DCT riding tips (Africa Twin)

A list of my top tips specific to riding Honda's DCT Africa Twin offroad

[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@BrewerIanE]

3:30 Helmet to Hat transition might be a world record. Smooth as the AT DCT power delivery!

[@coffeedrinkingbiker9419]

Hahahaha had exactly the same feeling. No loose hair was harmed.

[@gdratp]

You don't believe it, I replayed it twice to see what has happened.

[@dungbeetle.]

Don't wanna dazzle the camera with that shiny baldy heed! ;)

[@smithrick7051]

If you can take a flip up helmet off like that, its to big. But i already knew that before that clip

[@MrErichonda30]

Think he's scared to embrace his baldness or doesn't want will smith to slap anyone.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

For Sale: Africa Twin. Never been dropped or ridden off road. Mature rider.

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@MrImarcus]

Screw the noise and lighting, these videos are gold!!! Best africa twin videos by a continent.

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

Shout out to Christina for running around after you with a GoPro and making the best of it.

[@scottraines7419]

Although I've been a member of the A/T forum for over 8 months now, I just got to this video. I want to thank you very much for taking the time to do it. It was very informing. I knew, within about 2 city blocks of a test ride on a DCT that, without a doubt, the DCT is for me. There isn't ANYTHING I don't like about it. I'm not a Ricky Racer on the street nor am I a pro moto-cross rider off road. I've been riding now for close to 50 years and just have fun at it. Your points that you emphasized about how to control slow speed manuvering are well explained. I've been a Goldwinger for 35 of those 50 years and, the A/T is like a go kart compared to the Wing. And the DCT is nothing but pure pleasure. I thank you again. Well done.

[@henkondemand]

I had the same feeling when I drove the DCT AT, there is nothing like it.

[@someonethatwatchesyoutube2953]

I’ve spoken to a few very experienced riders who bought the DCT model and they all were extremely positive about it.

[@byrdt6528]

We really appreciate the video. Thanks for trusting that we'll like the content. We really do!!

[@user-gh3vt6ds2f]

Thnx! From DCT community of Russia))) Long waited DCT series - great. Picking up bike from left side on the slope - hand brake(parking brake) really worked well) And you’d be very welcome here in mother Russia)

[@sicbe]

I love this DCT content of yours. It's really hard to find really good tips for riding this bike. These are life savers :-). And the quality of the content matters more than top-notch lighting ;-)!

[@albertoj.mollinedo4116]

best tip is "don't do it" get the manual. Honda is just bring new things to see if they can attract more buyers. people star getting these bikes and next thing you star seeing the same thing that happened in cars where the manual is virtually dead. and driving a sportscar is as fun and engaging as watching paint dry, nowadays.

[@0xsergy]

@@albertoj.mollinedo4116 yeah, honestly. any rider can ride a dct, it does all the work for you, but if you never learn to use a clutch yourself...

[@johnmoylan7202]

@@albertoj.mollinedo4116 no. The DCT is better, period. I've had mine 3 years and I'd never go back to manual. In fact I'm picking up my new bike on 16th October and I didn't even countenance the manual. And it's not even an Africa Twin. So in a couple of weeks I'll have 2x DCTs.

[@ericswild]

@@johnmoylan7202 thank you for this. I am considering changing over

[@johnmoylan7202]

@@ericswild update. My SO just got a new bike.... NC750S. Did I mention its a DCT as well .? 😀

[@dirkmertens6926]

Feels like the great Bret Tkacs listened to my request to handle this topic. Feels great ! Thanks a lot.

[@mercenex6329]

Awesome content, even though I don't own a DCT, it's still a lot of beneficial information here. Thank you Bret and Christina for the amazing filming, the quality of the video and audio is more than fine to get what is happening!

[@leviathan3434]

No worries on the equipment Bret! We care only the content which is always awesome! Thanks

[@MrImarcus]

Spot on!

