 2017 AT that I bought in 2019 with less than 2k on the clock. Upgraded the skid plate, added Mosko Moto panniers, crash bars and a few other goodies. I just rolled 40k on the clock this weekend. I’ve done the MABDR and most of the NEBDR with it. It’s my daily commuter as well, even when the temps get into single digits. This is the first motorcycle (I’ve owned around 25) that’s my first “forever” bike. Heck, just bought a new Pan America Special for long distance touring. Going to Pittsburgh (900 miles round trip) this weekend and I’m taking the Africa and leaving the Pan Am at home.
Sounds like a good idea, leaving the Pan America behind. I've read the details about the Pan's engine. Three balance shafts ? Harley can't get things right with simple designs. Now they add more monkey motion in their engines ? They're definitely masters of marketing. Time shall tell. There's an old saying, "keep it simple".
Did you have any issues with stiction of the front forks? It seems many high mileage owners have no complaints about it.
@@antonioreyes3028 not that I can tell. It’s got 46k on the clock now and she rebounds like she did when she was new. I think a lot of people who have “issues” think they are Pols Terres or Valentino Rossi. I’ve never once upgraded a suspension and I’ve owned 25 bikes. Get on it and ride!
Hi, you’ve given me the nudge to try one. Is yours a DCT?
How is the wind protection on the highways? Do you get a lot of buffeting on your helmet? or is it not that bad as people say
I bought one, second hand, last year. I use it 95% on paved roads, it's a very comfortable bike, solid and reliable so far. And everyone likes it , it's a beautiful bike. I don't care about the 'soft' suspension since i only weigh 65kgs. Mine is a 2017 model with only 14k kms.
People forget when they weight 15-20stone and complaining the suspension bottoms out and is to soft. If someone else is 11 stone the suspension would be rock hard and literally throw the rider off the bike. It's all a compromise.
Your bike reviews are so comprehensive, I feel like I've actually ridden the bikes! I can hold a detailed technical conversation with any biker based solely on your channel's info. I'm seriously thinking of getting back into bikes after several years lay-off due to a leg injury. Hmmm...
The ABS off mode can be maintain when you cut the engine. Here is the procedure.
Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the ABS function on both wheels will automatically be turned on [ACTIVE], but the ABS will maintain the rear wheel [CANCEL] off-function when engine stopped by using the engine stop switch.
Very useful to know.
Yes you can maintain ABS OFF by turning OFF the engine with the RED button on your right (The same to start) Do not use the key to stop the engine!
Page 118 of the manual SECTION : ABS function on the rear wheel
The ABS function on the rear wheel can be optionally turned off for off-road riding.
You can turn off the rear wheel ABS function in [OFF ROAD MODE], [USER 1 MODE] or [USER 2 MODE].
u Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the ABS function on both wheels will automatically be turned on [ACTIVE], but the ABS will maintain the rear wheel [CANCEL] off-function when engine stopped by using the engine stop switch.
I’ve had several several bikes. Currently have 4. My favorite by far is my red white and blue AT with gold rims. I have both soft and hard. bags from givi and. Hondaline . Three different tank bags I use. I put and akrapovich exhaust that really lightened up bike but more importantly made it sound incredible. I love the look sound feel street handling of this bike. I’m an old dirt rider and have no problem throwing this thing around I out bark busters on it better skidplate and tires. I actually bought a tenere 700 and for me being a short older rider, that bike was extremely tall, top heavy, and uncomfortable plus I still Owned the AT at the time so I actually made a profit, sold the Tenere and kept my AT. I have seat on low position. I just love the thing!,,
that colour scheme just works, it looks so good.
How much did You loose kg replacing oroginal pipe?
I am thinking replacing mine
what's your inseam?
Spot on...I have owned a 2016 since it was new....Now has 52000 miles on it and still going strong...Most of my riding on this bike has been fire roads, and super steep mtn roads....All the way to Alaska and Prudo bay to where I am currently Peru.....Ride it everyday up unbelievable mtn roads here....up to 14,000 ft with no problems....Great bike with just regular maintence.....Honda you just cannot beat in my opinion. My bike is also the DCT which I love....You just have to learn it ways....never going back to shifting either.....
