Charley Boorman review / HONDA AFRICA TWIN 1100

Hey there,
Check out my review of the Honda Africa Twin 1100.
I had a great time riding this bike on the roads.
Let us know what you think and subscribe.
Cheers,
Charley
www.charleyboor...
Facebook - @HondaMotoUK
Facebook off road - @HondaMotoUKOffRoad
Twitter - @HondaUKBikes
Instagram - hondaukmotorcycles

[@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!

[@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.

[@paulf2534]

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

[@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!!

[@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 🍻

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@chrismurray3198]

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

[@snif6969]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

Honda remarkable engineering it's unbeatable .

[@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?

[@robengland7495]

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

[@dankorolyk5917]

Definitely a looker mate!

[@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. 😅

[@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….

[@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.. 😅

[@rmichael9185]

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

[@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

[@gregdyar6451]

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

[@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.

[@cpuuk]

Thanks for the review Mr B.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@dadrider3]

Best looking Africa Twin. The looks is much better than the adv version.

[@bloomers100]

I like your style, subscribed!

[@elvisthewart670]

Does this have a sport mode

[@SUPERFLUID88]

My next bike

[@sideast]

Needs the Raised front fender kit though !

[@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!

[@birybenjamin3522]

best in class

[@BritgamerB]

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

[@scootjockey]

Thank you.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Thank you!

[@elmafudd9703]

Is it nice?

[@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.

[@frankrizzo367]

We dont talk about KTM Charley, come on bro!

[@Mark-fx6ny]

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

[@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

[@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…😞

[@Largbudallenjve]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@Jcholtz]

Long way Brazil version in this bike in the transamazônica

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

Can it really compete with the mighty GS? I dunno

[@Charley.Boorman]

Ha ha, yes nothing is quite as good as that

[@davidrichards6718]

sold out or what.

[@petewelsh9978]

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.

[@AtisJ]

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

[@taz473]

Excellent 🇮🇲

[@raphaelalexander8276]

it's the best me no care what them say

[@raphaelalexander8276]

U can beat it it just so f UC in good i only buy Honda's just badass

[@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.

[@robbierolly453]

Ther gutless good vid thou

[@ekspatriat]

Charlie talks differently has he had 'a thing'?

[@granttaylor2000]

I thought this was a joke but no! Adventure sport um no. New 1100 um no it’s been out 4 years now. It’s not automatic it’s dct big difference. 25 litre tank on ATAS model only as is the heated grips. I’d do my homework before trying to promote a bike you do not know much about. Seriously

[@muhammadridhwan977]

honda ruined it with the 24 my

[@FulTrotl]

This guy has no idea what he's talking about, shill babbling and multiple incorrect facts from the beginning. YT "reviews" are hitting a new low. "...this is the full on Adventure Sport version..." while we look at the standard version in front of him.

[@CraigNiel]

3:48 Is it just me that actually hates the fact that the indicator lights stay on as daytime running lights? Is it also just me that can see the danger in this? Car waiting to pull out at a junction and glances right, quickly sees a bike and sees the indicator on so thinks, "Oh they're indicating I can pull out!" It's a complete and utter design fault and there must be a way to turn this feature off! If you cannot turn this off I would not buy this bike for that reason alone because it's one of the worst design flaws I've ever seen, who in the hell thought this was a good idea?

[@bewildered5444]

Yeah, the indicators permanently on is a weird one. It's another stupid American thing that's found it's way across the Atlantic. I've got one of these (the adventure sport that he isn't riding!) and you can't deactivate them. However the indicator flashing is brighter than daytime running mode, so it's not as dangerous as you might think IMHO. Another irritating thing is when the TFT screen powers up, you first have to dismiss a statement telling you how dangerous biking is and that it's your responsibility to ride safely! That can't be cancelled either!

[@CraigNiel]

@@bewildered5444 Namby pamby wrap in cotton wool society! The TFT message is utter nonsense. BTW, there's a video on KZbin where a guy swapped his indicator bulbs on his AT so they are white when on and amber when indicating. Might be worth a look for you as looked quite easy to do!

[@CraigNiel]

p.s. I'm looking at getting the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, it looks freakin awesome!!!!

[@uknokianut]

So basically it “ nice “ & “ lovely “ 😂

[@mozzy_insi]

Where is KTM ? :DDDD

[@rogue5643]

Charlie, aren't you a KTM man.

[@Africatwinrider1]

title of this vid should be Wrong from the start

[@garychapman942]

More of an advert than a review!

[@chamade166]

Possibly the most misinformed review of a motorcycle ever made 😂

[@petebuttons210]

"The brakes are really nice, could be a bit more grabby" Surely this implies that they are not nice. Wishy washy review.

[@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.

[@johngittins6244]

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

[@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.

[@GBMatthew07]

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

[@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).

[@henkondemand]

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

[@highspeedboom]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@jeffjohnsonfutdoc]

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

[@lucaraimondo5967]

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

[@letitrest4662]

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

[@kiudont]

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

[@dm55]

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

[@terrystratford1235]

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

[@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 😕

[@Windinthe...bald5821]

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

[@frfrpr]

Wimpy filming. Legendary rider and excellent motorcycle.

[@beausbargarage6213]

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

[@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.

[@sobek]

I want one

[@carltonbirds]

What’s wrong with his hands?