[@gillesgenete9598]

Excellent advise, thank you so much. I enjoy my DCT , on-road and off-road. I'm used to put engine in mode 3 automatic, TC off , ABS off, and I'm good to go off-road. I would certainly use the manual mode for really technical terrain, but this more difficult terrain needs also better shape than mine. I did appreciate the other video on setting the handle bar, I don't use risers, I just set the bar forward to have shoulders above bar, as you suggest in this video for better control of power and acceleration. This Africa Twin is really awesome off-road. I'm 63 years old and can still take care of those 260kg thanks to excellent balance of the chassis. Another advise, in case of mud , you really need to level up the front wheel fender to avoid blockage of front wheel .

[@iToddi]

I love these DCT tips. Keep 'em coming

[@LuisAlejandroTorresO]

I like that you made good comments about the DCT model, many people ride the bike for a couple of hours and make bad reviews about it. You took the time to ride it, to explore the pros and cons, and most important tell the tips to the DCT owners. Regarding the shots with the GoPro, for me, quality and sound are excellent, I guess I am more focused on content than cinematographic quality. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PERSON THAT LEND YOU THE Africa Twin.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Zero risk on Bret’s videos of hitting a thumbs up immediately after hitting play! Never disappointed. Really appreciate all your content. After a steady diet of T700 videos, I forgot how big the Africa Twin really is! The bike actually looks big with Bret on it.

[@kellymeier579]

I always hit 👍 then play 😉

[@richardbagwell120]

Owned my AT Adventure DCT for a couple years now. Learned more watching this video than I have in 2 years of riding my bike. Now to apply what I've learned. Thanks sooo very much!!

[@BretTkacs]

I am planning on another DCT special after I get back from Nepal this winter

[@intelrecon]

DCT Rider myself. Awesome stuff. Keep it coming.

[@motopilotofficial]

I have the same one with same colour dct, and ı want to ride like you! Now watching you and after some lessons I will try and share 😂👍🏻 good job 👏👏👏

[@adrianedwards9710]

Love brets riding videos especially now he’s on a Africa Twin 👍

[@gregoryhogeweide4121]

It's about content not picture/voice quality (that's just a bonus) for me, oh and as my mother always told me "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything!". Keep it up and thanks Bret.

[@hemanthsatyanarayana9760]

I have watched many of your videos and I really love how your narrative matches the set out objective in a rather tight way. You also address the what ifs around the topic which makes it complete, thanks for such great videos

[@JG__12]

Now THAT was DCT specific😂😂😂😂Cheers, Bret!!!

[@davidhaydock7699]

Interesting series, you answered a lot of my questions and I enjoyed watching it. Video and sound quality was just fine. No easy task trying to chase you down using a GoPro.

[@MarkillerADV]

Great video. I have a DCT 2020 and it’s great in the city. Now with your series of videos I want to take off road. Thanks so much. The quality’s of videos it’s ok, the content it’s the important. Saludos from CHILE 🇨🇱

[@wandering_armadillo]

Bret you are truly brilliant! I don't have a DCT and probably never will, just fascinated by your instructional videos!

[@BretTkacs]

I am glad you like them 😁👍

[@UncleWally3]

The clear and concise reasoning behind the “no risers on the AF/DCT” suggestion (4:03) is golden, but the esoteric, highly skilled, rigorously practiced and almost imperceptible lightening fast lid-transition maneuver @ 3:32 is absolutely brilliant.

[@markcooley7025]

I have a DCT Crosstourer and I was looking for left hand brake option. Honda please take note. Also love these videos. Thanks Bret!

[@68ctcb]

Not so sure about that. Muscle memory is difficult to completely irradiate. I think there’d be a safety issue in confusing the two.

[@davidjmichaud4422]

Bret you are obviously an incredible character. At least, in a motorcyclist eyes. I have seen many of your videos, and still am in awe how you rip around on these huge motorcycles in trails. You are inspiring many, no doubt. Thank you.

[@squashproplayer]

Riding an 2018 ATAS DCT & not really into the off road stuff, love the bike it’s technology used at its best in my opinion however I really do enjoy watching your videos & please keep them coming ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@tonystanley8889]

I just bought my dream bike. A 2021 Africa twin. Your videos are incredible and very helpful. I'm not a very experienced rider. Your videos are helping me improve. Thank you

[@samtoshner8002]

This explanation is spot on with my experience using the AT DCT. The rear brake is like a clutch, putting pressure on removes power from the wheel to the ground. The biggest difference is as you noted - the power still loads up at the wheel. Excellent explanation!

