AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS REVIEW

[@dominikm7579]

I have the adventure sports 30th anniversary edition with DCT for few months, I bought it in mid april, and I recently did a short trip through Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary etc. about 2600km, and let me tell you.... this is a BEAST! Im 182cm tall and 115kg and this bike with full luggage, tankbag and a rollbag on the back was heavyyyy. But still perfect handling, perfect power and torque, DCT is really a fine product for long distance riding, only things that i had to add for my bodytype were OEM Honda upper and lower deflectors (total 6 pieces), forkshield to reduce buffeting because of the wind passing through the fork tunnel up, windshield small deflector from givi just for that added comfort on highway and thats about it. Dealer hooked me up with two original honda sidecases that were lets say... ok.... and did a good job holding all that you really need on a trip. Flaws? Well, .. cruise control... there is none. And that is disapointing... electronic gas and yet no cruise control. Honda get on it. Thats about it. This is a bike that is made for long distance, it can eat kilometres like a hungry hippo, its reasonably comfortable out of the box, but with few bits and pieces you can tune it for a pleasant touring bike. On my trip i did highway, mud, rocks, water and even icy conditions in Italian alps. If you are a casual adventure rider, or you like to tour mostly on road. AT is great for that. If you prefer only adventure riding, look for a lighter GS. My overall opinion for my AT adventure sports DCT is - YES! TAKE MAH MONEY! ...... worth it. These are my two cents. Cheers from Slovakia EDIT: my right heel keeps hitting the stupid black plastic on the exhaust. Not a great issue. But its annoying

[@Greggspies]

Dominik Must try that DCT I've just done Italy n Austria on my GS LC and got tired of shifting, reckon Cross Tourer or one of these, BMs good but expensive now

[@gillesgenete9598]

Dominik full agreement with you. Travelled from France to Ireland and Scotland, with my wife, 4.000km in 10 days, no issue, only pleasure of admiring the scenery. Agreement again on that right heel touching plastic cover depending on riding position, but not serious issue. I tend to avoid highway, so cruise control is not a must for me. DCT is a dream for small bumpy twisty roads.

[@sweetcostarica]

DCT maybe a dream for bikers today but until all makers put them in their bikes I will just keep it manual. The Africa twin is also a great manual transmission bike. I do have a semi-manual bike - a Honda Super Cub 125cc and I like it. But the manual clutch is the best for me & the many I have met in the USA.

[@nokun7668]

Loved your vlog around the world; helped me deciding to go with the Africa twin ( adv sports ) as my first bike .

[@inthewind553]

I bought 2017 twin loved it , took it from springfied missouri to el paso texas in 15 hrs decided I needed cruise control and traded it for a 2018 gold wing.

[@theninja001]

InTheWind if you happy with a Goldwing, you aren’t the type of rider the AT was meant for! It’s about hitting the dirt Too!

[@inthewind553]

ya that's what I was saying, captain obvious,

[@windinthewillows6248]

MCCruise of Australia, are developing a cruise control for the new TBW bikes. I’m waiting for it, as I love my ATAS, but want cruise and have just converted to tubeless with the Outex kit. Once it has cruise, it’ll be brilliant, me thinks. 😉👍

[@dougiequick1]

Yeah until new engine enhancements make yours a dog by comparison ...these makers are savvy on how to make one lust for the NEXT years updates .... there is always some other thing in the pipeline to lust after... to tempt Now you guys have me not even wanting to buy anything if it does not have cruise control and everything... lol...i never even wanted that! Never had it! Now it seems I MUST have it or be miserable ...seriously look how many have chimed in? What did the magazines start harping on it??

[@jwbarker81]

When you said , “maybe rethink the DCT” what did you mean?

[@joedufour6086]

Awesome work man! I do like how you put the information you present. I think people get too wrapped up in reviews, and forget that guys who review motorcycles for a living typically have more gripes than us regular types. Thanks again man and keep it up!

[@BRAMMOTO]

I have the 2017 dct. I very much like mine. I have not ridden the standard model, but I would buy the dct again.

[@dirkmertens6926]

"I think I am on the DCT. Either that or the gear shifter is broken." ..... Brilliance in small corners 👍

[@davidarchibald5578]

I just see you on Pedro Moto vlog a guy whose from Holland on a Honda Transalp. Small world.

[@alim.ocakli]

William if you again start a world tour, which one would you prefer? Africa twin or Africa twin adventure sports

[@chrigdichein]

all right, 2cm higher suspension, 3cm higher seat, tubeless tires, some bearings have changed to the dct motor I got told. A lifepo battery is a big one, heart about trouble peeps have with aftermarket lifepo batteries, so we got stuck with OEM ones. And the difference can only be the voltage to computer, so a little weaker voltage gets you computer dct trouble?

