Ep 61: Detailed Review | 2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT

THE MOST DETAILED REVIEW!!! - How did she handle a nasty fall?
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🏍Bike used in video:
2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin ES DCT
Aluminium top case / top box
Aluminium side case left and right
Hand guards
Crash guard
Automatic transmission
🎥Video equipment used:
GOPRO HERO 4
GOPRO HERO 5
IPhone 11
DJI Osmo
🎬Video editors used:
iMovie
Video Editor Movavi
🎵 Music by:
Lakey Inspired - / lakeyinspired
🎯Key words & content of this video:
Motorcycle review
First ride
Motovlog
First impressions
Detailed review
Electronics
Ergonimics and comfort
Riding experience
Long term review
Bratislava
Slovakia
English

[@eirizarry2568]

Nov 28, 2022…….I finally purchased a New 2021 Honda AT DCT. WHITE, RED & Blue. Thanks for your review. It inspired me to buy it & all the panniers. Keep riding !

[@KingJulienMoto]

Man, I'm sorry I'm just responding now.. Congratulations, what a wonderful treat this machine is! :) I'm so happy you found my review useful and I hope you're super happy with your pick. I love that bike, it's legendary for all good reasons! :) Ride safe & have fun!

[@phantombigballs8165]

I've been off road in Morocco on AT DCT on some pretty tech trails.. Its perfect

[@KingJulienMoto]

Well, I envy you that experience. Must have been epic! :)

[@ismailraja8734]

My Dream Bike

[@paulbass1972]

It was a most detailed review! Good work that, thanks for putting the time and effort in. Look forward to the next machine and reviews on it.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you sir, I am very glad you liked it! Hopefully more will be coming soon :)

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

There were times when the two speedometeres were not reading the same by 1 unit. A small detail that would drive me crazy!

[@thehoelzels6316]

The DCT is fine for offroad. Instead of using the clutch to disengage power you release the throttle and use the rear brake to modulate the low speed power. In fact DCT is perfect for offroad because you can't stall it on hills.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you for sharing your view man! The point about not being able to stall is definitely a fair one and honestly I didn’t think about it this way. I just presented my opinion based on the week I spent with the bike and personally I have more fun and feeling of control on bikes with manual transmission if I’m about to go a little crazy. But of course, it is only a matter of habit and preference. What I don’t find ideal for off-road might be perfect for you. Fair enough. We all have our reasons for what we choose and it’s absolutely fine :)

[@donmason4021]

I have a 18 nc 750 dct , I been places I should not have been. I’ve had a dozen bikes or so. Dct has saved my butt the same abs and tc. Tech can only help you if you let it.

[@Skiamakhos]

@@KingJulienMoto check out Bret Tkacs on this - he has a whole video of DCT of road / low speed tips. I agree though, it is *weird* not having the clutch to feather. I'm not sure I'll get used to it. I came off the first time I tried riding mine a couple of weeks ago. I found the throttle response very all or nothing, like you bring up the revs slowly, expecting there to be a point where it's *just* biting, but on mine it *lurched* forwward like WOAH, and I panicked, muscle memory reached for the clutch - oh, no clutch - didn't have my foot on the brake, grabbed the front brake, OH SHIII-! Yeah, noob error I would not have made had there just been a damned clutch to grab. It's a whole other way of riding. At least I got to prove I could lift the bike, looking on the bright side.

[@rickvann3489]

Wouldn't own the DCT adds weight and those who think you can go down Big Bear Pass with the DCT easier then manual are full of crap. Plus you can't shut the bike off to coast down using clutch in and out if bike doesn't restart etc.

[@Skiamakhos]

@@rickvann3489 DCT doesn't ever stall though, and it coasts when you're off the throttle, which is why they include a parking brake. Yes, it adds a little weight, roughly 1ft off the ground - it's so low you barely notice it lifting the bike if you drop it. I wouldn't say it's easier than manual, just different, and you need to know your way round the different power & traction settings to get the best out of it. In a straight line drag race though, the DCT shifts so well you can leave the manual in your dust.

[@carbondioxide9683]

Great review! Very informative and pleasant to watch - it didn't feel like a 30 min long video. I really like the editing too with all the important things separated in different chapters. Thank You so much for making an English version. I can't wait for the next bike. Cheers!

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thanks a lot mate, I am happy it didn’t feel too long!☺️🙌 Of course, there will be an ENG version always. My priority audience is English speaking. Thanks to you this so much fun for me. I appreciate you and always will!

