Honda Africa Twin BEST BIKE I've Ever Rode! - REVIEW

G'day guys, this Africa Twin blew me away... I was expecting a big heavy lump of a bike, but ended up being the best bike I've ever rode! Hope you enjoy :-) Cheers... Mark
THANK YOU DARCY you're a LEGEND!
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[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Great bike looks like you had a bunch of fun it was good of Darcy to let you borrow it. I have the DCT version [automatic gear box] and have done several off road days with Honda , its a lot easier to pick up than the 1200 GS too. A very nimble stead and lots of power to get you out [or into] trouble, if you get another off road ride turn the ABS off via the button to the front right and select the traction control to 1 or 2 via what is the flasher button on other bikes. The one thing missing on it for long journeys is cruise control which is standard on the 1200GS.

[@matthewwhite7891]

Love the review - especially the no-spec everyman perspective - needs to be more of this - what it feels like to ride, not dimensions, power & torque etc... Awesome Bush scenery (the bike seems made for it), but I would have preferred the soundtrack of the Arrow (rather than the music) - but you can’t please everyone. Good work.

[@Caradin22]

Love the Africa Twin. Going to be my next bike for sure!!!

[@target3842]

Whatever gets the older models down in price

[@chestnut1969]

I’ve got the CRF 250 Rally (Africa Single lol) Africa Twin is my next upgrade

[@digitalcommerce4592]

Had many 1200GSA’s, and big KTM’s. My Africa Twin is a no nonsense, reliable partner on any journey..

[@MrKdr500]

I own a 1290 superduke, 1190 adventure R, 790 duke and an Africa twin adventure sport..... the Honda is not the best at anything but it's the nicest bike overall, If i could only keep one bike it would be the Honda.

[@sumpoiler]

MrKdr500 how do you like the 790 Duke ??

[@chuckugly]

This seems to be a very common sort of comment. Less to love maybe about the AT than some others but nothing to hate, and a lot of all around competence.

[@mountainconstructions]

Agreed chuckigly, i've heard the exact same sentiment said of it in nearly all reviews.... From Europe to America.

[@kjaw7278]

MrKdr500 Thanks, I have both an RT1200 and a GS1200 and am looking at the 2020 ATS for reliability, lower operating costs and maintenance fees. I do mostly long distance touring that takes me off road for about 40% of the time. Do you think I’d miss the handling of the GS in the corners etc?

[@Rustyfinger]

Freakin ace review, cheers mucker. First time here and I just saw the tag line at the end, Adventure before dementia, brilliant

[@ZSharkPH]

That Africa twin is a sweet machine... But loaded up with gear going long distance.. I wouldn't trade my DR650 for anything :) And keep the extra thousands of dollars in my pocket for travel :)

[@trevorjameson3213]

I wouldn't trade my DR650 for anything either, no way, not ever! But it is fun to see Mark riding and reviewing it, I'm glad he goes to all the trouble, it's great.

[@mrfechu6281]

Loaded up with gear and going long distance is where you really want the AT. You are in love with your bike and I understand it perfectly, but for a non biased rider, no doubt...

[@streetgangtm]

I thought the same thing until I got married haha, even my KLR is too small for two people on long distance rides. I wouldn't trade my DCT Africa Twin for anything

[@TheGaitedHorseman]

@@mrfechu6281 000of 00

[@skydaddy2426]

Why would you trade it. Your klr was probably a couple grand. Hopefully you own it. Just buy a Africa Twin. Cant ever have to many bikes. I'll never get rid of my drz400 but that doesn't mean I cant own multiple bikes. I guess I just have a problem buying bikes tho lol.

[@timferrell1638]

G'day Mark. I had just convinced myself that the Africa Twin was a tall, heavy bike that was best for wannabe posers. Then, you ride it an love it. Bloody hell!

