BIKE REVIEW: Honda Africa Twin Review Manual Vs. DCT

[@brianharrigan8821]

Its amazing to me the level of incompetence and basic snobbery of so many " journalist " ! Luckily most of us experienced and knowledgeable enthusiasts that have been riding for 4-5 decades whom have heard this kind of blahs blahs blahs!!!! Ordered the bike as soon as possible , and have taken it all over the northwest of the United States in mostly off highway routes . Fantastic motorcycle, DCT !!

[@michaelggriffiths]

You said it buddy! With ya on that. Ride safe.

[@kjaw7278]

Brian Harrigan love my DCT, just got a 2020 ADV Sport DCT -WOW! AMAZING BIKE Very happy with it And I sold my 1200GS for it, I got tired of the constant $$$ issues and limited dealer channel

[@snipsdraper7537]

Waiting for the 2021 to arrive. North of Seattle, still unsure DCT over manual. Cross country trips in mind and visits to Arizona Utah and California. When they open the boarders I hope to ferry up to Alaska and ride back to Washington

[@lucasbillington2604]

Old school snob who can't ride for shit my mom rides better

[@pzbrasschaat2179]

You can shift the DCT also completely manuel with the buttons on the steering wheel. It is not boring, it is comfortabel

[@mohamedmustafa8583]

My 2019 DCT made me a total convert. It does everything I ask of it and learning how to use it properly is certainly not boring. It does require rewiring your brain and learning how to do what you do on a clutch bike differently. It gives you the option to go to full manual, and using the paddle shifters and brakes you can do everything a manual clutch bike will do. Auto reigns in overzealous experience and assists inexperience. I have ridden most of my 61 years and currently have a 2007 Honda 919 for spirited short distance street riding and a 2016 Harley Street 750 for relaxed cruising. The 2019 Africa Twin DCT fills the long distance/off-road desires. I’m still learning every time I ride it, and it continues to surprise me with its capabilities.

[@jeffferguson899]

the difference is in 30 yrs the honda will still be running.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Africa Twin lovely machines. So much heritage & history… My dream bike from Youth When i first saw the XRV750….Owner of XL650V Transalp 2005 & now on My second Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer DCT. Had it once bought it again. Love it. Will never go back to manual. Comfortable, peace of mind & effortless. The Power Of Dreams❤

[@briantel9432]

DCT all the way I drove both and have a dct with 6000 miles the dct is faster throw the gears and faster in the curves. and better off road.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

How is the engine breaking on DCT models?

[@mustafaahmedkhan6045]

Kevin Ho really good. If you brake hard, the bike will shift in lower gear and the engine will brake well.

[@TheFriarHenderson]

Grayzer, interesting review. I just bought a DCT. I must admit I was hesitant in doing so. But so far I love it. I don't use "D" mode, that is annoying. But in one of the sport modes or in manual, there is a mode for every situation. I come from a Tenere 660. The AT has bags enough power for me. It certainly puts smile on my face! Just another thought....

[@Skiamakhos]

I wonder if *anyone* uses D? Everyone who reviews it says it's too sluggish, shifts too quick. Are there any hypermilers out there ekeing their petrol out in thimblefuls using D to get the best MPG for the bike or is that just not a thing, and does Honda know about this, I wonder?

[@mikaellindroos1594]

I prefer DCT,it,s fantastic when you learn to use it.

[@CavemanClarke1]

Thanks so much for your ‘personal opinion’ and obvious love for the GS, both of which are boring and irrelevant to people watching the review and wanting to know facts and figures. I’ve just bought a 2019 ATAS with DCT and it’s the best bike I’ve owned so far. I didn’t think I’d like a DCT (different to automatic but we won’t get into that here) but when I test rode one, dropping my ego about ‘being in control with manual transmission’ and taking into consideration what I actually wanted the bike for I thought the DCT was a perfect match for the bike. I’m sure a manual is better in extreme conditions but I’m not planning on getting myself into those situations. Il be doing road miles with some gentle off roading and green laning so the DCT is a much more relaxing riding experience freeing you up to concentrate on the road ahead and the views on your adventure. It’s not bad or good in isolation, the DCT is either right for you or not. Buy the version you like and well done to Honda for giving the choice to us all.