I love my 2017, wouldn't replace it with a newer one.
Great vid! - One thing which almost never seems to be considered when buying a bike is how well it actually fits your own size/frame (in particular when you stand up on it) I've had dozens of bikes over the years and currently have the ATAS - one of the main reasons is that at 6ft 2ins (in bare feet) the ATAS actually lets me ride it off road without being bent double - even more so that the standard AT. I'd like to try a T7 but i suspect it might not be tall enough but would prefer a lighter bike. Having said that i never take a full tank of fuel if I'm going off road its got plenty of range even on half a tank!
Thank you for a great review. I live in South Africa and got a 2017 model for about the same price with extras (upgraded suspension, crash bars, etc). I love the bike. Great value and super reliable.
Bought my first motorcycle ever one year ago at age 56 and learnt to ride on it.... 2018 Africa Twin Matt Ballistic Black DCT...... flipping love it.
Great video and agree. I was also drawn to a Tenere but it appears that availability will be way off into the horizon. I ended up with a Moto Guzzi V85TT for the time being. Not near as off-road capable but it’s been fun to ride and surprisingly good. Old school engine that is pretty simple and I like it’s not a bike seen every day. Cheers mate
Just bought the V85 TT also. Centenario. Enough off toad capability for me and tons of character! AT looks great too though.
love the guzzi
I was totally looking at the V85 because i love how it looks. However, air cooled engines down here in south Florida are kind of a big no no.
From watching your comparison between old and new AT i think i prefer the no-fuss simplicity of the 2016 model. Thanks for all of the no fluff, comprehensive reviews. 👍
I toured Australia on my XR250, XL600, & NX650. Much of it was off-road - particularly for the first two bikes. I am looking for another bike for my time in Japan, and the Africa Twin, whilst being a bit pricey, is a safe and natural choice for me. You did a good and helpful review. Thanks.
I just bought a slightly used 2018 African Twin today 2/14/22 based on your videos. Was almost ready to buy the KTM 1100 for the same 13K but when I put the two side by side it was clear that I should chose the Honda. Firstly because I'm a 57 year old man who isn't going to push a bike to the limit any longer, (too old for that shit). I'm 6,2' and 230 lbs so the T7 with a passenger would be bottoming out on a speed bump and well, I have the funds to buy whatever the hell I want and I like nice things. The bike I got has all sorts of expensive upgrades too. Touring seat, crash bars, bash guard, side bags, rear rack, headlight guard, fat kickstand foot and the list goes on and on. Probably would be about 23K if a new bike had all that and my used bike only has 10 K miles on it. No dealer prep charge, no destination charge, and it a freaking Honda! I don't want a bike I have to have in the shop from time to time waiting on parts from who knows where. Thanks for the fantastic work you do to help folks like me make informed decisions on very important purchases.
i bought a lightly used 2017 Africa Twin DCT with only 3000 miles on it this past March. i absolutely love it and now have 13,000 miles on it. It has been fantastic on and off road and dead reliable. Other than burning gas and tires, its been a dream.
Just sold my 2020 AT yesterday. I feel your pain on the menu system on the 2020 and up. Honda made it really annoying.
The big ADV bikes quit being worth all the trouble to me these days. Bought a 300L Rally and couldn't be happier.
Great video! I had a 2016 DCT and loved it. Been of the road for 4 years now and looking to get a 21/22 year model. This is coming from 23 years of Goldwing riding!
Great Job. I just bought the 2021 GSA and took it off road for the first time and it is BIG. The Africa twin may be a good alternative for around North Idaho and Eastern Washington kicking around,. Keep up the great reviews I’m enjoying them
can you do comparison of current version 1100 vs 2016 1000 version; cheers;
Make sure the Adventure Sport model you buy has had the recall done on the fuel cell. I was almost killed on the freeway when my AT died suddenly due to fuel starvation. Almost run over by another vehicle during a passing maneuver. I cleaned the tank and replaced the stock filtration with a Guglatech set. Problem free motorcycle since. DCT model. Love it. Previous GS owner...
What year model was that for?
@@Yutter89 2019
It's a great touring/gravel/light offroad bike. I rented a '19 and enjoyed it. Probably great offroad for a better rider than me who is fit enough to pick it up multiple times.
