2020 Honda Africa Twin 1100L - Is DCT just for noobs and lazy riders?

[@TheMegamsp]

I have the Adventure Sports DCT 30 th Anniversary and don't regret at all. The DCT is the best feature it has.

[@mancavemoto]

I really enjoyed it

[@nicomonkeyboy]

I too have DCT and honestly, all bikes should have it.

[@lord.onk99]

An excellent review, Thanks. Honda quality, you cant beat them.

[@mancavemoto]

Its such a well put together bike

[@web1997]

Fantastic review that didn't go into super technical depth which I wouldn't be able to fathom in any case. I have ordered a new bike with DCT and your review just reassured me that I made the correct decision. Many thanks and cheers - Tony (from Australia)

[@mancavemoto]

Glad it was helpful Anthony, I've see a few reviews where the DCT has been 'overcomplicated' for no apparent reason. its very simple and very very good! Enjoy your new bike!

[@franky3467]

Great review. It took me 3 testrides to get convinced about DCT. Now I own a 2018 A Twin with it. Love it for touring and long distance riding. Makes it very comfortable and easy to handle. Only very aggressive riding is not it’s best use, but in my view this is not the concept of the A Twin anyway. Greetings from Germany and safe and pleasant riding in 2021 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Fran, I'm back on this exact same bike for a long term test and my opinion on the DCT hasnt changed. If anythting its strengthened. I've been riding recently in poor weather and poor road conditions and its just been superb. Thanks for watching and I'm hoping that the Covid situation improves so that I can get my European trip in next year. Looking forward to riding across Germany

[@jfro5867]

DCT is solid, owners have covered tens of thousands of miles on them without a hitch. Honda. 👌

[@mancavemoto]

I really liked it

[@raimonstappat3541]

One of the best "real life riding" Reviews of the At Dct...👍💯...you helped me a lot, to get my decision.....great Film, with a pleasant Rider..

[@mancavemoto]

Great to hear!

[@BubbaSatori]

Brilliant review. Lovely part of the world. Found my next bike. My bad knees and wrists thank you.

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you

[@aeon8721]

I always hated automatic gearboxes, but having DCT in my car sold me on the concept. As you say, it changes gear faster and better every time. I so wanted to love the Africa Twin DCT as well, but it's just too nice to risk scratching and a heavier than I wanted. Ended up with a KTM 790 Adventure instead and love it. It's lighter and wears abuse better. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

[@mancavemoto]

I've been driving auto cars for years now, so I guess I was always going to enjoy the DCT. You're right the finish on the AT is lovely. I spent a couple of weeks on the 790 Adventure R, and I must say I really did like it. Its a bit of a different animal to the AT, and it would be hard to choose between them.

[@thepanel2935]

What is the best mode for highway riding - Urban or Touring?

[@mancavemoto]

I find Touring is best for that kind of riding

[@taffy2wheels577]

Great review. Rode one and loved the DCT.. fell in love with it lol ..

[@mancavemoto]

I know right!

[@thepanel2935]

I have heard that *_40 percent_* of all new Honda bikes sold have DCT... is this correct?

[@mancavemoto]

Could be, for the Africa Twin it’s 60% and for the Goldwing even higher!

[@thepanel2935]

@@mancavemotothanks for replying. What I really want to know is this: are geared motorcycles now out-dated technology? They have been around for a hundred years. Does all of this simply mean that 'Automatic' bikes (like Honda DCT or Suzuki CVT) will be the future? Will geared/manual bikes (clutch and foot shifter) get phased out? I bought the Honda Africa Twin 1100cc adventure bike (DCT model) because I'd only ever ridden scooters before. My previous bike was the Suzuki Burgman 650cc maxi-scooter, which I needed/wanted for long rides and/or carrying luggage and photo/filming equipment.

[@mancavemoto]

No I think manual gearboxes are hear to stay, but there’s definitely more interest in these systems for some riders. Check out the new Honda E-Clutch too which is a different take on this

[@thepanel2935]

@@mancavemoto cool, thanks! I'll check it out!

