2024 Honda Africa Twin & Honda Transalp extreme test 3000 kilometres to Australia's Red Centre

Join Dave Darcy of Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV (MADTV) on the ultimate 3000-kilometre outback motorcycle adventure! We'll test the 2024 Africa Twin and 2024 Honda Transalp to their limits as we journey from Carnarvon on the Western Australia's coast to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Experience rugged outback roads, epic tracks, and breathtaking campsites with us. Legendary rider Daryl Beattie of Daryl Beattie Adventures supports our ride, bringing a fleet of specially modified 2024 Honda Transalps designed for the toughest conditions.
Catch all the action as MADTV captures every thrilling moment, followed by an in-depth review of Honda's latest adventure bikes. Don't miss this epic ride and bike test extravaganza!
2024 Adventure Motorcycles Best Touring Motorcycles Motorcycle Camping
The tour by Daryl Beattie was provided to me by Honda Motorcycles Australia to assist in the production of the video.
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Adventure starts
04:10 Mount Augustus
09:25 Riders talk
11:20 Canning Stock Route
15:00 Sandstone
18:12 The Great Central Road
20:36 Warrakurna
25:11 Uluru (Ayers Rock)
26:20 Alice Springs
28:32 2024 Africa Twin discussion
35:05 2024 Transalp discussion
37:48 L3 Africa Twin discussion
39:40 Transalp suspension upgrade
42:50 Air filter Africa Twin
45:51 My favourite subscriber

[@TommyNitro]

Always happy to see a MADTV upload. Thanks for the hard work you all put in.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thank you

[@CHOPSZOOKER]

Love the look of the Transalp. When Daryl is sitting on it talking to you it looks great IMO! Another great trip vid 👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I do to. It's far more attractive now we know the suspension can be upgraded to be useful for a reasonable price.

[@imopn]

Still the best looking bikes on the road

[@martythompson6509]

I can remove and replace my Transalp air filter in about 20 minutes without busting a gut. Pro tip.... Clip the locating tabs off the panels that run from the fuel tank to the dashboard. It enables the tank to be lifted without requiring removal of the inner panels and the dashboard. Makes air filter changes very simple. 👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks for that.

[@cliftonsr]

Did you watch one of my videos of the mod for easier air filter replacement on the Transalp 750?

[@silverdale3207]

Hmm, a long time just for air filter, less than 5 min for the T7.

[@pigmeal2224]

​@@silverdale3207 same for DE800. The primary reason we bypassed Transalp. What were they thinking ?!?! 🤦😲

[@AndyPat239]

i like to think its a job u do when u have a day off from riding and just chilling cup of coffee in hand..

[@I.Reckon]

"There's nothing out here but it's beautiful" - Scotty

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

A nice comment wasn't it. Sometimes people just nail it when they're speaking from the heart.

[@Wollestar]

I don´t know what it is with you guys, but if I see a new video uploaded, I am always looking forward to watching it and it is always such a good vibe. I am not even interested in getting the Transalp or Africa Twin currently, but watching you ride and talk about bikes brings me joy. I hope, one day I manage to get to Australia and ride in the Outback myself. Until then I enjoy your videos.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Really appreciate that comment.

[@itismegarry]

im shipping my africa twin from south america to perth on monday and this is exactly the video I needed!!! cheers Dave!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Now, that's exciting. Safe journey!

[@AndyPat239]

have fun😊

[@lalamotolady]

As always, you've given us another great video. And the Transalp is a beautiful machine! 😍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Better with those suspension upgrades

[@ScottSillis]

Wow that looks like a fun trip Dave! What a great test! Honda's in their element. Another great video guys! 👍😁🇦🇺🤙

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks Scott.

[@paulvanhout9695]

Thoroughly enjoy your Australian tours - stunning terrain and ace riding👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad you enjoyed it. When I get back from the UK I have another cracking video of a ride to the tup of Australia.

[@damianspeed8400]

Very good video, thank you.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidcauchi2837]

Hello Dave; WOW! What an adventure, so good to have support and other riders around you to enjoy the amazing Outback! The bikes were fantastic and it just proves how good the Hondas were. Thank you for excellent production; David...Adelaide...Triumph Scrambler 1200X

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edmundandrada]

Wow Dave, another awesome adventure! Waiting to watch. Much support from the Philippines! =)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Good stuff. Enjoyed that.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad to hear it!

