2016 Africa Twin - Ride Review

[@inafusabi]

I went from knowing nothing about this motorcycle, to having a fair (newbie) overview of it. Thank you Jim. Good work.

[@jojope4469]

First review ive seen from the US. One of the best reviews.

[@RideApart]

Thank you Jojo!

[@satnavgav4500]

I've watched almost all the reviews of the new Africa twin on KZbin and I think this happens to be the best

[@RideApart]

wow. thank you very much.

[@Linty690R]

I agree, this was top notch:-)

[@coffeexmachina4376]

I dream of owning a bike like this but for a few reasons want the same 2-cylinder bike (in terms of capabilities - minus the HP) in 600 cc... any suggestions?? ;)

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

The FortNine review is just incredible. Great work regardless rideApart.

[@4tressed]

Coffee X Machina GR xt 660 tenere is made for you then =)

[@DanieleCarnino]

Probably the best footage and review I've seen on AT. I really appreciate the comparison between Rekluse and DCT: having had a Rekluse in the past, I'll probably go for the DCT version. As soon as my broken wrist gets back to normal, of course... Well done Jim! Greets from Italy

[@jde95tln]

Can't wait for mine to come in! Have a deposit down on one. Very excited!

[@roberthicks686]

Honda needs to realize that there *are* people in the US that are waiting for the tri-color. The silver isn't my style. The red looks good but I want the WHITE and want it so much that I won't buy the other two regardless of how badly I want the CRF1000L. I would compromise on the black though but still prefer the tri as the primary.

[@Jeff_gast]

Its pissing so many folks off, people everywhere are dumfounded by the absence of tri colour in north america. Its 1989 all over again

[@DRugfree1987]

I feel the exact same way. they are really losing a lot of sales because of the color options. and gray is so damn boring. I still don't get why they would pick the silver over white. theres a demand they just don't hear it. I just hope they offer it in the 2017 year model.

[@roberthicks686]

***** I finally got to see the red one out in the wild and will wait until the 2017 models come out to see if the tri color is available. If not, red looks pretty amazing in person.

[@EastyUK]

How much would a wrap cost? also adds a bit of protection for light clashes.

[@tercelfish00]

I bought a 2013 CBR500R because I fell in love with the tricolor. It's just so damn cool! I want to upgrade to the Africa Twin, but won't buy it in any other color then tricolor. Sorry Honda.

[@mickeypopa]

Dual-Truch Clansmission, or DTC for short. 👌

[@peteralbares5114]

The fact that it isn't offered in Red, White, and Blue on release is like a terrible decision. It's common sense, really...

[@yayoi1]

I think if you had used manual mode more you'd like the DCT on road as much as you like it offroad. Seamless shifting lets you swap gears even while leaned over midcorner without upsetting the bike's chassis. Being able to keep the throttle pinned while downshifting or upshifting makes it quicker than the manual bike. And in auto mode, the way the bike downshifts instantly when you're on the brakes really helps keep the engine on the boil or brush off speed.

[@wildone2163]

it doesn't matter it doesn't feel heavy when riding, but it does matter when you drop it off-road on sand or mud. Good luck picking up when you all alone.

[@RideApart]

Having dropped it we can testify that it's pretty to easy to pick up by yourself.

[@Texarmageddon]

No offense, but if you can't pick it up... might be time to hit the gym a little.

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

The dct is better than anything. Shifts faster than any one can. And this bike can do 130mph on the highway. This is a great all around bike.

[@howardmontaque8147]

Love the white. Wish they had it in the U.S. and the gold rims are bling for sure. As much as I hate red its going to have to be function over fashion. The grey just makes the bike disappear. Great review!

[@sejlefrew]

the narration sounds like a microsoft sam variant, but overall a good review!

[@MrImarcus]

Completely agree. Best bike I've ridden so far.

[@Nick.S.]

Great review, great footage, great bike.

[@RideApart]

Fantastic, Thank you!

[@tykebe]

My only gripe is hearing him say DTC 500 times........

[@ridewyoming]

Yeah it was a bit too much, the rest was great

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

Dct

[@scottnewhouse6668]

I counted 8

[@LegionarHR]

Thanks for the video bro, I am going to buy 2016 with 20 000 km, I am 188cm and 110kg, I hope I will fit good

[@jguan]

the variable tempo is driving me crazy

[@gyimahpaul5213]

I rode a similar type it has a perfect manoeuvrebility.

