I am 51 yr old rider and I owned well over 50 different machines in my life .. I purchased a new 2018 ATAS and it’s amazing and will stay in my stable till I die.. it’s not the best machine with all the best features but it’s just a dam good machine that can do way more than you think it can.. it all depends on the riders skills.. I grin ear to ear every single time I ride her never have I enjoyed a bike as much as her .. I love the new 2020 but I don’t need more electronics to enjoy a bike I feel the 18 and 19 models are awesome..only thing I wish I could have is true tubeless tire set up on the 2020 models.. so for all the guys thinking about trying out a twin do yourself a favor and do it.. 1st generation needed lots of mods.. 2nd generation so much better 3rd generation amazing..but just so much more $.. so more budget minded buyers snap up 2nd generation bikes while you can and fall in love with it .. great bang for the buck ! That’s my honest opinion. And yes the big girl can rock some off-road with the right rider and some great tires.. but also carve the twisties with the sports bikes.. it even amazed them ! Great long distance tour machine.. honda really did good .. so go ride any of the Honda’s they are worth the test ride.
@@antares8341 I just rode both the AT and GS (never ridden the KTM) and no, the AT is not better. It is marginally less refined. The wind control is a reasonable bit worse but improved with aftermarket deflectors. The TFT is not quite as good, If you like a Cadillac ride feeling then the BMW also wins out. As for looks, I felt the BMW looks a bit like cart horse, whereas the AT looks a little bit more racehorse. The engine disagrees though, and the BMW felt considerably faster. Although I liked the confidence the flatter AT acceleration gave me, and the AT still felt very quick. BUT .... The AT feels more Nimbl. It felt more fun. It's almost as good in many areas. It feels a chunk lighter on the road. And, seeing as I plan to be dropping it a few times, it's also only something like 2/3 of the price so I'll be less precious. I am travelling abroad with it, so having a Honda is likely a better option in developing countries and, apparently, it does better than the BMW with lesser quality fuel. I'll keep my options open but I am currently in the AT camp.
After owning 3 GS’s since 2010 I just bought my first Africa twin adventure sports (manual) in black and actually prefer it. Saved £6000 in the process!
Now compare everything you don't have in your Africa and start putting parts, from the tread, the central fog light leg, and for that money it's not an adventure model, so when you add it all up again you have a small difference compared to BMW that gives a stronger engine ... it's all the question of what you need nothing for today is not cheap ...
@@Gixxer-1100 Honda AT can compete with GSA on road not to say AT can go over extreme off-road but GSA can't do that. AT is lighter compared to GSA so its easy to control them lastly not to say one cant question the reliability of Honda over the long run but same cannot he said for BMW. Lastly the maintenance for AT is not going to burn a hole in your pocket like the BMW.
@@cb6440 I have had 4 hondas, cbr, varadero, cb 1300 and 600f so far, don't tell me about the reliability of honda because I had a problem with electricity, regulator stator, battery, hiss, ignition lock ... honda is cheaper to maintain only if you maintain it with spare parts if the engines are maintained in authorized services the price is identical, .... I only agree that for Honda there are more spare parts, she and bmw live on the old glory motorcycles were made until 20 years ago this now it's all marketing, ....
@@Gixxer-1100 dude it depends on how you ride the machine as well as timely service. It seems the way you say it you definitely lack the required skills and knowledge of maintaining the bike. Have many friends who took a Honda and never complained and stayed with the Honda family because it never gave them issues. BMW is meant for going to Starbucks. Honda is meant for going to real locations in mountains. In that perspective even BMW makes it hall of glory - Make life a ride to starbucks 😂
@@cb6440 the theory falls into the water because if the gs is not as good as the story goes, 70-80% of people would not travel on it, looking at the engine from only one perspective is a total failure, for your information the brand I had the least problems with is yamaha, and I think that this is the best bet at the moment in buying an enduro engine, I am a mechanic by profession, so let's say I know some basics of mechanics 🤣 ....
I sort of understand the frustration, but it won't actually slow anyone down that wants to take off quickly. The small, lower gauge that shows just the essentials will allow you to take off while the touch screen boots. It's not ideal, but not a show stopper either.
I love my Africa Twin. You don't have to wait for the software to start and go, the bike is in the mode you left it in, and it really doesn't take that long.
@@BikeWorldTVshow didn’t mean it like an insult😂. They get into the more technical aspects of motorcycling and I like that kind of stuff. You guys more than earn a sub though👍
Sounds to be, finally, very competitive with the best. Agree, it definitely needs to be visually more updated. But anyone looking for the best *real world* partner for adventure slogs of any sort absolutely must consider the AT to be the most reliable, easiest-to-live-with option. At the end of the day, that's what really matters most.
Good review, however your nit-picking complains about this excellent AT is unjustified. I just purchased the 2021 AT-DCT model and couldn't be happier with my purchase. The start up only takes 10 second or less, so by the time I wear my gloves and get on the bike I am ready to go. I can also change the customised menus on the fly as I ride. My state of the art tech packed Africa Twin is around $10,000 less expensive than the comparable GS and Honda is the only company that offers DCT which I now can't live without. Is by far much easier to ride my lighter AT than my GS-1200 which I sold last year, also AT is much more reliable and much much cheaper to maintain compared to the GS.
Great review. There are other reviews on this bike that are out by pro riders and your came off, to me, as the best one. Keep doing what your doing! From Texas.