[@mattwhyte7590]

What a great trip, love them africa twins. A trip away with Daryl's crew is very high on my list ..a must do trip. Thanks for another great video dave 👌🍻

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

You need to get into it, I heard that Daryl is finishing up in 2025. You need to check that, becaude I'd get on a trip before he finishes up.

[@mattwhyte7590]

Thanks for the heads up Dave.. awesome 👍

[@subman6515]

Diggers in the desert....awesome stuff

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Ha ha.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Would happily add a Transalp to complement my Rally. Cheers for the upload, great footage and riding in outback Aus 😎👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I wouldn’t say no either.

[@vaughndrew852]

Good fun I'm over working in WA on a grader today on roads that look the same once iv got money behind me for a run like this my de800 will be taking me across Great video once again love watch you mad blokes

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

The DE would eat that up.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

My dealer let me sit on a Transalp that had already been sold back in the shop. (They are selling before hitting the dealership floors) The ergos are impressively good. For the price they will give bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure Standard and the T7 some trouble because the bike is rideable for more people. I went with a T7, which will replace my 890, but if there had been a Transalp available to purchase, I might be on Team Red instead of Team Blue. That being said I'm loving the T7, no regrets.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks for sharing! I'd by a basic one with engine guards, upgrade the suspension, bark busters, maybe a muffler and that would do me.

[@adv-moto-rider7216]

WA has some great riding that's for sure

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

A huge state

[@neizpiez]

Would love to see another video showing them being ridden on some challenging terrain. Some true feedback on how they handle beyond smooth fast dirt roads, and how the updates allow them to keep up with the competition !

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Noted!

[@konstantinw.1036]

Cool :) i get the same red one in august. Without es and dct

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

That’s what I would do

[@alval3103]

I was like, what took him so long to release this video (of course riding with ladies up north does slow things down ;)? Now I know! Awesome video and editing. 👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

You know it!

[@MrXrssv1]

Great video Steve, would love to do a tour with Daryl👍, not that impressed about the Transalp air filter location, cheers 🍻

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks 👍

[@emveeess839]

Thanks for another great vid! Takeaway for those considering a Transalp is that Daryl’s bikes do not have stock suspension- which is “shockingly” under sprung and poorly damped. If you’re considering one factor in a full rebuild with replacement springs front and back and revalve. Or stick to riding on smooth asphalt and lower speed.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Correct

[@AndyPat239]

i think he said all up for $20k Aussie you've got a good bike 😊

[@jmsask]

I wish I could have your job. It looks like a hard way to make a living 🍻

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I never, ever take it for granted.

[@formallynamed85]

You looked like you were really moving after you stopped at that well one spot on the sand impressive

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

We were.

[@joshdoddadbod]

The transalp seems like a bigger 500x. Seems good. Im not a fan of removing a fuel tank to get to an air filter though. This is one thing i like about the T7. I gotta say im deeply in love with the T7.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

This has a lighter feel than the T7 even thought it's probably not.

[@FirstLightAdv]

Awesome! Need to do CFMoto 450 seems like the unicorn

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

soon

[@FirstLightAdv]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Great always love your adv-rider biased point of view!

[@patkennedy1]

