Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT AS - 8 reasons why you may have to avoid it

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Here are 8 reasons why you may have to skip a 2022 Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT Adventure Sports. They may apply to only some riders and to some not. They may be considered deal-breakers for some while others won't be bothered or even perceive some of them as totally normal. Either way, this is my list of all reasons that I've come up with for those who might end up having to avoid Honda Africa Twin with DCT transmission. It's a bike for a very specific rider I believe.
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- Top 7 reasons to buy Honda Africa Twin 1100: • Honda Africa Twin 1100...
- Africa Twin 1100 DCT AS full honest review: • Honda Africa Twin 1100...
The bike shown in this video belongs to Honda Plaza, and you can ride one here: www.hondaplaza.pl/pl/motocykl...

[@daveg695]

Something that goes into my consideration for buying this bike are maintenance costs, which are far lower than any of the premium brands, as well as dependability, and parts availability.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I've actually read otherwise here under one of the videos. The claim was that labor costs of Honda working on it may be higher than on some competitors.

[@gutotomos1553]

I have a Crf 1100 l DCT I have to say I love it give the buttons time and it becomes comfortable to ride

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I noticed @Bill McMeekin's comment somewhere here saying that one may develop a sort of a "muscle memory" for the buttons. If that's so - I'm not sure it would apply to me actually - then I guess things would be much easier.

[@Skiamakhos]

@@VToldsMotoShow this is it. Honda actually have a simulator for their controls & the screens they navigate through & you can easily learn the whole system that way.

[@johnanderson9735]

I have to disagree. I had the opportunity to take a class sponsored by a local police department, with full-time motor officers as the instructors. One of the officers brought his Department issued AT and handled it on their slow speed course like it was nothing. I feel pretty comfortable with mine, I'm 5' 6" 30 inch inseam and with the seat in the low position it works. I definitely have to get used to the weight, but it is lighter than my Gold Wing, and it handles better than the VStrom 650 I traded in a few months ago. No rider in the Police class actually 'passed' the course. According to the officers, anyone can ride fast, they preach that the slow speed skills is what will save the rider, and practice, practice, practice is the key. Hopefully I get to that point one day. IMHO

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Not sure what you're not agreeing with but the slow speed skills definitely do matter. So if a bike is working against you there, it's harder for you to maintain good control over it. Sure, some guys drift and do wheelies with a Harley-Davidson V-Rod but I bet that all kinds of stunts and regular manoeuvres are easier and hence more precise on some other bikes. Same here and that's exactly why slow speed stability and ease of following command matter to me myself. It's great to train and work on those skills yet again - one may achieve even better results on a bike that they feel more confident/in control on. Thanks for the input!

[@makina2022]

exactly.. dont get a big bike if you arent strong enough in the first place. common sense.

[@C_R_O_M________]

In the torque department the AT is great as it delivers almost as much as the bigger competition BUT at lower RPM. That's VERY important to note.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Well, it's more like 75% of what most others offer in terms of max torque.

[@skydaddy2426]

​@@VToldsMotoShowin terms of max tq. But off idle power it's more over the others I've rode. The other bikes need more rpm to get going IMO.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

I had a GS , a Diavel & my dream bike 3rd gen Hayabusa. I had to stop riding for a year but I’m now back . After going through my needs . 1) Reliability for the next 8 years. 2) Consumption 3) Features 4) Compression ratio ( allowing for lower grade fuel) 5) Ease of maintenance, except valve checks. The ATAS is less than 50k The new GS 1300 - 80k Suzuki new GX -45-50 k. It’s between the Honda or Suzuki. I didn’t enjoy my GS experience ( dealership experience)although it’s a great bike The Suzuki’s engine is perfect for me let’s hope the brakes are better. The Honda is an all-in-one bike. I’ll be pulling the trigger in 9 months, we don’t get test rides here but a DCT would be the real reason behind the AT. Suzuki is just gonna be fuss free & perfect in so many ways

[@eyesonly4451]