There is also the Gas Tank residue issue, for which Honda has already issued a recall. The coating dissolves after time causing debris to clog up the fuel filter. If you buy one of these, get that issue corrected before taking the bike home. Also the seat is hard on the butt on longer rides.
Good review thanks. I love my 2019 ATAS DCT, but if I had a review like this before I bought it I would probably have waited for the 2020 version. Absolutely sold on the DCT, I also have a 2016 CB500X that reminds me of what it was like to ride in the dark ages 😬.
Great all-around bike. I rode mine from northern Canada to Baja a few years back and absolutely loved it BUT i cannot take my eyes off of that CBX . Just goes to show Honda makes iconic legends, now and then
Excellent review. I was buying a GS until I rode the 2020 model and immediately changed my mind. The GS is a great bike but I just felt more comfortable on the Honda. I am 5 ‘ 11” so height of either was not the issue the Honda just felt smoother and I also thought looked better. Can’t wait to get mine into the Alps and Pyrenees 😇
Nice review. I own the 1100crfl the screen boot up doesn't bother me. Thus far I've been enjoying the bike, alas Covid lockdowns have curtailed any off road adventures. I owned a GS for 8 years, which was an awesome bike. It's too early for me to judge how the Africa Twin stacks up against the GS.
I think honda should have offered this bike with a 19inch front wheel option....as most of these bikes are ridden on the road and there's no need for a 21inch wheel for that....
I'm a bit old school - I used to tour Britain and parts of Europe many years ago on my ancient CB550 and GS650 Kat - enormous fun and all achieved without any real difficulties or indeed very much money! It included some pretty exciting (some might say foolhardy) dirt road riding too. I've seen vlogs showing two-up cross-continental tours on an old 650 V-Strom and I remember an old bike magazine publishing a story of a guy who went round the world on an early GSXR1100. I'm not saying we should go back to riding on solid rubber tyres and sprung saddles - of course not; there've been many, many excellent mechanical improvements which cannot be faulted or argued against - but I'm just curious about riders who genuinely consider the minutiae of a bike's tech package (electronic damping, larger or smaller TFT screen, multi mode throttle response etc) when making a purchasing choice. I guess it must be part of the deal if you're spending anything between £12k-£18k on a bike. Is it "an adventure" or is it "bludgeoning the environment into submission" with yr wallet?
Great Video, After owning mine for 3 months Now ATAS DCT Non ES I Love it, yes the screen takes a while but its not minutes maybe 30 seconds but you can crack on with out it all settings remain as before, I love this Bike and its fair to say this is an honest review and a good one for the Twin, thanks please go and test ride one its an amazing Bike.
One issue with previous gens was re-starting the bike lost the the last set-ups. Have they fixed that, does the bike start in exactly the same mode setup as when it was turned off?
@@Aleph1010 Hi Adam, yes last gen did, this however is a different ball game, it does start with all the settings so if you need to move in a rush just go then press ok when its ready, I can't fault the bike, was looking at a GS but just found this so much better looking ( for me anyway i realise that's subjective.) cheers for the reply.
Best looking bike along with the Tenere 700 , that's because I could barely afford the Tenere . I think that Twin and all the Twin versions are amazing ........ one day one day ...................
ALL colors should be available on all trims. I really have no idea why motorcycle companies this this nonsense of only certain colors on certain models in certain years. Especially when so many components are shared across anyway...
The DCT takes some getting used to and if you're willing to deal with the "Real bikes aren't automatics" comments of other riders it's such a joy to ride.
The only major conflict i keep hearing is the windshield some riders are looking through it, so what is the buffeting going to be like once you buy a new shield Not sure if Honda will address this problem along with the interface and seat for 2021 that's the price to pay for that 21 inch front wheel
ya quick shifter doesn't work well with the boxer engine. I had a rally GS couple years ago now I have the same bike as yours, more relax and enjoyable
I agree with the statement that there are a lot of novelties but these novelties have raised the price so much that it is as expensive as the tiger xca and gs adv, the engine is beautiful I had it tested for a couple of days. But when I compare the small payload, the lack of power compared to the above motorcycles, the story becomes very expensive, the difference is 1000e compared to the gs adv model and three equipment packages ...
Hey, Honda - gimee a smaller, lighter, (say, 750cc) DCT optioned "Africa Diaspora Twin" with round dials (!) but without all the e-gimmick unnecessary TFT witch craft at around $10k & I'm a buyer. (Oh, Yam T7 you say...?)
On the fence ! I ride a CRF450L. I would prefer to keep the 450 and get a long range bike . Considered meeting in the middle with the T700. In the end I would like to try : AT1100, Triumph 900 rally pro, and the GS1250
I have a 2016 Goldwing and the opening ceremony takes forever to boot up but im sure I could live the the Twin just like I do the Wing. Has anyone wondered why the screen flickers on the Africa Twin. That would be distracting to me and also not being able to adjust on the fly is a turn off. As for the electronic suspension, I can do without that also. Too much electronics on things theses days. Definitely looking at the AT though.
The engine will start even if the screen hasn’t fully booted up, right after you’ve turned the ignition on. I don’t even wait for the screen to come on anymore. Other than this small nag, It’s a fantastic bike Great video, thanks
Great review. I remember seeing the Twin in person when my gf was shopping for a bike. Beautiful bodywork and excellent fit and finish. (Gf got a CBF500)
This sounds like, if Honda is paying attention, a relatively easy fix with a dealer visit in the near future. Annoying, for sure. But if you're not always inclined to thumb the starter and rip off straight away, allowing it to warm a bit is not the end of the world.
