Africa Twin the KTM Super Adventure beater? stupid drop included- on and off road review.

Embarrassing fall at 18:40!! How does the Honda Africa Twin 1100 fit in the big adventure bike market? What type of rider does it suit and how does it cope with all adventure conditions?
It’s competing with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the BMW GSA, Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger and others in this crowded motorcycle market.
Ridden over two days on and off road at the Dave Thorpe Honda Experience.
davethorpehonda.com/

[@staffannunstedt548]

Hi, great review..on the fly.. I've recently tested the same Africa twin for a short ride on the tarmac and agree with your conclusions, a little jerky on the throttle, a little weird tipping in to corners, a strong subtile power delivery, suspension firm and plush at the same time, I think it is a great bike. It got the looks and the feel of building quality. It is a Honda. You are in a time of decision, I recon ? Maybe I can help you. I have ridden bikes since 2010 and after a short try on a Yamaha XR 660 R, I went for the KTM. Since then I have had 4 in a row, 990 adv R/1190 adv R/790 adv R and from feb -21 a 1290 SAR. These four bikes have served me for over 100 000 km(68 000 miles) I live in a area in Sweden where we have a massive amount of gravel roads free to ride with no restrictions, like a spiderweb through the landscape(of course you must respect the people living in this area) I have spent 90 % of all my driving on these roads and despite that there are thousands km of gravel I have them clearly in my mind(no GPS needed) and I have never been bored to ride in such a limited area(perhaps 170 km x 100 km) Every time I think, which roads will I be using today depending on how much time i have to spend on the bike. It is like life it self, every day is a new opportunity of adventure. I always ride alone so the adventure aspect is a fact in the most remote parts there is almost any people living and my security is my bike and my skill. Here is my point; You wonder what this bikes are for, I say, for riding on roads, gravel/tarmac, nearby or world wide. I try to respect what others come up with on You Tube but I am sick and tired of people that drags these bikes into tracks and bushes were you almost can't walk. I say, they are not build for this purpose. I love to see the Dakar Rally, i love to see Chris Birch/Pol Tarres but they twist the heads of these who are the buyers of this big bikes. I have worked as a carpenter/housebuilder and it is no problem for me to see and use the right tool for the right job. And Yes; all of the bikes have served my purpose, to be a better rider day by day, to go beyond the fear of going down, hurting myself or the bike, because when that happens it is fantastic; you are in the zone. Ride safe; Staffan/Karlstad/Sweden ps. The new 1290 SAR is a the new pearl in the development of the KTM´s, all you noticed when you rode it is true. Such a big bike and so easy to ride on any surface without any hesitation.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thank you so much for your amazing comments and I agree with all you say. The big bikes are there to have adventures on but probably not for bike destroying off road. Sounds like you have an amazing area to ride and I’d love that. We are a bit more limited in the uk. Thanks again and safe riding.

[@BigDaveTALKS]

I have a '22 AS/ES and have had it on muddy roads, single track, sand, rocky hills you name it and it performs AWESOME. That said, I am going to pick up my '23 KTM SAR tomorrow. As far as cost goes, by the time I added good tires, pegs and crash bars to my AT it comes out about the same. My biggest issue was, coming from a ZH2 and Multistrada, I REALLY miss the power. Here in Texas we have a lot of miles to cover just to get to some really good off road riding so the smaller bikes are mostly out of the picture. The one thing I will miss is the peace of mind and far as the reliability goes with the AT. It is a really awesome bike off road but boring as hell on road.

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks for watching and couldn't agree more about on road- it's a bit grey compared to a KTM.

[@paulthehutt5767]

I have a 22 AT ES DCT and my first time off-road I dropped it about four times, it was muddy and I was inexperienced off-road with a heavy adv bike and new to using a DCT offroad. I haven't taken it off-road like that since as I'm waiting on some crash protection. I got lucky I didn't do more than some scratches on it that day especially since I was alone.

[@advnoobie6061]

You do feel the weight of these bikes, especially at the start. The drop frequency does go down and it’s a while since I dropped my 890 touch wood!! Keep at it- it’s a lot easier when you know the bike isn’t going to get any serious damage.

