Charley Boorman review / HONDA AFRICA TWIN 1100

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I have this bike in 2020 ATASes DCT fashion, with 21000 km. I have loved every km, throughout Rocky mountains, highways, multi - week touring/camping. +46'C to +3'C, rain, shine and mud. The electronic suspension is the bomb! Adjustable in nano seconds for offroad, pillion, panniers, ect. Extremely comfortable and reliable. Just run better tires. Mitas E07'S or Tractinators. Something grippy for offroad. Cheers, from Canada

[@WaitWhatsMyName]

Ewww you bought an automatic? Guhhhaaayyyy

[@IslandADV]

I've always loved the Africa and how versatile it is. I've ridden with many friends who have one and they have always been able to keep that machine alongside the pack no matter where the adventure takes us. Cheers from Canada Charley!

[@mikeyb6737]

I bought the 2020 and love it. KTM has endurance issues and in Australia we cant have that. Honda builds quality and if I want more power I get on my new HD ultra limited but the Africa Twin is so much fun and has my heart. Going off road and camping is pure therapy for the everyday man.

[@Tripleb6036]

I got the base model and love mine. It just does everything well. I love the engine and living in south east Asia, Honda reliability made me choose it over the European bikes.

[@paulf2534]

So glad you are doing so well Charley. Looking forward to more videos from you.

[@TheWuseln]

Bro, always go for the DCT. If you ever happened to ride it for a longer time you will never want to change. And, traffic jams are even easier with DCT. Nice video, thanks.

[@darrenthedude1]

Yes, and what almost no one mentions is that the "Auto" can be over-ridden with the push of a button, and now you have a" Semi Auto", where you simply Paddle Shift through all your gears. I've beared more traffic jams than anyone ever should, and this feature is a GodSend! I wish more companies would join in!!

[@richardhuff2796]

Traffic jams 😂😂😂 it's a fuckin motorcycle 😅 who sits in traffic ffs😊

[@Comova79]

I had it 25.000 km with dct. Now no dct. It’s boring for me the dct

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

@@Comova79I’d say this is the most honest admission. Manual shifting isn’t better than DCT. It’s just that the rider doesn’t feel it as being “cool”.

[@andrews.]

I gotta say, if you are getting a spokesperson for an adventure bike, there's not much better than Charley. This man has some Massive Miles under his belt.

[@GBMatthew07]

Great to see you with your own channel Charley. You should do a video on your own bike collection looks interesting.

[@letitrest4662]

CHARLEY ! BROTHER ! I loved the different series videos you did with Ewen. So entertaining. Thank you.

[@freedompanda9438]

My question to Charley would be this: What would this bike rate on the “Long Way ’Round” scale? More specifically, if you took the 3-4 bikes you & Ewan were considering for your first journey, and you inserted the Africa Twin into the mix, where would the Africa Twin rank? 🤔

[@mrtopcat2]

I don't know what Charlie would say, but for me ease of serviceability would be very important factor "Long Way 'Round". Which unfortunately most new bikes no longer have, if it comes to valve adjustment or similar more involved maintenance items. Of course one could counter, that valves have a tendency to remain within specs for a rather long time and so adjustment may not be needed until the 'round is over. Still, I personally would not count on that. But even if the bike is only used in the neighborhood, I reject the extra complications involved maintaining these newer bikes. I have an XRV750RD07A and I think I will stick with that as long as parts are available. 60hp is plenty enough for me and the bike handles very much to my liking.

[@stigegilovesen6570]

Just bought one..same Color. With the Fuel Exhaust Stealth Diablo Ceramic Oval Mini. Sounds nice...deep tone. My 4.Generation Africa Twin. This bikes are Amazing. Quality built bikes. Its a Honda!!

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Hi Charley thanks for taking the time to do the video ive been trying to decide between the T7, Norden an the older Africa Twin 1000 so interesting to see the one on the 1100. On a 300 rally at the moment and had a Gs1200 and GSA 1200TE in the past :) its good to see pros an cons in a review as well.