[@theonlyredspecial]

I love dct after thinking I’d hate it on a demo. Got it on my adventure sport 2020. Also Apple CarPlay is brilliant once you work it all out. Only thing I will say is that standard drive mode. It can sometimes go into High gear at Low speed making it lumpy. I have mine set for sport mode - s/// and it works much better. Still very economical too for long miles.

[@mancavemoto]

Nice! Yes I was the same, tour mode does short shift a bit too much for my liking so I ended up leaving in s//

[@andrewewan624]

Good review as always... I had a CT 1200 DCT... and must say the DCT is fantastic...( a ride around the block is not long enough to get to know it ) ....do the miles...and you can understand why HONDA keep developing/using it.....ride safe !!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks. Yep, I covered about 600 miles over two weeks

[@lancealbon46]

I was not aware of the accessory foot shifter for the DCT! Game changer! 🤔

[@mancavemoto]

Its not a cheap option, but its a great solution if you dont want to go 'full' DCT. I've got better at using the paddles in manual mode, but I think i'd prefer the foot shifter for that

[@terrystratford1235]

As I'm finding out, not many aftermarket parts are cheap! But, great to customise it for you!

[@1990-t1j]

My favourite adventure bike. I just wish this model had the cross-spoke wheels. Punctures on inner-tubes at speed are not fun. I like the short screen. I used to own an AT XRV750 RD04, so I'd kind of like one of these. The best CRF review on here.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep I’d look to fit a set of the tubeless rims from the adventure sport model. It would be good if it was available as an option from the factory

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Fantastic review, thank you, best regards from Catalonia!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@jassapower]

Dct is ok like first iphone. You have to love really deeply technology to understand how far you can go wit it. The rest of the world doesn't understand. I'm sure in the next few years we'll have others moto with this technology because it's really good to travel and enjoy your bike

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, i never thought i'd like it, but it turns out i love it!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I just got my Tenere 700 couple days ago , finally here in the United States . Had time to look at the bike you're riding and yes it's very sweet also . Coming from a DR650 I need to get used to the extra 87 lbs the Tenere has . Way different shifting and feel . Too bad I have so much backbreaking labor to do right now I can't go for a ride . Great review , great bike for sure !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks and I can imagine moving from the DR would take a little adjustment.

[@tedgreenaway8619]

I ride my dct alot... it's a dream ride. Like butter.

[@mancavemoto]

I agree, i'm definitely a convert

[@dwent55]

I got a great deal on a CRF1000 with a DCT last year and I really enjoy it, though I find I spend 80% of the time in manual mode as I don’t like being surprised by the shift points. I spend a good bit of time off road with it. I’ve never actually rode a bike that had a quick shifter on it, and I’m curious how you think it compares? Pros/cons to each?

[@mancavemoto]

The new 1100 uses the IMU to assist with the gear changes which has solved the 'surprising' changes. Pros of a QS are that you still get the clutch control when needed, but shifting is effortless on the open road. DCT is just effortless full stop, but you have to remember that the throttle is always live when in D or M modes!

[@bradb2514]

“Dipped my tiddlies.” Made me laugh out loud! Great review. I’m looking at a new bike and the Triumph 900 is on the short list, but the price is pretty steep here in the States. The AT, by comparison, seems like a bit of a bargain. I plan to look at that a bit harder. Question: I’m a shorter rider and the 850mm seat height may be a bit of a literal stretch. I’m not sure how tall you are and if it was an issue at any time. Finally, having had more time with the bike, do you still feel the DCT throttle action is smooth enough for low speed maneuvers?

[@mancavemoto]

😂 no problem. I’ve yet to ride the Tiger 900 but I absolutely loved the Africa Twin. There is a low seat option at 825mm. I’m 5ft 10 with a 32 inch inseam and I can Flat foot on the lowest stock seat setting. Never was an issue. Yes no problem with the DCT at low speed, if I bought an AT it would definitely be the DCT version, it’s brilliant

[@markieell5614]

I get 1 bought Tony 😉👍🏻,,& get a series in the garage again With add ons & accessories that’s what a liked and joined the channel When you were on with the street twin it was good crack 👍🏻 All the best mate 🇬🇧🍺👍🏻, Mark

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Mark, that would be interesting and I am working on getting at least one new ‘bolt on’ series going.