[@M_Williamson]

What did you mean when you said "...maybe you should rethink the DCT."? I'm interested in the ATAS w/DCT, so I'd love yo know your thoughts. Is DCT ADV bike capable?

[@sunnyvalejedi]

It most certainly is!

[@cschueren]

Finally for the States. Hopefully soon.

[@SuzukiDuki]

Nice! Hopefully Honda just gives you an Adventure Sports model for your next tour de globe. Oh, the "Who is this dude?" Why that appears to be Martin Sheen! :)

[@chadwinters6089]

Any word on maybe adding cruise control?

[@iismatthew123]

If it had cruise control I'd have one.

[@jordanmcdonald1545]

Seriously. This needs it!

[@chadwinters6089]

I heard maybe 2019. There's enough riders out there that wonder the same thing. Anyone heard when the adventures sport will actually hit the showrooms in the states?

[@iismatthew123]

Chad win I saw one the other day in a show room, really hope 19s after in red or black with cruise control!

[@chadwinters6089]

Matthew Dawson now your talking! After only seeing this blue/white paint for a year I come to like it, just the gold rims I can't get passed lol.

[@johnhaymer5056]

I will be getting one of these soon thanks for sharing your opinions

[@choyosja]

So, did you finally change the std for the ATAS? What do you miss from the old version? What is the best on the AS from your point of view? Thanks for your videos! Pretty honest and simple reviews, really valuable!

[@Babo.69]

Great Video 👍 is the adventure sports or the Standard better for my size 191 cm? I tryd the Standard this week withe dct, and i loved it. Greetings from germany

[@sunnyvalejedi]

AS is better for big dudes.

[@iancurnow9060]

Great videos, Mr. Gloege. Well done, thanks.

[@WilliamGloege]

Thanks Brother!

[@oliviergirouard4216]

please finish your thought about ride by wire. I tried a 1290r and it had a throttle response lag. (!). Same with the 18 AT? My 16 AT has perfect response.

[@saeedalmajid1202]

Colin you missed the cruise control !

[@philipmillen4271]

why does it need cruise control, if you want to cruise by a car...

[@Kurkess]

Dude - what music are you using in this video

[@Greggspies]

Glad your back Wil always entertaining vlog, bikes almost there looks great with bigger tank. What that DCT like kinda like the concept I'm lazy.

[@lunsarboy]

Thanks William another good video. Question for you having gone RTW on your bike. Would you be comfortable with DCT and more electronics on the bike if you did the same trip again?

[@stevekrenz6174]

Love your videos. Would you, experiencing both early AT and the ATAS, purchase a carryover '17 at a great price or pay the price for a new '18? I have a 1989 Transalp that I ride solo on long haul remote rides and I deal with the fuel capacity by having aux fuel containers. So the large fuel tank while really nice can be overlooked. Thanks, Steve Krenz

[@gregorypheiffer1438]

Love that thing! Thanks for the honest review mate.

[@thetruthonlyone]

Very nice bike but I still prefer my vfr1200 crosstourer. Obviously the 2 are different as the AT is designed more of a off-road than the cross tourer but the AT does let itself down when you have a tube tire and a chain. I know at one point William was defending the tube tire on one of his videos on his around the world adventures, but how can that be? I have plenty of punctures on my bike but guess what it gives me enough time to get home or where ever I need to, but with a tube you’ll be stranded with one POP to the tires and your stranded. I no the AT has spoke wheels but so does the cross tourer so it can be done.

[@mikemcnevin1785]

Did you have any issues with stiction in your 2017 forks, right foot peg mount, crud in the fuel tank, etc.? I have a chance at a 2017 AT standard shift with 4100 miles. Bike has full crash bars and center stand for about $10k. Let me know. Thanks

[@iancampbell9558]

Great review as are most on here for the adventure sport.however the one question I can't seem to get an answer for is this. Riding long distance with luggage and pillion.is it powerful enough and comfortable enough.planning a 6 week tour and this is the only thing stopping me buying one...

[@sunnyvalejedi]

I've seen entire families and propane tank on 125CC. It's all about perspective. Will a GS1200 be better? Yes. Will the AT do it? Absolutely.