Love your videos and its been interesting to see you evolve and improve. Have Guzzi V85tt and love this bike on and off road. Stripped off the extra non essentials put on some 50/50 tires and I'm sitting on a 6 gallon fully fueled weight of 505 lbs. Lighter than the AT and shaft driven. Love the power output , smooth and simple ride modes that automatically and logically set power delivery, traction control and ABS for Road, Rain and Off-Road. Anyhow, the AT is a great bike and value I've owned many Honda's and they've all been bullet proof and fun to own.
Seems like for 95% of these 2016-2019, people are asking $11k - $12k. And definitely not set up like yours, they're mostly or completely stock. Hoping I can find a deal like yours eventually. Thanks for the informative overview, subscribed.
Where are you located? I just bought a T7 for the channel, I need to sell this bike now. info@bigrockmedia.net to get in touch
@@BigRockMoto Have you sold it yet?
Great looking bike. I actually like the looks and simplicity of these earlier bikes and they seem like a great value. Nice video!
Hello Ian, you bring up some great points, I think a few of the manufacturers have really missed out on what people really want in an adventure bike. Huge exposed TFT screens and 700 modes to set up a ride are not what I would call ideal. I love the sound of a uncorked Africa Twin, it sounds like a Chevy v8 on cherry bomb mufflers! Awesome! You want something that can do some miles on the road and still not worry about it if it falls into a ditch or stream. BMW GS is a fantastic bike for some situations, but not what i am looking for, I thought the KTM 690 was going to be it, but found it not dirt oriented enough at the time and not good enough on road to be the only bike. Now I have a Sherco 300 SEF-R for my playing in the woods, and a CBR 929 for the road, but it is not what dream about. I would love a comfortable upright ride that is durable and dependable, easy to get parts for, and not difficult to work on, given a fairly high level of skill. KTM look the part but here in Australia you pay through the nose for one. The 790 and 890 seem like a good idea but they are not proven yet and over priced to start with. I think I might have to revisit the Africa Twin. Keep up the good work and love the videos!
Great vid . I’ve had 2 gsa 800’s and 2 gsa1200 lc one tiger 800 xcx and the at 2017 model is by far the better bike . Mines the dct model ex touratech display bike so come with all the extras to . I love it
Thanks for sharing
The Africa Twin feels a lot heavier than the Tenere 700! It makes a world of difference, especially when maneuvering or when you've got stuck. This year I immersed my 2018 Twin for a new Tenere at the dealership. Off-road, the Tenere is the better choice. Unfortunately, on the highway you already notice 20 hp difference ...
I completely agree with you.
Isn't the Tenor more top heavy?
I think you just inflated the price of these hidden gems.
Thanks.
the best version of these awesome Bikes are 2018 or 2019 version (2th version) but 2016 or 2017 are still exceptional ///// 2016 to 2019 are the BEST FRAME absolutely in off road use ///// The 1100L frames 2020 or 2021, (euro5) are for road use mainly ..... Believe me. ( sorry for my english..... (I have Africa Twin ADV Sport 2018)
Very informative thank you, tossing up between Africa twin and ktm 1190 but thinking africa because of reliability as 90% of my riding will be highway 10% dirt road touring around Australia, thanks again
Great informative video Big Rock Moto! Bought my Australian Africa Twin new in 2016, got the faster, red and black one (old school manual gear change model). Fantastic road and off road bike, cant think of anything that I would like to replace it with . Longest day trip was 10 hours in the saddle and was glad to get off .Now has 30K klms on the clock and third set of tyres .Only problem from new, was replacing the poorly made wheel spokes after corroding inside 5K klms. Fixed under warranty twice and a faulty engine kill switch on the right hand grip. Apparently not adequately greased on the factory floor. Was a common complaint in this country. Otherwise its the best bike I have ever owned. Nearly 70 now !!! and unless the wife sells it from under me ,I will probably take it to the grave! Greetings from Sydney ,Australia.
