Adjust your handlebars for adventure riding (DCT Africa Twin)

I show and describe in detail how to set up a Honda Africa Twin for offroad using the OEM risers and handlebars.

[@SpecterSeventy2]

Damn, screw learning the riser change ... That was the fastest and smoothest helmet to hat change I’ve ever seen.

[@heibaimao]

I had to rewind and rewatch that lol

[@runemagic7]

@@heibaimao I did the same!

[@cwfroines]

That was the first thing I noticed as well

[@Muffin1280]

Yeah, that was very impressive!

[@Doctoberfest]

First time watching Bret ehh? He's the fastest helmet to hat change in the west lol

[@demiratmotovlog]

1:05 that is the most quick helmet-flat cap changing I've ever seen. 😊

[@olekkrk6142]

Yeah :D

[@speedy_blondy]

obviously he is a bald guy and embarrassed to show it

[@demiratmotovlog]

@@speedy_blondy I'm bold too, nothing to be ashamed of

[@speedy_blondy]

@@demiratmotovlog say that to him not me

[@demiratmotovlog]

@@speedy_blondy 😊

[@dirkmertens6926]

Thanks Bret. Looking forward to more DCT, offroad tips and tricks.

[@stormfalcon72]

Perfect helmet cap transfer 👌

[@misza_one]

Seamless as always 😁👍

[@mototroter]

I am glad that you are riding DCT still so long. Some people give their opinion after 2 hour of riding and they are really wrong. DCT is a little bit another riding style and driver has to be familiar with this automatic and semi-automatic behaviour of motorcycle. It took me several months to accept that DCT lives it own live and how to handle that in different situations. Looking forward for your movies.

[@actstuntcam]

Great point - think I'm too old to learn new tricks now though.

[@brianmiller270]

I am loving the DCT Africa Twin videos! Very helpful! Thank you! Please keep them coming! Also, that helmet-to-hat transition was flawless!

[@justfly2010]

Switch between helmet to cap is a talent by itself..needs no tool. Love your videos 👍

[@seanliske2265]

This is so true. I am 6'9 and I went to stand up and hit the throttle and almost went into the sidewalk. You are not kidding about the DCT. I just got the bike and love it, but it takes a while to get used to automatic. I am going to try this and see if it works. I was going to buy risers, but trying this first. Thanks for all the videos you post great knowledge. I've been riding off-road dirt bikes 20+ years and big Harleys 10+ years. Starting on an adventure bike for the first time. Looking forward to all the fun this bike can bring.

[@jjustj]

Loved the work in the woods, had it been me, i would have dropped the fist bolt into the pine duff, spent 2 hrs looking for it, then, the rain wouldve rolled in. Great vid and explanation, i could have used this in 2016 when I got bike number 32 off assembly line!!!! Ride on, DCT for me for the win!!!!!

[@GORidingADV]

A few months ago I thought that I was needed handlebar risers. The more offroad that I ride and improve my skills now I think I don't need them. Thanks for this video Bret.👍 Keep it up.

[@TheAmitbudania]

Bret so glad you made this one... looking forward to seeing more of dct...

[@lancealbon46]

I need to learn from this guy! I have a 2019 DCT Africa Twin and that “Whisky Throttle” thing happened to me on a very technical ride. I’m very very new to off-road riding.

[@runemagic7]

Same bike (AS model) and level of experience here. There was a video i watched from a Ducati off road camp guy (all in Italian with subtitles) that provided the tip that helped me with the throttle control especially going uphill; put your index and middle finger over the front brake lever. It enable *me* to have much better control and stop the WT issue effectively.

