Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport | Off-Road First Ride

[@reids130]

Having been trained by Chris a few times at ORS, witnessing his god skills on a bike first hand. It's quite nice to watch him rolling around in the mud like the rest of us. Brilliant video.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great vid - thoroughly enjoyed that and it just confirmed why I don't want to go anywhere near an off-road centre!!! Great stuff gents - keep up the good work...

[@uponthepegs]

TMF …. You’ll miss out on such a great experience! Tailored to rider ability and huge fun with the guys there. That said, appreciate it isn’t everyone’s cuppa 😊

[@mikemerrill175]

Your GS will get it done. Put on some knobbys & go

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@mikemerrill175 I have no doubt my GS can cope - but sadly my arthritic shoulders mean my off-road days are behind me....

[@malcomthewasp]

Funny, what puts people off…

[@Anatoli50]

Come on mate. I’m 69 and ride hard enduro 3-4 days a week. Of course it hurts. My buddy is 80 and has had to dial it back to once a week on the singletrack.

[@ChristianHoffstrom]

Love how he picks up the bike uphill within a second from falling over! Think I´ll be going to the gym now see you!

[@wellingtonrp96]

man, i was impressed on how quick and easy he picked the bike up, specially on the first time, didn't look like a heavy bike at all.

[@pantera6925]

Picked it up like I pick up my mtb….

[@DukeofBarrence]

What I love about Chris's presentation is just how much his love of riding comes through. It's obvious he's passionate about bikes, and everything involved with bikes, and that makes everything much more entertaining. Cheers

[@skts2610]

If the Legend that is Dave Thorpe can fall off in those conditions, then you did bloody brilliantly👌🏽 I’ve never ridden an Africa twin, but it seems to be the weapon of choice in this category and some👌🏽

[@___SSS___]

9:58 Expectation vs Reality and definition of adventure bike . 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@meinekleineweltreise]

This is an awesome presentation! I’m travelling with my AT standard for five month now and it took me everywhere I wanted. I’m not an off-road guy, but this bike inspired me to take more and more gravelly backcountry roads. Nice video!

[@danielwood7550]

Dave Thorpe what a legend

[@alejandrodemosteyrinmunoz5755]

Finally a bit of sense on the AT review. Yes, it struggles into enduro terrain because it if not an enduro bike. Still, it handles the tough stuff pretty well would say. Nice video! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers!

[@khpjackson1]

Absolutely loved the video. It brought back so many memories of struggling up hills in the hills of Tennessee in my youth.

[@ashwin0985]

Towing the Van was a very practical & instinctive thing to see..👍

[@obliviousthunder]

first time ive ever seen a van towed by a bike or 2 hahaha love it

[@RichyVida]

Loved that, Chris. The track looked a little different from when I visited in the blazing summer! The AT is so capable and grunty in this environment, and this experience is up there with the best of them. As you said, Chris, you can take a little test ride, or come down here and really see what it can do! Top job, as always!

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

Spent a weekend with the Dave Thorpe riding school when they were based on Wales and my ride was the CRF1000L. Top bunch of guys, no b.s. supportive with good banter, and respectful of individuals ability and the routes were awesome.

[@patw9175]

Looks like a ton of fun! There's a reason adv riding is one of the hottest games in motorcycle town these days. And I have to say, the bike world content I've been watching recently is top notch. I can't say enough about the stuff you guys have been putting out, I love it and really appreciate you guys making this stuff for us.

[@coconutz247]

a sick sense of fun is slipping in mud and dropping 500+ pound bikes. haha. yes, they did give us a show!

[@tinymotogarage]

As always, great video. I've come to the conclusion at 52 that I am too lazy for gnarly off-road ADV. It's too much hassle unless it's bone dry or the traction is good. I love my GS700 with decent offroad (TKC70 Rocks) tires, and have had it on loads of single track, but picking it up is a PITA and when you go down, it's pretty hard on the body. There's also the "I can't fix it because it's too complicated" problem and pushing a 250KG bike out of a 10km trail is no good. I bought a smaller, lighter, (much) cheaper and more simple Dual Sport for terrain like this. I love my ADV for going places and dry off-road, but you can keep the mud and slippery stuff for bikes weighing less than 150KG for me. Kudos to those who do though.