40 minutes? 20 mins? 7 minutes Marty T?? To replace the air filter? I've only done mine once (at 13k kms, now at 15k) and I took my time, fiddled about with the new bike and so on, but it ended up taking me HOURS! I worked on bikes for many years, and wasn't working at a pro pace at all, but it was mammoth, removing/refitting everything the 'standard' way. Mind you, with over 2,500 kms on dirt (mostly with no-one ahead) the stock paper filter wasn't all that dirty, I must say. But I counted ten panels, and although I didn't count them exactly, there would have been roughly 50 fasteners (maybe more, including all the little push-pins)! 9 just to open the airbox, and I think 6 more to remove the element. My 750 Elefant's filter is under the tank, which has to come off to access it, and also involves a lot of fairing removal (if you don't want to compromise the tank's paint) but when you get there, the box opens with a couple of rubber bands, after which the element just pulls away. The Transalp's is much madder. Like Fort Knox once you finally get there! Crazy. My 1098S Ducati doesn't take that long, even though it requires removal of most of the bodywork from the front of the bike, with the 'snorkels' running up under the headlight, and obscuring the filter at their rear end. And at 104k kms on that, the K & N has been cleaned many times... So thank you Marty for the tip. Next time I will look critically at that idea with the cover around the front of the tank, as the extent of work required to access the Honda's air filter is bonkers, for a bike which is meant to go off the bitumen. And when you have half the bike spread around you, and are finally ready to pivot the tank up? Yes, two more hidden 'mystery' screws still retaining it. It's like 'Where's Wally?' under there. But - it is a great bike, and better than I felt after the initial test ride, which felt a little 'meh'. It has really 'grown on me' over the last nine months. One handy tip I found was reversing the handlebar risers, which improves the steering feel by moving the 'bars forward about 20mm, and takes away the 'tiller' feel of the stock alignment. I like it better for standing up too, at just off 5' 10", with the 'bars also rotated forward a little, although now at 71 I sit down mostly. 😁

[@patkennedy1]

Forgot to say thanks for the video guys. That's two of the best 750 Transalp videos out there! And there are enough of them... Hi from rural SA.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Hello. One way to find out with those airfilters.

[@rebelarcher5450]

A good bit of country to ride through , D Beattie has set up a good touring camp rig to traverse the country . When does the EXTREME TEST start ? You've travelled a route that people in regular road cars do .

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

They did 9000 ks straight off the ship. No prep nothing changed or cleaned

[@andrewsoldan6050]

guys do you have there any turns, windy roads? uphill or downhill? LOL come here to Romania for some really demanding trails :)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Maaate, that's Western Australia. !! ;).

[@ritmovesuviano]

Θελω να δω live στη σκηνη εσενα και Shokin κι ας πεθανω!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I don't who Shokin is

[@johnandersson]

Hopefully Honda revives the Dominator as well besides the Transalp. I love the old NX ❤

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Don't know about that.

[@danieljaksic8008]

Hi Dave. Long time viewer but first time comment. Watched all your videos. Would you buy the Tenere or the base model Africa twin? Both are about the 20k mark right now. Im looking to buy one but cant decide and dont have the experience on both like you do. Cheers daniel

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

As standard, straight out of the box, the Honda for me. Why? Because the Yamaha suspension isn't as good. But you know I own a T7.

[@danieljaksic8008]

Thanks Dave really appreciate the response. You've saved me 20k !! And months of heartache

[@danieljaksic8008]

Or are you saying that you would still pick the tenere every day of the week even though it's not perfect?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@danieljaksic8008 Nope, dont read anythng into it.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Good shower and toilet. Covering the most essential features of a trip 😜. It looks like a fantastic trip, and Daryl clearly runs an incredible tour.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It really is!

[@reksubbn3961]

How would your carry enough fuel on the Canning Stock route?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

There are multiple methods depending on the capacity of the bike, fuel tank size, daring or risk taking of the rider and or planning of the rider, fuel dropped off, supported. It's a science to do it safely unsupported.

[@Luk4s7St]

Was the Transalp suspension stock? 18:40 the rear spring is red while stock is black. Rear sits also a lot higher that it normally do. I replaced in mine suspension with Hyperpro as stock is too soft and couldn’t set SAG properly for my 95kg. It’s all fine but rear shock is even weaker now with stiffer springs. It just bounces too much. In this movie Transalp seems to be handling perfect on corrugations what is questionable with stock suspension…

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

No, I don't think you watched the whole video, nor listened. None of the Transalps were stock.

[@Luk4s7St]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Yeap, I confess didn’t watch it till the end before commenting 🥴 Once I did it all become clear!

[@MultiMupster]

Dave, what time of the year did you guys do this ride?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

May

[@peterscoles1063]

Dave how would you rate the “24”Triumph tiger 900 to the Honda’s ?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

That is too close to call. Both with good suspension out of the box. Not sure of the price difference. To hard basket. It really comes down to personal preference.

