The History of the Africa Twin

[@SamChorus]

Watch in 1.25x speed.

[@lee-doom]

Should be top comment.

[@lurkio2811]

Modern day hero

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

So did I 😆

[@jokeregg2045]

Oh god thank you

[@kuturgan]

1.5х even better ;)

[@MaramuresDualSport]

Very nice documentary! Congrats for doing it and for reminding everyone how incredible these machines were and still are and what impressive heritage they're built on. Cheers from Romania!

[@Nununda]

I just bought my CRF1100 yesterday. What a dream!

[@zoof1]

Just got a 22AT AS and this video makes me respect it even more. Thanks for the video. Excellent.

[@kawabungah20]

This is a wonderful story for all motorcycle enthusiasts. My first new bike was a CB750K1 back in 1971 - a legendary machine. That bike did everything I needed for more than twenty years, until I needed a two-up touring machine. Now my riding needs have changed, and the Africa Twin is in my future: another legendary machine! Thanks for such an inspiring story!

[@georgecostanza2695]

Man what I’d pay for a mint XLV today! Despite Fireblades and Double R’s always taking the spotlight and getting all the attention, you make a fair argument for Africa Twin being Honda’s best motorcycle.

[@balamibarra5669]

I have an RD07. Can still get all the perts from sevaral outlets in Europe. I´ve ridden it pretty much every day for 20 years. Loooong multinational trips, short trips to the store, commute rides to work. I've changed the oil, brake rotors, clutch, gas pump, redid stator coils and rectifier. Thats it.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

This was very entertaining. Thanks for putting this together from a loyal AT owner.

[@gapadry]

My 94 rd07 has 180.000 km and still kicks ass. Wouldn't change it for the world. I absolutely love it.

[@censored4christ162]

Sell it to a museum

[@NickKolythas]

Don't sell it, I had a rd07 1998 and sold it 10 years ago. I regret it every day

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

I have two Afrika twin 750 RD04 and RD07 😊😊 Seattle Washington

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Excellent documentary. Clear concise. Lots of research you did. Thanks. I have the 2022 at es Dct. Love it. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽

[@balazsg7524]

Amazing save at 4:00

[@Chrisrk11]

Just got home with my 2024 Africa twin what a ride

[@williamwilson2748]

I have the 2021 base model, manual, it is a beast and I love it,I smile and laugh every time I ride, best bike I've ever had, got it in October it's now June and I've put 12k miles on her no problem's and going strong, you can't go wrong getting one...

[@Mascal991]

i recently bought to accompany my honda CR 500 an African twin rd03 of 1988....fantastic❤

[@Mascal991]

@Srle2469👍❤️

[@tomraider099]

my dad bough a honda in 1969. he now passed away but the bike i still ride it on daily basis. honda machine surely can surpass our human age.

[@mango2757]

Actually love the slow narration, keeps me from being bored doing chores and work

[@DrumNut927]

I’ve got a 2017 DCT and love it.

[@johnsampey344]

Your video has made me get out the tools to get my RD04 back on the road after being stored for the past 10 years. They are great bikes.

[@advnightfury]

Where we can that beauty?

[@avengine1]

Awesome video.. very informative, insightful and designer focused. Kudos!!

[@pemotor541]

Amazing presentation! I loved it. I hope to see even more. I had an RD04 previously and took a trip through Western Europe. Never flinched, rolled like a train an had an awesome time.

[@simonthomas5367]

As a proud owner of a 2018 ATAS and a ‘96 Dominator, this was a superb history of some truly iconic bikes! Many thanks.

[@4g1vn]

I own a 2020 AT and it’s hands down the best all round motorcycle i’ve owned and I’ve owned an eclectic lot of bikes over my 20 years of riding. The AT and RC51 stand out as some of the best engineering Japan has to offer.

[@samsungphone-fw2hc]

Algorithm, great work awesome tribute to an awesome bike

[@lexios.s8151]

As a soon to be buyer, Thank you very much, for this amazing portrait!!! Really Amazing!!! Subscribed!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Dream bike , those guys nailed it . With my budget at the time the Tenere 700 was in reach so I went for that one . Really like it but one day it will meet it's cousin the Twin , God willing .