I have a 2022 1100 AS/ES DCT and can flat-foot the bike even with the seat in the high position. I'm not a small person. But I can also agree that the AT is top heavy at low speeds and is not a good choice if most of your riding is in traffic. The best use of this bike ranges from paved roads to dirt/logging roads. If you want enduro style riding, this is not really your best option--it's simply too large. If you plan for days of interstate travel, I'd say get a Gold Wing. If you plan for days of jumping logs and rocky creek beds, a 450L may be a better choice. As for comfort, I can easily do two-hour segments before needing to stretch my legs. There may be more comfortable after-market seats, but I've yet to feel the need strongly enough for that extra cash outlay. As for getting DCT or not, I'd definitely get the DCT again. Even in manual mode, the DCT will keep your bike from stalling in difficult situations. When off road, a stalled bike is the source of lots of drops.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Great points. I have 21000 kms on my 2020 ATAS and have muscle memorized the "buttons", and actually love the bikes abilities. DCT is incredible for Canadian Rockies, back country roads, and hiways for me. I'd agree DCT is the best transmission going. I don't do much city traffic congestion, but have been in some, in Vancouver city. I don't filter, but didn't have any issues driving like regular traffic. I'm 6'2 210 pounds with dirt bike background. I actually like the bike very much, especially the electronic suspension. But I've never ridden a GS to compare? I hope your enjoying yours too "eyes". Cheers 🇨🇦

[@eyesonly4451]

@@billmcmeekin7909 I'm loving mine and could highly recommend the AT with DCT.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thank you for presenting an owner's perspective, I appreciate it. I think what you mentioned makes a lot of sense and it seems like a fair summary. I'm glad that you're enjoying the Africa - that's the ultimate point!

[@By.ozalsa]

Nice vlog as usual buddy. You made me me wonder what your favorite adv bike is when riding at low speeds?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks, at low speeds and city riding, I'd mention the best ones in such order: 1) KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (NOT S), 2) BMW R1250GS, 3) Kawasaki Versys 1000, 4) Moto Guzzi V85 TT (if you include it into the biggest adv bikes category), 4/5) Triumph Tiger 1200 GT (NOT Rally) and Ducati Multistrada V4. Others aren't good enough in such circumstances and I'd avoid riding them when having to commute in the city.

[@brucekendall52]

Accurate assessment,thanks.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thank you!

[@Skiamakhos]

3:36 - though considerably less top-heavy than a Tenere World Raid! Those are just a few kg lighter for much less power & the weight's all high up. For a great low centre of gravity, mid-range bike, there's the Aprilia Tuareg, which I've heard so many good things about.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Interesting thing to mention about Tenere vs Tuareg. I wouldn't expect them to be so much different in the area that you mentioned. It's making me curious, so thanks for sharing that.

[@eMotion_Video_UK]

I noticed slow speed handling issues with my standard 1100DCT. The bike fell over and I had to loosen off the bar risers to straighten everything out. While I was doing this I discovered that there is a white dot (the left hand side) on the bar that should be lined up with the gap between the two parts of the bar risers. This is so dealers can set consistent heights on all AT’s. My dealer had not done this, it was too low. With the bar set to higher correct factory spec height, the handling felt strange at first until I got used to it, but the top heaviness at slow speed was much less noticeable. It is difficult to tell, but to me it looks like those bars have been set to a lower more natural but less effective position by the dealer similar to how they set mine up.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Very interesting point. I wonder how we could verify that but perhaps that's some clue. On the other hand, I've noticed (for example first riding a Pan America and then two KTMs with different seat heights) that the higher the bar, usually it's more difficult for me to manoeuvre. I'd be curious to experience the differences in an Africa according to your description. Thanks a lot for sharing that hint!

[@jonlough3074]

This is a good observation. I put bar risers on my 22 AT but couldnt get the ideal position without changing the brake line. The first position which was limited by the brake line was awful for handling. The bike felt sluggish in the tight stuff. I replaced the brake line and adjusted the bars to a higher, more forward position amd now i have a ton of leverage over the bike. It handles single track much better now. It is even easier to push the bike around in the garage. That might be a quick way to dial in the bar position as well.

[@eMotion_Video_UK]

@@jonlough3074 it wasn’t all me. I have give credit to the info from Chris Birch. I heard it on Adventure Rider Radio Podcast. Raising or lowering the bars is bike handling setup. It’s an interesting listen.