[@gasdude5153]

I got a 2016 in red I've changed the wheels to gold with stainless spokes - had no problem with it what so ever -sold my RD04 to replace it

[@christoskritikos2290]

I totally recommend it... Although its more or less the same weight as the ktm adventure 990 (my other bike) it doesn't feel like it at all!! It feels so light that i was actually confused the first time i drove it!! 😝

[@victor35ma]

...about abs system... when Applying front brake does the abs system takes over? I mean does it brakes both rear and front proportionally?

[@RideApart]

No. When the ABS is "disabled" it allows you to slide the rear while giving you non intrusive abs up front.

[@victor35ma]

ok thanks but when it is enabled. . when Applying front brake does the abs system takes over? I mean does it brakes both rear and front proportionally?

[@goducgo]

After trying to put a ducati multistrada enduro off of its side stand 560 lbs and seeing its 23 k price tag this became a clear choice. Way to go honda.

[@jitendrapratapsingh7707]

all in one adventure touring off-road bike... easy to handle it during roughy terrain and dirt tracks...

[@cameronstokes6856]

Brilliant! would love to see a review on the CB500X rally raid done Ride Apart too!

[@jitendrapratapsingh7707]

Is there any solution for tubless tyres... Because this bike doesn't have tubless tyres..

[@armweak13]

Good road review portion, everyone else seems to gloss over that part.

[@TwoWheeledDecaf]

How does Honda's twin compare to BMW's F800GS etc?

[@dontrail9653]

superior suspensions, more strong breaks and engine, not so economical but close, NO vibrations, and feels dynamic like a 500cc, or a xt660 ténere. and the original exhaust note its awesome, buy it!

[@Jeff_gast]

+Don Trail fully agree!

[@dontrail9653]

+ibar_rider and tractions like a beast.

[@josemariapuyalcampo9520]

its easy.....Honda"the power of dreams"....the best technology around the world

[@RideApart]

Nailed it.

[@moulin680]

Just for reference wich other motorcycle are there ultra dual sport ? Are F800gs or ktm1190 ultra also?

[@Eldofarmboy]

So I come from a motocross and enduro background and currently ride a 2012 Kawasaki KLR650. I'm looking for a good reliable bike to get me to and from work but I do enjoy getting psycho in the dirt and hopping on an occasional track on weekends. I also like doing neighbor infuriating wheelies. Would you recommend it for a rider like me?

[@davidcheung3206]

How come in some of your shots of the bike only one headlight is one?

[@davidcheung3206]

on*

[@thomasinwood7800]

+David Cheung It was probably because they didn't have high-beams on. Just a guess though.

[@davidcheung3206]

+Thomas Inwood huh

[@chillyourself5208]

bikes normally run just 1 light, when switched on. Engage high beams to light both bulbs(in most cases)

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

Hiw can u get more oit of the bike in manual than with the dct Im at a lost.

[@giff74]

Quick, someone call Ewan McGregor and see if this thing will make it the Long Way Round!!!! Great review! I still haven't seen one in person, but the closest Honda dealer isn't very big. Given the specs I still feel like Honda, across all platforms they make, have a low power output for their relative displacement. Both their cars and bikes seems like they should make about 10-20% more power than they do. I guess they always get all conservative and bow to longevity.

[@davidcheung3206]

If I got one of these there is a way to get a different exhaust or something that makes it louder?

[@vaishaligujar199]

Gpr

[@eriksilva4690]

I feel like I'm listening to a male version of Siri narrating the video... At least it is an informative video.

[@cliffw5061]

Thanks for a great review!

[@tumblevveed3586]

I must have!!! Who wants to buy my street glide...... Not sure why I went to a touring cruiser. Never thought about these types of bikes like the Africa twin or a BMW 1200 GS, etc for highway and off road. The street bikes are great till I pass them old dirt back roads and trails off the pavement that I used to run on with the old enduro.

[@fistful_of_bacon4491]

Definitely seeing the bias in the first few words. This bike isn't in a class of its own, nor did it create a new category of bike. The KTM 950/990 Adventure has been out for around a decade, and has similar size/power/off-road focus as this bike. Honda definitely isn't "innovating" anything new with this bike, merely attempting to catch up with another successful bike that has already been in the market.

[@Jeff_gast]

There are many patents in this bike, more refined 2x the gas milage, list goes on

[@fistful_of_bacon4491]

+ibar_rider more refined? Do explain. And I'd like to see that "list". The mileage I knew about, but it's only there because Ktms machines are made with racing and high performance in mind.