[@everettanderson1000]

rode all my life, all types of bikes street and dirt, allways hated honda. for many a reason, but since getting a africa twin ive changed my opinion. bloody hell indeed. lol

[@boomerhgt]

Everett Anderson Hate Honda that's just dumb they make fabulous motorcycles that are bulletproof unlike many other bikes that fall to bits . KTM Ducati Harley Davidson ect ect

[@JONSMITHYOUTUBE]

I think you found your next bike..

[@عابرسبيل-و5ي1س]

thanks for sharing .. wana see you try the X adv 750 in the same track

[@tsmith235]

5ft8inches can't touch the ground. Damn. I like it too.

[@LTN16]

Good stuff mark. Looks like it had a bit more power then Charlie lol

[@CCShad]

“I’m not getting into all that bullshit” lol awesome

[@ColoradoForestBeings]

“Aerin point ei” love your accent mate!

[@TravelsWithATwist]

Oh man I want one of these so bad. I think it can replace like 6 of your bikes for offroad and touring :) G'day guys

[@robertkollath8929]

Thank you for the wonderful review have you compared it to the 2018 or the 2020 yet?

[@BikerBits]

No I haven't.

[@boomerhgt]

You seen how much it costs way too expensive

[@moontrekerben7801]

I have a Tiger Xva 2017... My friend got a Africa twin 2018. suppose to by " the bike" adventure... 1st On road as fare as performances... getting in curves... an accélération ..handling The Africa is simply not there... The fun factor is on my side by fare. Off road.... yeah... well... Good bike... but with several kilometers .. He never follow the pace that i put... I have another friend that bought an Africa twin... is a very good off road rider.... I look foward to ride with hin... Publicity is one thing... riding all year long is an other one

[@ozjohnno]

I have only heard good things about the Africa twin offroad. Off road, they are incredible, on paved highway, incredibly boring

[@T3merity]

I didnt know riding on the highway was supposed to be fun...

[@FrankFurther]

*ridden

[@BIG-K]

So you liked it then 😊. Some bikes make a great first impression don't they. I've heard that the automatic (DCT) version is a peach too. Start saving, Mark 😉 KOR 👍

[@Dawgs241]

I've been looking to get into the dual sport scene, Xr650l or Dr650..etc, however I noticed the prices are going down on these. I am going to go with the Africa. IMO, it is the best looking adventure bike, resembling more of a dual sport on steroids.

[@colinamos8447]

Had Mine for 6 weeks and it felt like i had owned it my whole lif after the first 50 metres. What an absolutely fantastic motorcycle I think you should get one soon.:-)

[@ScratchBabble]

Love that bike! And you're right...we're making people dumber in the name of safety! There's sensible safety and then there's "worried about stupid people suing me" safety!

[@BigRigRich]

Scratch Babble simple attrition of the stupid by their own demise, might help us all. Just joking.

[@ScratchBabble]

Big Rig Rich Jumper The thinning of the herd!

[@Cayoot]

Just cleaning out the bottom end of the gene pool Scratch Babble. BTW, I also really enjoy your channel!

[@ScratchBabble]

Cayoot Hey thank you Cayoot! That's very kind.

[@DakarBlues]

Scratch Babble more like ‘let the Darwin awardees prosper’ type of safety

[@deepsouthNZ]

ive just bought a brand new cb500x that is going to get the rally raid treatment, it will be like a 'Halfrica twin'

[@Sam-w9des]

how is it? in the real world? stock still or rally treatment?

[@PatYouells]

@@Sam-w9des I have a 500X that I bought over the Africa Twin. Real world usage I find it to be a very comfortable highway cruiser. I get 75mpg and I commute about an hour every day 11 months out of the year on it. Its not a real offroader in its stock form though. You could do fireroads and light trails, but you're not going to be out ripping it up. I also considered going to the Rally raid kit but I also own a Dr650, so the idea of having a second, heavier offroad bike seemed a bit overkill for my actual use case. If it was my only bike I would get the RR kit though and you could ride it around the world. I'm fully convinced this bike could do a world tour. I pull 80mph cruising without any stress. Way easier than on my bigger cc DR.