[@robertmaranos6574]

Hello, I appreciate your comments. I watched the 2 videos on the good and bad reasons for buying an africa twin and everything you say is very fair but I would like to add that there is the standard version which compensates for the shortcomings of the adventure sport version: the standard is lighter smaller more manageable (gas tank 5 liters less) and above all much less expensive in terms of price I also think that with the manual gearbox the bike is very playful and for this power I think that is more than enough for this type of bike. the africa twin honda cannot be compared with a ducati multistrada V4 or a bmw GS they are not really made to do the same thing best regards

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for mentioning that. Very good point not to forget about the non-Adventure Sports version. Pricing get closer to the surface of the Earth and as you said - if one doesn't get excited about some of the options/features on the AS, they don't need to face that... high price. Sure - I'm all in for diversification here!

[@robertmaranos6574]

@@VToldsMotoShow i think honda prefers to sell the adventure sport with the DCT gearbox but the standard version of the africa twin and much cheaper just add 2 or 3 options and you have a great bike for traveling , track or even travel with your partner I also chose this version in manual gearbox with the shifter and heated grips

[@ukaszusielski3606]

i wonder how AT is compared to 1st gen tiger explorer in terms of weight and handling on low speed

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I tried the first Tiger Explorer a few years ago yet it was long enough ago for me not to remember very precisely. I also wasn't able to assess it as well at that time as I can today. If I were to make an educated guess, I'd put the Explorer above the AT in terms of low speed ease of riding and a feeling of being light/heavy. But I cannot confirm that now with any confidence.

[@AT_BOY13]

Its super hard to drive with 30km/h on a straight line, but you do clean lane spliting between the cars way below this speed without sway all the time... ;) ATAS is my dream bike, got clearly enough power, the buttons are not perfect but doable. Double screen cause of the ability for CarPlay, which is unique like the DCT. i would never buy a shity sounding gs like the old guys with gray jackets and folding helmets do... Ah, and a gs is always way more expensive, way heavier(268kg) especially the Adventure Version. At least the TriColor ATAS is the best looking ADV Bike on the Market. Which bike do you prefer?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Haha, loved the GS part :). Nice one. Actually, one hint here that I've learnt over the years: weight on paper really doesn't seem to matter if it's within like 20-30 kg. I personally am a fan of the KTM for performance reasons and GS for its handling. I'd be choosing only between those two. But I've also got a soft spot for that DCT transmission combined with Africa's sound.

[@ttown55]

ANYONE QUESTION: what would you rate this bike, such as 80/20, 60/40, 50/50. Is it best for 50% on road and 50% off road? Is it best for 80% on road and 20% off road use? Would like as many opinions as possible. Thank you. By the way (I think) I’m looking for a 50/50 or maybe 60/40. I want to stay off of highways as much as possible and maybe take paved backroads and maybe some dirt roads.

[@chrigdichein]

Yep, thats done with knowledge behind it. I had 3 RD04 and one RD07 and never wanted more power then the 60HP and thats being 140kgs. Really, nobody needs the power on a bike like that, unless they are crossing the alps with partner and luggage in the back. I want one because its the tallest bike

[@VToldsMotoShow]

If you're looking for a tall one, maybe check Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally? These feel quite similar to Africa, if not even larger.

[@pjoter1921]

część! spotkałeś się z tym że africa dct ściąga przy jeździe na wprost? dotyczy to Moto nowego z salonu. pozdrawiam

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Takich testów nie robiłem, ale w testowym egzemplarzu, którym jeździłem, nie zauważyłem, abym musiał walczyć z nim i korygować tor jazdy. Sugerowałbym umówić się na krótką jazdę z jakimś najbliższym dealerem, abyś mógł zobaczyć czy na tym drugim masz takie samo zachowanie jak swojego.

[@MK-bk6nt]

jeździłem testowa i ściąga w prawo. Podobno to wina skrzyni dct która znajduje się po prawej a jej waga to 10kg. Podobno manuale jeżdżą prosto.

[@vladalexandru5861]

Regarding your points: I kind of agree with most of them. I just bought the ATAS WS with the DCT. But whatever these shortcomings are I still prefer it to the competition. Simply live the DCT and how it works + Android Auto/Apple Carplay. Regarding the price you are way off: it's much cheaper than the BMW, at least here in Romania.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

DCT is amazing indeed. Not sure I would prefer it in the long run but I can see why some may. If they do - it does a fabulous job.