[@KelvinDicksoncheckthisout]

Soo this is the bike I saw on that old VHS tape of Rally Dakar, Wow!! been seeing them on the internet and I didnt bother looking at its History, n ow I like them.

[@Mr_BRRRRT]

I've been dreaming of the day I can get myself one. Your video makes the wait all the more worth it.

[@irorosun6990]

Honda makes the best bikes in the World. And today's Africa Twin line up is simply amazing!

[@gizzyguzzi]

today's AT is too damn big!

[@christian.36]

@@gizzyguzzi That's how it should be , a real Lion on the road !!!

[@gizzyguzzi]

@@christian.36 no. They had it right in 1989.

[@aportilla007]

I love my 2022AT - best bike ever.

[@grego10r]

yeah did that to till i went t7 even more better bike

[@bumpkinrocks]

The only Africa twin part of the bike is the name! More a BMW GS I'm afraid

[@aportilla007]

@@bumpkinrocks No need to be afraid. enjoy your GS - enjoy taking it to the shop and getting it fixed on a regular basis. You will get to form new meaningful relationships with the vendor. They will know your credit card number by memory - now that is service. The AT is more reliable and can do anything the GS can do. Granted the GS is more road worthy, but a pig in the dirt. And, when you say Africa Twin part is only the name, what do you mean specifically? Did you expect Honda to build out a 1990s bike? The engine they have now is bullet proof and has great character. I've been riding 40 years and can attest to the quality Honda puts out. Its the best.

[@44degreesmotorcycleadventures]

I really enjoyed this video having watched it two times now. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@720millionlightyears]

The production of the RD07A ended in 2000, the last ones still in the showrooms or storage were sold in 2003. There is no XRVs with a VIN that has a production date code later than Y=2000

[@EduardoGarcia-fj2uc]

One of the best motorcycles ever created. May be the best motorcycle I ever had. Like the XR it's built to last.

[@shaibuabubakar2283]

Honda Africa Twin is the best. Thanks for the narration.

[@BillStecik]

I have one . An 87 model i bought new . I still have it still ride it and although i have a new 650 Vstrom the good old 600V honda is by far the best on the gravel

[@sallhame]

Africa Twin wasn't launched before 1988. RD03 650cc.

[@BillStecik]

@@sallhame Excuse me transalpi600v

[@sallhame]

@@BillStecik A Transalp is not an Africa Twin. This video is about the Africa Twin. You say "I have one. An 87 model bought new." I am glad you are happy with your Transalp though.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

I have trslsslp 600 1986

[@VinnyVinceViper]

The Africa Twin and Goldwing are what I would consider my top 2 dream bikes, but budget wise they are both way out of my league ( plus I'm a noob at riding ) I have been practicing on what you all can see as my profile pic, it's an Ebike based on the Ninja 300. But if all goes well and my health stays stable I believe that either summer 2023 or 2024 I will be able to get my 1st real motorcycle. It probably will be a used Honda Nc 750X DCT. If that happens, let's just say that I will see as much of my Canadian country as I can before the reaper visits, and if he can chill a bit longer, add the USA in some long trips.

[@mmdirtyworkz]

Do long trips as soon as you get used to riding for long. Also nice to plan ahead like you do, and some things are well worth waiting! 🙂 I got my bike when I was 39 and I have travelled a lot since and enjoyed in the same amount 🤗 Good luck and safe riding!

[@VinnyVinceViper]

@@mmdirtyworkz Thanks buddy! I will check the vids you have ( yeah even the ones from 5 years ago ) One thing I love about KZbin is watching people riding and to see their part of the world, plus it helps me to keep focus on goals I set for myself! Stay safe out there!

[@mmdirtyworkz]

@@VinnyVinceViper My vids are just some stuff I uploaded for safe keeps, so poor edits and to my great regret no onboard audio except on back angle vids. Stopped filming as it is a hassle for me to tender around the camera and batteries..but luckily I had the patience in the beginning so I have some footage for memories :) Good luck with your goals! Oh and I'll check your vids, I see you played wot, I did too from 2011-2016 :)

[@theyeetus1428]

I don't recommend a bike with a DCT as a "first real motorcycle". You will learn nothing about how to ride most motorcycles out there and end up being ridiculed by everyone.