[@lancelemay6971]

Did this guy even read the DCT owners manual? For dirt - S3, traction control off, ABS rear off, and G switch engaged. For pavement - normal default drive mode, shifts are seamless for driver and passenger, fuel mileage is better, lots of options for your driving style if you want to mix it up. I can buy a manual in any kind of bike - boring...

[@pcicecube]

True...

[@yobslice]

Tiger xrt

[@bradcarroll3719]

By boring do you mean engaging, but a skill I never acquired? I think it’s better for ones safety if they are part of the experience by using a clutch. That’s just me though. I can’t see ever wanting any kind of shift aid unless there was something medically wrong with me that made it not feasible. I can’t stand the wuss transmissions they put on atv’s. SO much vehicle control is sacrificed. Edit: I will state that when it comes to which company actually figures something like a DCT out “for the real world, and for durability”, it’s definitely Honda.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Those are desert settings, maybe. In tight forest trails, D, maybe S1 or M, traction control on 1-2, GRAVEL and G.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I keep mine in sport mode 3 for all types of riding. It shifts exactly as I would.

[@danielcross9406]

Been riding 32 years and just brought a dct AT. I own 2 other bikes and can't get enough of the AT nd that's on the raod . It's a different bike that is for sure but it dose it all very well indeed.

[@Skiamakhos]

I think if the DCT had an optional manual clutch lever that would override whatever the DCT's doing and just declutch the bike, that would make it perfect. At low speed I know we're supposed to rear brake it to moderate the engine output, like, you set the gas around 1750-1800rpm & ease off the back till it comes forward, that's fine, but if you accidentally overdo the throttle, there's nothing to save you from it lurching forward into traffic, parked cars or whatever. A manual clutch lever you could just grab would save you that tiny moment between coming off the gas & applying the front brake, and for most bikers a clutch grab is instinctive in an emergency. Not having it there, for me, led to me panicking, grabbing the brake too hard & getting dumped, which ain't fun but at least I didn't send it into an intersection. Potentially deadly oversight, not having anything to save you from a whisky twist. I'm sure you've all seen the viral video of the DCT rider who forgot he couldn't blip the throttle in drive & wrecked his bike trying to make the engine sound peak to let a driver know he was there.

[@trysmthing4951]

Let him say what he want. Truth is they are pro gs 😂😂 they think people are dump. They dont even mentioned gs is almost twice more expensive and twice more unreable.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

And...3 - 4x more expensive to maintain! $$$

[@haraldsimon2807]

Is the video sponsored by a competitor? So many missing and even wrong informations, driving faults and wrong mode settings as possible. Very bad!

[@sourcelight3448]

Harald Simon paid for by BMW

[@9999plato]

They should have a mode where you push buttons to change gears but maintain a clutch lever for when you want to feather out the clutch or other similar uses. The best of both worlds. If you were testing a bike created to use primarily off road you should have put on 70/30 tires biased for dirt.

[@kevinflannigan9820]

Rear brake to modulate the power? Please explain.

[@kevinflannigan9820]

Yes

[@rujumbaherman]

That pavement bit,doesn't it spoil the bike wheel alignment?

[@Pcfly]

It's a shame, a real shame......and not to Honda or the AT but to ADV Bike TV and it's audience and viewers like me that rely on a non judgmental or bias review and this is certainly not one. I can't tell you on how many points I personally disagree with your assessments but to how the feel and influence of the video has it in for the AT. Yes, your lead up suggests a legend, a return of a king moment but most of the video is spent debunking a bike you personally don't care for. DCT, another major error on your part, a completely wrong assessment again influenced by your perspective that it doesn't work for you......but how would it work for an average rider. Try spending some serious time on a DCT Twin before making these claims. I can go on about how price never was compared to other bikes, capabilities compared to other bikes never discussed, cost of ownership, insurance, access to more riders......but I'll leave this as a case of missing identity.......because as a whole I really like what you guys are doing and generally LOVE the show. Keep in mind your viewers have different levels of skills and please keep the top down look a bit more level......the 1200GS or KTM whatever isn't the answer for everyone. Cheers. PC

[@crf1100l]

I'm not so sure I agree. I own a Africa Twin and I think the review is pretty much spot on. I also did not like the DCT and when I ride out on a weekend with a club (IAM Advanced Riders) I can keep up with the GS's and R1's but I know I am having to work the bike much harder than they are. That's what I got from the review. DCT = dull Manual = Great Off road and OK on road. Off road I just can't fault the bike at all. Its amazing. Again I can't think why I would need the DCT over the manual. But as I said I own a AT Manual with 8000 miles on the clock so I obviously love it.