@@allwheeldrive ya but don’t you need to press OK after the disclaimer ? If they remove the “Africa Twin” starting logo and the disclaimer, things will improve drastically
If you do a lot of off rd work?The gs airfilter takes 10 min to get to and clean.The Honda takes how long????Thats a deal breaker for me sadly.Cheers JHB-SA.
You can drive away before the screen fully boots up! So this is not much of an issue in my mind. Takes 17 seconds to fully boot up. Put you gloves on and relax, if 17 seconds is a deal breaker then I feel sorry for you. Bike will be in the last rider mode regardless of the display being on fully.
I'm pretty sure that Honda could build a GS adventure beater, up engine too at least 1200cc & put the shaft from the VFR1200X & install an additional 2 gallon fuel tank under the seat, like the St1300 , & that would do it for me to lay down some cash on one 😁
100% correct by saying EU 5 NONSENSE... the majority of bikers / riders have had enough of this sh%t coming from aunti Merkel... It now starts to feel like Covid of the petrol engine!
I’m not sure why meeting Euro 5 standards are “nonsense” but any guess as to how much a de-cat and/or noncompliance with Euro 5 would really improve performance?
I am guessing intake and exhaust mods would get you another 10hp or so. With that being said, 100hp off road is meaningless and will just get you into bad situations. It has no advantages over 50-60hp off road.
I did :-) Own a C6 Z06, a Boss 302, RZR, Mountain Sleds, quads, Duramax. The only thing I dream about each day is my ATASes and for summer to come quickly to our Rockies. Buy one you most definitely won't regret it :-) 🇨🇦
JMO but I think the AT looks too much like a power ranger. It might be the better off road bike but how many people actually take their £15k plus bikes off road, not that there's many places in England to do that anyway so it's off road capabilities and larger wheels are somewhat irrelevant for most riders. Good as it may be it's now in the same ball park now cost wise as the GS which isn't much heavier and has significantly more power and torque. Good try Honda but as you said it's not a GS, which might appeal to some I guess but not everyone
I've had a gs, most overrated, overpriced bike ever. Unreliable junk. I have the 2020 atas es its simply incredible, its comfy, fun and reliable. Doesn't cost the earth for servicing either unlike the incredibly high prices bmw charge.
@@marksbgm I'm on my 3rd GS and not had any problems with any of them so maybe I'm just lucky. I guess you didn't like it then...each to their own as life would be boring if we did, enjoy your AT
It doesn't look like a Power Ranger. It looks like a Gundam, which is absolutely sick. Why would i want a heavier bike anyway? If i want it heavier, i buy myself a goldwing. Never would i buy a GS, way too fat and the Boxer engine is just stupid if you go offroad. Have fun sticking your legs out, you wont try that often, promise.
What is DCT? Is that a gear-less bike, like a scooter? I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 ('AN 650') maxi -scooter and i:m loking for a new bike. Never quite got my head around geared bikes and always figured an Automatic transmission is a no-brainer.
Dual clutch transmission. You can use auto mode or use the paddles to go up and down! Mopeds are more cvt constant velocity transmission( elastic band)
Hey, why you guys forget Triumph tiger 1200 XCA. This bike also equally competent or offer more than Honda Africa twin? Price wise also competent enough. Triumph tiger 1200 XCA version is more capable than Africa twin. First of all i hate comparing Africa twin with BMW, Ducati Multistrada. These bikes are too good. Ofcouse, I agree from pricing and maintenance perspective it's expensive but quality of product and fun factor is ultimate. I love Beemers and Ducati Multistratas. Honda need to go long way............
Same. For some reason they keep making them heavier though. The DR and KLR are the only actual full size dual sports in my opinion. The rest are bloated cruisers with slightly knobby tires for the guys that want people to think they ride off road.
I'm guessing 8-10 seconds if remember right from last season. It's so damn long, I start the bike before putting on my helmet and gloves, so I'm good to go, when I get on it :-( I've got a routine now, so no big deal. But really do love this bike eh! Dreaming of summer right now! 🇨🇦
Honda Africa Twin won my heart over the BMW GS. In my own eyes Honda AT bike is way cooler than the GS, look and feel and reliability. BMW guys, don't fight... let it go.... xD. Also, BMW have this BLING BLING thing I am happy I let go too.
What's the thickness of crank case,, clutch and gearbox cover? 2mm?? You better don't drop your Africa twin or you'll have all the engine oil on the road. Engine is as robust as wet toilet paper.
I'm giving you a thumbs down 👎 review for this reason. You say you complain about the lack of adjustability on the fly amount of time it takes for that screen just to load up. .... Honda is JUST LIKE ARAI helmets. They are ALL about safety! MAYBE Honda was thinking they should allow a few SECONDS just for the bike to warm up!!?? 🤔
What you will get is a tank full of weld slag, if you ignore it or dont get it fixed it will clog up the filter, pump and eventually the injectors. thanks honda. Sold mine..
@@williamhider85 What other issues did you have? What year was yours? I am looking at a "new" 2017. I am coming from a KLR, so I am used to an..."interactive" ride we'll say.
