Honda Africa Twin - Best Adventure Bike? Pros and Cons after 35.000km - different perspective

Honest detailed review from a Real owner pointing out pros and cons from an unusual perspective. Someone who rides and services the bike at home.

[@isibw0]

Hello my friend. I own a 2023 AT adventure sport ES model and in general i agree with your review. The only think i can mention is that electronic suspension for me is very crucial. Im riding many times alone and also many times with my wife and i can handle this weight difference with the touch of one single button. I dont have to count clicks and get of the bike as i have done with the other bikes i had in the past. In terms of reliability of electonic suspension over time perhaps you are right and manual ones are more reliable. But im not sure yet. Time will show. Thank you for your efford to make so well organized videos. Greetings from Greece.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment. you have a excellent point. Indeed the electronic suspension is very convenient. My point is that years ahead it may be cause of headache. but considering that honda makes quality components, I'm sure it will perdure along decades .best regards

[@dragankovacevic5066]

well done for the video all the comments are spot on. I have an Africa twin with a DST gearbox which is fantastic and it is an advantage over the competition for now

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

having dct alone makes it worth wile vs bmw and the weight in heavy city traffice where scooters can't drive. offroad would be so much easier also. my CTX with dct is a dream !

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

top box is where its suppossed to be on the end to give most space to passenger; use panniers boxes for weiight distribution. excellent notes on pros/cons. All bikes are difficult for maintenance but sure costs more on a few others.

[@MrLuk78]

thanks for your comment. It could just be a little closer to the back seat . It's a bit further away than the Bmws and sure it would still allow a pillow with confort

[@mc0974]

I agree with you, I may add another point on why I chose the ATAs manual in black…it’s a beautiful bike! Thank you, your videos are always very detailed and professional!

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment. You're definitely right!

[@MrPchubare]

Very good review. Very well done. Good points!

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for the comment !

[@danielkramer8586]

Excellent review of the pros and cons. Another con is the information display that is prone to malfunction when subjected to high heat. Honda has extended the warranty to 10 years on this part because of this issue, which only affects some bikes. My screen would freeze up or would not allow me to access certain screens that required the toggle to be put in the left position. I would also lose connection with Google Maps over and over. I finally got the display replaced and now it is fine. Not good for an adventure bike! By the way, what year is your bike? Thanks for a great job!!!

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! nowadays I have the 2024 adventure dct version. The one I had (object of that review) was a 2021 model. I rode for over 42000km and got it replaced for the adv I have now. As for the freezing of the dashboard , It happened to me a couple of times, including on my new one. It usually bugs in very high temperatures. (Over 38C) But all you have to do is to hard reset the system that it will resume with all its functions. I had a problem particularly with the left hand button which moves the menus to the right or left. It freezes with overheat. (Happened a couple of times ) probably going to report to the dealer on my next service. best regards.

[@danielkramer8586]

@@MrLuk78 Exactly the problem I had! Mine would malfunction at less than 32 C. You ride in some hot temperatures!!! Keep in mind that it is a known issue by Honda and they will replace it for free up to 10 years. The unit is made by Garmin and I think the one they replaced mine with was the 4th version. Do you like the Adventure DCT version more than your '21 standard?

[@VinceVeeMan]

I own a 2021 and I don’t regret anything about my purchase.

[@MrLuk78]

thanks for your comment!

[@christosmichael8936]

We need a video about change spark plugs please

[@mattyb7736]

No you don't, its about a 6 to 8 hour job to get to the 2 inner plugs. Tank off, throttle bodies out, wiring loom etc radiators dont have to come out but you need to unbolt all the mounts. If you're in there to do plugs, do the valve clearances as well, thats another several hours work, if you need to remove the cam to do the inlet shims.