[@highspeedboom]

Your energy is still persistent and i like that! Awesome work Charley! Looking forward to more videos from you!

[@scott.H1100]

I got an Africa twin with hard Shad cases and top box and is always the highlight of any day that I take it out for a spin. The tech is great , I've never had cruise control before and absolutely love it on the Hwy's. Im 6"10 tall and it's great to have a tall bike that fits me. Just love it !!

[@meroamingaround]

This is in my bucket list, and I’ll add it to my garage soon..

[@kevinrobb86]

I remember seeing one in Oban when they first came out it looked bigger than my 1600gtl but it is a nice-looking bike in the red white and blue

[@matthewtoes6433]

The most reliable on the market a bike that can be loaded with luggage And will do every thing on long tours Doesn't get better than a Honda if in doubt when choosing a ADV BIKE Go for this one GS IS TO HEAVY WHEN THINGS GET Slippery

[@chrismurray3198]

Nice video Charley I’m actually looking at buying one so this has been a good one to watch.

[@jrmcosta]

Great video, but sorry, it's not the ADVENTURE SPORTS version, and not the one with 24,8 liters tank. Regards.

[@DanTube2010]

Yup, a minimal amount of effort went into this video.

[@Banditmanuk]

@@DanTube2010 You won't get an answer from him, not seen a single reply on any of the vids.

[@offroadagain]

@@Banditmanuk He did advertise "his" Quadlock" though. It is a minimal effort video. I did not do the research but I think a fully specced GS should be way more expensive than the ATAS.

[@diogomorais9938]

@@offroadagain correct! Here in Portugal it's about €5K more than the ATAS and 7 or 8K more than the standard version. Think this standard version has a 20 litre tank.

[@pjansen2010]

Video starts off with a huge mistake 😂

[@andrewburn7343]

A slightly deceptive review this. Thats the base L version with an 18 litre tank and RRP of circa £13k not the Adventure sport model with a 25 litre tank and £17k as quoted.

[@jeffjohnsonfutdoc]

Love that bike! Good for our Maine backwoods roads....thanks for the review.

[@retrothruster2539]

Coming from roadrace background now gravitating towards adv bikes, I now have a 20 AT manual (1100), it suits my needs perfectly for it's intended purpose, I also have a Zero DSR 14.4 for short trips, both are a hoot. Oh, had a 2017 DCT AT, didn't bond with it, nice machine though, maybe if it had the larger powerplant, it might have stayed... Great little review!!

[@marcochavanne]

Charley, your movie Long Way Round inspired me to get a motorcycle when it first aired many years ago. I am also looking at buying an Africa Twin as my first adventure bike next year. But respectfully, you got quite a few details in this video wrong. Thats a base model, not the Adventure Sports model. You can also use the handlebar shifters to shift the DCT, and there is an optional foot shifter available for the DCT models if you prefer to kick it through the gears the old fashioned way, sans clutch. You can also buy the DCT transmission on the Base as well as the Adventure Sports models. So there are 4 total models. The Adventure Sports has a larger tank as well as Electronic Suspension that can be adjusted for a pillion, luggage, or both without opening your tool bag. Just wanted to clarify for anyone that may be shopping this bike. Happy Trails 🍻

[@markadra6539]

I just sold my 2018 Africa twin looking forward to get the 2023 I'm in love with the newer version

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Great job sir my wife and I have the Honda cb500x how lucky am to have partner who also love to ride. She keeps going on about the bmw gs but my heart will always be with Honda and the adventure bike style is just a great all rounder.just the seat height would put me out of my comfort zone but if we only had one bike I would prefer the Africa Twin over the GS and I would convince the wife touring on the Honda would be a winner.

[@dm55]

Back in the day I really enjoyed the Long Way Around. What bike today would you like to do that trip?