The suspension is really soft on the Adventure sports ( I had the ATAS without the electric susp 2020) if you load it up apparently it will bottom out. The cruise control is set out on the throttle hand & is very difficult to reach. I just gave the bike up as it was like riding a truck. Mine was set up to tour & without panniers on it was 270 kg. 90 kg heavier than my KTM. When your out on the highway sure it’s nice ride but all the other time that weight & the size of the bike make it hard work. I went back to a KTM as it was an instinctive ride, look where you want to go & you’re there, the Honda was just not keeping me happy. The local Honda mechanic here was a village idiot, that didn’t help..
@@williamhider85 That sucks. I am leery about those bigger bikes for the same reasons. Extra power doesn't help much off road, but extra weight (anything over 500lbs) is a huge disadvantage. Supposedly, the non-A ATs come in at 500lbs wet. That is almost manageable if I can get a few more months n the gym! They need a 700-800cc version that comes in under 450lbs. I would buy it tomorrow.
Make it 7-800cc, drop the MSRP $4-5K, drop 50-75lbs and Honda wouldn't be able to make them quick enough. I have no idea why they don't have a leaner version. It is absurd. That is the recipe for a true dual sport. These 500lb+ bikes off road are ridiculous. What does 100hp do for you off road? Nothing but maybe get you into trouble. What does an extra 50-75lbs do for you off road? Make everything negative about the bike - worse.
I am 51 yr old rider and I owned well over 50 different machines in my life .. I purchased a new 2018 ATAS and it’s amazing and will stay in my stable till I die.. it’s not the best machine with all the best features but it’s just a dam good machine that can do way more than you think it can.. it all depends on the riders skills.. I grin ear to ear every single time I ride her never have I enjoyed a bike as much as her .. I love the new 2020 but I don’t need more electronics to enjoy a bike I feel the 18 and 19 models are awesome..only thing I wish I could have is true tubeless tire set up on the 2020 models.. so for all the guys thinking about trying out a twin do yourself a favor and do it.. 1st generation needed lots of mods.. 2nd generation so much better 3rd generation amazing..but just so much more $.. so more budget minded buyers snap up 2nd generation bikes while you can and fall in love with it .. great bang for the buck ! That’s my honest opinion. And yes the big girl can rock some off-road with the right rider and some great tires.. but also carve the twisties with the sports bikes.. it even amazed them ! Great long distance tour machine.. honda really did good .. so go ride any of the Honda’s they are worth the test ride.
That’s a lot of bikes to own!
Its better then Ktms and gs Bmw?
@@antares8341 no way
@@TheVikingquest I've just ridden the new big GSA, the KTM 1290 and the AT1100AS - The AT is now in my garage :D
@@antares8341 I just rode both the AT and GS (never ridden the KTM) and no, the AT is not better. It is marginally less refined. The wind control is a reasonable bit worse but improved with aftermarket deflectors. The TFT is not quite as good, If you like a Cadillac ride feeling then the BMW also wins out.
As for looks, I felt the BMW looks a bit like cart horse, whereas the AT looks a little bit more racehorse. The engine disagrees though, and the BMW felt considerably faster. Although I liked the confidence the flatter AT acceleration gave me, and the AT still felt very quick.
BUT ....
The AT feels more Nimbl. It felt more fun. It's almost as good in many areas. It feels a chunk lighter on the road. And, seeing as I plan to be dropping it a few times, it's also only something like 2/3 of the price so I'll be less precious. I am travelling abroad with it, so having a Honda is likely a better option in developing countries and, apparently, it does better than the BMW with lesser quality fuel.
I'll keep my options open but I am currently in the AT camp.
After owning 3 GS’s since 2010 I just bought my first Africa twin adventure sports (manual) in black and actually prefer it. Saved £6000 in the process!
Now compare everything you don't have in your Africa and start putting parts, from the tread, the central fog light leg, and for that money it's not an adventure model, so when you add it all up again you have a small difference compared to BMW that gives a stronger engine ... it's all the question of what you need nothing for today is not cheap ...
@@Gixxer-1100 Honda AT can compete with GSA on road not to say AT can go over extreme off-road but GSA can't do that. AT is lighter compared to GSA so its easy to control them lastly not to say one cant question the reliability of Honda over the long run but same cannot he said for BMW. Lastly the maintenance for AT is not going to burn a hole in your pocket like the BMW.
@@cb6440 I have had 4 hondas, cbr, varadero, cb 1300 and 600f so far, don't tell me about the reliability of honda because I had a problem with electricity, regulator stator, battery, hiss, ignition lock ... honda is cheaper to maintain only if you maintain it with spare parts if the engines are maintained in authorized services the price is identical, .... I only agree that for Honda there are more spare parts, she and bmw live on the old glory motorcycles were made until 20 years ago this now it's all marketing, ....
@@Gixxer-1100 dude it depends on how you ride the machine as well as timely service. It seems the way you say it you definitely lack the required skills and knowledge of maintaining the bike. Have many friends who took a Honda and never complained and stayed with the Honda family because it never gave them issues. BMW is meant for going to Starbucks. Honda is meant for going to real locations in mountains. In that perspective even BMW makes it hall of glory - Make life a ride to starbucks 😂
@@cb6440 the theory falls into the water because if the gs is not as good as the story goes, 70-80% of people would not travel on it, looking at the engine from only one perspective is a total failure, for your information the brand I had the least problems with is yamaha, and I think that this is the best bet at the moment in buying an enduro engine, I am a mechanic by profession, so let's say I know some basics of mechanics 🤣 ....
