I Hated The 2021 Honda Africa Twin Until I Changed Two Settings!!!

[@kalimarus]

So many people probably test rode the DCT bikes only in D mode and came off unimpressed. What a shame. They should have named it “eco” mode and referred to it for use for fuel economy savings on the highway. S2 is where it’s at for most riding imo. I have the same 21 ATAS in black. I really love the DCT (same transmissions they use in top end sports cars from Ferrari, Mcclaren, Lamborghini etc). It shifts like greased lightning in M mode and has a cool auto blip on downshift. I typically use it in S2 and use the paddle shifters to click down a few gears into corners and let it auto shift up out of the corner. If anyone doesn’t know honda makes a simulator for the multi function display you can practice on to get the hang of it. It’s really not bad at all once you understand how to switch between menu’s and has a ton of customization to make it setup just right for you. The electronic suspension on this bike is also very very good. I have a similar build to you with a longer torso and @ 30” inseam and the seat advice it excellent. I find the bike pretty well balanced and it doesn’t feel to heavy at all at low speeds. Practice some uturns in a parking lot and use the spaces as a sort of game to see how tight a uturn you can pull off. One thing I actually would like on this bike, and it’ll sound strange, is the rear brake lever where the clutch lever would be, like a mountain bike. Then on tight right hand uturns you can dab a foot easy instead of covering the rear brake to drag around the corner. Unconventional, but it would work well on DCT bikes.

[@eyesonly4451]

Definitely agree. The initial D mode is good for low RPM highway economy and that's about it. I'm always in one of the S modes when around town and in M mode when off road. The good thing about the DCT, even in M mode, is that you still can't stall the engine. Even when in M mode, if you get *too slow for your selected gear* the DCT logic will automatically downshift for you rather than allowing the bike to stall. Btw, my first time on an AT was with a DCT and I was able to U-turn within the width of 2 parking spaces. Don't know how that compares, but I was ok with it. Btw, good find on the Honda AT display simulator!

[@ianross225]

You’re probably right re the DCT. My expectations are maybe a bit high but manual changes are seamless. Your point about a rear brake is spot on. I made a small wedge to bring the hand brake closer to the bars which works for those times when you need extra control. Others have done way more elaborate mods. Scooters have this as standard. I guess Honda would be worried about riders reaching for the clutch in error and being sued……

[@duemoto1683]

The stock Karoo Streets are garbage off road. I switched to Motoz Tractionators and it's a different bike. I mostly ride on dirt roads and trails and I love it. I always leave it in manual when I'm off road, put wheelie mode on 1, also turn off traction control and rear ABS and engage G mode for the best control. I recently did a two day trip in a sandy desert and didn't go down once. It handled like a dream in deep rutted, sandy trenches and sand dunes. Love this bike.

[@colinsphoneemail]

Got the 2022 atas. Dct. I’ll never want to go back to a manual. Ever!!! (28 years of riding and over 120k miles of riding)

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Get some Mitas E07 tires or something like them. You'll be amazed at how competent this bike is! If you have es suspension toggle offroad or gravel and bike suspension is very compliant to terrain. 17000 km on my 2020 ATASes and it rules the Canadian Rockies, and BC province :-) Enjoy ehhh 🇨🇦 Tip = You can always manually toggle/shift gears when riding in Auto, to override for an early shift randomly, and bike will continue Auto shift pattern after your random input.

[@ianross225]

I have a 2020 ATAS DCT ES and have lowered the seat too. I tried the S settings and frankly have gone back to D. I find that the bike “learns” your riding style and adapts. That might be utter nonsense but I had something similar on a Smart Car where “fuzzy logic” sensed your needs. I find the S setting to be too busy and have a foot change (a very expensive but great option) and can click down a gear if needed. A wider throttle opening will cause it to hang on in the gears. My needs are town/city and all road types up to motorway/freeway. I’ve had it a few months but only about 1500 miles of riding so far. It’s growing on me.

[@brazeagle]

Thanks for the great video. I am JUST ABOUT to trade in my 2021 Harley Pan America S for a 2021 AT A ES DCT. The deal my USED 2K miles PA S in trade to the DCT BRAND NEW and a 400 Dollars check back to me ... Seriously thinking of doing it as my PA S has giving me enough head aches. Any inputs is appreciated it. Cheers

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thank you very much for watching. The only caution I have for you is that the Africa Twin is a bit heavy in the front end. Just want you to know my experience on that one thing. Other than that, a great bike. Thanks again and let me know what you end up doing.

[@marcochavanne]

Dragging the rear brakes helps a lot in slow speed offroad/technical sections.