[@mrjay4000]

I appreciate your videos, I bought the same bike recently. Struggling through learning the left thumb controls has been my biggest issue and I reluctantly embraced Android Auto. I attached a pen light under my helmut com control just so I could see the thumb controls night riding 😁. Now I am pretty used to it and really enjoy the bike and the cruise. For off roading I installed the LSK Dongle, one button push will turn off all the tech except front abs and you can even set memory so it stays off. The previous owner installed a 15 tooth front sprocket and I really like the gearing only my instruments are out. I wish there was a dongle to correct that.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! reading your points you made me remember 2 other negative points: 1- controls are not illuminated which is quite annoying at night. 2 - connectivity with android auto/apple car play is such a pain at times. It disconnects out of the blue. I've tried many different cables and still persists. Perhaps some dust on the USB port. However, I still prefer to use my phone directly instead of connecting. Another point is that you cannot charge without connecting fully into android auto. Thanks for the tip on the dongle. Didn't know about it.Best regards

[@euconstantin]

Comprehensive review, obrigado.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! Best regards

[@robertbotoole]

Great review. I have the same model, same colour. I don't get the power gap on my AT in the UK, so maybe is fuel related.

[@robertbotoole]

I have a large tank bag, Enduristan, which blocks the turbulence. And wide and tall WRS Capo Nord screen. Are you using Mitas tyres? I might try the new Enduro Trail XT+, as the trails in England are very muddy over the winter.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! It's probably a fuel adjustment they've made here in Brazil to comply the bike with the emissions regulations. But you can sort this out by remmaping the fuel injection. Good tip on the bag! Best regards

[@MrLuk78]

I have a video on the channel talking about pros and cons of the mitas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inu9fWOloc-BfLcfeature=shared . Overall, for my purpose (off road, on road and durability) it's the one of the best tyres. Perhaps heidenau will also be at the same level. best regards

[@brianhoward9217]

great vid, very thoughtful - thank you. Sorry if I missed you mentioning it but what year model is your bike in the video?

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! My bike is the 2022 manual version (1100L). I'm sure it varies from country to country, but it's is the most basic model. best regards

[@mbc126500]

Got a 2022 africa twin, same color same setup. Done 20k through Europe now, and I totally agree with your points, except- I like the seat. Would mention the android auto which makes long rides on highway more pleasant with navi, podcast, music and more. Have had suzuki, bmw and yamaha, but i believe this one is here to stay, we are a match. With fully adventure packing it goes 24km/liter on paved roads. No power lack between 2-4000rpm just a mass of torque.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment. I agree with you on android Auto. It does help quite a lot and not all bikes have it. However, I still prefer to use the phone on a holder. Found a bit more straight forward. best regards!

[@mattyb7736]

The indicator switch i find is perfectly placed. I have the DCT and the left thumb naturally goes from the downshift button to the indicator as im downshifting coming to a corner. I got used to it very rapidly.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your input. best regards

[@Grimmi112]

Hello and thank you for sharing your opinion. I bought an AT and will be picking it up next month. I saw the GPS holder. Please allow me to ask questions about this. Which one did you install? Where did you install the power supply? Thank you very much for your help. Best regards from Germany to Brazil.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment and congratulations on your new bike! You made an excellent purchase. I bought the support from aliexpress, which is similar to the givi one. Just go there and type gps support africa twin 1100L our adventure if it is yours. I changed the position of the bar in order to place the GPS it in a lower position. In this way it remained more stable. I have 2 videos on the channel showing a detailed installation of the gps and power supply which I placed on the power plug wire that comes on the bike. Here are the links to both videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn-vq5ymn6mrebM kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpO9oHZ6Z7x0a8U Hope it helps and greetings from Brazil to Germany !

[@Grimmi112]

@ THX for your fast response and your huge varity of content.

[@MrHermann58]

Bin 18 Jahre BMW GS gefahren, habe jetzt die AT bin total begeistert, kann Dir an den meisten Punkten zustimmen , würde das Bike wieder kaufen

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! I've had BMWs for years but nowadays they are prioritizing confort and technology but are kind of neglecting durability. Not sure if we will see bmw 1300 riding on the roads in 40 years time as you see the old GS. best regards

[@danielkramer8586]

@@MrLuk78 Which GS is your favorite?