[@1990-t1j]

My favourite adventure bike. I had one of the first 750s, the RD04. Bought it in Tokyo when I lived there and shipped it back. Did Portugal from England three times in the '90s. I'd go for the DCT version and paddle shift in manual mode. That's all a quickshifter is, effectively.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

You nailed it 1990! I have a DCT with ES. We've ridden MX all our lives, mountain sledded Rockies and row gears in Z06, Boss's, Challengers ect. But on these bikes DCT is the bomb! Highways, forestry roads and tighter than you want adventures, the bike can/is over ridden by left hand shifting at a whim. Doesn't stall, and makes 98% of riding calmer, easier, smoother for sure, and relaxing most of the time. You have to learn it, not sure if it's great for a beginner, but none of us are going back manual on this bike. By the way electronic suspension is a game changer on the adventure model :⁠-⁠) Cheers to you "Adventure 1990" from Canada :⁠-⁠)

[@1990-t1j]

@@billmcmeekin7909 Good post, Bill.

[@yushpeaceandlove]

Charley !!!! Yes!!! I had no idea you were on here reviewing a bike that I am interested in. I always wondered why both you and Ewan didn't consider the HAT for your expeditions.

[@henkondemand]

Love your channel Charley, will you review the 1250GS? Can't wait to hear your thoughts on that one.

[@Herbster71]

Good video. Feel picky pointing out errors, but this is the base (L) model, not adventure sport, 18.8 litre tank, tubed wheels. ATAS has 25 litre tank and tubeless wheels. This livery is quite similar to the red white and blue of the ATAS so probably cause of confusion. I have been riding my base for 2 years and 16000 miles. Great bike, hustles way better than you would think.

[@JayKay730i]

I’ve had the Adventure Sports for 18 months, keeps up with some surprisingly “quick” sports bikes! FYI - I have Conti Trail Attack 3’s on it currently and they’re awesome.

[@snif6969]

Really enjoy listen to you talk about motorcycles ! Keep on riding Charley !

[@Jan-barley-hill]

Hi Charley, I like your style of describing bikes. What do you think of the trend to run lighter bikes even with less power?

[@paulvandervyver4223]

If you had to do the "Long way round or Long way down" again now, which bike would pick?

[@buzzinbritain8222]

KTM?

[@mbrunskill]

​@@buzzinbritain8222 😂

[@chamade166]

He’d probably pick the mythical loaded GS that costs less than this AT. 😅

[@kiudont]

Hello and congrats for your review. How does it compare to the Tiger Rally Pro 900? Thanks in advance

[@shaggyrogers7847]

Thanks for an honest review of a really good bike. I have a 2019 ATAS, and couldn’t be happier. To me, it’s more comfortable off road than my 2009 GS was…probably due to the taller front wheel on the Twin. Plus, it’s hard to beat Honda reliability.

[@CaptLawrence]

Always great to see you. I really want the africa twin and have looked at them for years. Price just is too high for a new one. I'd rather less buttons and cheaper msrp if I'm honest Thanks for the review

[@chrishall734]

Try the new transalp?

[@CaptLawrence]

@chrishall734 I've been keeping my eye on it yea

[@thelostgeneration2000]

Good point. Would be great if Honda make a base model with less fancyness and drop msrp another 2000$

[@JayKay730i]

You’re in luck, they’ve just released the new Transalp! Failing that, have a look at the Rieju Aventura - Baby AT with 39L fuel capacity and a version of Hondas 500cc parallel twin (produced by Loncin, whom also build the 800cc BMW engine).

[@robengland7495]

Loving your videos, we were only just watching a long way round yesterday 😊

[@lesmontgomery6498]

Hey charlie its your panier pounder from calgary carry on . 80 yrs still riding

[@alessandrotorrescampos522]

Amazing video. I am deciding if I choose an automatic or not. I have a little problem in my left foot (due an accident), but I like off-roading so much…

[@tazyt3388]

Mate Honda just do things really well ive got a few of them for different hardcore adventures down here in Tasmania they take a beating and always get me home .great review bro hope your well cheers

[@lucaraimondo5967]

18.8 litres tank, the 25 is on the adventure sport version.