[@MotorcyclingMusician]

I’m gonna try this on my AT... thank you for yet another very helpful video. Your skills as a trainer and as someone who’s tips are really usable and helpful are unparalleled ! ✌🏼🙂

[@DLL969]

Chis Birch has a bike setup video that's very similar principles to setting up the handlebars to this. His starting point is to have a line of the bend in the handlebars run parallel with the angle of the forks, then adjust from there. Thanks for another excellent video @Bret Tkacs

[@motorbikingafrica]

Hi Bret, this is probably the single best reverse action I have taken. After watching this video a week ago, I removed my raisers and re-positioned the handlebars as you suggested. I also tightened up the 17mm nuts a bit from below. Went on a long ride yesterday, and it all feels so normal now. The handlebars don't feel too close when standing, and my mildly aggressive stance takes no real strain. Feels comfortable, and natural. Thanks for the advice. Cheers

[@rickhavingfun]

Love my dct AT and really looking forward to see you riding one...you sr, are a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience....and that helmet to cap transition is Penn & Teller level sleight of hand. Bravo.

[@victorkelley5097]

Just bought a manual '18 Africa Twin, my first ADV bike coming from a cruiser. Super excited to take some off-road courses and get some experience in the dirt. Your videos are awesome as always!

[@CaptainNelson230]

Yes being 6'6" tall I had to put in some risers. Nice to learn the idea of turning the OEM risers around to get the bars further forward. Thanks as always Brett for your informative videos.

[@LuisAlejandroTorresO]

Thanks Bret. For spending time with AT DCT, there are just a few professionals like you spending time on and make videos about that beautiful beast.

[@OldschoolJefke]

I know what I’m doing when I get home from work with the AT today! Great tip! Cheers.

[@brianlarsen6242]

Thanks a lot for this video. I got mine used and setup with risers and big screen etc. I have been finding it not quite right for more challenging off road and based on this video went back to small screen (bar lock issues) and no riser. Feels pretty good, need to ride more to tell but I like the notion that maybe it is just good and I need to practice and get going and it’s not gonna be fixed by buying bits.

[@erdinckarakale5834]

Thanks Bret. I hope you keep hanging around with that DCT Africa twin.

[@ashwin0985]

I'm almost the same height as you are Bret, that idea is clever & perfect. That's clevar..👍thanks

[@diogomorato]

Awesome. As always a practical and detailed explanation of the simple things we tend to jump over. I miss the music of the old channel though

[@BretTkacs]

Me too

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

Next tips and tricks... Helmet to hat transition and back again!! Got a ATAS 2019,thought about how to adjust the handlebar and this was a great tip. Better to adjust and tweek what you have before spending more money on gadgets. Thanks 😉👍

[@bobbennett2075]

Nice tip -will try it. Have had the AT since 2017 and am realizing after 3 years that it is increasingly the bike I consistently choose from my stable as it is highly ride-able and rock solid dependable. It is like a giant dual sport and you can "see it" if you look down thru the tank at the forks. I ride bone stock except for 50-50's. I hate the weight of added stuff.

[@thomassowinski6765]

Great video as always, can confirm as a 6'4" guy that risers are a must on this bike for any moderate offroad riding, especially on descents. Stock configuration is amazing for touring, both myself and my 5'5" wife are very comfortable on this bike.

[@CaptainLasVegas]

Im with you on that one buddy. Same situation, RoxRisers FTW.

[@TheABZ2012]

Thanks alot. I was struggling in off road riding. Now its perfect

[@motopumpkin3129]

I dropped my AT on a trail and have been afraid to straighten the handlebars, this just made me confident it's an easy job

[@samhill65]

This is exactly what I need! Thank you 🙏

[@actstuntcam]

2nd time watching this. Priceless information. I just bought an Africa Twin and I agree that ergonomically it is pretty good. I'm going to try this riser mod soon. I might put different bars on if this doesn't make it closer to my idea of perfect. If I do get different bars they will be flatter and lower. I find the bars are too close standing, and too high sitting for me - (Especially with the seat in the lower position). By trying this mod it will really clarify whether I want different bars AND how much flatter and lower I want them :) I put flatter, lower bars on my 2003 VStrom1000 and it made that bike 100% better (for my riding).