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Exceptional review and very accurate. Thanks for posting. I bought an adventure sports Dct 2 months ago. Love it. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you so much my good sir and congrats to your purchase! It’s a very special bike, I totally loved it! Ride safe man and enjoy ;)

[@sunrisejak2709]

Outstanding and professional review. You are very good at this! I prefer the DCT but overall your presentation was just great! Good luck with your channel. I'm subbed and looking forward to your contributions.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you very much sir for such a kind feedback! I think DCT is very clever and it’s amazing that the riders have this option. It is up to each and every one to decide what system to go for and I think it definitely brings more people to the community which is great. I am happy you liked the review and I hope you’ll find the rest entertaining and informative, too! :)

[@johnkothanek7829]

Amazing job my man! You are a natural.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you my good sir, it means a lot!🙏

[@TheMrB]

Brilliant video. So many just talk rubbish. You covered it well. ❤

[@KingJulienMoto]

Wow thank you!!!😌🙏 Glad you found it useful! CB500X coming soon - stay tuned in case you’re interested😉

[@JackGreystoke]

Excellent review. Thank you

[@KingJulienMoto]

Glad you found it useful! Thank you for your kind feedback! :)

[@mikichicago1200]

Very very good Review buddy 💪👍

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thanks a lot buddy, I'm super happy you enjoyed it! ;)

[@crocapo]

nice review.You should try manual mode also.Dct is game changer I wait for bike like that next few days.Have X adv now and only thing I want is Dct....

[@erikwoodward3788]

That was an amazing review. You hit the nail on the head with a good explanation of comfort, usability, who and what the bike was designed for. I just watched a video yesterday on the Africa Twin by another KZbin reviewer that I subscribe to. He has been a full-time KZbin reviewer for years. He never takes the few minutes to understand the features and how they work. He did not know the DCT has a sport setting and anyone who watched that review would not buy a DCT because all he did was complained about how it upshifts to soon. I have seen that happen on a lot of different bikes and cars. Thank you for the great review and keep up the good work.

[@Honda_Africa_Twin]

If you are talking about ChaseOnTwoWheels I feel you bro. That whole review is useless.

[@erikwoodward3788]

That is exactly who I was talking about. Another review I was watching last week was Tea Pot One. He was reviewing the NT1100 that had fully adjustable suspension. Instead of adjusting to his liking all he did was complain about how bad the bike handled. At the same time if someone reviews a bike that does not have adjustable suspension they complain about that.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you Erik, glad you enjoyed the review! I took this one very seriously since I got to do this thanks to an idea which came from you and I know you want to get Africa Twin yourself. I am really happy if you found it useful. Cheers!🙏

[@eirizarry2568]

Great review ! Thanks.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you for your kind feedback mate! :)

[@GBeWinginIt]

Wonderful review of DCT. I ride and motovlog aboard my Goldwing DCT on my KZbin channel and rarely do I see accurate informed analysis of this sublime technology. Thanks for sharing and peruse my DCT playlist on my channel for real world use of this system. Great video.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you sir for your kind feedback!🙏 I will check your channel since I really grew to appreciate the technology and there’s only so much I could do within a week with it.. I am very curious!

[@GBeWinginIt]

@@KingJulienMoto Here’s one of the videos in my DCT playlist. Enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6vVpWB_mpqUfJI

[@giannisoikonomou8746]

Well done, excellent review!! I was a Ducati owner for about 10 years and changed 4 Ducati. I had multistrada 1100s, multistrada 1200s, multistrada 1260s and finally multistrada 950s. I sell the last few days ago and I bought the same bike just the one you have tested. I have to say that I am excited!!! Built quality is outstanding, painting quality is above criticism and bike feels to be exceptional. I was sure that I wanted the adventure sport edition with electronic suspensions but I had serious doubts about DCT. I have to say that DCT is a very good and clever system. I am still learning it but seems that I will get use to it since my use is a daily road use and travels from time to time. I will not try any serious enduro mainly due to the bike's weight and secondly due to the DCT's behavior in slow speed. Keep up the very good work, greetings from Greece