[@peterscoles1063]

Ok thanks 👍

[@StefanBons]

Hello madtv, at minute 14:30 there is a really cool song on youre video. Can you give me the name of the singer/song? Btw, like youre channel!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Albatross

[@StefanBons]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV is that the singer or the song?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@StefanBons song dont know singer

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

or may be the other way around

[@dylanmccallister1888]

That guy busting the sump is why im not getting one. That sump hanging down like that is seriously a big flaw on this bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

No one busted the sump.

[@ADV_Explorers]

👌👌👌👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks

[@Baj64]

I suppose Darryl is still "Hangin' five" ? ^^

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Don't know

[@beejsmusic]

Dave I usually enjoy you vids but as a native to the remote areas of Central Australia I was incredibly disappointed to hear another East coaster trumpeting their opinions about the early days of colonisation and how it affected indigenous people of the arid regions of Australia while at the same time enjoying the roads plowed by the followers of these great explorers. Don't forget that all the country you enjoy on the East was subject to equally brutal confrontations (from both sides) years before anyone colonised the centre. There are many, many positive stories of mateship and mutual agreement between black fellas and white fellas in the early days that you need to add to stories like this otherwise your ignorance is detrimental to our collective history.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I agree with your east coast comment. But I think I have a responsibility to recognise what happened. It's fact and I think we both agree on that. You've got to recognise the history to move forward. Don't read anything more into it than that. And I recognise there were many positive interactions as well. I'm not some city slicker ignoramus and I'm not picking on the west. But I have read detailed accounts and the examples of abuse were horrific. That can't be undone. But we move on. You, nor I were responsible for that, nor should be held account for it, nor have to apologies for it. But I think we have an obligation to recognise it and not sugar coat it, nor ignore it. That said, we don't need to have our noses rubbed in it. You, nor I did this.

[@bazza8947]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Not sure why you feel any responsibility to recognise the past of early settlement in Australia, you are on a motorcycle trip, not a historical education exercise. I think most Aussies are quite bored of being blamed and lectured to about the past.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@bazza8947 That's your opnion. I disagree. Let's leave at that, my view on the world is just as valid as yours. To suggest 'not sure why' implies, I'm the wrong one. You've got a choice, if you don't like what I do, go somewhere else. But don't try to silence me on my own channel.

[@bazza8947]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I've been a subscriber for years and no plans on going anywhere. I guess we both recognise this is a sensitive subject for many peoples for various reasons.

[@ademarslanovski8958]

What is the song that starts at 15 minutes?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Albatross

[@ademarslanovski8958]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV artist name?

[@2502stokebloke]

id love know how Darryl can afford that big truck and all those bikes lol

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

No obvious.

[@totallykhamo]

🎉

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks

[@toby7504]

15:10 what song is this?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Albatross

[@toby7504]

​@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVwho sing? Great video by the way 😊

[@AndyPat239]

they seem pretty reliable with 11 odd bikes upto 30 thousand k's

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

There's no seem in it. Remember, no airfilter, no oil, or oil filter changes. If that was another brand with that number of bikes they'd be changing airfilters every 2 days max.

[@AndyPat239]

​@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVno oil changes?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@AndyPat239 Nope

[@RealHooksy]

The most boring commentator in the world sure does put on a great tour 😎 Looked like a cool trip, and surprisingly green.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It was!

[@brianm5753]

Thanks. I'll take a cfmoto instead 😅

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Lookiing forward to riding one of those.

[@brianm5753]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV the 450 one I've seen on the internet looks nice. But i wonder how black are the oil changes on a cfmoto compared to japanese machines

[@MichaelGreen-vn7dr]

Great show, someone took down my comments! What tyres on the Honda 1100? Im in Sunny CA we have tons of open country in Nevada where I could take you guys. Call HONDA in SoCal to get press bikes! I'll lead the way, use to write for Cycle News & UK mags, Contact me for web addresses

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

No one took down your comments. The tyres were standard. Can’t recall what tyres but felt it would benefit from more dirt oriented tyres. Mate if we’re up your way we will certainly check in.

[@MichaelGreen-vn7dr]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Cheers! OffRoadExperience is me. My Africa Twin in CA comes with Metzler "KAROO STREET" tyres, not an off-road tyre by any means. I operate in Nevada, great riding, no people