I love my 2020 Africa Twin. It's an amazing motorcycle.
Great review, I wouldn’t think the screen booting up slowly would bother me. I usually start my bike up, put on my helmet and gloves, then pull away
Not to mention allowing the engine warm up for at least 30 seconds
Ditto. Never just jump on start and ride.
I sort of understand the frustration, but it won't actually slow anyone down that wants to take off quickly. The small, lower gauge that shows just the essentials will allow you to take off while the touch screen boots. It's not ideal, but not a show stopper either.
I love my Africa Twin. You don't have to wait for the software to start and go, the bike is in the mode you left it in, and it really doesn't take that long.
The best bike channel on RUclips by a country mile. John and Chris complement each other perfectly. Thanks for another great review!
Thanks Bruce!
True
Fortnine is still my favorite RUclips channel of all
christians131 Love you too!
@@BikeWorldTVshow didn’t mean it like an insult😂. They get into the more technical aspects of motorcycling and I like that kind of stuff. You guys more than earn a sub though👍
Sounds to be, finally, very competitive with the best. Agree, it definitely needs to be visually more updated. But anyone looking for the best *real world* partner for adventure slogs of any sort absolutely must consider the AT to be the most reliable, easiest-to-live-with option. At the end of the day, that's what really matters most.
Good review, however your nit-picking complains about this excellent AT is unjustified. I just purchased the 2021 AT-DCT model and couldn't be happier with my purchase. The start up only takes 10 second or less, so by the time I wear my gloves and get on the bike I am ready to go. I can also change the customised menus on the fly as I ride. My state of the art tech packed Africa Twin is around $10,000 less expensive than the comparable GS and Honda is the only company that offers DCT which I now can't live without. Is by far much easier to ride my lighter AT than my GS-1200 which I sold last year, also AT is much more reliable and much much cheaper to maintain compared to the GS.
But I am interested in Honda CBX behind the guy
F1 engine sound!
Great review. There are other reviews on this bike that are out by pro riders and your came off, to me, as the best one. Keep doing what your doing! From Texas.
My 2018 AS africa twin is awesome..only 1100 miles...rode all my life...my other bikes just sit and I ride this....ohhh and I'm 74
There is also the Gas Tank residue issue, for which Honda has already issued a recall. The coating dissolves after time causing debris to clog up the fuel filter. If you buy one of these, get that issue corrected before taking the bike home. Also the seat is hard on the butt on longer rides.
Good review thanks. I love my 2019 ATAS DCT, but if I had a review like this before I bought it I would probably have waited for the 2020 version. Absolutely sold on the DCT, I also have a 2016 CB500X that reminds me of what it was like to ride in the dark ages 😬.
Dark ages😁in my country till cca 1996 if u had helmet u where p u ssy XD..
Great all-around bike. I rode mine from northern Canada to Baja a few years back and absolutely loved it BUT i cannot take my eyes off of that CBX . Just goes to show Honda makes iconic legends, now and then
Excellent review. I was buying a GS until I rode the 2020 model and immediately changed my mind. The GS is a great bike but I just felt more comfortable on the Honda. I am 5 ‘ 11” so height of either was not the issue the Honda just felt smoother and I also thought looked better. Can’t wait to get mine into the Alps and Pyrenees 😇
You can still drive off even though the screen hasn't booted up.
What a treat
That's even funnier.
Indeed - And there is a display below which is on immediately for that very purpose oh ignorant ones! And since an update mine loads very quickly.
Nice review. I own the 1100crfl the screen boot up doesn't bother me. Thus far I've been enjoying the bike, alas Covid lockdowns have curtailed any off road adventures. I owned a GS for 8 years, which was an awesome bike. It's too early for me to judge how the Africa Twin stacks up against the GS.
honda should offer crash protection as standard!
I’m installing the crash bars now. You are 100% right!
Absolutely stunning review. Succinct and precise. Well done Bike World👍
Succinct? Is that even english?
Lol. Check your vocabulary dude😎
I think honda should have offered this bike with a 19inch front wheel option....as most of these bikes are ridden on the road and there's no need for a 21inch wheel for that....
Road riding bias is for GS dudes at the Starbucks who bump the curb and consider that offloading. This is an off road beast in road going clothes
you want an 19inch front wheeled adv ? go buy a CBX500 !
That’s why I love my V-Strom!
@@random_cocaine4667 not everyone who buys this bike rides it off road, 19 better option for road riding...
Honda have good quality build
A Android Auto Update will be a good Idea!
They have done the same thing for the Goldwing, I think that the update is coming soon! Just be patient!!
@@majesticpenguin9060 I hope that. The release of the goldwing was in Summer 2020:(
It is available now. Just take pendrive and upgrade it to Android Auto.
I'm a bit old school - I used to tour Britain and parts of Europe many years ago on my ancient CB550 and GS650 Kat - enormous fun and all achieved without any real difficulties or indeed very much money! It included some pretty exciting (some might say foolhardy) dirt road riding too.
I've seen vlogs showing two-up cross-continental tours on an old 650 V-Strom and I remember an old bike magazine publishing a story of a guy who went round the world on an early GSXR1100.
I'm not saying we should go back to riding on solid rubber tyres and sprung saddles - of course not; there've been many, many excellent mechanical improvements which cannot be faulted or argued against - but I'm just curious about riders who genuinely consider the minutiae of a bike's tech package (electronic damping, larger or smaller TFT screen, multi mode throttle response etc) when making a purchasing choice. I guess it must be part of the deal if you're spending anything between £12k-£18k on a bike.