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you very much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts man! You made a very good choice, it’s a wonderful and high quality machine. I wasn’t sure about DCT either but as you’re saying, it is very cleverly set. Not sure which shifting mode you’re using on automat, but the sport mode could be a solution for you, too. The bike is managing the revs and shifting more optimally in my opinion and gives you the instant pull as well as engine breaking when you really need it. I would like to know your thoughts on that. To me the difference between drive and sport was really impressive :) Best regards to the beautiful Greece man, enjoy your beautiful toy!🙏👍👍

[@gerokatseros]

How is it in the city? I m thinking of buying the simple DCT bike (not the adventure) and i wonder if it is heavy and big for the city. Now i own the Bandit 1250S and it's fantastic for everyday in city

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@gerokatseros I guess this is more of a question to Giannis, right? :) Anyway, I would personally aim for something smaller with my use of bikes which is 80% everyday use in city and 20% weekend trips or occasional road trips. You don’t need an adventure limo on two wheels for that :)

[@giannisoikonomou8746]

@@KingJulienMoto I guess that the simple edition is fine for city use. I have no issues with the bike's weight as I am 1.90 in height and can easily handle it. However, I am very disappointed with two issues I came across. 1) On speeds between 60-90 KLM only and when you lift your hand from the wheel, then the wheel is trembling like crazy!!! If you just touch it it stops... I report this to HONDA and they told me that this is known & acceptable. It's really disappointing. i don't have topcase and they told me that if I put one on the wheel will tremble even more... Really unexpected for a motorcycle that expensive. 2) The electronics are very very slow, the menu is changing options very slowly, also diaponting. This maybe can be solved with an update at the 1st service I guess. I have to say that i didn't expect these from HONDA. And I certainly can say that Ducati is miles ahead in technology...

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@giannisoikonomou8746 Thanks a lot for your comments man, it’s great to have insights from an actual owner. The problem with the wheel is not something I experienced, but the slow reaction of electronics was there.. It just didn’t really occur to me but now that you mentioned it, I remember I had to wait a second everytime I wanted to set something up.

[@imopn]

only when the Africa Twin DCT arrived did I realise how most people ride a bike different from me. I have always cruised along low RPM using the torque on my bike so when I saw how the Africa Twin DCT chugs along I was so happy. But only when the DCT reviews started coming in and some reviewers complained about how it chugs along did I realise most people prefer revving the crap out of their bikes. Must be a petrol head thing? I dont know. I am jst damn happy Honda didnt tune the bike like that by default, but still offer the petrol heads a setting where they can ride it like a chain saw.

[@KingJulienMoto]

I’m glad you’re happy with your bike man, it’s wonderful. We are lucky to live in times when there are options to satisfy everyone, I agree. Ride safe.

[@Honda-AT-Thomas]

Great video about a great motorcycle. Thank you 👍🏻

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you for your kind feedback Thomas! Hope you’ll stick around and look forward to more reviews soon ;)

[@BarbershopASMR]

For offroad dct is a real peach. The clutch is the back brake, use the manual mode and the bike never stall. Any experienced dct offroad pilot can confirm my opinion. Thanks for the extended review. Cheers

[@KingJulienMoto]

I think I could get used to it and appreciate it way more if I got to test the bike for longer. Very much possible, who knows. But after one week with a DCT bike, I am still more appreciative of manual clutch and QS. The point about the bike not stalling is a great one though, I agree that's a big advantage.

[@barrymurphy3554]

Hi Guys great Video enjoying greatly Yes very reliable I think i should get one. Thanks again

[@forestmotoadventures]

I love my 2021 AT AS ES DCT 😂. You can see my 7000 mile review onmy channel 😊

[@KingJulienMoto]

I think anyone with great taste and a lot of money should get one haha :D

[@forestmotoadventures]

Excellent review! I love my 2021 ATAS ES DCT. I offer a 1 rider review after 7000 miles of ownership. A huge point of enjoyment for me is using Apple Car Play for music and navigation. Cheers!

[@KingJulienMoto]

Hey man, happy to hear you're enjoying your bike! What a wonderful machine indeed! I would be very interested in hearing about your ownership experience. If you ever feel like, you can reach me under [e-mail] ! :)

[@BarbershopASMR]

You can flat feet if you lower the seat. The seat has 2 positions. High and low. I have this model.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings Excellent video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 I have been riding my new ATAS ES DCT for the past 2 month, when the cruise control applied no hands on the handlebar the motorcycle pulling to the right. Did you notice anything? Thanks for assisting me

[@KingJulienMoto]

Hey man, I didn’t notice anything like that honestly. As I was cruising on a highway, I could leave both hands off the handlebars and just steer the bike through shifting my body weight. Crazy stuff :) Is this happening since the first time you tried it or does the bike do it just recently? It doesn’t necessarily have to be the bike I guess, but if it was all good before and now it does this, you could talk to Honda. It could be something with the gyroscope maybe..