[@toby7504]

Have to agree on making people stupid...all the driver aid in modern cars make people sleepy behind the wheel...and phones make it worse... Its awsome bike..its on the top of my wish list for santa....great review mate Cheers

[@WulfOnTheRun]

Bit of a longer test ride on this one mate. A trip around the block 18 months ago obviuosly wasnt enough..... Get one...you need one Andy

[@bradb9146]

Will Mr.Victor sell off the contents of his stable in order to clear a space for his own Africa Twin ? Tune in within the next month to see the answers to questions like these , and many more . = ) lol

[@phillippayne8170]

you weren't rambling mate thats just the adrenalin great editing mate your a inspiration

[@brianharrigan8821]

Hey riders ! If you want a great ride/ your, on any machine , do it solo with your gear , and when you want your partner along , make sure they have their own bike and gear ! Then it is truly an enjoyable experience!!! Cheers

[@jefftaswelder9154]

Dam mate you was loving it and you got us all to join in and enjoy your ride experience :) well done :) It was great to watch as you truly was having the time of your life and it really showed :) 2 thumbs up from me :) Keep well mate :)

[@W3TFART]

Great looking bike I’d love one but my short legs say no . Do you think you’d keep the DR if you got one of them ? Great review ,hope you washed it 😝

[@PragmaticTornado]

Early March, and winter still rages on here in Norway. I miss my Africa Twin (2018 Adventure Sport) so much now that it almost hurts. These videos help, a little bit. Can't wait for spring. I actually think it's the best bike I have ever owned, due to the fact that it can pretty much do anything, with the right tires. Running Heidenau K60 Scouts on mine (50/50 tires). Very good for long trips on tarmac, and even better off-road.

[@damonkinter999]

The Africa Twin is a fantastic bike. I love mine and can't seem to get enough of it. I would have liked to se Nay on the back for part of your review. The bike works well two up also.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Sad to see you have shit heads who illegally dump in Aus as well 🤬 Great review!

[@bushrat1018]

Fair dinkum 🇦🇺 great review mate. Either the bike is good or it’s shit.

[@ssn608]

scary as F, watching all the traffic on the wrong side of the road.... LOL

[@sumpoiler]

After riding one of these why would you want a sports road bike ? These bikes can go more places and more comfortable than a sports bike And just as fast You can lower the seat height in 2mins max Great bike & Sound awesome Mark Does this bike have ABS & traction control ??

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Mark, you gotta give yourself more credit, the way you rode the AT, you're a better rider than the average bloke. The ATAS is my next bike here in the states, maybe the AT but I'd have to buy a couple fuel bladders if I go with the AT. BTW, agree with you on the rant and it isn't just Down Under that this nanny state mayhem is being implemented.

[@frankymino8773]

Great review Mark. The AT is a beast of a machine. I did a trip on my AT to outback NSW starting from the Burke & Wills Road (All offroad) fully loaded and soon discovered the bike was way too heavy when geared up for big trips. It becomes very hard work and will mentally and physically screw you. Bare bones... the AT is fantastic on offroad outback roads... even some tech stuff... but unfortunately the weight (even bare bones) will start to come into play. I know of a couple of guys on AT's who are very experienced offroad and turned back at Camerons Corner due to the work involved riding these beasts loaded. They recommend having a support vehicle so you have no additional weight and then you can ride it like you stole it out there. Though suspension then becomes a problem. The AT suffers from bottoming out when put through it's paces. I had Nitron suspension fitted to my AT (front/rear) and became a monster offroad. But the weight still becomes a problem. I love the AT.... but without the extra weight. There is a crowd screaming for light weight adventure bikes that motorcycle companies are just not accommodating. I am seriously considering selling my AT and picking up a DR650 cause it's the only compromise out there.

[@dprider02]

So...what did you really think of it? :) Looks like an awesome machine, but I'd bet your opinion of all that extra weight might change a bit after picking the thing up (or tying to) off the dirt a few times. Personally, I'll never own a bike any heavier that my DR (especially 140 lbs heavier!) so long as I'm still doing any dirt riding.