[@fistful_of_bacon4491]

+ibar_rider so your example is to show me a heavily race modified version of the bike? There's a video out there of a couple guys on race modified KTM 990s too, racing a 24 hour enduro vs the smaller bikes that were actually meant for those races, they placed very well, but that's not the point I'm making. I'm not saying the Africa twin isn't a good bike, I would probably consider buying one if it wasn't in its first year, but not until I tried the competition as well. The point I'm making is, the majority of these reviews are completely biased. The other point being that the Ktms have been around for over a decade, and rather than "innovating" and creating a bike ahead of its time, Honda seems to have just come up with something that basically shares numbers with Ktms old technology. Around the same weights, around the same bhp, around the same torque, but still with worse suspension and other parts than KTM (an example of what I meant by race/performance oriented).

[@fistful_of_bacon4491]

+ibar_rider don't get me wrong, I wish Honda had created something to make other manufacturers step up their game, but from what I see, all they did was create a bike to catch up with what KTM has already innovated.

[@DonTHEhandsome1]

This is the second African Twin. They are more reliable and easily serviced by their many dealers across the globe. That is why KTM is a bad investment, especially if you live in a rural area or developing country.

[@jojope4469]

I hope they would sell the tricolor in the US. its the best looking color option.

[@scottdilemma655]

I am looking to sell my 2006 KLR with many upgrades that I have become used to having.Crash bars,highway pegs,cruise control,12v socket, lowered UFO front fender , centerstand, ect, ect. So I love the looks of the AFRICA TWIN and felt good sitting on it in the show room (im 6'4") Here is my question why buy the A.T. for basically the same money the Triumph tiger XCx comes standard with all the things I need and more without having to put it all on aftermarket which drives the cost of the A.T. above the Tiger XCx? Gotta have a quality skid plate,center stand, cruise control, engine guards, highway pegs(doesn't come with either but can attach to Tigers engine guards easy) Let me know what I am missing here , I would rather buy the Honda but I don't think I can. (rusty spokes and sticky buttons included on the honda) What is your opinion?????????????

[@Texarmageddon]

Simply because right out of the bat... the AT is a better starting platform for an offroad bike... and a better Touring bike than the KLR...

[@cavscout62]

Because the Honda will still be a great and running bike when you are old and grey rather than rusty and in the shop in 2 years on the Triumph...

[@y0imbooster]

Good work with the video! This bike seems to be my type somehow :) (I ride Beta300rr ) so I need something for road usage :P

[@FortSasquatch]

One of your front headlights is burnt....just kidding! Nice review!

[@mfhairstream6812]

cool,good review may just get one.

[@RideApart]

Thank you!

[@thehurt33]

Am I the only one that fell asleep from the audio commentary? You sound like a robot man.

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

My buddy Ray bought one. He let me touch it.

[@adm2204]

LOL you can tell they dubbed "DCT" in at a few points and it's much louder than the other dialogue. xD Edit: He also uses "DTC" and "DCT" interchangeably. Gah, I would've just re-recorded the audio at that point. It's so chopped up. Overall a good review though.

[@mikev6046]

Is it DTC or DCT?

[@RideApart]

it's DCT. made a couple mistakes in the VO. apologies.

[@Enonymouse_]

The long wait will be perhaps 2 more years if the honda's inability to manufacture the latest bikes they have launched continues. I chat regularly with sales staff at various shops in my state, the story is all similar, the bike sells before it ever reaches the floor due to lack of availability. I'm actually considering a KTM1290SA for adventure touring mostly due to the non-existance of honda's unintentional paper launch of the VFR and CFRL1000. I won't buy a bike without being able to at the very least sit on it and push buttons.

[@Enonymouse_]

Kicking it into manual on the DCT, you will find all the convenience of engine braking and other perks of choosing your own gearing (I ride the DCT version of the CTX) if you use the manual mode.

[@mariopaes7872]

Good review.

[@wanderingwade8877]

You forgot parts of it being made out of upsydasium to reduce weight.

[@ronsmith9251]

If there is demand for the international colors... Well I'm demanding it!

[@RideApart]

That's exactly how we feel.

[@meuswe]

Bring black and gold to America. Red, White,Blue too.

[@GersonLuisLage]

Top review!

[@TeamHMhonda]

Nice off Road test

[@paulofreitas3287]

good review but you need to learn how to take a corner! you don´t put yourself outside of the bike, it doesnt work! learn to countersteer! Great review once again

[@22lovejon]

Love this bike but my Yamaha Tenere is amazing.