[@actstuntcam]

Love this. I was bullied into putting risers on my DR650 by a mate who is an off-road expert, but I'm not sure I like them. Thinking of taking them off again. It is extremely hard to get my weight forward without pulling really hard on the bars. Great trick to know for the AT - which seems ergonomically awesome right from the get-go.

[@TommyNitro]

Great video. I’m a newer rider and have a dual sport. I was considering some 30 mm risers for my fe350s. I also noticed the handle bars are somewhat rotated backwards. I’ll adjust them to be upright and practice before I consider getting the risers.

[@olenilsen4660]

Great tip! I don´t have an AT myself, but neat little tricks like these are awesome. If you want to go to Norway some time, let me know, I could hook you up with some people that really know how to get around.

[@actstuntcam]

Finally got around to doing this. Reasonably easy (I did swear a little bit trying to spin the very stiff risers). It is a pretty subtle change. Looking forward to seeing the benefit standing. At the same time I fitted my new pegs and adjusted all my levers. Defiitely worth fitting everything out to fit yourself :)

[@mikeyb6737]

awesome bike and great video

[@PointsUnknownTV]

And of course, not just for the DCT version. I did this on my 2017 manual AT on day 2 and loved the difference. Enjoy the videos as always.

[@MrImarcus]

Bloody fantastic sir, wished I'd seen it sooner!

[@MeeLowTrapper]

Great tip! Thank you for making this video.

[@BretTkacs]

My pleasure!

[@MotoPavilion]

Such a nice and easy trick. Thanks

[@stanstevens6289]

I'm thinking of getting an Africa Twin Adventure Sports next year. I've tired the DCT on the road and loved it. I have little to no off-road experience, however, and from comments in this video and those elsewhere I'm coming to the conclusion that I should stick to manual if I'm intending to up my off-road activity at some later stage given my level of, or should I say complete lack, of experience in that environment.

[@MarcinWrzesinski]

Man, you saved my day :) I'm 1,92m tall and the standard setup at my ATAS is terrible. Tomorrow I will try to rotate standard risers instead of buying an additional +2cm risers. :)

[@OKMotorcu]

I have not seen anyone put their hat on as they take their helmet off or vice versa so smoothly. I'm bald and wear lots of hats and would love to learn how to do this transition like Bret does. Love the videos Bret, keep up the good work. Hope to run into you at a track day some day..

[@anthonyanderson7616]

Did this change to my AT and what a difference when doing tight figure 8 standing up which I was having difficulty with. thanks for the tip.

[@markjacobs3956]

Rox risers on my T900RP. Up and back. Perfect for this 5foot10er on and off road.

[@zakparrish]

Legit. I stand 6'4" and added a 20mm riser plus slight upward rotation and it feels just about perfect.

[@SimstarzGaming]

hey bret, camel made and riser for the AT(Africa Twin Bridged Bar Riser +25mm) wich is only +25mm. but the good thing about it is that it will prevent them from twisting in the clamps!even a minor bike drop, the bars can twist badly in the clamps requiring the clamp bolts to be loosened to straight the bars. take a look

[@olegyd]

Wow! I drive this bike for 3 years and last 6 months hard enduro practice.. I use bar riser couse when I seat my hands go to low and after few hours of travel I have pain in my back couse og hunch up! Very interesting video as usually!

[@whatsgoingon71]

Same here. Just added risers on my 790 Adv, because i have a longer torso and do a lot of long distance touring.

[@BretTkacs]

@@whatsgoingon71 the 790 is a little short but is much better with flatter bars. I switched to Protaper EVO Husqvarna bend

[@whatsgoingon71]

@@BretTkacs Those bars are probably better when you stand up a lot. I usually stick to roads and only stand up on Gravel. Not much dirt riding possible in my neck of the woods. The stock bars suit me fine for what i do and the Touratech risers blend in like they came with the bike straight out of the factory. No hassle with cable leghts at full lock or with my Puig windscreen and SW Motech tank bag either. The 790 offers a lot of adjustability with the bar mounts and clamps positions. I messed around a lot with it, before i bought the risers.