Wasn't aware of the wheel spoke problem maybe its the crocodile pee from crossing your rivers.what did you buy for replacement spokes? ty and Happy trails ahead
@@gordonjames8811 Could be the crocodile pee....unfortunately the original spokes were not made of stainless steel and hence formed a corrosion on most the spokes ,front and rear, after contact with water. The local Honda rep arranged to replace them with the same batch of spokes that Honda wanted to get out of their warehouse stock . They too corroded within 2000 klms and Honda Australia, in their wisdom replaced them a third time ,at their expense and my inconvenience, with stainless steel spokes. The local mechanic at the Honda dealership shook his head in disbelief at such poor handling of a warranty claim as he was the one to reset the wheels both times .I knew of 3 other Africa twin owners in my local region who had the same problem with these spokes. Still a great bike though!
Great video Ian! Last year I was looking to buy my first ADV bike. Initially I was looking at used F 800 GSs, which where I live you can get for a reasonable price (around $6000), most of them with low mileage. However, if you are going to want to put some aftermarket parts on the bike then this of course not all the money you'll end up spending. Considering this I started looking at new bikes, namely the Africa Twin and the T700. Test rode both the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with DCT and electronic suspension and the base model. The Adventure Sports wasn't what I was looking for, but I really liked the base model. However, after having tested the T700 also, I was convinced that that was the bike for me. Comes with all the features I want and need, does not have cumbersome (as you pointed out) electronics, is a few grand cheaper and luckily shipped within 3 weeks after purchase. I do not regret my choice, I'm absolutely happy with my T7, although I admit having a look at a used CRF1000L like the one you have would not have been a bad idea :) Only problem was that great deals like the one you got were not really out there in my area, looks like you have more luck in the western US 👍 Anyway thanks for the video, really helps when you're looking for a bike :)
Really nice to know my 2019 is worth good money. But I won’t let it go until I’m too old or beat up, to pick it up from a fall. At 68, that could be about any time. I’m getting a little stiff…
It's 2024 now, I'm 70, and can't pick up the AT anymore. It's Jan 25th, I have a 2024 XL750 Transalp in the garage, and it's too cold and wet to get out for a while. I hope I made a good choice to replace the AT, which I have on Craigslist right. For only 50# lighter (unloaded), this bike is reasonably easy to pick up. Two years from now, I might be in the same shape again, and have to downgrade again. It's all fun!
Another great work. Detailed and specific.
Great video. Thanks for your input. After the video I found a 2016 with 9000 highway miles, and in pristine condition. Traded my KLR and rode the AT home. So far, I’m in love with it😎
I was looking pretty hard at the T7 last year when I figured out how hard they were to get. I ended up buying a low mileage 2017 AT with upgraded crash protection and saddlebags for less than 10k. When you consider the current market, taxes, and upgrades to the T7 it was just a way better deal to go with the yesteryear AT.
I just hired this bike for a weekend, and it's amazing on the road. Suspension is much better than tenere 700, engine is damn good. It is a little bit heavier than T7 but changing only battery and exhaust will reduce 5kg.
If you consider buying it, please take into account the following: it is a very heavy bike, difficult to pick up on your own and you have to have a proper off road boots (not Toucans or other flip flops but proper boots). It is top heavy. It has jerky throttle at low speed-non of you tube channels mentions it but it is a well known issue if you check more independent forums. While off roading it is very easy to add too much throttle (with obvious consequences) as it is very responsive and kind of on and off, jerky type. It is a great bike in many ways just don't decide to buy it based only on you tube channels. I took the bike off road a few times and decided not to buy it but before, watching endless you tube clips I was convinced it was a bike for me.
I really wished you had talked about the changes made from 17-18 mainly the fly by wire throttle introduced in 18. That is a big selling point for some inmo. That’s why I will never give up my 17. Ever!
I personally have never ridden offroad myself. But I have been riding for 6 years now. I'm looking at getting a new royal Enfield Himalayan to for second motorcycle to start doing some offroad riding they are cheap and light and easy to ride for a offroad beginner.
Great video! I’m a long time BMW rider that bought a new 2018 AT Adventure Anniversary edition with the DCT. I Love this bike! With 2+yrs and some thousands of miles I like it as much as I did the first day :) If you’re looking used I can attest that they are wonderful.