[@twotter1969]

The more I see of it the more I think DCT is for me on my next bike :)

[@mancavemoto]

The DCT had never really ever come up on my radar before, I'd just (maybe ignorantly) blindly ignored it. But having ridden it now I realise just how good a system it is. If I were to buy and Africa Twin, I think it would be the DCT i'd go for.

[@Checkpat]

Views from the Man Cave Same for me. I’ll choose the dct and will put a bike around !

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Top review. Many seem to like these. Did i miss you mention the seat height ?

[@mancavemoto]

I can’t remember if I did? But its switchable between 850 and 870mm

[@cliveevans5755]

I think I'm right in saying this 'basic' Africa twin only comes with tubed tyres? Be nice to have the option of tubeless as per the adventure sorts model.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes thats correct, and I would tend to agree. the whole Tubed vs Tubeless does seem to divide people. If I owned one I would certainly investigate fitting The Adventure sport wheels, but I imagine it would come with an eye watering cost!

[@cliveevans5755]

Views from the Man Cave and there is the deal breaker for me regards my next bike, would definitely err towards the KTM or triumph.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep I hear you, although I'm not particulary bothered by it either way. As I've said in previous videos, if you don't carry a puncture repair kit, then your screwed with either. Carrying a plug kit and a co2 pump is however easier than a spare tube I guess. I've also got a review of the 790 Adventure R coming up and that, as you say, has tubeless wheels, as does the new Tiger 900. The only time you're really screwed with a tubeless is of course if you dent the rim to an extent where the tyre bead won't seat. In this situation at least a tube would get you out of trouble.

[@splodge5714]

I wouldn't have one with tube tyres. If it has no centre stand you'd have to carry a paddock stand along with tools, tyre levers and a tube. A plug kit and tubeless tyres for me.

[@terrystratford1235]

@@mancavemoto just over 2 grand! Ouch! For most UK roads, and riders, most will call their breakdown provider if your unlucky and get a puncher! With heavy duty tubes, I don't see the problem! It's only a problem if ur somewhere breakdown can't get, and you have to do it yourself! Tubeless are more prone to punctures, and most will just fit a tube to get to a tyre dealer!

[@stevensmith6406]

Hi from Sydney Australia. I'm looking at this bike with the DCT but wasn't aware a footshifter could be added. Can you advise how to source one please?

[@mancavemoto]

They are available via Honda dealers

[@nate.adv282]

Tony, are you using the Shoei Hornet X2? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

[@mancavemoto]

Yes Nate, its a lovely helmet, quiet, stable and comfortable. Ventilation could be better for warm weather, but its going to be a great all year round helmet

[@splodge5714]

Great review but wish you'd do a walk round. Does it have a centre stand? Love the bike but not with tubed tyres. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I did film a walk around but didn’t realise the file had been corrupted until after the bike had gone back 🙄😳

[@mancavemoto]

No centre stand as standard

[@chrisw4215]

Fantastic looking bike, 2 things I don't like. One is pretty annoying. I have noticed that the top and bottom speedo is not synchronised. For example, the top shows 48 when the bottom 49 at the same time. It is a very short moment, but it is noticeable, and it happens all the time. Very frustrating. And..why tubed tyres? Is there any reason for that?

[@mancavemoto]

They'll only be out for a fraction of a second, and i can't say i've really noticed it when riding. I guess they want to go with tubes as its the more 'offroad' of the two models. Plus I suspect the rims are cheaper. It would have been nice to have the tubeless rims across the board, and the rider can choose to use tubes if they are travelling on rough terrain.