[@markursich3305]

I have been on the fence on getting the DCT model and couldn't find a lot of real world reviews on it. This is awesome, thanks for the vid!

[@BretTkacs]

I wouldn't buy a standard Africa Twin 😉

[@martinwright5521]

Love your videos Bret, especially this one having owned a DCT for 3 years and being about 10% as good as you off road. Thank you!

[@azlong4596]

Thank for the series Bret you justified the things I have learned about making my DCT work and you taught me a few extra way to get better. I set up a left hand rear brake and it made things a lot more functional for me.

[@PeterVred]

Loved it Bret, even though I ride a manual AT. Thanks for taking the time to figure it all out. I hope the DCT guys in the forum see this one. I am especially thankful that you mentioned the noise in the microphones. I thought that my $7000 hearing aids were going bad in my right ear, there was a crackling coming thru the Bluetooth from the iPad, that I now realize was rain!

[@justinsorongon3047]

Thanks for this. I ride an NC750S DCT, and although I don't take it offroad, the video is a reminder that power could be controlled using the rear brake instead of just relying on a smooth throttle hand

[@justinduncan4335]

Thank you for the information on the dct transmission they are very miss understood technology I have one in the nc700x platform and the more I ride the more I like it thanks again for the installation.

[@unquienz]

Excellent video Bret , i have a DCT so found these videos very helpful . Thanks very much

[@jeroend3777]

Nice to see your editing and filming becomes better every video! Keep up the fantastic work! Thanks!

[@AntonChemk]

Thank you so much for DCT content! Great tips! I have DCT version since 2016 and i would say it helped me a lot to ride better than i actually could when i had very little offroad experience. And now i feel like its limiting me when i'm trying to ride more technical tracks. But now you're saying quite the opposite thing! haha I think I'd better go and practice more on my DCT. I also struggled a lot in sand with DCT. rear wheel starts so soft and i kept digging holes when other guys kick 2nd and lunch themselves from sand without so much problems. And get stalled on uphills and downhills is such a pain as AT immediately goes in neutral and hand brake is so week and cannot always hold the wheel (even after adjusting the cable). But i love my DCT anyway. Zero major problems with bike. It's funny though. I ride mostly with GS guys and in the beginning when i fail and fall they kept saying my bike is crap and I'd better to change to GS. Now when i succeed where they cannot they say something like: "of course, its DCT, its easier".

[@fruitpowa9954]

Thanks for video Bret. It's amazing to watch your experienced riding skills and learn from it. Keep up doing it. It's great content. Greetings from Slovakia.

[@farkled]

Thanks again, Brett! You could film this on a potato and I'd still watch.

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@erdinckarakale5834]

Bret, you are an awesome instructor. Very luck that you ve been hanging around with the AT DCT. Not many good lessons about this bike. Thanks and please keep it coming.. Best!

[@DFWMotoAdventures]

great video, I have 120k miles on two DCT's. I have done 3 BDR's, many 1000 mile days. It would be very hard to go back to clutched bike.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Wow! Great to hear! I have a 2020 ATASes and put 9000 kms on it this year. Becoming more and more comfortable on it. I'm starting to think for this bike's use I agree, and wouldn't want a clutch bike again. It's a different style to learn, but I'm adapting very easily. Bret's tips will definitely help me out! I hope 2021 is an even better year of riding for us all, with great weather. Cheers, Bill 🇨🇦

[@peeticek1624]

any problems with dct? what about durability?

[@billmcmeekin7909]

@@peeticek1624 Not a slight bit of issue yet, but only 9000 km on bike. I've seen guys with 50 000 km and no issues either. That is a great question though. Perhaps if someone has had troubles they could share what transpired? I rode dirt bikes on and off most of my life. I can tell you, no clutch is very very strange, but you adapt, then you enjoy very very much. For this style of riding it fits for me.