[@MxAxRxK]

Can this thing hit whoops? I have a feeling if I got one of these I would absolutely destroy it. And this thing weighs like 130lbs more than my sportbike!

[@2WheelPursuit]

That was some good yee-haw music

[@KrunoDr]

Suspension, newer to soft? That’s a joke, right?

[@danielandrews9924]

Narrator sounds like Mitch Hedburg.

[@RideApart]

We didn't know who that was so looked him up. You're right, Jim Does sound like that guy. If only he was that funny...

[@worldadventureman]

I have to laugh when people ride big heavy bikes and then claim how the bike is engineered so you don't feel the weight. This one claims you don't feel the weight because the engine is mounted centrally in the chassis! Duh, where else would you mount the engine! lol Face it, these big powerful bikes are heavy. If you want a light bike, get a real dirt bike.

[@soularch17]

So the Africa twin seems like a bush league ktm 990 adventure with more electronics that can fail

[@garrettsmith8286]

"At a price that we all want to pay." Really? Seems over priced to me, maybe if Honda put some better suspension on it for off road it would be a 13k bike. As it sits its a $10,500 bike. This is coming from someone who has worked at MC dealers & has been riding since the age of 4, not someone who simply reviews whatever the manufactures like to feed us.

[@Texarmageddon]

Ok then well show us a Bike for 10k that has better suspension... If V strom, KLR, or Tenere come from your mouth I won't even bother replying.

[@sharansiva7635]

Who's here after fousey bought one?

[@kade41200]

oof

[@jerseyraindog]

I don't think the reviewer said 'Africa Twin' enough times.

[@5stardave]

First time I ever heard Moab (Mo-ab) pronounced M-awe-b.

[@MrBradfordbiker]

I miss jamie

[@InTransit8911]

Check out his channel MotoGeo. One of my favorite channels on youtube :)

[@PeterDad60]

Am I the only one who thinks off road capable bikes need to be under 360 lbs.? Low weight is better than big engine, massive h.p.. Heck 360 lbs is still heavy, making it a good on road mule for long long rides or even tours. Obviously all mfr.'s miss the mark. If you know of a good dual sport bike that is under 360 lbs. let me know. I think Honda's own XR650L comes close and so do a few other single cylinder models from other mfr's.

[@AusExplorer]

I think you misunderstand the term "capable", MX bikes aren't the only bikes capable of going off-road. I take my 180kg Transalp [600 Vtwin] off road all the time, it's not an MX bike but it will go anywhere at it's own pace. The term Dual Sport is not even that definitive anyway, it can mean anything from road legal MX bike up to anything that can go on dirt/mud/gravel roads. I prefer the term Rally Tourer, that implies something that you can go anywhere on [including not being a hazard on the highway] while also carrying all your own gear and not having to stop every 100km for fuel or every 50 hours for a full service. Thats what this bike and all the rest are for, Rally Touring. MX bikes are for playing around on the weekend with trailer trips to and from the playground.

[@RideApart]

They don't miss the mark if you want a bike that can handle all day on the interstate as well as off road. That's the core compromise with an ADV bike as opposed to a dual sport or an enduro.

[@faustralopithecus]

while I'm trying hard to convince myself I want this bike, this kind of so called review which is an actual advertisement is pushing me away from this machine.

[@stacksmasher]

I would rather have an KTM 690 Enduro R @ 300lbs and the same power.

[@KevinGriffinride]

Great video. Please learn what a "," is. Commas save lives. Let's eat grandma. Lets eat, grandma. You decide if cannibalism is for you but a comma doesn't come after the word 'because' or any time you chose to speak in this video. You're well-informed my friend, please save grandma. If you ride like your sentence flow, your transmission is screwed.

[@yahatinda]

Dats a heavy rock crusher

[@samueladdis]

tell that to fouseytube

[@xJadenx22]

Why does. This guy. Narrate. So. Robotically?

[@davemould5868]

Tool kit is rubbish, you can’t adjust the chain or remove the rear wheel when you have a puncture!🙁🏍🇬🇧🏍

[@blaze-cj7tv]

DCT DCT DCT DCT!!!!

[@The0fficial.dirtydan]

who else is here from fousey

[@fnq-8890]

250Kgs ... she’s American alright.

[@tumadsvids]

DTC lol

[@alexludwig4632]

Get rid of the back ground music. Plus everyone uses the same crap songs.