[@mohammedthagafi]

I really want to see you try riding the Tenere 700 and giving your opinion about it. I’m thinking about getting one as my first adv bike. I’m only able to own one bike that works for fun daily city rides, some off-road adventures and camping, and long distance adventures crossing many different borders.

[@StevenVanLoven]

Thanks for your advise !! I'm 5'9'' and was thinking on risers for my new GS. Already I changed my seat to a lower Corbin . That improved my rider comfort . I m also thinking on different food pegs (wider) . Still I'm having elbow issues . I hope by your advise I find the best sett up on my bike. I'l wait for the risers till I have tried all the rest . Again a great video that helps me forward. Thanks Bret.

[@BretTkacs]

Try this first

[@lostwithasmile485]

Like a magician with that hat!

[@baldandbiking]

Im glad you admit this may not be for everyone. I've always been a firm believer that the engineers at Honda have already designed and developed the "perfect" setup and made the bike as such. I wouldn't do this unless I was really feeling a problem with the current setup, plus it is better when you are street riding.

[@cmtbouziane5131]

excellente

[@TheNicomalacho]

Nice video. Please do the same with the 790 adv

[@alexr5136]

Fist I want to thank you for teaching us this, I will try it on my AT. This videos are pure gold at least for me. I have one question, Is the AT suspension stock or you modified it?

[@BretTkacs]

Stock... I am 180lbs

[@russellflesser6902]

Brett first of all, thank you for the info. I like your style of delivery its clear and provides enough info without dragging it out. Second and more important, what is the brand/name of you cap? Its a ripper. Thank you

[@BretTkacs]

Tribe headgear. Purchased at a street fair in Colorado Springs

[@storeroomjeff1]

Hey Bret, always enjoy your videos. New camera? Video quality seemed much better than I recall from previous. 👍

[@gregreynolds391]

SpecterSeventy2 was right, glad I'm not the only one who noticed:)

[@chrzanik666]

I am very new to motorcycles and dream of buying an adventure bike, I bought 250cc trail bike to ride offroad for a year to build up my skills as mature enough to know I shuld not start off with 1250cc but what to buy is driving me mad BMW 1200 ,KTM or Honda it was easier to pick names for my kids then make up my mind. Problem is 6.5 foot and heavy build so I just need something on larger side but not too heavy to still ride offroad.

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

I'm 6'4" don't get too hung up on bike size, my tiger 1200 is as I know now too big for what I want to do, atm thinking of getting the tiger 900 rally pro it's lighter and more off road capable. Not so many nanny tech to get in he way trying to navigate rough terrain.

[@cwfroines]

Is the AT your favorite bike now? Wave you ever done a review of the Scotts steering stabilizer? I have one on my 2016 DCT and love it.

[@rosslangerak8361]

My handlebar clamps are straight. I have a 2019 ATAS. Looking at parts online, there are different part numbers for different variations of the Africa Twin. I saw at least three different numbers. It would be nice to know the model year of his AT.

[@ianoneil4444]

Teach us to do that quick draw helmet/cap switch over 👍

[@wuttisakprasertsom6638]

Thanks Bret

[@Sup3rCRF]

Welp, doing that to mine later. I think I'd like my bar slightly further forward.

[@agus8080]

Great video Bret thanks! I tried this on a 2020 1100 AT Adventure but the handle bar now touches the wind screen when pushed totally to the right or left....

[@bartjaspers240]

Thanks for your warning. I considered this for my 2020

[@Fee.1]

I bought a bike from a really short rider, they installed risers, so I’m surprised to year you say tall riders may want them. I figured I should remove them since I have such longer arms

[@thetessellater9163]

A taller person has their hands further from the floor when standing than a shorter person, so it must be the same for riding while seated?