[@Pcfly]

Chris Thompson I'm a previous 1200GS owner, 55k miles when I sold it. Perception is the bug here, it's the illusion BMW and KTM are the only real option for these types of bikes......and I have to say the presenters give off this smell a bit as well . How would you like the show if they kept touting how glorious a Kawasaki KLR is compared to the over priced category leaders. Yes, different strokes for different folks but owning my AT (14,000 miles ridden across half of the USA, on the TAT) after owning my 1200GS has been eye opening! Not just from a reliability stand point, not from a value stand point, not from a cost of ownership stand point, not from a capability stand point but from the freedom of not having the wool over my eyes that those are the best bikes and the only bikes! Sorry but I also strongly disagree with the assessment of the DCT. After riding it off road in real tough off road conditions just knowing the bike won't stall during a mis shift, a false neutral, too tall a gear(which anyone from the first time they rode anything on two wheels have experienced all these things), it's the difference between picking a bike up and turning it back down a hill to try again vs being on your merry way. Sorry but having a standard AT I've almost considered trading for a DCT. Hmmm.......why are so many Rekluse clutches so popular on dirt bikes now......and this system is much smarter and more reliable?! Anyway, I'm still a fan of the show but strongly disagree on the AT assessment, I truly believe they will eat their words......but that's for another day.

[@crf1100l]

Well here's to two happy customers and many years riding with our ATs

[@Bouldertag]

Why the F does the log split have to do with anything. I have been riding in Utah mountains for 35 years and never rode rear tire on one side of log and front on the other. WTF does that tell you about the bike....

[@sweetcostarica]

Heres the difference: Honda - _really, really_ wants you to get DCT on any bike they sale eventhough it doesn't work as well as they say. *Life* - no clutch means less control, less fun in many cases, more weight, more maintenance. Full Disclosure - I own a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

[@actstuntcam]

Great review - nice footage - can't believe it only has 400 views. Many thanks. Great presentation. I aspire to be this good with my channel :)

[@srhintz]

So having to pull a clutch lever is exciting? Some one should have shown you the triggers on the left of the bar where you can make every single shift the bike will ever make manually if you want. Tape a tennis ball in front of the left grip if you want to wear your hand out. How exciting!

[@zamboana]

Road Toad I rode both, and ultimately went MT. The deciding factor for me was that the cable throttle/EFI combination on the AT was too snatchy for low speed riding over really technical terrain. The DCT was better off the line from a standing stop, and better in traffic, and at least equal offroad if by “offroad” you mean anything that could be reasonably handled driving a Subaru. But for the really gnarly stuff, situations DO come up where there’s no substitute for having a clutch. The thing is, being slower off the line wasn’t a deal breaker for me. If I still cared about drag racing people from red lights I’d have kept my Hayabusa... :) Being more of a handful in city traffic wasn’t a dealbreaker for me either. I didn’t buy my Africa Twin to sit in traffic. I bought it to get as far from traffic as possible! Giving up the extra degree of freedom and control that having a clutch bestows for tackling the craziest 4WD and singletrack roads was a dealbreaker though, so for me it was a conscious choice to sacrifice in areas 1 & 2 to gain a little something in area 3. If the same two bikes had been available 5 years ago and I’d been in the market for an AT then, I probably would have picked the DCT. I don’t think it’s a question of, “is one absolutely better than the other?” It’s a question of what kind of riding is most interesting and important to you, and what kinds of tradeoffs are you willing to make in lower priority areas, to gain capabilites in higher priority areas?