[@briarjumper125]

Same for me. My xr600 is for the knar. My klr650 can be surprising in what it is capable of getting through but it’s a lot heavier to pick up than the XR600. My AT is for touring the slab along with way more off road capabilities than I have skill so it’s gravel roads and dry dirt roads when I get the chance.

[@coconutz247]

loved this one. 2nd time i've seen chris. first time he was on a dragstrip eating up plaids. excellent narration. learned a lot for riding my AT offroad. A+

[@daveyadams6970]

Another great video! Keep it up!

[@MadDog-65]

Brilliant video!! So much so I'm off to buy an AT!! Fantastic

[@JoseNobre]

Hey Chris, awesome video, yet again. PSA, to turn the TC off you have to 1) have the custom button set to the TC (it comes preset like that) and then 2) hold it until the TC indicator flashes.

[@hunczar]

Good point; would be great though to have a single button for turning it off.

[@JoseNobre]

@@hunczar true. But then it wouldn't be the AT. The system is not complicated, it's just not as easy as a mobile phone

[@Haritsa-N]

2:34 shifting up without Clutch, at low RPM. You only get it if you know it by experience!

[@davidbadham3712]

The brilliant Berkshire bomber👌 DT presented me with a trophy in 1991(?), Glos MX Club. The man is a legend🖖

[@TrevorATX]

i just love that the bike can be laid down with really 0 damage, its really built for off roading and situations like that. i currently drive a 1000rr cbr but thinking of switching to this beast. different kind of beast, less speed on road but more comfort on and off road, and beast in that way

[@richardrobinson1879]

Another awesome vid Chris. 👏

[@tHaH4x0r]

Great video. Coincidentally I am in the market for a touring ADV bike and the AT is currently on the top of my list. Booked a test ride soon to see what its like myself, but these videos do give some insight as well. Can't wait to see the road-oriented video.

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Looooove my Africa Twin, awsome footage and skills.

[@Achilles22]

Hi Chris owe you an apology, many years ago I made a comment about you long hair. However You have won me over, your riding skills and honest gritty reviews are enlightening. Keep it up humbly your Bigfish

[@mitchwinder1204]

I turn 60 later this month. I’d have ridden with you guys in that video. But on my 450L. I’ve decided I’m too old for an A/T. Which bothers me because I really wanted one. But I’ve got no business being on one in conditions like that.

[@2WheelsRoadTraveler]

Great review!Keep up the good work!

[@Porsche996driver]

That’s different ADV tow vehicle. Beautiful hills and trails!

[@henk96]

Chris picked that bike up like it was a 250!!

[@threethrushes]

Other children: when I grow up, I want to be a train driver, doctor, astronaut, zzz. Dave Thorpe: when I grow up, I want an adventure centre named after me.

[@hunczar]

Bucket list visit to the center. Hopefully soon.

[@nateryan7041]

Excellent review i think ill see if i can go to Dave Thorpe's place and check out the at im thinking of swaping it out instead of my gs im really conflicted between the 2 bikes !!

[@chrisfurby8241]

Just watching that was exhausting 😂 Great stuff 👍

[@caridinaintruder4218]

Another great video. A little note: The title says "Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport" while it's just the AT standard (not the ATAS).

[@pyrodoll2422]

Absolutely loved this vid. I need to get down to his place some time as I own an ATAS which I wouldn't dream of taking on anything more than dirty lanes but I reckon there's tonnes I could learn about my own bike in all situations doing something like this. 🤞 some day.

[@markmccann-wood2225]

Great video! And credit to those Bridgestone AX41'S for a 50/50 tyre (if I've got the right tyre?) WOW! - Got same on my CRF300L & super pleased with them. Bike & riding center look great!

[@PaulBartontreegazer]

Great video - oddly comforting to see a few drops by a pro! I did a day there last year and bought an AT soon after. I’m no off-road hero but it’s a great bike.

[@ricardobaratamartins3915]

love the video, well done

[@Anatoli50]

If you really want to enjoy the AT off road invest in top quality grippy tires and consider dropping one tooth on the front countersprocket. Attempting anything like depicted in the video on stock tires is just lunacy. These bikes are really heavy to pick up, harder than the heavier BMW boxers. The excellent fueling at low engine speeds and 270 degree crank really help in finding traction. I have 5 years of trouble free riding on mine. It’s a keeper.