I spent some time going back and forth about which bike I wanted and why. I came to a lot of the same conclusions that you did back in January/February 2020. I settled on a 2019 Africa Twin and the market was fairly thick with them within a decent driving distance of me in Northwest Arkansas.
I popped in to the local Honda dealer to check out a gently used 2016 and ended up paying $9k cash for it and have enjoyed every minute on it.
What do we think now is 2024 and 2025?
I have few bikes that I have kept and sold over the past 10 years but I daily ride a f800 for the past 6 years, I love the ergos, fuel eco, reliability, all the mods but I am almost om 200 000km now and when it dies I want something new. I have had an 800 tiger, a 1200 gs, 990, 790 but none I have enjoyed as much as my bargain bin 800. Will a 2017 AT serve me well for 100 000km of commuting, 500km a day slogs, and some short but very abusive off roading on the weekend? I can't remember the last speed bump I didn't jump ay 100kmh and the 800 loves it
Good video, completely agree. KTM looks nice but I fear it would turn me into a mechanic. As you say, once you are familiar with AT fairing removal, getting into the valve check etc is all fairly simple and provides some fun stuff to do in winter. Thanks as ever from UK.
Ironically, dealing with issues is why I'd never pick a Honda over a KTM. KTM bikes are meant to be worked on, and the dealers make it really easy to get necessary parts in reasonable prices. Dealing with Honda dealers and the part costs mean I really don't want to own any newer Honda machine.
Would you buy a used Africa Twin in 2021? why or why not?
Would definitely do when an opportunity arises.... Thanks to your review.
Earlier this year, I came across a used 2017 Africa Twin with less than 2000 miles on it. It didn’t come with much in the way of accessories, other than the factory low seat, which I definitely had to have, but it was nearly brand new and priced less than $10,000, so I bought it. I love the simplicity of the bike compared to the 2021 version, which I’m also fortunate enough to own. I do love the 2021 bike. It is smoother and faster than the 2017, the seating position is more comfortable for me (only slightly), and I appreciate the big display, the rider modes, and the ability to fine tune everything. However, as just a get-on-it-and-go bike, the 2017 is hard to beat. Thanks for the video!
I just sold my Rebel 500 (first bike) and bought a 2017 Africa Twin DCT with 9,000 miles. I've watched almost every video on RUclips about them and I finally pulled the trigger thanks to videos like yours!
=
What about the royal enfield himalayan as a new bike?
tempting and i like the bike was simpler. but the one big thing I would want on a bikeat that price point is cc. but its seems cc has to always be packed with active suspension and a full color display, which i dont want.
Another incredible video, thank you! After owning a few KTM's: 2015 500 EXC, 2014 200 XC-W, 2013 250 XC-W and my recent 2018 350 EXC-F, I am no longer planning on buying a KTM. My 2018 350 was purchased from a KTM dealer that replaced the engine after the 'plastic' gear used in the engine failed. Plastic gear in a KTM? Total insanity! Since I no longer plan on technical off-road riding, I am in the market for a nice dual-sport bike. When I used to ride sport bikes up Angeles Crest and Ortega Highways in Southern CA back in the 80's and 90's, Honda was almost always my choice of sport bike. I even purchased a 1990 RC-30 that should still be in my garage but is not. Anyway, I think you are correct about the 2016-2019 Africa Twin. It is a beautiful bike and given the kind of riding that interests me now, I will keep my eyes open for one. Thank you again, you are among the best motorcycle journalists in the business!
Picked up a 2021 ATAS 3 months ago and love it! Been looking at them for a few years and finally pulled the trigger.
Nah it's budget,,,, NORDEN 901
Is it launched
I just bought 2016 Africa twin which a lot of equipment and 3600 km since was new❤
I've got a guy trying to sell me a 2019 one, sounding like it's a good deal? Does it pull hard enough to be satisfying?
After 5 months on waiting list for a T700 the local dealer dropped the last brand new 2019 AT to $9900. No brainer for me at that price. I’ve put 2k on it so far and love it. After riding the KTM 1290 the last couple years, this feels nimble and sleek. Good balance of off-road ability and pavement munching to get places afar.