[@andrewbird9938]

I'm not sure your qualified to do a decent comparison to be honest

[@richweinert7324]

Ridiculous!! Put offroad tires on an offroad bike. The bike has suspension adjustment, so have your test riders make adjustments to suspension instead of complaining about riding a bike that isn't adjusted correctly.

[@Breezy-Leaves]

Had a DCT and it was great for smooth changes with a passenger, but I sold it after 11 months because I missed being able to modulate / feather out the clutch, especially on round-a-bouts in the wet. In that situation with the DCT, you're simply on or off the power. After not using it for 2 months then getting back on, I felt the DCT took too much away from my involvement with the bike. I miss my 2013 KTM 1190R, but lost faith in it's reliability after a number of random quality control problems, but the ride and feel was much more fun than the Africa Twin. Not sure what to go for next. I would be great if there was something out there lighter, reliable, and that doesn't need the buyers find the faults on behalf of the manufacturer in its first year out. Surely that's not too much to ask.

[@SeanDeodat]

tenere 700?

[@MrAndrew1953]

Interesting as a lot of experienced, highly competent riders have raved about the auto DCT, especially when carrying a pillion passenger. I had an XLV 750 with shaft drive. Do you think shaft would suit the bike better than chain? I’ve also owned an R80GS Dakar and an R100GS- both shaft- no oiling or adjusting.

[@sweetcostarica]

Those experienced riders were well paid for their DCT support by Honda in various ways.

[@barrybrant3905]

So if you feel 70 off road and 30 on then why did you not try with at least 50 50 tyres?

[@GeekMediaLtd]

Barry Brant simply as the people who lent us the bike wouldn’t let use chance tyres, not a lot we could do about it sadly

[@barrybrant3905]

Fair enough

[@markmccall6273]

Shame there is not a hydraulic clutch on the manual. How heavy is the clutch?

[@gcprost]

I just picked up a new 2018 with DCT. Because it is winter here I have only 200 km on the bike. I think I will like the DCT but right now I'm adjusting.

[@Skiamakhos]

I'm not finding my DCT bike boring - I'm finding it interesting as in "May you live in interesting times". It's a source of stress, not having the clutch.

[@jasonlambert154]

Love the look of this bike ... Hate the 1 headlight thing

[@dhieyosandhu6790]

Automatic is the future of bikes

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

The future is shit anyway.

[@sweetcostarica8714]

You are probably right. I bought the manual Honda AT (2017) because I want a simple maintenance routine since after the 600 mile check up I will be doing the maintenance myself. Also, I know I will be buying a different bike later like the Yamaha Niken or a retro bike so I want to keep up my manual shifting skills.

[@solstar4778]

What does DTC stand for ? Automatic transmission?

[@emilioj.munozpascual7588]

Dual clutch transmission

[@brianharrigan8821]

I WILL ADD THIS , I LIVE IN WASHINGTON STATE , WHERE THE OFFEOAD IS REALLY OFFROAD!!! I HAVE ALMOST 50 YEARS OF RIDING EXPERIENCE, NOW 60 YEARS OLD , I HAVE HAD MANY OF THE FAMOUS NAMES ,(HUSKY, HONDA,BMW,YAMAHA, KTM, ,ETC...), AND THEY OF COARSE WERE MT -CLUTCH AQUATED UNITS /STANDARD , THOUGH WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY, IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION/ PURCHASING YOUR ONE AND ONLY, TRY TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND IF YOU CAN, AND TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE HONDA AT !! CHEERS.

[@spudboy1328]

Why are you shouting at us?

[@sundayezra7893]

very amazing, but to me i like DCT riding mode

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

So many DCT's for sale... I suppose they sold more or not..

[@1969dksoondk1969]

What bags are those? With/without a frame?

[@MrAndrew1953]

Nobbies compulsory on muddy dirt roads

[@costazurra]

I am 1.75 m tall and really like this bike but worried that my feet wont be flat on the ground is this bike too tall for me?

[@GeekMediaLtd]

Tom the producer is short but he always has tall bikes, you can learn ways to live with is, he drops his bikes more then Graham because of the short leg issue, but don't let it put you off

[@LGR_LGR_LGR]

Is this a bmw video?