[@MaxPowerFilthcrud]

Great review and very relatable from my point of view. Thanks!

[@AlphardAdventures]

Hi Dr Alex, just come across your channel and thought it was you, you looked after is all on the Sahara Trek a good few years ago, didn't know you were into bikes, might see you around, I'm atvthe ABR festival next year 👍

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Tony. Great memories.

[@PassiveProfitsPro]

Really enjoying your videos ! Keep them coming

[@advnoobie6061]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate that. Love you story on your bio and subscribed.

[@PassiveProfitsPro]

@@advnoobie6061 Thanks.. Just waiting on delivery of my new KTM 390 Adventure.. Then let the fun begin

[@ridemfast7625]

I have enjoyed your videos, thank you. I am strongly considering a 890 R, then the African Twin. I have been riding for many years on American cruisers and baggers but find the urge to find some fun off road. Curious if you find the 890 R easier to ride and learn on for a senior aged off-road noob as compared to the 1290 R and Africa Twin? Im thinking of keeping the current bagger for 2up with the wife and some long rides with my bagger friends. And have a smaller, lighter, adventure bike for off road fun. Unfortunately test riding any of these bikes where I live has not been possible.

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi and thanks for watching. It’s always a compromise and there are a million different opinions out there for off road. A lot would argue getting a lighter bike as it’s easier to ride off road and less to pick up. But, it won’t be as good on road. I’ve only got a little experience of smaller capacity bikes off road- they were ok but I like the challenge of the 890 AR and that’s what I started on. I’ve done a lot of miles on and off road with it and love it. It is a heavier bike and ultimately takes a lot more controlling in slippery conditions. I only do light off road with the 1290 mainly due to my confidence levels! The 890 just feels familiar and confidence inspiring.

[@robgreaves2633]

It's been interesting watching this review after watching your 1290 SAR review considering your reviews time wise were the other way around. The Honda guys have some great places to ride down there in Devon and it would certainly be interesting to ride an 890/1290 around there to compare the two. From a personal perspective as much as I like the Honda the KTM's just have that edge for me. Just a thought but do you wear goggles off road? If not def worth trying them as they make a fair bit of difference in dusty conditions. Great review and I look forward to the next.

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Rob and I agree about the KTMs having the edge- to me they just have more spirit and soul. Yes- I wear goggles off road and wore them for this- the dust was crazy though. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davey235]

Hi... where have you been for the last 4 months? Hope all ok?

[@advnoobie6061]

Hi Dave and thanks for asking. It’s been a perfect storm of family holidays, COVID and work getting super busy. Hope to get back to it soon and have lots of ideas. Just need some time !! Thanks for watching.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Cześć! Chcę wymienić ATAS 1000 DCT i na ktm super adventure 1290 r. Jezdzilem 3 razy ww ktm i ostatni raz się zachlysnolem mocą ktm. Przy afryce t4zyma mnie dct w turystyce ta skrzynia zamiata system. Nie wiem co robic ktm super adventure 1290 r kusi promocja nowy kosztuje na promocji z 22 tys euro na 17 tys euro za wersje demo 800 kilometrów z 2023r. Mam ponad 2 metry wzrostu i zachorowalem na ktm help...

[@greywolf9292]

Excellent presentation again, you really gave an honest review and comparison of the AT and it's nearest competitors 👍 For a while I thought you were edging towards a crossover to the more linear power but in the end I see "Poking a Dragon with a stick" had more appeal 😀 This is one feature of my 890 Adv R which although I love it, it also kicks in just as you reach the "Nationals". Flicking with the quick shifter from 4th, 5th to 6th is thrilling untill you look down at the Speedo and go "Oops!!"

[@johnshropshire3399]

👍👍👏

[@gregheth]

1100 L - wow that is a big engine - lol. Good video though

[@chrisssinstockholm]

Please tune down the music. Intro was 20 dB louder than your voice.

[@advnoobie6061]

Oops. Sorry. I can’t change that now but will change it for future videos. At least it’s only the intro 😀

[@chrisssinstockholm]

@@advnoobie6061 Thanks. I'm also a noobie so I can relate to your content. I'm subscribed and watch most videos. Keep on and your channel will grow.

[@bizzfo]

Get a GS