[@TheMrB]

Mine is to be imported from Germany to Cambodia. It’s cost me $30,000. But man I want one bad.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Oh now I see you came specifically for Africa Twin for a good reason! No wonder you want it so bad man, it’s a badass machine. That’s a lot of money you paid, but it pays off for sure. Your heart will melt everytime you start that beauty. I was totally stunned and humbled by its presence. Congratulations my friend, ride safe amd enjoy every moment!🙏

[@TheMrB]

@@KingJulienMoto can I ask what’s your inside leg measurement? Many thanks. Love your videos ❤

[@HoodScotland]

You could have put the seat in low position which may have made walking backwards a bit easier. I am even shorter and have the low option seat which lowers even more.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Yes, I could have done that, but I 1.) didn't think 2 cm would make that much difference 2.) read reviews from owners who claimed putting the seat back on is a pain in the ass. So I decided not to bother. I should have mentioned it in the review though. Thanks!

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

My manual came with heated grips and cruise control as standard too!!

[@KingJulienMoto]

Congrats. Did I say it didn't? :)

[@TheMrB]

@@KingJulienMoto you said the dct comes with cruise control.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

@@KingJulienMoto clearly

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@MagicAyrtonforever my bad, sorry about the mistake. I pinned your comment for other viewers to see what I got wrong ;)

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@TheMrB you’re right, thanks for the correction!

[@ianross225]

Great review. I have this spec in a 2020 bike which replaced a 2014 GSA. I loved the GSA in many ways but it’s not great in traffic and I do a lot of town riding, heavy and whilst low CoG still a handful. Very planted and a lot of all round power. Build quality was an issue and my main dealer too far away and poor service. The ATAS has less bulk, lower (I’m 5’8”) seat height, a good range and with the DCT much more manageable. So much less stress which you can add if you want by manual mode and a foot shifter. Great electronics but not keyless and why no tyre pressure monitor? The protection is good though not GSA good and there was a horrible low frequency hum at over about 45 mph which I’ve fixed with a wind deflector that fits to the tank. The hand guards are just wind deflectors and flimsy. The ES is ok but despite “semi-active” is no better than the GSA with three damping settings. The engine is a little chuggy below 2,000 rpm where the GSA is happy. There’s plenty of grunt from the engine. My fuel economy in town is poor but on the highway I’m getting 4 litres per 100 km or more which is excellent. Overall the last tank on mixed town/country/motorway was 4.5 litres per 100 km and actually worse by 10% than the GSA. It’s less planted being on bigger diameter front wheel and less road biased tyres. I like it in the main and will work to fix issues I don’t. Time will tell! One thing for sure, it’s way overpriced in my spec which I never would paid. Big BMW and KTM bikes are better value to me. Best, Ian

[@KingJulienMoto]

Thank you Ian for your comprehensive summary! You’re making some interesting points and it’s great to hear opinion from somebody who actually has experience with various adventure bikes! I must say I am very impressed by Africa Twin and it was the most comfortable and most technologically advanced bike I’ve ridden by now. But reading through your points, everything makes sense from rider’s perspective. Regarding competition, I would very much like to test KTM, mostly because of the engine. KTM is totally killing it, they produce the most fun bikes in my humble opinion :) On the other hand, BMW adventure bikes probably have the most premium feel due to the crazy amount of electronics and rider aids.. It would be interesting to be able to make a direct comparison between the three l.. :) Thanks a lot again for your contribution to the discussion! Ride safe!

[@ianross225]

@@KingJulienMoto My pleasure. You called it right because KTM was in the frame for me too. Again, we all have different needs or preferences. I chose a GS over the 1190 Adventure in 2013 because the KTM was actually too ballistic! There was no relaxed mode as such. A much better measure than outright power or torque is the curve on each which shows real-world rideability. The Honda and BMW make less than the KTM but for everyday use are, for me, better. With petrol cost at massive levels fuel economy is a key consideration for most now. Happy deliberating!! Best, Ian

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@ianross225 Yes, I totally agree! As I was recently testing Duke 890 and 1290, my first though always was: I want this bike!!! Crazy character like no other bike and so much fun.. But as soon as I managed to calm down, I noticed how aggressive they are in every aspect, not only engine performance. Balistic defines KTM really perfectly haha :)) Tons of fun but also aggressive ergonomics, that would probably make me suffer after hours in the saddle. I guess you can never rest on those machines indeed.