[@alpap1980]

Honda Africa Twin or KTM 1090 Adventure R?

[@mkw3980]

Africa twin for sure

[@9999plato]

Anybody who has driven a maxi scooter ought not have issue with the DCT on road. I could see it becoming an issue at very low speeds while filtering through traffic. You won't be able to use the engines revs on its flywheel while feathering the clutch to generate centrifugal balance forces.

[@brianharrigan8821]

JUST ONE MORE THING ! A LOT OF COMMENTERS HAVE MADE A STAND ON EITHER / OR ! ( MANUAL AGAINST DCT ? ) WELL PEOPLE, IF YOU WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO NOTICE, HONDA , IN THEIR YEARS OF TRYING TO PLEASE YOU , HAVE GIVEN YOU THE CHOICE !! THE AT , AND THE GOLDWING , AND MAYBE A FEW OTHERS OFFER BOTH !! SO, GO BUY ONE , PUT IT THROUGH YOUR TESTS , AND GET BACK TO ALL OF US WITH A FIRST HAND REVIEW !! CHEERS .

[@normandegeorge6526]

I ride a Honda because I know where I can get it fixed if ever needed and if ever needed I a can get parts overnight.

[@willtaylor4282]

,The DCT makes a bad rider look good, and a good rider look even better, what a shit review.

[@normandegeorge6526]

Thinking of getting the dct, is it much of a learning curve from typical shifting?

[@MrErichonda30]

Love my DCT

[@TheDervMan]

Cruise Control please Honda! You'd have me as a customer if the Africa Twin, or the CrossTourer for that matter, had cruise.....

[@crf1100l]

And that's why we have choice. No ride by wire is one of the reasons I swapped my tiger xcx for an AT.

[@TheDervMan]

Chris Thompson Although the throttle is connected via a cable, the engine is no less computer controlled than any other Euro 4 engine. So I can't believe it's technical restrictions stopping Honda. I can't be the only person wanting this stuff given how many KTM's and GS's get sold. Oh well I'll just have to wait! 👍🏻

[@ptft4]

Cluch or DTC is a matter of opinion but I simply don't understand why Honda sends them out of the factory on road tires, a total miss match.

[@skyblue829]

I am bemused by this? I have a DCT been riding 40 years and think the control off road is great. In manual you have all the control you need. I don't get it. Or maybe the guy riding it just didn't.

[@bambus7766]

Did anybody knows the Brandname of the Pannier Racks ?

[@Benkaboi]

Those tires where not 70% offroad though... But I bet 90% of all the new ATs won't see gravel so the tirechoise from Honda couldn't be more right. I don't understand these adventure companies that uses those tires, is it asphalt adventures they're aiming for with offroad(touring offroad) bikes...?

[@boltorian]

I actually asked the dealership about this and they said that to achieve the results in their safety testing, they use road tires. Since they used them to achieve their safety ratings, they have to sell them that way or they risk lawsuits. I don't know how true this is, but it sounds logical. For example, they might be advertising the bike's 60 - 0 mph stopping distance/time, and those results wouldn't be true if they sold it with different tires than the ones they tested it with.

[@vojtav8803]

spend money on tires and training instead of travel to South Africa next time, please. maybe you will make a real review, not just your biased, unqualified, basically irrelevant opinion. i own the DCT, and cannot see how adding a clutch lever could make it any more fun than manual mode on road. on the other hand, being a novice off road, i enjoyed an adventure ride in Bosna with two manual ATs, two KTM 1190 and a GS, having no issues keeping their pace. yes, on proper 50:50 tires. i only plan to move my rear brake lever to the left hand to free my feet completely, and be comfortable regardless of seated or standing position.

[@albertothd]

Can move the rear break to left hand ?

[@pcicecube]

Sll sbout tyres mate...didnt have the right ones bud....

[@OlllOHD]

Pls share the crash bars on white AF??

[@wildone2163]

no clutch no deal, as simple as that. Very good and honest assessment! thanks.

[@robsonenduro3316]

completely agreed.

[@BinauralBacker]

So the DCT with two clutches is twice the bike?