[@terrystratford1235]

What does 1 tooth less on front sprocket do?can it be done on dct?

[@محمدمهدیمحمدی-ه6ه]

Africa twin phenomenal bike👑👑👑

[@Anonymous-qx9hs]

There is nothing better than Japanese bikes reliability and the peace of mind they offer. After all a reliable bike will get you through any terrain.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You can't take a big bike offroad. Chris Birch: What is this crazy talk?!

[@MarcinWojtczuk]

The mass of the bike creates problems completly unknown to CRF 250L. I was very inspired by great sound and luggage capacity of Africa Twin, but inability to travel paths that I would not even consider problematic on 250 is really discouraging. And I ain't no champion, started offroading 03 '22. Interesting material though, thanks. The max speed and acceleration of Africa Twin actually makes me think should I replace my Kawasaki Vulcan with Honda. Maybe I should. But 1100L is no match for 250L off road, sorry.

[@martyn_g]

No, it’s not. Anyone that would argue with that is a bit silly! AT is for mostly on road, and big, wide open dirt tracks. I don’t think Honda market it any different from that.

[@gcSpec13]

As an experienced street rider, would you recommend going crf300l or just jump to the africa twin for getting my adv/off road skills up

[@painsrides]

As a rider in both worlds(on and off road), I can't can't come to terms with ADV bikes which aren't either. I feel ADV's are compromises to both types of riding. Loads of power, heavy weight and handicapped tires.... not a good mix for the off-road.

[@crazykyy]

Do you think that this is a competitor for the new Ducati DesertX (or vice versa)? Visually they are quite similar, but I haven't dug into the specs of each to make that determination.

[@TrevorATX]

go with honda even if its because of pure reliability lol honda so good last so long. ducati not so much

[@christinegreen7120]

If you take traction control to 'minimum' then hold the button it'll go to zero which is off.

[@stevepreston3151]

A great video Chris if it was tricky for you in the slippery muddy tracks how are we going to cope, I’m down there in July hope it is dry for us mere mortals, keep the brilliant content coming

[@shabs2134]

I'm looking to buy an adventure tourer next year to take on long tours through Europe, Asia and Africa (10,000+ mile journeys)...just don't know what to go for. I'm stuck between the Africa Twin, Tiger Rally Explorer, next years new GS1300R, KTM 1290 Adventure, and even the Ducati Desert X. They all seem pretty good, just hard to make up my mind.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

All of those bikes will deliver comfortable perches over hundreds and hundreds of miles but Honda or Triumph = very dependable comprehensive reliability.

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Dave not even out of breath 😂 all in a days work, absolute legend. That was some tough conditions for such a big machine. Brilliant video.

[@mikemerrill175]

Headed to RawHyde adventure camp today to get some training on my GS. This vid caused a “pucker”.

[@robertborker179]

I want an Africa Twin badly! However, because of the cost, I've considering a Kawasaki KLX300 instead. I keep vacillating, because I know I'll be happier wth the Africa Twin, but I could pay off the KLX300 way faster. Towing that van out of the woods with the Africa Twins is incredibly impressive, though!

[@ianblair5032]

I really want to do a course at the Honda off-road centre now!!! Any links would be appreciated!! And suggestions!

[@Roberta_Esposito]

5:10 Not sure I stick my arm in there

[@Wyatt039]

Also seen your ktm 1290 SAR. So.... which would you choose if only 1 bike in the garage?? Quality videos you put out here! Thank you!

[@1MrBryn]

DCT vs Manual on these kinds of roads? Always wondered

[@empty5953]

One of my favourite motorcycle

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Awesome review! You hit it spot on. These bikes are not single track slayers we rode in our youth, in full dirt, wide open. But these get you 98% everywhere across countries and continents, very very well. I absolutely love mine. I see all Dave's bikes have stock crash bars. How have they held up? Do you happen to know? I have same but haven't tested them yet, and was wondering if I needed an upgrade. Thanks. Cheers for such a wonderful review and story ehhh 🇨🇦

[@fizzy49cc]