[@TheDragosnw]

Salut ! Si eu ma gandesc la o africana cu dct dar o voi folosi mult si in oras . Cum e in trafic dupa ce te obisnuiesti ? Merci

[@vladalexandru5861]

@@TheDragosnw E ok dpdv DCT și comparativ cu alte motociclete de aceeași capacitate dar nu as merge cu ea in oraș. Eu pentru oraș merg cu o Yamaha XMAX 300 și este senzațională. Dar dacă nu există posibilitatea de un scuter atunci e ok

[@kohinoore]

​@@VToldsMotoShow It's actually quite on the contrary -- the dct has its drawbacks especially in earlier versions when it was unrefined, but after riding with it for a while one can start to feel manual shifting pretty much redundant, if not annoying. The other important part is aftermarket support, which is for ktm next to nonexistent in comparison. E.g. one of the good example is a rear rack from Shad that significantly increases top box load capacity, making the rig more practical. Also the Kato reaches top end faster but once getting to that, stability and feedback becomes vague, and larger fairings combined with a higher wind profile create a sail effect and make it more susceptible to side winds that may affect cruising speed or rider's physical condition.

[@ibrsyl]

Is that Poland? Good memories there

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yes, it is. I was riding in Warsaw - the capital city. It can be a pleasant place to be in indeed, so I’m glad that you’ve had a good time. Cheers!

[@rumorscameras]

why you did not buy honda speakers

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Wait, what?

[@am2am2am2am]

I have 1000 19. model dct and find it easy to filter and ride slow. Need to practise more in order to get that slow driving skills. Takes time and filtering becomes a game .

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This sounds like a challenge! ;)

[@am2am2am2am]

@@VToldsMotoShow It is not a challenge. It is simple and after using it often in filtering is a game. I drive Forza daily in traffic and live in Split , Croatia suburbs. Traffic is tough but when in rush on Africa 😉

[@am2am2am2am]

Africa I drive with such ease that is unbelievable. Fast or slow. Especially now that I have DCT. I had manual for 3 years.

[@borissh9932]

Visited a motorcycle dealership in SoCal today looking for an Africa. A guy behind a counter right away told me the DCT sucks big time being counterintuitive in terms of mis gearing at low speeds. That kinda scared me cuz I was considering the DCT.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That guy behind the counter should get fired immediately. This is not a true statement in the first place. Secondly, it's also up to a point personal and thirdly, there are transmission modes that let you select how you want it to work. In the regular mode it's sloppy but in any of the 3 S modes, it can be more, much more and even "too responsive". I wouldn't listen to anything that guy says and take a bike with DCT for a test ride. In my opinion DCT is awesome even though I'm not a fan of the idea in general in this type of motorcycle in my current stage of life. Push the guy for a massive discount if you decide to help him out with this terrible problem then.

[@borissh9932]

@@VToldsMotoShow you seem to be right. However, 90% of the Africas sold here in California is the DCT’s. Which leads to me to believe that people don’t like them

[@JohnDoe-ks4id]

I recently sat on an AT and was shocked at how big it felt. I used to ride a FJR 1300 that felt much smaller to me. Even my wife commented that it was huge, i'm 6'1" and didn't feel comfortable. I sat on a GS and it felt much more manageable. I am sure the AT is good for a million miles but it seemed too big, especially in traffic.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Exactly same impressions here.

[@jaredgrow]

it is too big to trim traffic in many cases, I own a 2022 and while I can squeeze through most times it is definitely wider than my GSXR. It is not meant for that though so I don't really fault it. Put some luggage on any bike and forget about trimming.

[@tehsojiro]

I filter through traffic every day on my commute to work on my AT (base, not AS). Only rarely gets too tight to fit through.

[@makina2022]

the africa looks like an old GY enduro just a little taller

[@excelsismusic7922]

If it is so bad, may I have it ? 🙂

[@Gate3739]

Very accurate info here, I had an Africa Twin (AT) 2016 and love it so much I upgraded (downgrade would be more appropriate here) it to a 2022, I literally hate this bike, too big, too top heavy, too confusing with anoying information that pops out while riding preventing you to paid attention to the road, shifting in higher gear while it shouldn't, confort forget about this, extremely noisy tires, too many freekin switch confusing you, and on top of the list, the DCT breaking down multiple time while on a trip! I don't trust this bike and will sell it, absolute regret of that purchase!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It doesn't sound too encouraging indeed. I wonder about the DCT malfunction and whether at some point it can be referred to as to BMW's shaft drive that also sometimes breaks down yet there are legends circulating about it being an insanely likely to happen (which I don't believe myself actually). All things break though and it just is as it is. Still, I'm sorry for your trouble with the newer generation. Thanks a lot for sharing the experiences with both Africas!