That’s the one I bought in March of 2020, when I couldn’t get a T7, got it for $9,964! Got 20k on it. No regrets
That's interesting. In Europe where I live I was able to get a T700 within less than a month in fall last year. I also tested a KTM 1090, and although certainly a bit lighter than a 1290 it was too tall and heavy for me, I feel more comfortable on the Tenere.
Great deal on your ‘19 AT!!!
Great bikes, pretty handy to ride, but that video game dash would drive me nuts.
WE WANT A HONDA TRANSALP WITH 888 CCM AND 88 PS !!!!!
(SEAT MAX. 82 CM !)
THANK'S
;-))
Agree with your comments about the old v new AT. I waited for the 2020 model as it seemed a large number of improvements. Prefer the tubeless tyres for one, but you’re right about the TFT screen. Too much, too slow, too unreliable. It is not an improvement over the older model, it’s a gimmick. You do have a “favourite switch” though, which I allocated to gravel mode, as they removed the “G” switch on the newer bike. So I can select traction control off with one switch.
Had may CRF for 5 years love it
Bingo! Bought my 2016 in January this year, after spending a couple of months comparing different biks and coming to a lot of the same conclusions you have here. Really nice sweet spot of price/performance/reliability. It's simply the Honda of the category. Got it for $9K with just over 9k miles and some nice extras- factory panniers and top case, crash bars, aux lights etc. There were several around the SF bay / Nor Cal area at the time but everything seems to have dried up since then, I think I got lucky on the timing as the Great Everything Shortage of 2020-21 doesn't seem to be slowing. Good vid!
I bought a 2018 mod with 9000km.
Absolutely love riding this bike. Smooth and comfortable. Handles real well. A very nice looking adventure bike.
Picked up my 2018 AT Adventure Sports a couple of weeks ago. Great bike! Your video helped a lot with my choice, many thanks. Any tips on mixed tyre choices for this bike? Probably 70/30 road/trails?
I will go for the Africa twin, because I need an off road focused adv bike with good road manners, I need reliability, I need a friendly and easy bike, even the seat height is friendly with 250 mm of ground clearance. It have all the necessary electronics - nothing more nothing less (I prefer 2018-2019 bike as it carries important upgrades including 7 level traction, 3 level engine braking, settings remain same when we turn off etc)
Well then you pick the right bike I love mine
there literally no reason to choose T7 over AT. its literally at least one class lower and you can get used AT cheaper
For an 80/20 maybe even 90/10 riding, would you still recommend this? I want a fun commuter that can I can take into the desert on rare occasion. I was leaning towards the CB500x, but this video has me reconsidering.
I ride 50-50 but if I was 9010 or 8020 I’d still go for the twin no question whatsoever
Wow used prices really have gone up!
Dang....
I'm 5'8" so not a baller! I'm in process of selling my two Harleys so haven't hit the search or sat on a African Twin or NC750x yet. For a guy my size, your recommendation?
For a small size gladiator the African twin is too big. I say you gotta be minimal 6 feet not being condescending just honest. Good luck
Bought a 2017 AT for 10k 2 weeks ago. Had 5k miles on it. Been riding a xr650l my whole life... Oh have I been missing out
I rode my 1995 BMW GSPD until last year when I got a 2019 AT DCT. no regrets whatsoever love this dang bike
Love your vids! I sat on a used 2016 Twin today at the dealer. It has 8k miles on it. Thinking super hard on it. I'd be saving thousands for a solid bike I'm hoping. Anything I should look for far as wear & tear? Thanks!
Can i ask why you sold the 500exc? I have one and can’t image parting with it. I mainly rode off road with it…
Great review! I’d love to add an AT to my R1200GSA for the same reasons as you:)
Îm actually on the market to buy ... was pretty sure it was the best for my needs !
With Your shared experience the deal is sealed !
Thanks for the Good work !😉😃
Great and congrats....
Get a tenere if have a GSA
Yes U're damn right. I had AT 1000 manual, AT 1000 DCT and now have ATAS 1100 DCT. Every was very good and the last one is great but this TFT Android based Gameboy makes me sick. It's very slow and complicated. I bought it mainly because of Apple Car Play.