[@chrisw4215]

@@mancavemoto Would you choose the Africa twin base model or the adventure? I'm thinking of buying it as my next bike, probably manual. It doesn't really matter tbh. I checked this bike today at Honda, and the clutch is very light and looks simply fantastic. Both. I lean slightly more towards adventure in terms of the look but worry about the electric suspension. More that can go wrong. Also adventure model might have an issue with tank welding, which clogs the fuel pump, injectors etc. edit: I'm not going to use this bike offroad

[@mancavemoto]

I think I’d prefer the base model, it’s a little more stripped back, lighter and cheaper but I have an ATAS on loan at the moment and it’s a lovely bike to ride.

[@scottc3]

An Africa Twin for the old and crippled? 😂 Suits me and my knees them...😂👍

[@mancavemoto]

😂

[@danielzhitomirsky9857]

Hi, is this huge media screen with navigation an option or it comes in stock? And is it 2020 model?

[@mancavemoto]

The screen is yes, the navigation element is part of the ‘Apple carplay’ functionality. Yes this is a 2020 model

[@apsm3md]

Views from the Man Cave is the carplay feature wired or wireless?

[@IanTed]

apsm3md Wired..

[@gobowin6568]

Whats your inseam Tony and how was the footing for you ?

[@mancavemoto]

I have a 32" inseam and with the seat in the lowest position (850mm) I could flat foot with no problem

[@KamalSingh-wc4pw]

Perfect review mate

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@markmurphy1995]

Great review Tony! 👍🏻 I’m wondering if all that pollen from the country lanes is catching up with you! 🤧😁

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, sadly they are, I need to keep my visor closed more of the time lol

[@rickhavingfun]

I've a 2017 dct - changed out the rear shock to my weight and have changed out the rubber to kenda big blocks and off-road, the thing is pretty durn awesome - put it in gravel mode, shut off all traction control and abs to the back and then use only the flappy paddles/manual and the thing is just a beast up or down or through....really impressed. for 98% of what you need/do, the thing is ideal. the clutch would be a nice safety lever to cut power or to pop up the front end easier but so far, that dct has worked out just fine. the ONLY beef with it offroad is weight - she's HEAVY and you don't just pop her up outta the dirt without thinking about it often. but you learn tricks...armor and then panniers on the back keep it from laying down completely if/when you drop it and of course, i'm going with friends....better to have a couple guys and then no one gets too worn out. hasn't given me a minute's problem in 25k miles and a good chunk of those in the dirt on the adventure rider trails out of NH...if you're unfamiliar - look em up on ADVRIDER - worth the trip!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the feedback Emil, much appreciated. Yep she’s a heavy girl alright, but thats not always a bad thing ;) I’ll check it out, cheers

[@rickhavingfun]

@@mancavemoto back at ya, mate! Enjoy.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Nice review and sorry to see you got caught in that downpour. On a different note, I see the YT algo is crushing your images as well.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers mate, yep a bit unfortunate but handy for the video. Yes, I havent uploaded for a while and it seems im paying th price looking at the analytics....

[@1990-t1j]

I've just watched this for a second time as there is a Honda Big Wing dealer in Chiang Rai. Could I justify it? I'll ride around on my Yamaha Aerox and think about things.

[@mancavemoto]

Haha thanks, I wouldn't hurt to have a test ride would it? ;) If I could afford it, it is most likely the bike I would have swapped my Tiger 800 for.

[@1990-t1j]

@@mancavemoto The only bikes they have for a test ride at the moments are the CB650R and CB1000R.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Will all bikes eventually have automatic gears?

[@mancavemoto]

I guess once we have moved to electric, then yes they will, of sorts

[@Skiamakhos]

@@mancavemoto with electric they don't even bother, it's just direct transmission - the motor has the rev range to take you from 0-100+ without need for gears. The only real limit is cooling & with the right kind of ventilation it shouldn't be a problem. Honda's been talking about a modular battery pack system so you could conceivably have a rack of charged power units at the petrol station, take your low/empty unit out of the bike, slot it in a charger, grab a full unit from the rack & slot it into your bike, and you're on your way in seconds. If they make this available across the industry so all the manufacturers have a standard for these, then EV bikes will really catch on.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes that’s what I was getting at, obviously electric bikes don’t have a ‘gearbox’

[@terrystratford1235]

@@mancavemoto so car drivers not only didn't see you, with electric they won't hear you!