[@bradsadventures4558]

I often pick up my BMW F800GS lol. and it is all in the technique ...easy

[@trevorjameson3213]

That bike is cool, man! And that parallel twin sounds very, very nice! However, I'm sure that bike is expensive. Great review and a lot of fun to watch!

[@DanDiMaggio]

"Some bloody CC bullshit" lol. My kind of review. Thanks!

[@bongodave13]

You need to put Nay on the back and see how it handles a passenger.

[@chriskuhl9961]

Best motorcycle review i have seen. Well done! Please do a review on the AJP PR7 next.

[@RogerBY]

Ya great bike Thanks to Darcy for the loan.

[@ADVBrett]

The best proper review of the Africa Twin. I'm selling my GS for one. Solid video mate. Damn that Arrow sounded outstanding! Subscribed!

[@garthhowe297]

That's actually one of the best bike test videos I have seen.

[@motorbikemadnesspattaya2747]

Great review , on the awesome Africa Twin. It's a bike we aspire to have for our customers , maybe next year!! Thanks again and keep on keeping on !!!

[@frostbitevinnie]

Stock exhaust is really good on '16 AT. I thought the bike you were riding was stock. Not much difference but weight I suppose. Yep, picking it up takes a lot of energy. Dropped twice thought I was gonna die. My fault for riding far from home in BFE sand hills of Nebraska. Had I died I would stll be out there. Bones picked clean by critters!

[@bradfraser4]

Top video big fella thanks for the down to earth opinions on the bike keep the sick vids up big fella

[@billy4rocks]

It looks awesome in matt black, right up your alley mate!

[@brianhoward9217]

Well done fellow Aussie! Great review and great bike. Thanks!

[@BIKERMETOO]

Good review..and GOOD LIFE RANT ....lol

[@lizbarber3473]

Cheers for the video mark 🤙 I put a 1 tooth less than standard sprocket on the front on my African , I think that works ok , I love mine , may not be as good as katos off road but it suits me fine cheers

[@magnusconsul]

G'Day Mark, an excellent Layman's bike review of the Africa Twin. You look very comfy on this bike and perhaps its time you changed over to the Honda Africa Twin....why not? You have the height to both feet on the ground. Its too tall for me, or I would have one...great value for money. OK thanks heap...all the best....keep on riding.... Stay warm....

[@seanfrank4158]

So I went from a DR 650 to a Africa Twin this spring. Let me tell you it is like night and day the difference between the two. While I still love the DR (I've owned 2) I'd prefer the Africa Twin in almost every single situation except perhaps single track. The AT does have a few short comings that I've addressed here though. One thing was the helmet buffeting at highway speeds. Right around 100 kph it was like someone was smacking me around the head the buffeting was so bad. I upgraded the windshield to an aftermarket unit and all that went away.The weight is indeed a big concern too. Mark mentioned that you only would be able to pick it up from dropping it once or twice. I've dropped my AT once and it took everything I had to get that big beast upright again. I'd hate to have to do it multiple times.Everything else is just awesome. The power, comfort, build quality, speed, are all top notch. I love the way it looks too.

[@gcprost]

I just picked up a 2018 AT DCT in black on Nov 1, 2019. Because of the cold and snow I’ve only been able to put on 650 km so far but I love it.

[@TheFriarHenderson]

Hey Mark, amen brother, the AT is the sweetest ride ever. After the never to be mentioned again tree incident 😎 the Ténéré was never quite the same. So I bought a DCT AT. Didn’t think I would like the DCT, but it is the best thing ever!! Dirt, Highway, handles it all soooooo well. Just as long as I stay away from sand, all will be well😂. Keep on keeping on!

[@SuperDixxxie]

What a legend Darcy is hey... You might not get it back mate lol.. Great vid, cheers Mark and Darcy...

[@yv6eda]

I see an Africa Twin in your near future... Congrats!