You helped me to decide on buying a 2019 Africa Twin. I’ve been researching them for the past week. I went to dealer and sat on one with only 2,600 miles on it. It felt perfect. I have a 32” inseam, and sat on it with my feet flat. I’ve owned two GS(s), a 1100 and a 1200. They have issues I don’t have time to go into here. (One being the seat height.) And I owned a 2019 Tiger 800. It wasn’t big enough for me. This one seems like a good in between. I haven’t ridden it yet. It seems like a good 50/50 kinda bike. I live in The Ozarks of Arkansas, and I think this will be perfect for where I live. Thanks for posting this video. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
thanks!
I am looking for a similar bike in the next few months, but I have heard from several people that ATs are very top heavy and difficult to lift, any thoughts on that?
It's a big bike so it's heavy but the weight is mostly on or below the vertical median so until you reach the tipping point it feels light. When you're moving, due to gyroscopic effect it isn't really an issue. Lifting a bike is an art. I'm 65 years old, 5ft 6in tall and I weigh 160 pounds and I can easily lift my AT with a back squat
This is big and heavy bike, I know like KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have good ground clearance and wheel size "18"-"21" (both 25cm and around 240-250kg). They "much better" than BMW R1250GS Adventure, Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer, Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200... wheel size "17"-"19" (ground clearance 21cm or less and weight 260,270,290kg) but still is too heavy for hard off road!! Everything up 210kg is primarly touring bike.
For road use and difficult off road track I recomended ligher bike, today they many option on market!
Just bought a 2015 KTM 1290 SA with 24k on it for $9500. It's in really great shape with all the goods already on it. Luggage, custom touring seat, new chain and sprockets. Will be used for mainly road touring but some off road here and there. Thing is a torque monster. Hope I made a good choice. 🤞
Timely as I continue my search for a mid-weight adventure bike.
Mid weight adv bike. I got the T7 and absolutely love it
Thanks Ian. I met you at the last Flying Monkey Rally at Zion. Keep up the great content.
Thanks, will do!
As a matter of fact I AM planning to buy a Tenere 700 or the AT in January. Looking for all the pros and cons of each! It's still 50/50 at this point...
And what did you buy at end ? :)
Perfect evaluation and suggestions. Thank you 🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I just bought a 2017 Africa Twin with only 1700 miles for my first bike. Came with Tusk aluminum saddleboxes, givi 15l tank bag, full givi crash bars. I put on doubletake adventure mirrors with extensions, Barkbuster VPS handguards, camel adv camel toe kickstand and windscreen brace, centerstand, ims adv 2 footpegs, xgrip ram mount, fastway billet cargo rack. I have an altrider skidpIate in the garage waiting to be installed. I was planning on the F850gs until I was able to mount and compare the 2. The BMW was way more top heavy. Bought some Alpinestars boots and their v3 drystar honda jacket. Bought a cheapo Yema helmet from Amazon but now looking at an Arai XD4. Your videos helped me decide on the AT. Thank you sir.
AT2020:Kutting power and not the contact an the screen and settings stay on. Enough for a good 10 min.brake. Sucks when you drop it and you have to switch off to start it again, especially on difficult terrain
Now I want an AT. Is bike owning, viral or bacterial. For some reason since I bought my klr650, I keep looking at Goldwings, crotch rockets, dirt track 2 strokes and litre plus ATV bikes. So basically I’m buying back all the bikes I had years ago. When someone asks if I’m selling my KLR I’m appalled- NEVER!
Thanks for the honest review, I’m a bigger guy and the only issue I had riding an AT was bottoming out -a lot. I passed one up recently now I’m kicking myself….
Sold my 2017 AT and bought used T7 and never looked back
Yep, not everyone is equipped to deal with the AT as it's 500lbs. I have no issue with it off-road and ride with much smaller bikes but I have it setup correctly. Same as this guy and he only weighs 160lbs.
ruclips.net/video/whYAwn0hvms/видео.html
Ian I just want to say thanks heaps for your channel. I really like your thorough reviews but your casual style. It works really well and I’m working through watching all your videos. I’m really tossing up between AT and bmw 1250gs. I’m prob gonna go Africa twin. Hi 👋 from Australia 🇦🇺
I just got a 2016 AT with 7,000 miles on it for $10k in NorCal. Prices are kinda up but I'm very happy with my purchase. I wanted the T7, but I think I get more bike with the Africa Twin.