[@twowheelpursuits]

I bought the adventure sports es as a touring bike and it's a beast. It eats up the miles on the super slab.

[@gibb013]

I am considering the t7 world rally or this bike, in fact the sports version, which is the smaller tank version. What, if you have ridden both would you say would be the right bike for me to do a little touring and some light off road.

[@4tech69]

This and the 2023 890 R was on my short list. I picked up the 890 R last week. Mostly because it's more sporty and weights considerably less. But this 1100 is such a beautiful machine.

[@Link4878]

The roads youre going on looks awesome to.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Definitely a looker mate!

[@Skiamakhos]

Sorry, but DCT *does* have a shifter - it's just that using it is fairly optional. It's a paddle type system like on an F1 car - they're on the left handlebar, a trigger and a thumb lever for up & down respectively. If you want to you can shift in automatic modes for a sudden burst of power or better engine braking, or you can put it in manual mode & shift up & down in that. The biggie is that it never stalls.

[@Skiamakhos]

One of the instructors at the Honda Adventure Experience told a story of how Guy Martin got given a DCT Africa Twin to race round a track - I think it may have been Cadwell Park - and he gets out there & of course being Guy Martin he passes everyone, laps a bunch of people. There's a video from a guy on a Hayabusa trying to catch him & despite having a much faster bike he never does. But anyway, Guy came in after his session & he's like yeah it's ok but it's not great, & Pat asks him if he'd had it in manual mode or sport or what, to which Guy looks nonplussed, & Pat shows him, you have 3 sport modes on top of drive, and you can use the manual shifters if you feel the computer's got it wrong, and there's manual mode where you're in control. So he asks "Well, did you at least turn traction control off?" No idea. Bleep bloop bleep "There you go Guy, now you have the full fat version." Guy walks off in disgust. He'd beat everyone in the high fuel economy drive mode.

[@ghunkin]

I added the foot shifter to my ATAS DCT - that really is the best of all worlds :)

[@monunyabidness5949]

Stalled just yesterday in mine. They're not infallible, ... but they are perfect. ;)

[@Skiamakhos]

@@monunyabidness5949 how'd you manage that? Is your DCT in need of a reset, maybe? There's a sort of Konami keypress that makes it go back to factory settings if it's getting a bit wonky.

[@johngittins6244]

I think Charlie is great but a bit of an average review. Realistically a fully loaded GS is a lot more expensive ?!

[@gregdyar6451]

I would love to see a video on personal gear and opinions.

[@marcus577]

I enter the competition on BOTB they do this on the DCT option as it's great on my Forza nss750 which has DCT

[@rmichael9185]

Charley how about doing a “Long Way Down Under” 🇦🇺 Just an idea 💡 Let me know. I will come with u guys

[@cpuuk]

Thanks for the review Mr B.

[@BritgamerB]

What Belstaff jacket are you wearing in this video Charley? Love your videos :)

[@maxflight777]

As Charley observed, it looks good. Sadly the switchgear and lack of cruise control holds it back/

[@TheFlemmo123]

Its got Cruise control as standard.. 😅

[@sideast]

Needs the Raised front fender kit though !

[@gregjoubert5118]

Good bike. At it's price it needs tubeless wheels. Most of the competition has switched over. Would love a review of the new Norden 901 Expedition. Be well!

[@durtyred86]

He got one point wrong. The ATAS actually IS tubeless.

[@gregjoubert5118]

@@durtyred86 True. But this is the regular version. For the price it should be tubeless. KTM, Husky etc. all have it in this price range.

[@DEZERT-TRAXX]

I disagree. Split a tire open on a sharp rock way out in the bush and you're done with tubeless. But you can always stuff a new tube in a split open tire and still be able to get somewhere.

[@garrywilliams4537]

Why does it “need” tubeless wheels? I’d say tubes are common in the competition - Yam 700, Transalp, VStrom 800, VStrom 1050 front….

[@reddog907]

Hey, Charlie how about getting out there doing more made for TV adventures.