[@steadyeddy-goingnowhereslowly]

Mr V-Told have you actually owned this AT for a significant time or are these just your first impressions as you hop from one bike onto another doing reviews?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

These are the impressions after riding all these bikes for a few days at most. After a month of riding, I could accept and get used to almost anything. No point then. If I had owned an Africa Twin, you'd know that it's the best bike in the world. Just as my mum is the best.

[@rumorscameras]

what do you do for a living man ?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'll tell you if you pay me... Deal?

[@barendfourie6687]

The Atas adv is in a class of its own bevause of the 21" front wheel and the price point nothing touch it especially with the support system across the world.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I see that pricing really matters depending on where you live and here it's pretty expensive which makes other bikes look much more tempting. If it was priced like so other Japanese bikes, it would make much more sense I think. On the other hand "Africa Twin" name is legendary, so it deserves something extra there I think.

[@ManuelJoaoBorges10]

Mas é a única com DCT mais nenhuma tem

[@nikosdanelakis3613]

👍👍👍👍

[@fotislygouras]

είμαι κάτοχος CRF 1100A YM21 ! τα μοντέλα ΥΜ20 ΥΜ21 ΥΜ22 ΥΜ23 έχουν προβλήματα με τις οθόνες TFT !

[@martinboskovic4143]

Worst seat I ever had. Bad lights and huge wind buffeting. If you can fix this it is great bike. I fixed it but it took me a lot of research and work.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It made me wonder about the lights - they're LED, so they should do a good job in the dark, no? I don't ride after dark, so don't care but obviously when touring, one will at some point have to deal with that.

[@martinboskovic4143]

@@VToldsMotoShow yes they are led but they are very weak and bike really needs stronger led lights. Comfort is question mark on this bike. I am considering changing bike for Versys 1000 or Gsa1250.

[@bobanppvc]

​@@martinboskovic4143how you fixed led lights?Whats wrong with comfort?

[@christophercronje9960]

I don't know if it is a nationality thing or what, but in SA the BMW 1250 GS standard is £500 / 600$ less expensive than the Handa AT Adventure sport DCT. This is not 10%.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Prices may differ between countries, cities and even certain dealerships.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

I own at 1250 GSA 21’ and have ridden the AT for about 2K miles recently….there is no comparison…the GSA is such a better machine…suspension and engine…The sitting position is nice as I can have both feet on ground Vs tippy toes on GSA…but outside that….spend the extra money for the GS…;sorry AT folks

[@Jimvandesteeg]

It's also what? 8 k more?

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@Jimvandesteeg yes...true...I did like the 21' wheel as well....but for 8k you can improve the suspension etc.

[@C_R_O_M________]

BMW's suspension is only good for the road. There end's the comparison. It's also overpriced because iof its image and marketing. The ATs are much more reliable than GSs. This is coming from a man who traded his first GS 1200 (that consumed 1L of oil every 1000 kms since new) for a GSA 1200 that blew its engine at 20k kms and had shaft drive bearings problems right after they fixed the engine. Traded that for a KTM 990 Adventure R and never looked back. BMW suspension is shit!

[@sailalmishra4860]

Africa twin not comfortable, harsh suspension ? Must be kidding, dont u.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Nope

[@Fatcatztravel1250]

GSA all the way. Unless u riding off road, even then its to big and heavy. HP is poor.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Could've had more juice with that displacement indeed.

[@C_R_O_M________]

Nonsense! GS is an overpriced road bike with which you can get to an organized camping site and bring along the kitchen sink. There ends its utility. It also handles twisties adequately, but it's a huge whale of a bike, with dangerously placed cylinders (ready to break your shins in half in a front collision - especially that right cylinder which is closer to your legs) and dubious reliability when you actually push the bike. Ask me how I know!

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@VToldsMotoShow 100hp is the sweet spot for adventure riding. Even the big KTMs' off road map reduces hp to that level. Have you ever tried to go anywhere on the dirt by using, say, 110hp on the rear wheel all at once? Trust me when I say that you won't make much progress. The problem with the AT and especially the ATAS w/DCT model is its weight and to an extend its top heaviness. That's why I would buy the standard small tank variant. But I do a lot off roading.