[@beanburnham01]

Good stuff bud! Kinda want to trade in the FJ-09 now

[@nicksoulby2204]

Great bike - if only they’d put cruise on it. Sometimes you have to ride on the freeway/motorway for hours before your adventure begins 👍

[@WilliamGloege]

Kart 19 I use a 12 dollar throttle lock.

[@nicksoulby2204]

William Gloege I agree that’s a fair compromise. However it’s not true cruise control, you will still have to make manual adjustments for elevation etc... I just think Honda would gain more sales from this one simple addition. PS thanks for your videos - please keep posting them!

[@joaodanunciacaonunes7539]

Love that bike! please give me your opinion, is a wild decision to get this bike as a first bike at 45? thanks cheers

[@peterbrophy9442]

Curious as what you meant when you said: “Maybe you want to re-think the DCT”...re-think as in it’s good or should not even be offered by Honda?

[@WilliamGloege]

Peter Brophy I really liked the DCT after spending time on it. Not sold either way. Thanks for following.

[@gillesgenete9598]

William Gloege I chose the AT only because DCT was an incredibly good system for travelling. Otherwise I would have kept my KTM ADV 990. Only off-road where I 'm not easy with DCT , but it's only a matter of changing habits. Some enduro riders here in France use a 15 teeth pinion and go D mode on serious off-road, including mud conditions.

[@waynecompton7612]

Thank you for the video William , in your opinion which would you prefer Manual or DCT version. Take care and catch you next time 😎👍🇬🇧.

[@WilliamGloege]

Wayne Compton it would be a tough choice Wayne. I thought I knew but I loved the DCT

[@tburnettiii]

I'll throw in here. I ride a KLR and a DCT AT; ride both each week. Really like the DCT, lets you really concentrate on your line.

[@donut3110]

So if I'm 5'6 30" inseam, how much trouble will this bike be riding daily etc?

[@rrandydduke]

I had to erase my original post (it was too negative).... there are too many things I don’t like about this bike besides it’s name and lack of an aluminum frame like a proper CRF should have . These manufacturers put to many safety diapers on these type of bikes. For some buttons, for others throttle control and clutch I guess..... Honda needs to just build one model of this bike instead of constantly taking baby steps upgrading this bike . Resale value constantly go down on this bike every time it gets better. I think Honda should stop playing games with the market for this bike . Yamaha can put cruise control on there scooter but Honda can’t even do that with there flagship ADV bike ? Honda plays too many games

[@joedufour6086]

I do agree, but at the end of the day Honda is a business and businesses need to make money. If they came out with the perfect bike once that lasted forever and needed no upgrades what’s the incentive to buy more products? 🤷‍♂️

[@rrandydduke]

Jofice McGee they could call it American Twin Pro and charge 4G’s more for the aluminum frame and cruise, people would buy it

[@gillesgenete9598]

Here in France, I've been disapointed with resale value of my ´16MY AT. No way for me to go to '18 MY AT. After all, only 20k km and still pleased with it . Mainly on road use, including duo travelling.

[@rrandydduke]

Gilles Genete ... exactly, you spent your money on a bike 2 years later it has a better replacement but now your stuck with it . Glad you like your AT

[@dougiequick1]

Honda could care less about resale ..that is the used market ...they want to keep selling the latest and greatest obsolesce via constant improvements ...they no doubt PLAN for it to an extent I am sure ...leave design room to up the displacement later on is one common ploy ...suspension upgrades ,,,fuel mapping whatever ...even paint schemes and body work contours to make last model start looking homely...buy a bike to RIDE IT not to sell it. Or else sell it every year and always have the latest and greatest ...and be broke as hell...

[@ThisGuy675]

How's the lady holding up on the Rally Raided CB500X? I've been waiting for the verdict since your last upload.

[@fredsturza6280]

I got the 2018 dct a month ago,,,, best bike I've bought,,, just so eazy to ride,,, when the tires wear out gotta update,,,on gravel roads they suck,,, any suggestions what i should get? I ride to work 5 days a week,, and basically do the old logging roads on a Saturday

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Try MOTOZ Tractionator GPS for a dual purpose tire. If you spend more time off road, MOTOZ Rallz is a good choice. Robust tires and great mileage too. Check out their site if you want. motoz.com.au

[@paulvandervyver4223]

You can also check out the MOTOZ review on Chaparral Motorsports on KZbin. They also do other tire brand reviews

[@fredsturza6280]

Kk thankyou,,, I'll probably go that route,,, wish i had an extra set of complete rims,,, then id go more knobby on the weekends change back for going back n forth for work,,, thanks

[@paulvandervyver4223]

I also thought of that. Just a tad expensive 😆

[@maxgreene8285]

Your blogs are great man, very inspiring and great sceneries. Anyone tell you that you could be Mark Raffalo's twin? Or maybe you are him haha

[@thekellgrenadventure7772]

Liked before watching. as always.