[@yan-jk1ti]

i think if you ride more off road the africa twin is the one,for more on road and a bit off road the tenere1200 is the best,with cardan,cruise control;tubeless..i love them both

[@boomerhgt]

No DCT on the Yamaha though

[@yan-jk1ti]

@@boomerhgt Correct, But i don't want DCT,for me its like riding a scooter then ;)

[@mariscallucifer]

Is a sweet bike! The bad part! Suspension and the footpegs!!!!!!!! I put a yoshimura pipe and sounds like a harley The rest is amazing Someday i would like to put an acerbis plastic gas tank! And better suspension So finally I will spend like buying a ktm 1090r

[@scottrubie6826]

Im looking at doing a round aussie trip in 2021 and considering buying a Africa Twin to do it with a mate on a Triumph Tiger 1200. range and carry weight big consideration but as a vertically challenged 169cm tall bloke the height is a concern for me personally ut its certainly the best bike for such an adventure.

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

Best bike indeed ..can't agree more! Tested 2019 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ3Tmmevnbyir8U

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

If all the viewers flicked Mark a $2 coin he'd be owning one of these bikes in no time. That's how easy it could be. Great review, bike looks like a great allrounder.

[@jeevanmotors4275]

Comparison with Bmw r1250gs Which is Best to Buy Since Both Price's are Similar in India🇮🇳 New Africa twin 1100

[@brettstevens7443]

Great review Mark , and your 100% correct the dumbing down of society and political correctness has got totally out of control.

[@jean-pierreluca3105]

Awesome clip and have made up my mind to buy the 2020 Africa twin rallie when it comes to our shores cheers bro love this bike...

[@googlelimp9834]

yes i personally think its the best looking bike, however, i wouldn't buy one for the number of problems in them id rather take a push bike hahaha nah just kidding im going for a Yamaha terene

[@ianunderhill2620]

so next up... lets see how ya feel on the 1090KTM ... maybe chat up Bendigo Adv for a tester :) Same test would be so interesting...

[@bradb9146]

Smiles for miles on the Africa Twin . = ) Honda hit the nail on the head when they built that bike .

[@danstevens2204]

“Just making people stupid” couldn’t agree more! Nobody takes responsibility anymore

[@Rayk76]

A No Bullshit review 👍

[@masonsruggedroads]

Great video and bike review. Lovin your proving ground...

[@MrReviewer]

I own the dct version of that bike and I made some vids of it on my channel

[@whitedrguy6503]

Great bike, it was on my wish list but being an old bastard the weight is still an issue with me, 70 kg heavier than my DR650 just does not do it for me. My mate has one, and loves it but he still notices the weight, not so much if you drop it but just little things like where you park it, if it leans over just a little too much he has trouble getting if off the side stand. If you are taller then the height and weight are less of an issue, but if you are around the 5' 8-9 height then it could be. Horses for courses I guess, I am just happy to cruise along at 100-120, so I will stick with the old DR, I have little need for more power but definitely no need for more weight, no one has ever done a RTW trip and come back wanting a heavier bike.

[@neilwiddison6529]

Cruising at 100 on a Dr that's fast. Thought they would struggle to do a ton .

[@whitedrguy6503]

Neil Widdison . The DR does struggle to do the ton but riding RTW is not a race, and most countries do have 100 kph speed limits anyway, even here in OZ the limit is 100 apart from some freeways of 110 and the fines ain't cheap, but horses for courses.

[@neilwiddison6529]

@@whitedrguy6503 sorry I thought you meant mph.i am in the UK. Uesd to live in Adelaide

[@pcmiller2710]

Totally agree with ya...and I know it's a long shot, but I might get one down the road.

[@jimperry4420]

Sounds like an old triumph boneville

[@victorkelley5097]

My exact thoughts! My best friend and I ride together all the time and he has a 2012 scrambler with some type of aftermarket exhaust. Sounds IDENTICAL to this. What a sweet sound. That parallel twin!