Is it "an adventure" or is it "bludgeoning the environment into submission" with yr wallet?
Never mind the the Africa twin... what about the cbx
Excellent review, especially for those of us who are a bit tentative off road 👍
Great Video, After owning mine for 3 months Now ATAS DCT Non ES I Love it, yes the screen takes a while but its not minutes maybe 30 seconds but you can crack on with out it all settings remain as before, I love this Bike and its fair to say this is an honest review and a good one for the Twin, thanks please go and test ride one its an amazing Bike.
One issue with previous gens was re-starting the bike lost the the last set-ups. Have they fixed that, does the bike start in exactly the same mode setup as when it was turned off?
@@Aleph1010 Hi Adam, yes last gen did, this however is a different ball game, it does start with all the settings so if you need to move in a rush just go then press ok when its ready, I can't fault the bike, was looking at a GS but just found this so much better looking ( for me anyway i realise that's subjective.) cheers for the reply.
Bro the Africa Twin makes you instantly look like a kamen rider with its stunning looks. That alone would convince me to buy it over anything else.
Wow. Exceptional review. Thank you. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽
It takes the time you take to start bike put your jacket, gloves and helmet i don´t think it's a issue. But that´s just me.
ya I don't think it's an issue neither ; start the bike, get on it, side stand up and the screen is ready anyway
Thanks for an honest review. I think I read it takes 20 seconds to light the screen. I will make a safety check while it boots.
Best looking bike along with the Tenere 700 , that's because I could barely afford the Tenere . I think that Twin and all the Twin versions are amazing ........ one day one day ...................
What a fantastic, relatable review!
The best review of Africa twin ever... honda make this man ur sales head
Wind protection is poor on ATAS compared to GSA but is more reliable I think.
I just wish the standard came in the tri color red white and blue with gold rims.
ALL colors should be available on all trims. I really have no idea why motorcycle companies this this nonsense of only certain colors on certain models in certain years. Especially when so many components are shared across anyway...
@@opmike343 I think the same dude. It’s really fuckin dumb. now they dropped all the gold bits lol like what!?
The DCT takes some getting used to and if you're willing to deal with the "Real bikes aren't automatics" comments of other riders it's such a joy to ride.
The only major conflict i keep hearing is the windshield some riders are looking through it, so what is the buffeting going to be like once you buy a new shield Not sure if Honda will address this problem along with the interface and seat for 2021 that's the price to pay for that 21 inch front wheel
I bought crf 1100 Africa twin adventure with dct after several time BMW gs 1200 and 1250 test ride. BMW quickshifter is just a joke
ya quick shifter doesn't work well with the boxer engine. I had a rally GS couple years ago now I have the same bike as yours, more relax and enjoyable
I think it is about the shaft drive, not about the cylinder configuration.
looking to get one of these here in Colorado, thanks for the video!
I agree with the statement that there are a lot of novelties but these novelties have raised the price so much that it is as expensive as the tiger xca and gs adv, the engine is beautiful I had it tested for a couple of days. But when I compare the small payload, the lack of power compared to the above motorcycles, the story becomes very expensive, the difference is 1000e compared to the gs adv model and three equipment packages ...
Hey, Honda - gimee a smaller, lighter, (say, 750cc) DCT optioned "Africa Diaspora Twin" with round dials (!) but without all the e-gimmick unnecessary TFT witch craft at around $10k & I'm a buyer. (Oh, Yam T7 you say...?)
The Yamaha would be more reliable too, so...
Yamaha more reliable than a Honda ? Nonsense.
Honda and Yamaha are both very reliable across their entire range of machines land and sea .
@@PoppaWheelies Yes, Hondas are reliable but according to statistics, Yamaha is the most reliable brand.
@@nicksokolis6343 my honda hornet 1999y 600 have 160 000km and still running on big tours...last year i did in 17 hours 1100km..Croatia-Switzerland.
Beautiful machine❤️
On the fence ! I ride a CRF450L. I would prefer to keep the 450 and get a long range bike . Considered meeting in the middle with the T700. In the end I would like to try : AT1100, Triumph 900 rally pro, and the GS1250
Great review. I was wondering if you have heard anything about fuel issues with flaking in the tank.
I have a 2016 Goldwing and the opening ceremony takes forever to boot up but im sure I could live the the Twin just like I do the Wing. Has anyone wondered why the screen flickers on the Africa Twin. That would be distracting to me and also not being able to adjust on the fly is a turn off. As for the electronic suspension, I can do without that also. Too much electronics on things theses days. Definitely looking at the AT though.
I'm waiting for the 750cc Africa Twin.
I´m waiting for the 1250cc AT
XRV750? 😁
The engine will start even if the screen hasn’t fully booted up, right after you’ve turned the ignition on. I don’t even wait for the screen to come on anymore. Other than this small nag, It’s a fantastic bike Great video, thanks
Great review. I remember seeing the Twin in person when my gf was shopping for a bike. Beautiful bodywork and excellent fit and finish.
(Gf got a CBF500)
"Beautiful bodywork and excellent fit and finish"; I take it you meant the bike!😎
The new screen is scary!!! Makes me want to buy a 2019 instead but Cruise Control is a good feature on the 2020 :(
And also with tubeless spoke wheels.