[@ianross225]

@@KingJulienMoto Pretty much it! A GSA, 50kg lighter with DCT is my perfect bike. One day…..

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@ianross225 Oh yes! Let’s see, after all, in motorcycle sport sky is the limit! Have fun with your machine Ian and thanks a lot again for stopping by!👍

[@SATYAOBLETTE]

C'est tellement magnifique de voir la revue d'un "TRAIL" sans faire du Gravel 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KingJulienMoto]

what a retard I am right?🤣🤣 cheers bro!🫡

[@barrymurphy3554]

Happy Wife Happy Life There very cool

[@Coldgecko]

Africa Twin or BMW F850GSA for a 6 month adventure - 60% road /40% off-road?

[@KingJulienMoto]

Hmm great question.. I never rode the F850GSA, so I would rather go for the devil I know, though the model with manual transmission for sure. I guess this answer isn't satisfactory, but BMW is acting too posh to let me test ride their bikes, so it is what it is :D

[@lepainperdu58]

Merci très bon teste je m abonné si tout tes teste son de ces qualité te manque juste un peu plus de temp sur l éclairage de nuit sa aurait était parfait Merci a toi

[@KingJulienMoto]

Merci beaucoup, Monsieur!🙏☺

[@michsky46]

I think honda turn signal botton is the right place

[@KingJulienMoto]

you know what? I got used to it and now I'm missing it on my new bike :D

[@axelfiraxa]

5:20 you should have set the seat to the lower position. You would have reached the ground perfectly. I am 179cm high with a 81cm leg and can almost flat foot the bike ij the lower position.

[@KingJulienMoto]

Yes, I could have done that, but I 1.) didn't think 2 cm would make that much difference 2.) read reviews from owners who claimed putting the seat back on is a pain in the ass. So I decided not to bother. I should have mentioned it in the review though. Thanks!

[@pekka9411]

How abaut the wind protection on the highway?

[@forestmotoadventures]

It is excellent. 3 positions with plenty of protection

[@KingJulienMoto]

yeah it's pretty good, though the front mask including the windshield is pretty narrow. so I wouldn't call it excellent but the highway experience was really comfortable

[@hegyeliandras7518]

What kind of jeans you have on?

[@KingJulienMoto]

4SR club sport grey ;)

[@redaghamri9628]

Beautiful motorbike. Give it to me

[@KingJulienMoto]

I wish I could :D

[@terrystratford1235]

You get better mpg with e5! And better performance! Why have a very expensive bike and try to save a few pennies on fuel? Go premium fuel!

[@terrystratford1235]

@@swabbygunz1677 that's interesting! Yeh I know the octane rating is not power related. In the UK we have higher octane fuel. I use 99 for my jeep 4.7 and a classic bike, both perform very well and give better mpg. I collected my AT dct base model yesterday and filled up with shell v power 99 I got 70mpg on a 40 mile ride home, I was impressed! I will try the lowest octane next, but I think it's 95!?

[@terrystratford1235]

@@swabbygunz1677 UK! Motorway is 70mph. Duel carriageway 60mph. Then 40 and 30 and 20mph! Like I say, I had 1 bar of fuel when I bought the base model with dct, 2021, only 3000miles. I filled up with shell 99 v power unleaded. 10min drive to motorway, 40 miles at 53mph on cruise, 20 min drive off motorway to home on mainly 50 and 40mph roads. Bike computer read 70.9 mpg! Was in D mode! I should imagine in S1(much better ride) 45 to 50 mpg is probably about right!?

[@edithdriver2094]

You didn’t try the centre stand because you “didn’t dare too” ? Yet you dare to test ride a 230kg 1100cc adventure bike ? Like WTF 🤷‍♂️ ?

[@KingJulienMoto]

yes, exactly

[@edithdriver2094]

@@KingJulienMoto Hey dude I like your review and style 👍 I didn’t mean to sound mean to you ✌️

[@KingJulienMoto]

@@edithdriver2094 haha thanks, no offense taken for sure! It’s just that I could only confirm, because what you said is exactly how it was😁