[@Bob_Keen]

Great real world review Mark. Well done mate. I now want one !

[@juliancain6128]

Been giving this bike the look for some time....Nice review!!

[@michaelflaherty2137]

bloody good review mate, looks like a good place to ride.

[@glennboy66]

After that review honda should just give you one.

[@TheGravelBadger]

Suits you mate, great all round bike.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I think that bike has the best grunt I've ever heard . Now how about the new Africa Twin . I hope to get the new Africa Twin with DCT standard version in a year or two . That's after I get the Tenere 700 . I sat on a 2018 Africa Twin they had on sale at my local dealer . What a difference than the DR650 . So comfortable and yes I couldn't believe it was about 190 lbs heavier . At 6' tall it feels perfect for for me . Now the hard part , making the $$$ to afford it .

[@USQ1418]

BLOODY nice review 😁

[@sirrideabit651]

Nice review Mark you should do more if the opportunity arises, I think you underestimate yourself as an being an average rider, also a big thumbs up to Darcy for letting you have his bike.

[@ksingleton101]

I just found one in the US for $2499.99. I really would like to buy it but I'm having to spend my money on other things for the next few months and I'm afraid at this price it won't last long. Looks like a really nice bike for some adventure riding. Would you drive across Australia with it? I want to go to Alaska before I die. I live in Ohio.

[@darrenfennell5022]

Great review, only yesterday I was offered $3500 for my DR, 2015,15000kms! My bike certainly isn't stock! Cape York, been there on it. As much as I love the Africa twin it's impossible to justify owning one, keeping the DR, but I see a triumph street twin in my future. Cheers Mark thanks for a great review!

[@BTBSean0]

86000 klms on my Africa ....great bike ....i do most of my vlogging on it

[@Cayoot]

What a GREAT review! I never trust reviews from the "professionals" because I understand that they have to find nice things to say about the bikes in order to keep their advertisers happy. This was a wonderful and totally believable review. I've been on the fence for a year know between the KLR and the Africa Twin. I already ride a big Victory Cross Country Tour, but I want something to go explore and find out of the way fishing holes, and distant trails with my camping gear. This was a strong "nudge" towards getting off the fence. Thanks much@

[@Greggspies]

Did you sing in the Doobie Brothers once? On a serious note wouldn't have a lump like this for offroading to heavy need light for the off's and getting stuck and grin factor. These AFT are great but tarmac only afraid no need for 1000cc way over the top for mud plugging.

[@AnyMotoUSA]

Awesome bike, I love my 2016 standard. Dropping the front sprocket down 1 tooth, adding aftermarket footpegs, skid plate, barkbusters, crash protection and a few other odds and ends made it the perfect bike for me. I ride around the US for work and take whatever road I want up to and including trails. Stock exhaust is fine btw.

[@azlong4596]

There it is Mark, sell Max, sell Charley, sell the posties and sell Nay for a Africa Twin. Well maybe not Nay she too talented.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks for the review

[@CRFLAus]

Great review Mark. I've had dirt bikes and sports bikes, but the Africa Twin is the best bike I've owned. All the Adventure bikes are great, but my trust is with Mr.Honda.

[@robertpolkamp]

What the hell language does this guy babble? Raining hoops? Wtf

[@stalincat2457]

Watch some of AvE's content and then report back. Best of luck!

[@Nostrildomus]

The thing is . . . Honda has taken a Ducati and polished so hard on it that it could possibly run just like a 750 commando . Thanks All

[@Uncommon5en5e]

anybody got a link to these pipes? I looked up arrow and it shows some race silenced exhaust which doesn't seem like what I want

[@zrkn1]

That aftermarket tailpipe sounds MEAN. It's HONDA Quality Brother on a modern motorcycle. Cheers

[@willtaylor4282]

Hi Mark, nice review mate, i have a DCT AT try that, you would like it as good, if not better.

[@bigjoe4020]

Your not thinking what I think your thinking 🤔..........I am thinking TRADE IN 😉