[@davidrorabaugh6879]

Im having a hard time with short arms (and legs 5'8") getting the bars back to comfortable when I'm in the saddle. On my second set of renthals and have the scotts damper installed thanks to the previous owner. Any advice? 2016 AT with a corbin low seat

[@gtpits]

Are you still using your neck brace, have not seen it in any videos for some time

[@lordofbasement]

I need to see the DCT specific poser skill!

[@TheHam100]

I’m also just shy of 6’ and around 180lbs and recently got an AT! So I’ve just done this change. I have a high ape index (+3”) how might this impact my setup?

[@deanmalkewich2366]

I’m 6’4”, bought a 2020 AT this fall. I assumed I will need risers, as I feel hunched over when standing on the pegs. However, after a couple hours on the seat(tarmac), I find my knees start to cramp up. Would lower pegs make sense to solve both problems?

[@tinmisuun]

Wow! I never thought of "no clutch to save you" with a motorcycle automatic transmission.

[@thetessellater9163]

It has two clutches - one for gears 1,3,5 and another for 2,4,6 thus giving a smoother change than is possible on a manual bike. I believe you can also use it as a manual shift, though.

[@terrynixon8152]

@@thetessellater9163 He means you can't disengage the engine from the rear wheel at will, or modulate the power except by the throttle. It only completely disengages when the bike is stopped and the engine is idling. Or dead.

[@ecalzo]

Hey Bret... turning around the two risers anti clockwise you loosened them a little from the bolt underneath them.. i know you know what you're doing... but just in case... double check if the bottom bolt are tight enough! Hi from italy

[@BretTkacs]

Because they use a locknut and you are spinning in a rubber damper doesn't effect it.

[@gorylizor]

How do you handle putting your gloves back on with wet hands?

[@Lazarus-aap]

I am wondering about my handlebar setup too. I ride a 1200gsa. I've rotated the handlebar more upright, but now it feels like it's too far away, because I tend to lean on them more. Although I have to say that when I'm on a heavier dirt road, I bent my knees more. I am 1.83m tall (somewhere around 6 feet I think?) They feel to low as well, but maybe it is my skill level, I don't know. I also recently bought some dirt bike boots, which are pretty stiff and big and I now have a bit more difficulty changing gears whilst standing up. Should I just rotate the shifter upwards a bit? Oh and also, I have trouble with operating my clutch lever. Like, I'm squeezing my fingers when I use the clutch and sometimes the engines even stalls... would that be different if I'd buy a more offroad lever?

[@jbk68]

is it good to do the same on the latest 2020 CRF1100L ATAS ES ?

[@TwoFourCharlie007]

Every day is a school day!!

[@Fiatmannen1]

Have a cb500x bought ig 2nd hand. Ig had risefs that lift and pull back. Seamed ok but i removed them and it is much better stock.

[@tripleaaa8662]

What‘s going on with your superb KTM 790 R ?

[@ljuborajictt]

Profi 👍# 570

[@mochster]

Sorry but helmet to hat swap deserve an appreciation. Great vid btw

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Bret, I just moved off a 650 Strom to an AT/DCT. The AT is better in every way except you really feel the weight difference. I'm fairly experienced off road rider on 250-500cc bikes, but new to managing the weight of big ADV bikes. My question is why are you choose an AT over the 790 or do you keep both for different type rides? Would love to hear your comments on the differences between the 2. I plan to spend most of a season on the AT to see if I get used to the weight difference, but at this point, I'm thinking it will be traded for a T7 to drop the 100 lbs. Thanks for all you do for the ADV community.

[@BretTkacs]

I am riding the AT because to be the best coach it helps to know the bikes your students ride intimately. The AT is a more comfortable road bike and has much better ergonomics than the 790 but for performance and offroad ability the 790 is still at the top of the heap (we could argue about the T7 which I have 0 seat time on)

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

@@BretTkacs Thanks so much for the reply. I'm sure you'll get some time on a T7 well before I'm in the market. I'll be waiting on your assessment. Take Bret...