[@MrLuk78]

Well, I was a big fan of the GS. had them subsequently for almost 20 years . Up until 2018 all GSs were fantastic, differing only on the type of riding that suits for a particular type of riding. of all I had, I’d pick the f800gs 2014 std version (when they introduced traction control ) and the r1200gs 2011 (adventure and std version)those 2 were absolutely perfect in all respects. However , I also like the g650gs sertão that I had. Only had a problem with the side stand. Nowadays , BMWs no longer catch my attention. I suppose they look too much technologicall and fragile at some extent . I may be completely wrong and would certainly buy one again. The r1300 trophy is the one that I like most. But first they need to sort all all the electronics issues they are presenting. in a couple of years it will be a bike to consider.

[@danielkramer8586]

@@MrLuk78 I don't like how the 1300s look. They no longer look rugged and of high quality. Like you said, they probably won't be around on the road in 40 years like the 1200s. I had a 2008 1200GS and did all my own maintenance. Do you think they were easy to work on until 2018? Thanks for your reply!

[@xhioni]

2023 AT (non AS) DCT. Perfection. Zero faults. Period.

[@nelsonleandrogomesdasilva4813]

Excellent analysis, I just didn't get the consumption autonomy you mentioned. I've already filled up with Premium and maybe my hand didn't help. On Gasoline I managed just over 20 km/l with an average speed of 110 km/h.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! I should´ve mentioned on the video that petrol consumption depends on the version of the bike. The manual standard version is the one I have. It´s the most economically because it´s lighter. If you have the dct version, it consumes 10/15% more. If you have the adventure version, a bit more. Also, you i´ve noticed that the tyre and inner tube used (4 mm and heavy) impact in the consumption. For examples, when i had the genuine tyre with genuine inner tube the bike performed even better in terms o fuel consumption. The 22 km /l i measured after resenting the counter before doing a 9.000km trip last year. i got a bit over on the average and usually ride at an average of 120 km/h. But you can be sure that the AT is more economical than the BMW GSs and, perhaps, triumphs. Honda prioritizes petrol efficiency. But agree it´s kind of subjective. One thing that i can certainly assure you is that it consumes less than the f850 gs standard edition.

[@danielkramer8586]

Slow down to 97 and your mileage will improve.

[@mrbambix]

Quick question how did you get that extra lower bar in the givi gps mount? I have the same mount and my Garmin is on the upper bar it bounces just too much. Please share some info or pictures if you can? Thank you for the video greets Leo

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! as for tve mount, I have drilled a hole so that it would be closer to the dashboard thus shaking less. In order to strengthen the structure I placed a bar on the top holes. I had an old bar that I cut in order to fit the lenght of the support. As you can see from some of my videos it doesn't shake much. It' s preety much fine. Alternatively you buy a simpler support from aliexpress market place and use the tube. These supports are quite cheap there. Hope it helps. Best regards

[@terrystratford1235]

I bought the zumo xt2 with touratech lock, mounted above tft. It was vibrating so bad I thought it was going to break off! That was just on the road! I emailed the manufacturer of the bar explaining the problem! The reply was....yeh, we know! I was flabbergasted at the honesty! I now have it on the handlebars!

[@ribce]

I have one and I’m proud of my decision, I have a DCT model 2022 . From my opinion the lights could be better to . Until now it’s the best bike I ever had.

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment! good point.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

the new AS model makes it perfect with adjustable seat, suspension. DCT is a must.

[@danielkramer8586]

What tools do you recommend carrying with the bike on trips? What size sockets or wrenches?

[@MrLuk78]

usually I carry from 6 up to 16 sockets . All the ones you find on the bike. in also carry a 27 and a 22 for the wheels. I carry a couple of pliers and one that locks. Also a set of Allen keys and some wire and zip ties .

[@喬慧平]

Do you have a video of changing the water in the water tank?