[@bloomers100]

I like your style, subscribed!

[@UncleWally3]

In my opinion, DCT is brilliant but that wasn’t always my opinion. It’s a big mistake to mistake DCT for an “automatic” - to employ it fully there’s a learning curve. Sure, if you’re on straight tarmac it takes 10 minutes to adjust to it, but adjusting to it isn’t learning how it can be used. I put in well over 10K before I felt adept using it properly in all conditions. Bottom line: DCT ain’t automatic.

[@elvisthewart670]

Does this have a sport mode

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

Honda remarkable engineering it's unbeatable .

[@kimhansen206]

Tried one a couple of years ago, probably the 1000. Is the front suspension still on the soft side?

[@Tripleb6036]

I e owned both and the suspension is a lot better on the 1100. The 1000 was the only bike I’ve ever owned where I really needed to adjust the ridiculously soft forks and shock.

[@stevedupont5653]

I agree , i had the 750 AT +1000AT and now the standard At 2023 with the non electronic showa suspension , witch works wonderfull ... in compare with suspension of the AT 1000!...😀

[@65BAJA]

If only you could find one at a dealership. I looked at the 10 closest dealerships to me. One used AT. That was it.

[@motocrusader72]

Traditional Honda build quality cannot be beat…And this from a guy transitioning to a GS from a Honda. One of my goals is to ride the TAT. I’ll buy a light Honda to do it.

[@elmafudd9703]

Is it nice?

[@SUPERFLUID88]

My next bike

[@tehsojiro]

Love my 22 AT but Honda did a terrible job on paint quality, especially on the white framed models. Flaking on the frame and bubbling paint on engine casing.

[@bewildered5444]

You're not kidding! Shocking quality at this price point.

[@terrystratford1235]

Missed the biggest talked about....tubed tyres!! I personally prefer the base model,more flickable, lighter, probably better offroad than it's bigger heavier brother? But it's the tubed tyres holding me back from getting one! Ps base model is £13067 with dct £13900! No es and no heated grips and no cornering lights!

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Thank you!

[@beausbargarage6213]

not automatic but we get it. AT is cool bike for sure nice charlie

[@scootjockey]

Thank you.

[@Mark-fx6ny]

Gear change version c'mon Charlie who calls it that it's a MANUAL

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

Can it really compete with the mighty GS? I dunno

[@Charley.Boorman]

Ha ha, yes nothing is quite as good as that

[@richardhuff2796]

Well if the bmw gs is only the same price or slightly more 😅 it's a no brainier BMW 👍 Ps why no heated grips 😕

[@0HARE]

So cool to see Charley with his own channel. The long way round & down were epic adventures. I love Honda reliability, and have the excellent little CRF300 Rally. Looking for a larger adventure bike, and this one looks promising. Problem is that I hate automatic transmissions, and the garish color scheme on this bike looks ridiculous. If they’d offer it with a dark grey color scheme, and a REAL manual transmission I’d be on-board. Does anyone know the diameter of the front wheel. Anything less than a 21” is unacceptable. Happy Trails

[@FLY--wy2yi]

The color is a nod to the rally bikes used in the famous Dakar race in the 90’s. The Honda’s and others were white with red and blue. The color scheme is not an accident.

[@iainhenstridge6343]

Sorry Charley, but that review was not your finest work. The model test was a basic CRF1100 Africa Twin at £13,049. The Adventure Sports is £14,749. You kept referring to the automatic variant, but the DCT is so much more than that. Automatic reeks of slushy torque converters, but I’m definitely quicker on my DCT than I would be on a manual. The low speed control on DCT models is much better if you use the off road modes. You didn’t talk about suspension travel or the electronic suspension that comes with the ES models. Good to se you popping the front up though!

[@davidrichards6718]

sold out or what.

[@Jcholtz]

Long way Brazil version in this bike in the transamazônica

[@terrystratford1235]

Well if u guna call a base model the ATAS might as well say it's the 2024 supercharged!