[@DFWMotoAdventures]

@@peeticek1624 only one with the 2016 twin with 72k miles. I can’t keep my rear end off my motorcycle 😂

[@kieckinator]

Awesome content! I appreciate a professional rider who looks to the community for content ideas like Bret does I’m in an Africa twin group and noticed him asking us what kind of things we wanted to see in this video!! Thanks Bret

[@michaelchu3091]

Honda needs to send Bret Tkacs a new model AT every year, OK, they can send him the Rebel 1100 DCT also. That would keep him busy; us happy.

[@shiyoushi5778]

Absolutely, I've been sharing his videos in some groups I'm in where people are asking whether the DCT Rebel is a good option and people with no idea and no experience with a DCT bike make unsubstantiated assertions about its low speed capabilities. The DCT is plenty capable, the rider just needs to practice the skill.

[@mikekern9412]

Thank you, I took an advanced motorcycle skills course in a heavy downpour with my NC750X DCT expecting to learn a fraction of what you just demonstrated. I would love to come to the Northwest corner of the GREAT U.S. of A. to meet you. I work with someone that claims he used to ride with you. Be Safe!

[@BretTkacs]

Who?

[@mikekern9412]

@@BretTkacs Robert (Bob) Regal

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

Watching Bret casually push bikes over is always great.

[@CommieHunter7]

The walk away on the rear brake segment was awesome.

[@thetessellater9163]

This is very advanced knowledge you're imparting to us, Bret, and surely of interest to Honda. The additional hydraulic rear brake control on the handlebar is such an easy thing to achieve, send Honda your video section on that for discussion, they may wish to give it a try. .

[@abubakarhussein5197]

After 20,000kms of DCT and over a thousand off road, this video teaches more and more. Thanks Bret and looking forward to meeting you in Kenya

[@beachside180]

Thanks guys, thought the production was top notch. DCT specific tips and tricks are great to learn from. Took me a year to learn some of them you mentioned, wish you had one out 13 months ago👍. I love my DCT ATAS and it good to hear a balanced take of the bikes pros and cons from a unbiased skilled rider instead of the usual motorcycle press DCT haters out there. Keep up the great content.

[@IronButterflyAT]

Thank you for doing the DCT series. I am learnings a lot from your videos.

[@MikeJonesadventuretravel]

Excellent video my friend. 70000 on my 2016 in Chile touring SA. You are spot on with your video. Wish I were younger. 74 now and stiff

[@lpete531]

I really enjoy your videos, so informative and your overall knowledge of riding is next level, and I'm not a trail rider. Great video as always 👍🏽

[@Xxkilluminati91xX]

Another cool vid! Excited to see this channel progress!

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Excellent documentaries, it is a luxury to contemplate their work and their adventures. A big hug from Catalonia !!!

[@rickhavingfun]

Have a 2017 dct...love it...use her to commute and then weekend warrior dirt, trail rides....She's a big, comfy, super capable bike and I totally agree on how handy a left hand brake would be! Really enjoy the content! Thanks and happy thanksgiving!

[@omannomads1309]

I have DCT, i totally agree on all points you have mentioned

[@thunderfromsea]

Crikey. The man is a nut, I’m afraid I can only live vicariously through KZbin on some of those maneuvers (including the helmet-to-hat transition…). Have to say, excellent quality video and instruction, lots of pointers to be grateful for. Thanks!

[@teneretraveller8980]

I think on road covering large distances is where it would work well for me. Especially toward the end of the day. Just roll on, roll off and let the bike do all the work. Definitely a serious consideration for the all day everyday rider, I think. Certainly opened my eyes to real possibilities for this. Happy travels

[@svendusmcveteraner]

Thank You for shearing Important knowledge for a DCT owner 👌 but one finger on the front brake can also make miracles on slow maneuvers. We fully agree about missing the left handle hydraulic back brake for more control we had that on our 2017 XADV 750 and it was quite nice actually 👍 a left handle manual mode “Clutch by Wire“ should also be nice, and it might be something for the Honda developers in the future❓ it could be sold as an extra combined with a smart electro hydraulic parking brake.

[@majauskasmr]

I am only half way through the video, But it is amazing! Thanks! Super good DCT specific tips. Can’t wait to try!!!!