[@gregoryhogeweide4121]

Only bike I ever need to put risers is my DR650, the ergo triangle sucks for anyone taller than 5'10".

[@davereinhart9933]

Did you switch rides?

[@efraingonzalez4408]

I rolled the handle bar forward, now I can’t seem to find a way to roll the controls back…..I don’t see any screws/bolts….can you assist?

[@DanteFox]

So is the Africa Twin a good upgrade from a KLR? I'm 6'5" Or what would you suggest? I commute on it when weather is willing and Trail ride when I find one.

[@BretTkacs]

As a tall rider the AT is going to be one of the best fitting bikea for you. An Old KTM 990 or a newer 1290 would fit fairly well. A GS 1200 or 1250 will take a bit of set but can work well too

[@SimstarzGaming]

shit i didn't knew this. first mod next spring!!

[@MTL_Rider]

Back with the Honda? I bet Bret may be regretting getting that KTM. Is it still in the shop?

[@cyclopathic998]

Still beats me why Honda didn't figure out a disengage lever for DCT. Few years back a co-worker comes to work with right arm in sling.. "what happened?" turned out that he wanted to change oil on his CTX700 DCT and was talking it around house and it launched him in a brick wall.. arm was shattered into 18 pieces. Apparently bike slipped on wet grass and he rolled on throttle trying to save it from falling. At least program clutch disengage when brake applied for god's love Honda! (and while at it put left lever for rear brake LoL)

[@CaptainLasVegas]

So I put a left rear brake lever on my ATAS DCT and it has been amazing. I think there are some DOT regs holding it up because the EUR X ADV from Honda has the exact brake lever you want and it would look stock, with a price tag of $400 for the Lever and MC. I decided to come up with my own solution.

[@cyclopathic998]

@@CaptainLasVegas X ADV is a scooter.. scooters have rear brake on handlebars

[@CaptainLasVegas]

@@cyclopathic998 Exactly! And it matches the AT Front brake lever and MC. SO if your looking to add one onto your bike, that is a great option to look at if you can afford it.

[@busyflyin]

Did Bret ditch his 790?

[@ishymoto3179]

Hi Bret, just bought a dct 1100 and done my first off road day. When climbing rocky hills I feel like I’m pulling on the handlebars and causing a lot of shoulder blade tension. Any recommendations would help. Thanks

[@BretTkacs]

I have videos on hill climbs and standing... Have you watched those yet?

[@ishymoto3179]

@@BretTkacs I’ll give them a watch, but been watching your set up videos. I also ride a ktm and don’t have a problem. I rotated by bars forward slightly the other day and it’s a lot better but I think I’m just going to have to try different things as now I am suffering with pain in my foot and leg as I ride with a disability in my left leg and foot.

[@StickerMedia]

Can you do a video with an old Africa Twin? Preferably the RD07? ;)

[@BretTkacs]

Nothing available is the usa

[@robells6759]

So, where's the 790? In the shop?

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Great short clip as always. I'd rather have 5 x 5 second ads throughout the video than one 15 second ad at the start. I switch off when hit with 15 second ad as soon as I start.

[@thetessellater9163]

If you like the channel, let the ads run through to the end, only then does the channel get a small fee, I think. But it might waste 15 seconds of your life!

[@edgarbleikur1929]

@@thetessellater9163 1. you have no choice 2. Depending on what country you're in decides how much he gets. I'm in Thailand so a pittance. 3. My suggestion was a suggestion for Brett.

[@mirkoradonjic4536]

setup suspensions for offroad please...

[@macexpert7247]

Add a small magnetic dish to the toolkit so you don’t risk ending up looking in de mud for lost screws 🤪

[@ryanmoore686]

I'll have to check if my AS is like that, I definitely wasn't a fan of risers.

[@projectprobe4460]

17 inch or 17mm , it is a metric manufacturer

[@gregvillain8946]

Did the KTM bite the dust already ?

[@DerekTJ]

Follicles!