[@donyboy73]

this is the bike I want!

[@Jimo368]

I want that bike. Still too bad they didn’t go tubeless.

[@victorgold3566]

Excellent vid, as always. Thanks!

[@El-matador787]

Awesome review and comparison... A++

[@theninja001]

To me, it doesn’t seem worth the extra $5,000. I can get a new 2017 for $10,500

[@dougiequick1]

my thinking too? Besides the fly2 by wire and paint graphics ... what else is different between 17 and 18? Any problems on the17s the 18s fixed? Oh yeah there are like 3 or 4 more TC settings on the 18 right? How great is that? anyone had both? ...also its NOT 5k differnce ... it is only 3k ...$5 k you are looking at the automatic I believe ...but even $3k is enough to buy crash bars and luggage and some riding gear! Better tires maybe? more for the money I'm worried I might not even love it....add tax and all the "adventure" farkles (i hate that stupid word) and matching new riding gear to the 18 (or 19) and one could easily wind up approaching the $20k mark! For a MOTORCYCLE!

[@Smiling_mike]

I just picked up a 2018 ATAS for 13100. Honda Rebate Ride Red $1k off plus a dealer discount Amazing motorcycle, love the upgraded suspension, hand warmers, and throttle by wire gives the option of using a device like fuel pak-3 to further tune the EFI for even more power/torque. No regrets, after reading the reviews of the 2017 Africa Twin, the 2018 Adventure Sports Edition was a no brainer, could not be happier, and 51 mpg average is very nice along with a 6 + gallon tank 🙂

[@quanphungthien8420]

For sure i will get 1 atas next month

[@ThisTall]

I bet if these brands came out with an ultra NON electrical model it would match or out sell these luxury models. You can do things like the speedo, cruise control and heated handles all mechanically.

[@stoneblue1795]

Good one Bill.

[@mikemitchell3889]

And.. a standard center stand!

[@africantwin173]

Sorry to say but , I liked the single pit yamaha xt660z better. Cost way less 6k and is not heavy. Honda needs to build a lighter bike. 500 600 cc is enough. When u are tired and dropped the bike with 100 kg gear u cannot pick it up aline. It is too heavy. The price way too much 14000 euro.

[@dougiequick1]

I was thinking the same way but it turns out IF you want to take looong trips hauling a bunch of gear and actually survive to feel like riding offroad in parts of your "adventure"? You need big engine and robust suspension etc ...100ish horse power on tap to thrill you still. Without costing $40k how in the world is a company gonna give you all that using affordable materials and machine processes? ALL the 2 cylinder "adventure" bikes that can deliver on the long range comfort with 100 and more hp...ALL of them...every last one of em are PIGS...it is the nature or the genre...you simply cant compare a single cylinder thumper of any brand or model ...you simply wont have the massive torque needed to haul all that weight all those miles in comfort ...sure the offroad prowess of a nice thumper will leave all the pigs in the dust but that is only part of the equation ....two different genres of bikes Apples and oranges....basically all you are saying is that you would rather ride dual sport kind of routes rather than adventure class routes...nothing wrong with it at all...but you are commenting on the wrong video ...should not even be here ....it's like some motocross bike rider dissing dual sport thumpers because THEY are way too heavy to do the kind of riding guys on mx bikes like ...apples and oranges is all

[@hellopaul6314]

Say Hi, Meredith;)

[@robertnocerajr3985]

1200 $ for grips, light bar and skid plate??? I'm sorry but I don't believe that... But thanks for sharing this post.. Robert Jr NJ here.

[@TheDavidGoldmanphoto]

I wish I could just grow 2-3 inches :(

[@petrosgaliatsis3530]

David Goldman , Honda offers a 6cm lower seat at a very appealing price (130 Euros in Greece). Do not let the standard seat make you skip this brilliant bike. Just got mine and I am so happy with it.

[@dougiequick1]

Wrong video ...that's the penis enhancement video 3 videos down on the list seriously though a smaller/lighter rider could get away with a smaller lighter bike ...all that power and suspension? Its to haul WEIGHT ....A 125 llb rider could kick ass on smaller bike saving cash in the bargain! Not to mention having a significantly longer life expectancy! For modern man smaller is better

[@Ma6roshi23]

Awesome bike, but the chassis welding is sow cheap that most of africa twins owners are complaining about it rusting

[@nokun7668]

Ma6roshi23 really ?