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Great vid on the DCT, and spot on. I’m on my 5th DCT bike and have become very proficient in using the genius clutch modification. I’m unable to use a manual clutch due to childhood accident so my neighbor taught me how to quick shift at the age of 12, when I got my first motorcycle, a Yamaha min-enduro 60. Was off a bike for 33 years but when I got back on one, it was a DCT. I’m so great full for its invention and truly was a Godsend! Subscribed. Ride safe…

[@paulherron4289]

Thanks Brett, that was an awesome bit of schooling. I own a 2017 AT w/DCT love it been riding and racing since I was 13 I’m 59 now. Your style and sense of humor make it fun to watch. Subbed and headed over to your support page. Thanks for the hard work!

[@fdarg4822]

Thank you very much Bret..!! Always very clear tips explanations..!! Easy to understand the potential of DCT, more difficult to put in practice for those whom we are not Pros 👍

[@irorosun6990]

Excellent video, you prove that you need to know your bike to ride it efficiently. There are guys that buy big bikes, then complains about it size, weight, about DCT and so on.

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

DCT is great. Similar to Bret I tend to see it more as an automated clutch than as a fully automated gearbox. For my taste, too, the shifts mostly don't happen when I want them to. I have another flaw though: bikes with 17 inch front wheel (NC750, X-ADV) can't go as fast as the AT on very difficult terrain. Thus, when I needed to go downhill carefully and slowly through a very steep field of 4 to 5 inch boulders I realized I cannot rely on dragging 1st gear because the DCT suddenly disengages the clutch below a speed of around 8 kph/5 mph. Also there, downhill, you have to work with the engine pulling against the rear brake, or with the brakes only, both resulting in smoking brakes at the bottom end of the slope.

[@2fastnlight]

Your bike does have slope sensing built in to better manage shifting on hills, but it is far from perfect. The older DCT versions without that input were noticably less intuitive in that way. And the lastest models with full IMU spectrum inputs and improved traction control, are another step better. Keep rolling that DCT. They really grow on you. Hoping for lighter ADV bike with the DCT some day.

[@khodiak]

Holy crap, the first person I've found on an Africa Twin that doesn't have a crazy thick accent I can't understand. Subbed!

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@dhieyosandhu6790]

Information was ace. Filming was ACE

[@madeiraonwheels]

Hello Bret. Happy that you have a new project. All the best for it. I have a Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2018. I think that most of the things you mentioned about the shifting points were fixed on the 2018/2019 throttle by wire. There are some kind of sensors that read better the throttle. For me 95% of the time it shifts when it should on Sport 1 and 2 the modes that I ride most. For the other occasions the paddle shifts are there. I use manual with gravel mode On and traction control off when going out of tarmac. I wish some day you have the chance to try the throttle by wire versions and see the differences. I will for sure practice the advices you gave. Who knows if some day I will be able to throw around a bike that weights around 250 Kgs. For all of those that are on fence of choosing manual or DCT, give a try on it. Bare in mind that a 10 minute test ride will not be enough to understand. Best regards and rides for all. P. S. : I wouldn't mind lending you my bike to see the differences between the DCT versions, but we are far from each other. I live on the beautiful Madeira Island Portugal that for the 6th time won the prize of Word's Best Island of the World. You can see, on my just launched channel, some of my weekend rides with friends.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Awesome vid Bret, spot on for us DCT riders from an instructor that knows/understands off road. Quality of content is way more important than cinematography, great job. Also looks like fun place to ride. Can't imagine why anyone would give this a thumbs down....Thanks!!

[@NitroglicerinaBumBum]

Thank you very much Bret for these valuable DCT tips!!!

[@michaelahr1]

Love it! So nice to see someone ride these bike how they were meant to be ridden. Look forward to more of your vids.

[@raythedestroyah]

Great video. The content is king. Cristina did a great job.

[@MotorcyclingMusician]

Your value add to any adv rider is so much and your content is so helpful and applicable that the quality of the video isn't really a big deal. Thank you once again for an awesome video with lots to learn for me.. say hi to Christina from me and hope to you the next time you're down here. Cheers :-)

[@gautamkotamraju1061]

As always the best video out there on the AT from the God of big-bike-off-road riding. A biiiiiig hug Bret and Christina, and a happy Christmas too!