[@mbingham10]

I was going to buy one but the new colours for 2023 spoil it for me it;s put me right off, I will stick with my GSA

[@kimparking1]

Yeah.. that’s why you’ve got to be a millionaire to by this machine in Denmark… in Denmark this bike is around 33.000 £ because of taxes 😢 This is the reason so many Danes have to settle for the Suzuki v-strom which is around 20.000£😒 But being a Honda I would choose this bike over both triumph and Ducati..but you can buy a new Tesla for these prices…😞

[@sobek]

I want one

[@kangacrew540]

I love Honda.

[@birybenjamin3522]

best in class

[@Largbudallenjve]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pensforgts]

Hi Charley, nice bike review. Love the video editing and presentation. I know you are an adventurer type of person but i would really like to see you review a Vespa in an environment like that.

[@Africatwinrider1]

lololol

[@AtisJ]

All it is missing is a adjustable digital arseplug. Other then that a good bike.

[@sideast]

IF BMW don't sort out they're front Shocks and make them fully adjustable next year I'm out and going with Honda !!

[@frankrizzo367]

We dont talk about KTM Charley, come on bro!

[@Windinthe...bald5821]

Once you put on a passenger it goes from adventure to .. a trip with my wife

[@Myrmexx]

Super nice bike but that is the normal africa twin not the Adventure sport version.... do your homework next time please as this was in the INTRO...

[@gbadge9275]

This is not the "full on adventure sport version" Thought you were a bike guy.

[@taotao3577]

Great😄

[@ekspatriat]

Charlie talks differently has he had 'a thing'?

[@Metalguitarpete]

I really wanted to love the AT. It’s easily the best looking ADV I’ve seen, the paint and finish are amazing, the gearbox, brakes and handling are great. BUT… The AT is definitely top heavy, especially if you come to it off a GS. I find it really vibey at motorway cruising apprends. The cruise control switch is very badly placed and impossible to engage without take your left hand off the bars and reaching across. The seat is hard with square edges. I had to walk away. The Transalp is a better all round bike but the paint finish/ stickers make it look cheap, but a great ride and hardly any less power than the AT.

[@simonthomas5367]

So, in conclusion, the Africa Twin is generally very.......nice.

[@MaramuresDualSport]

Such a pity you didn't take two of those on your most recent series with Ewan McGregor instead of the electric bikes...so sad.

[@maxflight777]

What a Luddite comment ! EV’s are the future.

[@MaramuresDualSport]

@@maxflight777 nooo, not luditte, not luditte...i love ev's with their huge and instant torque and all the performance, and i'm also sure that they are the future (because of the policy and because because of the will of the people deciding this, not because they are so much greener than other technologies such as hydrogen powered vehicles) but we live in the present, and us petrol heads are a little more classic stuff lovers and it would have been a smash if they went with conventional motorcycles...it's just my opinion. Have a great day and happy Easter!

[@taz473]

Excellent 🇮🇲

[@ryanmalone2681]

Automatic/DCT is non-sensical on an ADV bike. Not only do you need fine motor controls of the clutch, brake, and throttle, which you lose with a DCT, but if you ride a lot of slow speed stuff on this or a Goldwing, Honda deem that as “abuse” and won’t stand by their warranty if your clutch goes. Absolutely ridiculous. Also, it’s very hard to pick up on the trail, even a LOT harder than a heavier bike like a GSA.

[@mikaellindroos1594]

70 000km experience of DCT and when you learn to use the break as a clutch then no problem with slowly driving.

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@mikaellindroos1594 Well there is still a major problem. People who do a lot of slow riding have been wearing their clutches out in less than 10k miles and Honda deems slow riding as “abuse” for the DCT and won’t cover it under warranty. So you can technically do it, but the manufacturer won’t stand behind it. I’d say that’s a pretty huge problem.

[@mikaellindroos1594]

@@ryanmalone2681 for some,not all.

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@mikaellindroos1594 Some what?

[@carltonbirds]

What’s wrong with his hands?