Thorpe/Noyce true legends (an over used word these days) Watching them race was a lesson in skill, strength & controlled madness. I don't get the adventure bike thing. Is it like Range Rovers for bikers? I have a Blade with an old TS for green laning. Together they cost me half the price of that Honda (a long time ago admittedly). Each to his own of course. Great video all the same. Keep 'em coming. BTW in my youth a took a newish BMW K100 (courtesy hack) off road it was dry & not as bumpy as your video, it was surprising how far I got with it. So come on Chris off road an S1000R show us what you are made off (joke)

[@alrightdave6135]

Luddite

[@mikemerrill175]

I have trouble with tossing a $20-30 K bike down the trail

[@fizzy49cc]

@@alrightdave6135 wotz that then

[@dynamotightstar3472]

Sold my AT today. I'm a bit sad. I've ridden mine off road plenty and it's just too heavy. It's too top heavy for me in those conditions. I'm 2.5yrs into riding off road and I should've waited til I was more experienced. The stock pegs on my 2017 AT DCT were trash too. Oh and whilst I'm at it, try the DCT off road. My traction was terrible. Turned completely off everytime. One simple button for it. You handled it like a beast mate. That's a big ol' bike.

[@512mbflashdrive]

i use a 21 atas dct for installing custom hunting blinds off trail in the forest. amazing machine! love the dct off road especially with a heavy load on the bike. it's nice to stand on the pegs without having to shift my weight to shift gears.

[@thinkdunson]

4:22 i swear it looks like he just decided to have a bit of a lie down to rest up while the other dude was standing around spinning his tires. like, "what are you doing? oh well, i'll just have a break then."

[@keyboarddancers7751]

That bike seemed "relatively" easy to pick up especially with crash bars fitted. Would probably be even easier with soft saddle bags. Those very muddy conditions are an excellent test of a bike's credentials especially with 50/50 tyres. If I was crossing very isolated/remote territories I'd rather be on an AT than any of the other big ADV machines. I'd happily trade their massive horse power for the Honda's dependability.

[@dariocp87]

Why there’s no bikes with traction at the front wheel? 2x2 bikes! For off-road purposes it can save you from a lot of trouble!

[@charliebaker3389]

I'm probably the only one but Id like to see an xadv go round there.

[@baldandbiking]

Im certainly not experienced at off-roading but that slip you had there was definitely caused by having no TC. Off roaders want the TC off but the default mode for off road on the Twin still has some. Then again at 5:12 you can see the TC would have stopped you cold. It may have saved from spinning out rear tire and laying you down like that. No worries though, looks like you ate your wheaties that morning because you picked it up like nothing, which is no small feat for a 550 lb bike. And then again at 4:39 you fell on the hill and looks like you picked it up with one blinkin arm! What are you? Superman?

[@TrevorATX]

dude i was thinking the same fucking thing lmao these bikes are HEAVY and he was just picking the up like they are nothing!!!

[@andrewhamilton-gill]

If you two keep falling and struggling should be a doddle.

[@chrishart8548]

Got that Africa twin back up like it was a 250 at 4.40

[@SimonBrisbane]

With the next TFT update I can see Honda putting in another warning at switch-on. “Not intended for towing Transit Vans”..

[@MS-ji6oj]

Are these bikes on DCT systems? How good is this system for offroad?

[@alan36753]

You’re right. Hopefully next years bike will weigh a bit more and have more electronics but have an extra 23hp so it should tackle those muddy trails much better

[@anxiousappliance]

Did a guy on the crf 300 bring coffee and donuts periodically, while watching the mud wrestling? LOL

[@hunczar]

Stock bash plate and stock “light bar” . . . Seems to do the job!

[@Anatoli50]

My stock bash plate caved in the bottom of the sump. Fortunately both parts are replaceable without splitting the cases. Invest in a quality aftermarket bash plate if you ride off road.

[@hunczar]

@@Anatoli50 I agree for tough off-road. Curious what caused the damage for you? My experience, which is anectodal as any, has been fine for fire road and paths where there are not a lot of rocks, stumps, etc.

[@Anatoli50]

It was a brick shaped rock kicked up by the front tire. A fluke, but ended the ride many miles up in the mountains. I borrowed a bike, rode home, and came back with the van and trailer.