[@tonystark-gh3cw]

nice video!!i have this bike its amazing!!!

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thanks so much for watching. Congrats on owning a bike that can take you on and off the road. It's a cool feeling to know you can go almost anywhere and still travel on it. Ride safely.

[@seandonnelly205]

I enjoyed the video to see some of the differences between my 2019 and the 2021 that you rode. I noticed that you didn't mention the G mode switch. This can change the engine characteristics in order to help improve traction off-road by reducing the amount of clutch slip during throttle operation. Did you have the opportunity to try that out? It may have resolved that slight hesitation you mentioned at times.

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thanks for watching. Sorry I failed to mention that and will research it. I'll re-watch my video footage and see if I completely missed it. Thanks for mentioning and ride safely.

[@indifrunfenisheguen]

Had a 2019 DCT adventure sports. sold it and got the 2022 Adventure DCT ES: 100 years difference. If possible, get a 2022. You'll LOVE IT! I can't wait to get on my first trip: We are planning California-Alaska with the guy that bought my 2019 and his friends. It's worth the swap.

[@gingerhamura9807]

Have the same 2021 AT ES DCT and much prefer manual mode for off rode. Rode Marron Valley Road/Truck trail to the top of Otay mountain a few times and manual works best for me. Haven’t tried the S2 mode yet but looks like a better solution to the early shifting. Thanks for the review.

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thanks Ginger. I appreciate you watching and the feedback. I'm hoping to get another adventure bike after a couple of street bike reviews just to mix it up a bit. Ride safely...

[@jseaschippychorley]

why are you riding without gloves ? BAD idea

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

yeah man, get your bitch mittens on! LOL jk

[@rocket2811]

best video -all you need to know about your new AFT. Also, lot of people don’t know how to remove the seat(trick method) + adjusting seat height setting to add.

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching. Ride safely.

[@johnanderson9735]

Thanks, this is the best Africa Twin Demo I have seen yet, especially the info on the seat height. I have a 31 “ inseam, and I think I will be able to manage this bike now. Possibly trading in a VStrom 650 I have now. The AT is definitely more of an ADV bike than the VStrom.

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

Thanks John, I appreciate your kind words and that you took the time to post your comment. One thing to be aware of and I cannot remember if I mentioned it is that it does feel slightly heavy in the front end compared to some other Adventure bikes. Not bad but wanted to mention it to you.

[@johnanderson9735]

You should get a sales commission from Honda. I found a dealer and took a detailed look, especially with the seat in the low position and it works! It is easier to roll around in my garage than my VSTROM, hence that VStrom is history and the AT Adv Sports has taken its place. Thanks again for a great review!

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

@@johnanderson9735 Ha! I'd love to get a commission check from them. Again, I'm really glad this review helped and glad it's made it easier to move around. Don't be a stranger. These types of comments make doing these reviews more fun.

[@dstubby82]

I've ridden dozens of bikes; from 110 pits to full sized cruises. My AT:DCT/AS is tied for favorite with my XT250. That said; the height is tragically prohibitive for sooooooo many riders. ☹️

[@mototechsam3051]

I just bought the 22 At11 base model manual transmission trying to figure this electronics system is a major pain even the Honda dealer couldn't figure it out . I want minimum traction control the least amount of wheelie control and the most power and the least engine braking basically I love to shut everything off but any locked brakes can anybody help me

[@dalejones6627]

I have a 22 DCT. Never use paddle shifters. Urban mode in the city is so easy to predict and control.

[@dvdh4937]

This is the most terrible gearbox I've ever ridden. It is ok solo but as soon as you ride with passenger the downshifting is way to brutal and you have no control over it...

[@ohmylanta4558]

Just to be clear, the stock seat, you moved it to its low position and with a 29 inch inseam that was enough for you to feel comfortable? Is that one foot on the ground or two? Because the low position on the stock seat is still almost 33.5 inches.

[@jeffferguson899]

you can also get an optional low seat from honda that reduces the seat height an additional 1 inch. bringing the seat height down 2 incjes from stock

[@bobbymcduscher4105]

Your review was alright. What made me stop the video early is you constantly repeat yourself. It really got frustrating, especially at the beginning when you were off-road.

[@Soclosebutnocigar]

Hey just found this, thanks 🙏 for fully explaining the dash / computer 👍. Trawled a lot of trash before finding your video that finally answered all my questions

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

You're comment just made my day. I miss things sometimes so it's nice to know that this one helped you. THANK YOU and ride safely.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

This is very infomercially…feel like I’m buying a sham-wow

[@MotorcycleMonkey]

I can sell you one for just $99.99. :) Thanks for watching.

[@balmoralpjk]

👎