This sounds like, if Honda is paying attention, a relatively easy fix with a dealer visit in the near future. Annoying, for sure. But if you're not always inclined to thumb the starter and rip off straight away, allowing it to warm a bit is not the end of the world.
@@allwheeldrive ya but don’t you need to press OK after the disclaimer ? If they remove the “Africa Twin” starting logo and the disclaimer, things will improve drastically
Buy an older model and add electronic cruise. Simples
If you do a lot of off rd work?The gs airfilter takes 10 min to get to and clean.The Honda takes how long????Thats a deal breaker for me sadly.Cheers JHB-SA.
You can drive away before the screen fully boots up! So this is not much of an issue in my mind. Takes 17 seconds to fully boot up. Put you gloves on and relax, if 17 seconds is a deal breaker then I feel sorry for you. Bike will be in the last rider mode regardless of the display being on fully.
Belatedly, an excellent review. I like the basic L model.
Being a touchscreen that has to endure extreme variations in weather, the screen takes time to warm up .
I wish this level of design engineering would go towards purely road bikes
CBX in the background ftw!
I'd like to see a 19inch front wheel option, 21 fronts just turn me off, KTM offer it so Honda can.
They can but 19in front is not an africa twin
@@arcsolomon6360 amen
I want the tri color scheme on the 2021 Africa Twin Avd ES but they don't seem to have it :(
I'm pretty sure that Honda could build a GS adventure beater, up engine too at least 1200cc & put the shaft from the VFR1200X & install an additional 2 gallon fuel tank under the seat, like the St1300 , & that would do it for me to lay down some cash on one 😁
Great review but could you please make the intro and outro music louder and more annoying? 🙄
It's not that loud, sometime RUclips do a weird audio boost thing. Sorry!
At least you watched it to the end! 😀
@@BikeWorldTVshow No worries, love your work 🍻
@@stevenkelby2169 Thanks, we are looking into the audio issue...
@@BikeWorldTVshow It's probably my phone /headphones too ☺
Keep up the good work 🍻
The screen must have had an update with the new firmware. Boots up quicker.
Did you mention cruise control. Does it have it?
100% correct by saying EU 5 NONSENSE... the majority of bikers / riders have had enough of this sh%t coming from aunti Merkel... It now starts to feel like Covid of the petrol engine!
Do you think the new ones are worth the extra money over a 2016 or 17?
I’m not sure why meeting Euro 5 standards are “nonsense” but any guess as to how much a de-cat and/or noncompliance with Euro 5 would really improve performance?
I am guessing intake and exhaust mods would get you another 10hp or so.
With that being said, 100hp off road is meaningless and will just get you into bad situations. It has no advantages over 50-60hp off road.
Get a remap? For euro 5 they check emissions at 5 and 8000 rpm. So they retard them at that rev range! Mpg will suffer thou! Remap is about £400
Good review. Thanks
I wish Honda would pair the AT with the VFR 1200X.
Yes. An African Twin ES DCT with shaft drive.
I will buy one for myself
When I buy a bike, it's usually for myself too.
I did :-) Own a C6 Z06, a Boss 302, RZR, Mountain Sleds, quads, Duramax. The only thing I dream about each day is my ATASes and for summer to come quickly to our Rockies. Buy one you most definitely won't regret it :-) 🇨🇦
JMO but I think the AT looks too much like a power ranger. It might be the better off road bike but how many people actually take their £15k plus bikes off road, not that there's many places in England to do that anyway so it's off road capabilities and larger wheels are somewhat irrelevant for most riders. Good as it may be it's now in the same ball park now cost wise as the GS which isn't much heavier and has significantly more power and torque. Good try Honda but as you said it's not a GS, which might appeal to some I guess but not everyone
I've had a gs, most overrated, overpriced bike ever. Unreliable junk. I have the 2020 atas es its simply incredible, its comfy, fun and reliable. Doesn't cost the earth for servicing either unlike the incredibly high prices bmw charge.
@@marksbgm I'm on my 3rd GS and not had any problems with any of them so maybe I'm just lucky. I guess you didn't like it then...each to their own as life would be boring if we did, enjoy your AT
It doesn't look like a Power Ranger.
It looks like a Gundam, which is absolutely sick.
Why would i want a heavier bike anyway? If i want it heavier, i buy myself a goldwing.
Never would i buy a GS, way too fat and the Boxer engine is just stupid if you go offroad.
Have fun sticking your legs out, you wont try that often, promise.
What is DCT? Is that a gear-less bike, like a scooter? I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 ('AN 650') maxi -scooter and i:m loking for a new bike. Never quite got my head around geared bikes and always figured an Automatic transmission is a no-brainer.
Dual clutch transmission. You can use auto mode or use the paddles to go up and down! Mopeds are more cvt constant velocity transmission( elastic band)
Greetings from Greece. Anyone knows any news for the mid size AT850?
Hoping to hear some news about it too.
Did you see the release of the teaser video - very nice!! ruclips.net/video/ZT0iTPnxkZM/видео.html Can't find the official video - sorry!
@@tm-worldwide unfortunately all these are rumors. Nothing official...
Honda Africa twin and a BMW s1000rr had a baby. 😚
Beautiful 😍
Hey, why you guys forget Triumph tiger 1200 XCA. This bike also equally competent or offer more than Honda Africa twin? Price wise also competent enough. Triumph tiger 1200 XCA version is more capable than Africa twin. First of all i hate comparing Africa twin with BMW, Ducati Multistrada. These bikes are too good. Ofcouse, I agree from pricing and maintenance perspective it's expensive but quality of product and fun factor is ultimate. I love Beemers and Ducati Multistratas. Honda need to go long way............