[@hunczar]

@@Anatoli50 ugh. That's def a hard lesson to learn about bash plates.

[@curtisbull1583]

Which bike is the better 50/50 bike, Africa Twin DCT or Harleys new Pan America? Both bike having electric suspension which one has the better suspension and handling? Thanks

[@ryanmalone2681]

The Transit shit was pretty cool.

[@chrishart8548]

Wonder if the transit would have made it in reverse?

[@slakk5093]

Was hoping you'd jump on the 300L's as a comparison

[@Paulthenutter34]

Was Dave on a DCT?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Yes he was.

[@bsmukler]

So cool, but you do realize that Honda will now have to reprint their owner’s manual to include an advisory not to engage in dual uphill towing of Transit vans.

[@imranibnismail]

This or the desertx!?

[@Skiamakhos]

I've signed up for this course in March - can I ask, which level of course did you go for? I know there's 3 levels offered, and I've gone for the beginner one. Possibly slightly unorthodox of me: I'm a returning biker who bought an Africa Twin DCT believing it to be possibly easier to handle than the manual but then the first time I tried to ride it, my muscle memory led me to grab for the clutch which didn't exist, then the front brake, which dumped me & the bike on the road. Because I'm in a close that's itself off a close with so many parked cars around I've not ridden the bike since, as the potential for damage is huge in such narrow & crowded conditions. What I hope to get out of the course is basically a couple of days on a DCT AT so I can learn how to handle it. If I get good off road, that's great but secondary - if they just put me tootling around a field or gravelly car park for hours I will be a happy guy. I want to be able to come home & just get straight on my bike & be able to ride it. Looking at the trails you did I think I may find it a challenge but will I at least get what I'm aiming to get out of it?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

We didn’t really follow the course, it’s was more of a freestyle thing.

[@livesgas]

Watching this had made me realise, large adventure bikes are no good off road in the wet.

[@neilsolomon9149]

Honda. ❤️

[@FavoriteScenes5999]

It’s too bad tyre for such condition.

[@miro_s]

Have seen you go fast off-road, but hadn’t seen you drop a bike before.

[@ismailraja8734]

The World's best Tracks can be found in Northern Areas ok Pakistan they are not unbelievably beautiful and challenging

[@182mcg1]

Expensive motorcycle don't have steering damper?

[@RoyClendaniel]

I found the AT way too soft and wallowy. Give me a hard, chattery, focused KTM on the trail anyday.

[@KoenPrins]

I had been wondering, how hard is it to pick that rather heavy bike up. Answer: without any luggage, not that hard at all.

[@alanbstard4]

I suspect they'd be better than the big GS off toad

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

240kg 'off roading' whilst 3/4 mile away from your house. I really dont get it But fun to watch

[@tHaH4x0r]

The non AS, non DCT version of the AT weighs closer to 220kg than 240.

[@defylifeadventure]

Normally I would agree, I use my ADV bikes for long distance touring across all terrains e.g. Doing trips around Morocco, or riding around South America etc.. But actually I've also had great fun on my 890 on the dirt roads around my town in Spain. Fantastic mountain views, good tracks, freedom. Very different from riding a slippery wet green lane somewhere in England or Wales.

[@100CupsColombia]

She's a top heavy old bugger compared to the 790-But a lovely old gal anyways

[@mrbookends]

Chris dropped a bike?! What alternate reality is this???

[@jamest5149]

Brilliant but also,why I don’t ride off road… say to much time wet, cold, muddy, stuck or on your face huffing and puffing 🥵

[@josephtan4557]

the best

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Needs ohlins and a termi. Transforms the bike.

[@strokenumber3]

Tommy's boss

[@182mcg1]

Tyres problem use same tyres as motocross

[@jamesdumas6602]

"If you're thinking of a Africa Twin you can go to a Honda dealership and take one for a 2 hour spin." That statement is so Bullshit! No Honda dealerships where I live in north Florida will let you take any bike out for a test ride. I've asked that a dozen times in the last year alone. And, I'm still riding my 2008 KLR650 for that reason.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Why is it bullshit, it’s not our fault the US dealers don’t trust you with the bikes! 😂

[@jamesdumas6602]

@@BikeWorldTVshow It's "Bullshit" because you're making statements that are just NOT true.