[@MrLuk78]

You can find it on the following video from my channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/faGTdaGwm6eVZ7M Radiator collant maintenance

[@GerardMcmullan]

Hi friend thinking of getting an at adventure but I hate all of the electronics it is all two much is it possible to remove it from the bike

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks for your comment. . If you mean the suspensions, I think it's possible.Just deactivate from the ecm and replace with the std AT. best regards

[@jaimealbertorosalesduran1956]

MUY BUENO

[@carvalhonj]

Sigo seus videos e sao excelentes, mas posso considerar que esse foi o melhor ate agora. Direto ao ponto com honestidade e clareza e sem forçar a barra em nada. Me trouxe clareza sobre o que me tem feito gostar dessa moto rsrs. A menos de um ano eu tinha uma KLR 650 e uma Yamaha Tracer, apartir da KLR comecei a gostar muito desse estilo de moto. Decidi comprar uma 2017 Africa 1000 DCT com apenas 542 milhas pra substituir a KLR. A moto estava zero, o dono anterior havia comprado zero 2 anos depois do ano de fabricao, ou seja em 2019 e eu comprando dele em 2023. Tinha curiosidade sobre o DCT e minha ideia era usar ela por 1 ano no maximo seguindo tbm com a Tracer…Resumo da historia, gostei tanto da Africa e do DCT (mesmo sendo a primeira geracao DCT) que praticamente deixei a Tracer encostada. Em 10 meses rodei 7000 milhas e normalmente eu rodava no maximo 4000 por ano. Resolvi fazer uns upgrades e seguir com a moto. Tenho possibilidade de ter uma moto “melhor” mas de verdade depois de analisar bem nao vejo necessidade por agora, estou satisfeito com o que tenho. Sinto que a Africa me atende em tudo e ainda digo que rodo 90% asfalto. Fiz varios test ride esse ano das proprias marcas (triumph, suzuki, yamaha, BMW) e te digo que nao senti que minha humilde africa estava tao longe daquilo que eu busco no meu proprio estilo de pilotagem e necessidade. A GS1300 é incrivel, mas nem sempre aquilo que parece ser o “melhor”, é de fato o melhor que se encaixa com o que buscamos. Parabens pelo video, abraço.

[@MrLuk78]

Muito obrigado pelo comentário! eu procurei falar o que realmente acho sobre a moto dentro do que busco. Eu tive diversas BMWs mas notei que de uns anos para cá, o foco mudou para conforto e technologia em detrimento da durabilidade. As motos estão cada vez mais sendo feitas para serem descartadas. Nesse ponto acho que a AT resiste, sendo uma moto que irá perdurar. as antigas GS eram verdadeiros tratores que duram até os dias de hoje. Não tenho certeza se veremos as f850 e 1300gs nas ruas em 40 anos, como vemos as 1150 e as 600. Enfim, a honda e a Yamaha ainda se mantém na filosofia da durabilidade. grande abs!

[@danielkramer8586]

@@MrLuk78 What is the 600?

[@MrLuk78]

@@danielkramer8586I meant the g650gs which you can old models everywhere.

[@Konstantino41]

I have done 50k km on my Africa twin , and I suppose that’s the best motorcycle, daily commute is ok,adventure riding in different kinds of terrain is ok , and of course Honda’s reliability)

[@MrLuk78]

Thank for your comment. For commuting it serves well as it is petrol efficient. best regards!

[@adrianw3985]

So you get about 50+ MPG for my American brothers watching this...

[@MrLuk78]

Thanks!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

maintenance is still easioer than bmw. Then compare to harley !

[@MrLuk78]

never had Harleys. Apart from some specific tools required , I just find tha t BMWs, specially the 1200, allow a bit more room to work o the bike. it's a very subjective viewpoint. Best regards

[@robsonenduro3316]

and no word about rust, bad welding etc etc....

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

yes the ehaust guard willl be the first to rust as it does on my 500x. for sitting indoors ! BMW covers will never rust; tarnish. Sorry--- Id still get the AT AS