Nice review
Im waiting for the day any company make a 600-800cc engine adventure bike, compact, and with weight reduced to less than 160 kilograms dry weight.
Same.
For some reason they keep making them heavier though.
The DR and KLR are the only actual full size dual sports in my opinion.
The rest are bloated cruisers with slightly knobby tires for the guys that want people to think they ride off road.
How exactly long does it take to boot the TFT display up?
I'm guessing 8-10 seconds if remember right from last season. It's so damn long, I start the bike before putting on my helmet and gloves, so I'm good to go, when I get on it :-( I've got a routine now, so no big deal. But really do love this bike eh! Dreaming of summer right now! 🇨🇦
Honda Africa Twin won my heart over the BMW GS. In my own eyes Honda AT bike is way cooler than the GS, look and feel and reliability. BMW guys, don't fight... let it go.... xD. Also, BMW have this BLING BLING thing I am happy I let go too.
Nice bike, but not enough color choices here in the USA !
Is the good old red white and blue not American as it comes ?? 🤣
@@williamcb78 , I don’t want my bike looking like Captain America! I have the flag for that !
@@jblue1299 🤣🤣 fair point !
I believe that the 2021 AT DCT ES is in black.
@@bukweet for those who wish NOT to be captain America 🇺🇸 😉🤣
Is it just me or it does look like a Punisher with these headlights.especially black and red colour scheme
The biggest problem for Honda is getting enough stock to dealers.
BEST
Reason for shitty sales is the fact that it badly suffers from rust. Even on new bikes. Plenty of horror pics on Facebook
Maybe more comparable to an 850GS?
Yeah. Not really an R1250GS competitor. Power-wise, spec and wheel size it’s much closer to the 850 GS and the Tiger 900.
In the long run, winning the Dakar rally will help to build the “adventure“ brand. Going to Starbucks it’s an adventure after all.
Is it really and adventure sport? Or just and adventure bike
The GS adventure is the proper Tonka toy.
What's the thickness of crank case,, clutch and gearbox cover? 2mm?? You better don't drop your Africa twin or you'll have all the engine oil on the road. Engine is as robust as wet toilet paper.
Rather have that rare old CBX Z behind you.
I'm giving you a thumbs down 👎 review for this reason. You say you complain about the lack of adjustability on the fly amount of time it takes for that screen just to load up. .... Honda is JUST LIKE ARAI helmets. They are ALL about safety!
MAYBE Honda was thinking they should allow a few SECONDS just for the bike to warm up!!?? 🤔
ahh my next bike
Mine also. Finally the AT ES DCT will be available in BLACK in the USA. I had no desire to ride around with a bike looking like Captain America.
👍😂😂
Bmw reliability poor
Honda reliability very good
T7 4 me. By a country mile.
Honda made a very well sorted bike, but the complexity is overkill. BMW has done a better job making it's pkg more approachable for more riders.
What you will get is a tank full of weld slag, if you ignore it or dont get it fixed it will clog up the filter, pump and eventually the injectors. thanks honda. Sold mine..
They had a recall. It gets fixed for free.
You sold your bike and didn't know they will fix it for free?
Sold it after the “fix” other issues I didn’t like and just too much like hard work riding it.
@@williamhider85 What other issues did you have? What year was yours? I am looking at a "new" 2017.
I am coming from a KLR, so I am used to an..."interactive" ride we'll say.
The suspension is really soft on the Adventure sports ( I had the ATAS without the electric susp 2020) if you load it up apparently it will bottom out. The cruise control is set out on the throttle hand & is very difficult to reach. I just gave the bike up as it was like riding a truck. Mine was set up to tour & without panniers on it was 270 kg. 90 kg heavier than my KTM. When your out on the highway sure it’s nice ride but all the other time that weight & the size of the bike make it hard work. I went back to a KTM as it was an instinctive ride, look where you want to go & you’re there, the Honda was just not keeping me happy. The local Honda mechanic here was a village idiot, that didn’t help..
@@williamhider85 That sucks. I am leery about those bigger bikes for the same reasons. Extra power doesn't help much off road, but extra weight (anything over 500lbs) is a huge disadvantage.
Supposedly, the non-A ATs come in at 500lbs wet. That is almost manageable if I can get a few more months n the gym!
They need a 700-800cc version that comes in under 450lbs. I would buy it tomorrow.
You can just start riding with the screen off.
100 % Honda
Its a nice bike but I would not trade in my 2019 R1250GS!
And your local BMW stealership service department thanks you for keeping it.
They'll be seeing you soon.
@@someguy5035 15,000 miles and not one issue. My dealer is the best I have ever worked with, they provide great service for an amazing bike!
Get the Royal Enfield HIMALAYAN 📈
Nah dude. We love the champs. KTM or Honda
I think the new multistrada is better
Make it 7-800cc, drop the MSRP $4-5K, drop 50-75lbs and Honda wouldn't be able to make them quick enough. I have no idea why they don't have a leaner version. It is absurd. That is the recipe for a true dual sport.
These 500lb+ bikes off road are ridiculous. What does 100hp do for you off road? Nothing but maybe get you into trouble. What does an extra 50-75lbs do for you off road? Make everything negative about the bike - worse.