[@GordonHunter]

Well, I asked for DCT help and you certainly hit the mark. You have given me the confidence to try it again on the road, as you suggest using the rear brake on slow turns.

[@southsoundrider5428]

Great video Bret! I just bought my AT DCT yesterday from South Bound Honda. I told the manager that I watched this video and it sounds like he knows you!

[@mojosdad68]

Really enjoyed your DCT series, Bret. I can now see the benefits so would consider that option.

[@morningbetterlast]

I was selling my 2014' R1200GS LC which I had for 5 seasons this year and was pondering between 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT with electronic suspension versus slightly used R1200GS ADV. I am more of a touring rider with some basic enduro experience, I did a bit of offroad on my GS from time to time though. Test-rode Africa and seriously disliked the way transmission engages plus I couldn't find a way to easily lift front-end for riding over obstacles. Local Honda didn't let me do any off-road yet I loved the way Bret does those powerslides and turn-arounds on a spot. Wish I had seen this earlier :) Also, i am pretty lightweight and not that tall and I've felt that Adventure Sports is even more difficult to manage than a GS ADV due to the higher center of mass. Great video like always, yet there were some sound issues in the middle.

[@Donmcdo1925]

Nice Bret, thanks for that Informative technics on Rough, Muddy & Gravel roads... i am X ADV Owner since 2019 here in my Country, Philippines.

[@hyozd]

Hey Bret, your video quality was just fine. I think framing is more important than color quality and your operator did a fantastic job!

[@FTRClub]

I have no clue how many years of practice and what high extent of dedication from your end has gone in to master these big bikes, but you make it all look so so easy and that inspires a lot confidence in new riders to implement all these tricks, one bit at a time. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@BretTkacs]

I added ADV training to my school in 2006 and have been a trainer since 1996. For 2022 I have dropped all the other training I did (instructors and street riders) and now focus only on ADV riders. This year I will be on the road about 208 days training or traveling.

[@sunrisejak2709]

I'm on my 3rd DCT bike. NC750X, XADV, and now NT1100. It's wonderful addition to my riding enjoyment. A now dedicated DCT disciple.

[@johnnymac8179]

Right on!! I appreciate the tips. I have a manual AT but might go DCT next time. Cheers!!

[@actstuntcam]

Loved this - second time watching it. Not sure I'll buy a DCT, but you've at least made me consider the proposition. I will definitely test ride one, when I'm closer to buying:)

[@JesterOnTwo]

Always enjoy your videos, very informative and excites me to eventually get an Adv bike

[@jollibee000]

Sub'd and saved! I'm gonna go back to this video when I get my DCT. Awesome tips and the quality is pristine! :)

[@donaldludwig7354]

That helmet to hat switch wow! LOL. You videos are the best! Informative and not condescending as others on KZbin! Thanks

[@oscarmardones]

I loved the video. I am a beginner rider and I was wondering if a DCT will fit for me, now I know considering my skill I have to keep in a MT for a while! Thanks for this video!

[@user-zo2qb5rl3y]

Awesome video! I caught a lot for myself in the work of the gearbox in Africa. Thanks a lot for the material. We do off-road tours and heavy bike training ourselves. And we really need such information. Many people in Russia buy such motorcycles and turn to us for training and education. And your cap... it's a 100% TOP))

[@denisionov]

Thanks a lot for a great video! I've also got africa twin dct and your suggestions are always fit me =)

[@BlKETRAVELLER]

Thx Bret. Your videos will do a good job when I take mine offroad for the first time. Dont have loose rocks like that around Berlin though...

[@jamessander6000]

Geez the whole thing was fine. I’m not looking for a Hollywood production. In fact I have unsubscribed to many who went total Hollywood and added 20 minutes of fluff. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@-Franky-]

I'm also a DCT rider and your tips in this video are extremely helpful to me. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for this video ❣️

[@t2az]

Great video. Been riding my DCT for about 1 1/2 years off road and on. Still nice to learn. I find the sports modes delay the shifting but still find the manual mode best in technical and downhills. Thanks