[@wildone2163]

you know what I mean, clutch lever - I have tried DCT, it's no use for off-road. For city riding like a big scooter sure, some may like it.

[@wildone2163]

could give many, for instance how would you slip the clutch in sandy, muddy condition while adding throttle at the same time to get better traction? How would you stop whisky throttle after bad jump not having emergency lever disengaging engine? etc etc any technical enduro stuff would be a big challenge and risk with DCT, not to mention it weighs a tone what is not good for off-road.

[@9999plato]

For some people particularly amputees or those with surgically frozen ankles a the DCT is a godsend. Manual clutching always gives superior control but DCT has it uses. I have an 1800 VTX and a Suzuki Bergmann. The VTX is OK for the highway but in stop and go traffic it's tiring to use a shifter with a wooden leg. I can carry more with the scooter anyway.

[@brianharrigan8821]

First Thing ! #1 - LEARN HOW TO RIDE BIKE !! Definitely a silly comparison !! I WOULD MAKE THIS GUY LOOK SO STUPID RIDING THE DCT AGAINST HIM !! HAHAHA !!!!

[@TheBandit7613]

The "adventure" bike is a crossover just like what has happened to the auto market. Mediocrity now rules the day. I think Honda is trying to engage mediocre and newer riders. Those of us riding since 4 or 5 years old put zero thought and effort into shifting. It's muscle memory. We don't even know it's happening. We have the advantage of seeing ahead and intuition.

[@somashekarmc]

Ya

[@somashekarmc]

I’m planning to buy AT Manual vs DCT is the query Bcoz most of the time I hav to filter Bangalore traffic which is to slow

[@robertpolkamp]

Why reinvent the wheel with the DCT? The manual is intuitive and instinctive without adding any complexity of the DCT or cost. Seems like a no brainer.

[@Captndarty]

The AT was built perfectly for its audience. Thrifty conservative riders and that's not a dig. It is what it is and there's a bike for everyone.

[@ilight9163]

It’s probably the only big capacity trail bike you can ride hard for 50,000 miles off road without any major problems . Not like a gs or Ktm

[@toby7504]

I would never pick a DCT. I ride bike to RIDE the bike and like to enjoy that. I have a reasonly new car that takes me from A to B with all the helping gadget on the market..and its boring as hell, l hate it. I ride all year on a old 04 dl650 and l just enjoy it in all kind of riding types. I do commute in city and heavy traffic and still won't change for a DCT. I do look at buying a new bike and together with a new DL1000, the Africa Twin are 1 of the 2 bikes I consider. 2 bulletproof bikes. Great video..ride safe

[@AdvWanderlust]

So far best test of Africa Twin I have seen :)

[@westcountryhomesonline8934]

more fun on a GS?????????

[@actstuntcam]

Sounds like an oxymoron...

[@Castawayization]

Minute 11:32 Maybe if you let the front brake off the rear wheel doesn't spin. A 4 year old does this review better.

[@yan-jk1ti]

i got a automatic gearbox for my car,but never want that for my Bike..maybe for a scooter

[@robsonenduro3316]

Good review! on tarmac AT lacks a bit as well as tubed tyres are not good choice, why not do like ktm 1090 adventure R? Same size wheels but tubeless tyres. DCT has no use off-road so not sure why you even bother testing.

[@boltorian]

DCT is amazing off-road. You should really try it before you knock it.

[@brianharrigan8821]

WELL BOY ! JIMMY LEWIS AND JOHNNY CAMBELL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE SIDE , AND THEY HAVE BOTH RIDEN THE BIKE DCT VERSIONS AND MADE THIER COMMENTS, THE REST OF US WHO HAVE ACTUALLY PURCHASED AND LEARNED THE SYSTEM ARE THE ONES QUALIFIED TO MAKE A STATEMENT OF HOW IT PERFORMS ! WHAT YOU ARE NOT GETTING IS THIS IS NOT A " DIRT" BIKE / ENDURO /SCRAMBLES/ TRIALS ,ETC....

[@bahadirjoker]

İf you are awesome rider get manuel if you are normal driver get dct :)

[@kevdefender6976]

Dct best thing ever