[@bradysecker17]

I live near you so always enjoy trying to work out where you ride. I can normally work out most of your routes, but couldn’t work out where you took the AT on the green lane. Care to share??

[@mancavemoto]

Oh cool, where are you based. That particular lane is between Great Bardfield and Bardfield Saling. There is an offshoot that comes out in Oxen End

[@bradysecker17]

Views from the Man Cave Brilliant, I’ll have a look for that next time I’m out, use that road a lot to go through Finchingfield so will try and find it. If you come across a green Tiger XCA in a ditch, that’ll be me! Currently based in Gosfield but was just down the road from you until recently. Keep up the good videos, ride safe!

[@paulsmyth497]

Great review mate 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@SteveW67]

Nice video Tony, is the Africa Twin still a big weighty lump ? I’ve just bought a Tiger 900GT and it’s so light and “flickable” and plenty of power two up it’s a revelation over the 800. Be interested in your views when you ride one. If you don’t like the weather in UK just wait 5 minutes it will change. 😎👍.

[@mancavemoto]

This one hits the scales at 236kg. Although it carries its weight relatively low, so it’s well balanced.

[@casperi2]

I very much enjoyed your review and like you I am getting up there in age and past racing injuries have caught up with me. That said though I just can't do a DCT, I mean I know its good for a certain % of riders but to me its just like riding a 550 + scooter with the DCT. I'm not saying don't buy one if one really has lossed the use that foot or ankle and knee etc. Then the DCT would a God send I would bet. Just not for me though I am glad this years version has a better shift pattern. I just don't understand why Honda makes it shift up so fast. By that I mean why is it in 6th gear when doing 30mph? Makes no sense other than fuel economy. Thanks again for the review. .

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I very rarely ride it in that mode. Sport II was excellent, held on to the gears nicely and dropped down really quick when braking hard into bends. It’s a wonderful thing

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I love the DCT in my 2015 NC700x

[@mancavemoto]

:)

[@adalcerimartins1964]

Top demais mano.

[@Greggspies]

Better TFT than Triumph 900 IMO

[@mancavemoto]

I've not tried the 900 yet, but this one will be heard to beat

[@stevebolton8471]

Tiger only does turn by turn nav, AT can do full satnav display including map and has the LCD for speed etc

[@raymondo162]

is the abs any good. nobody ever tests the abs. why? why does nobody test the 6-axis-controlled abs?

[@mancavemoto]

I only had the ABS kick in a couple of times (that I noticed) and it did exactly what it should do. I guess a lot of people don't test it, particularly the cornering ABS because that would involve throwing yourself into a corner and yanking the brakes, which could have painful consequences if it goes wrong. Plus I wouldn't fancy paying the insurance excess if I binned a press bike.

[@bananapie2198]

Beautiful countryside. Cant be GB it's too sunny xD

[@mancavemoto]

Ha! It doesn’t rain here ALL the time!

[@rosleeabdulaziz3302]

DCT is the best Honda made.

[@mancavemoto]

Its really does work very well indeed

[@thepanel2935]

You have an extremely low windscreen.

[@mancavemoto]

That’s the stock windscreen on the Standard CRF1100L

[@weiwei1808]

Good

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@cerberus2881]

I like this bike and couldn't care less what strangers thought of me or this bike. F*ck em!

[@mancavemoto]

Ditto

[@beozzie690]

,ate, all I see is another manufacturer making it harder for us to work on our bikes in our garage..

[@mancavemoto]

That is true, but sadly that seem the way for most modern vehicles now

[@Kelly-ub4zc]

There's no shortage of old bikes if you prefer to wrench.

[@bloomers100]

You're local to me

[@mancavemoto]

Am I?