Thanks for another great episode.
Man, you had me sold on the T7, but, this review has me sold on the Africa Twin. I saw a used on at my Honda dealer a couple weeks ago. It looked great.
I think I’m going to ask them about it.
I do love the look of the bike, also. The one I saw, in black, looked perfect.
I am currently riding my old ‘06 KLR, and the new Honda CRF300 Rally.
Happy Trails
I love this. I’ve gone round and round looking at norden, tenere, Tuareg, v85tt, but I keep coming back to the AT. Tough choices.
No choice at all Africa twin every time everything about it build power handling cost of maintenance reliability I had no questions whatsoever
Great video Ian. I totally agree with everything you said. I bought a second hand 2016 black AT in January 2020 with 31.000 Kms (19.000 miles) in perfect conditions, with every extra you can think of for € 10.000. The best thing I've ever done. I use it a lot both for short day trips and longer ones. My therapist. I have no intention of swapping it. To me, one of the best all around motorcycles on the market. For touring / commuting / gravel / off road, does it all. Are there better motorcycles for each of the different categories? Yes of course. But can one combine all of them? I haven't found a better one yet... Greetings from Portugal.
Love the bike but if you ride a lot of dirt the air filter is a hassle to clean compared with a F850 gs.F850 takes 5 min to clean versus ?Thanks.
Awesome stuff dude, really like your take on things. I moved from a 2016 Tiger 800 XC to a 2018 A-T based on some intermittent cranking issues with the Triumph. No regrets on the move, but it reaffirmed that there is no "unicorn" (i.e. perfect) bike. I love the one-touch ABS button as well as the off-road manners of the A-T, although my demo ride experience with the staggered firing order of the new Tigers indicates they're probably way better off-road than my 2016 was. I got a really good deal on the A-T and fully appreciate the reliability, durability, and dealer network of owning a Honda, but I'm not sure if it will be my forever bike.
Good review, appreciate your straightforward style, keep up the great work.
Excellent. Again! Would prefer a T7 for similar use but your logic is sound.
Best used AT twin deal I could find was
$10,500 for a low mileage standard '19.
The T7 I had a deposit on finaly showed up out of nowhere. Not disappointed in the least and actually prefer the bare bones nature as that's what I'm used to anyway.
It is a great value, but factory cruise control and linked brakes on the 2020+ is worth it. This is an adventure touring bike. Having a real cruise control is nice.
I bought a used 2016 model in this same color for $9,000. It had 16,000 miles on it. I have had to put on a new set of brake pads and I just replaced the chain and sprockets. I went with a 15/42 over the stock 16/42 and it is perfect. Really made a noticeable difference. You can also turn off the traction control by holding down on the trigger switch. I love this bike except for the fact that the traction control have to be set every time you restart the bike unless you like the traction control on full and the rear abs on.
I’d love to have the A. Twin- used- waiting for KLR to die- But that waiting on the computer to let me ride- NO WAY- I’m sure the new ones are great but that screen would get hammered!
"waiting for the KLR to die"... Good luck w that! Let me know how it goes! Lol! I'm thinking I will just have to own BOTH until they die!
This is great content for the real world, hiliting good value used bikes when the secondary mkt presents opportunities to buyers on a budget. More, please !
I have a 2020 model. New from the dealer. Grate bike but as you seed the screen suck at the star up, but for the rest is a grate bike.
But if I head to buy a used one still the twin would rock my hart.
Grate video keep on the good work. :)
They are about 10 to 11k USD in my corner of the world. I mean 1 owner, low millage, full service history. I agree it's a good option.
Spot-on assessment on the bike. I got lucky and got one for $9500usd as a new old stock at the end of 2020, which was $11,230 OTD price (Oregon has very high DMV title/registration fees for new vehicles, I think it almost $500 of the total cost).
I do like the mechanical and electronics upgrades of the newer Africa Twins but, after finding out about the long wait people are enduring to get access to certain menu items at start-up, and the lack of TC button and ABS button, I'm glad I got the 2019.