[@robsonenduro3316]

really, as well as rear rack.

[@Ma6roshi23]

AT BehindTheBars No body would do that to his own bike and complain, it is a common thing on the Africa.. check the forms, you could be lucky not to have any but am sow disappointed

[@WilliamGloege]

I ain't got no rust. Pushing 100k.

[@Ma6roshi23]

AT BehindTheBars it’s more common than you think, most have reported to their dealers and Honda them selfs say that’s its a common thing lol so don’t blame me mate !

[@Captndarty]

Now I see how the AT got it’s less than athletic, soft DNA....

[@rrandydduke]

Captndarty I wouldn’t buy it simply because it has a goofy name

[@WyattFamilyonUTUBE]

Well, that's certainly an opinion. Some of you may not be old enough to remember past last year, but the name is historic. The original AT was built for and won the Dakar.

[@dougiequick1]

AFRICA ...as in Paris/Dakar race in Africa ...only goofy if you dont understand the historical setting where the original AT kicked ASS ....Think Baja racing on meth and steroids ....was CRAZY racing! INSANITY! ...here watch this~~>kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCcmqSfmq2InZI

[@rrandydduke]

James Wyatt that’s why I had an•up•if•any and bought a 30 Anniversary edition !!! ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/j52wYaSMh8Shj80

[@rrandydduke]

Opp’s wrong link kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2W1oXipqaikqc0

[@toby7504]

Isnt it getting to muth electronic now!?

[@nomad5176]

Toby 750 Yes, it is. Each my visit in the service ends with diagnosis 'electronics'.

[@toby7504]

If you want a world tourer, simpel and easy would be the key words l guess. If a gadget you really dont need breaks down in the russian waistlands it will be almost impossible to fix. I just love Africa Twin but lm going for the 17mod with less usless gadgets.

[@alexmorgan3435]

This bike could be so good but Honda have left so many things off the spec sheet that other manufacturers now have on their bikes as standard. I would rather pay a little bit more and get a much better spec bike. Poor show by Honda. They need to get with it.

[@wildone2163]

what a chaotic review...

[@dougiequick1]

I was thinking adventure bike riders would camp under the stars...but`in all the trip reports they all stay in hotels.?..really

[@zzxx33mh]

the legend of last AT have high impact on new generation ,seems clearly that it like heavy burden on this gen..if you like mire off then the AT is diffenetly off-road biased,..

[@agarciaguero]

Yeaaaahhhh!!! 😜😜😜😜

[@Biosed]

Music too loud, voice over too low

[@grego10r]

i wait for yamaha t7 this shit is to heavy now

[@tramagacity]

Super Tenere wins in al fronts

[@nomad5176]

tramagacity Great bike for long trips. Pretty heavy but if you can control it right the bike will move you over the bumpy roads so smooth.

[@theninja001]

tramagacity except offroad

[@ramirosilva2385]

Why do you say that? Have you seen the rally edition?

[@dougiequick1]

heavy hell though....is that a "front"?

[@ramirosilva2385]

Dougie Quick people say the super tenere is heavy but in the same class the bmw gs1200 adventure weights 580 pounds, ktm super adventure 1290 at 478 pounds, Ducati multistrada 1200 at 496 pounds, Africa Twin 534 pounds , Super Tenere 575 pounds. So it is not even the heaviest.

[@puretrouble1603]

Nice to see you sold out to the Honda Corporate propaganda. So much for the impartial opinions. This channel is now sponsored by Honda!!!

[@WilliamGloege]

Wowzers!!!! Why so much hate? Honda has given me some parts, but I paid full retail for my bike. I guess your name says it all.

[@manicmedicNZ]

Far out turn the stupid music down ..... not mixed well with the narration

[@WilliamGloege]

Colin Bamforth thanks for watching friend.

[@br1an5cott]

William Gloege, I personally think the music absolutely rocks! I subscribe to your channel for the insightful bike wisdom, breathtaking cinematography, and excellent choice in music. Please keep posting amazing motovlog videos (with the awesome music) and I will continue to highly recommend this channel to all my biker friends.

[@robsonenduro3316]

tell whose gonna use 7 different settings of engine braking or traction control....just stupid by honda. Overall bike is bigger and heavier, not really suitable for harder off-road, yet still has no tubeless wheels. Nope, not impressed.

[@dougiequick1]

KTM top of the line is significantly HEAVIER ...you just cant have it all

[@dougiequick1]

"Stupid is as stupid does" ...Forrest Gump said