[@VinnyVinceViper]

@@theyeetus1428 Honestly I don't care what others might think of me because of what I ride, I'm getting a DCT because I can not trust the nerves in my leg enough to operate the shifter ( my left leg at times act as if I was still young and dancing in a rave ) but I love the feeling of riding. people who would ridicule me for riding an automatic will just make me laugh and feel sorry for them.

[@SuperGinkgo]

That was an epic rundown thru the years! I was a teen in the 80s and craved an adventure bike. I tried a friends R80GS one afternoon and that sealed my fate... I always had a thing for these machines, now with a full license and an absence of a bike in my life it will either be an Africa Twin or Z900RS that I get... (yes I know the Kwacka is not an ADV bike, I just really like then as well, I blame my age.) Great vid, liked, subbed and shared. 😜🖖👍

[@306wanderer7]

I had an RD03 1989 650 one hell of a bike done Europe ,Africa tours without missing a beat and at that time it was 20 year old

[@basilishellas7291]

Don't get me wrong but i thing that there is not most iconic motorbike since the two wheeled vehicles invented. Btw i own the 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports with ES and DCT in black matt.And i'm fucking proud and glad of it!!!!!! HONDA FOR EVER

[@3dvorator]

Final frames are from Italian television Italia 1, tester pilot was Nico Cereghini the format was Grand Prix aired on Sunday 1 PM...

[@Hettilo]

At 18:55 you mention those expensive quick release fasteneres, when i restored one a few years ago i always wondered why they are there, because they are compleetly useless since the other side of the panel is screwed in the headlight fairing which in turn is screwd down to the front of the bike...

[@blancA4blanc]

The original AT may have been a GOAT for its time, the current one? i really dont know. But that's a good promo video, gives this warm fuzzy feeling to so many current AT owners that will never even see a dirt road and sell their bike in 3 years with 1500 miles on it. good talking points at the local bikers meet

[@emilsavu]

100% agreed! The new one is way too big and too heavy. I've owned a 1995 AT for about 5 years (more than 125.000km) - zero issues -, i loved that motorcycle with all my heart. The new one... i had one for a bit more than 6 months and i was completely dissapointed: nothing remained from the old bike, most important that supreme confidence feeling is GONE! The new one is decent-good on asphalt, but no way i'd ever had the guts to drive it through the same roughs i traversed with old trusted AT.

[@josephSF]

I just finished a good portion of the WA and OR BDR on a 2021 AF Adventure Sport ES. Lots of dirt, babyhead rocks and loose gravel on steep hills. Several other AT riders along with Norden, Ducati Desert X and BMW GS. The bike performs beautifully. I dont know about the AT riders that you mentioned but I know a ton of folks that would love to score an AT with 1500 miles.

[@befoerderungsfall]

Own a AfricaTwin RD07a since 1998. Nothing else then. Nuff said. ;-)

[@motopumpkin3129]

As an extremely satisfied owner of an AT, thank you for this video, I'm always interested to learn more about my bike

[@تَأَبَّطفِكْرَاً]

Great video... Many thanks to the uploader.

[@allsearpw3829]

Great history and for the time and effort . An amazing machine .

[@wildflower7574]

Great effort as usual. Thanks

[@Motoreger]

The old one had the indestructible and long-lasting V2 engine. The new one has a parallel two-cylinder engine. By far not so succeed like its predecessor! The two-cylinder parallel,four-stroke engine is not the most balanced and successful engine but it is cheaper to manufacture! They ruined a legend for financial reasons!

[@anotherhonda9402]

The limited run of 500 RD03's were the Japanese Domestic Market models. They have a couple of slight differences from the Euro market production run. H4 headlights. A red "Speed" warning light on the handlebars that lights up around 50kph. All the warning stickers are in Japanese Kanji, and the frame and engine numbers start with 1 RD03-1000### RC31E-1005### with no VIN tag on the frame, only stamped at the headstock.

[@javierfortaleza7775]

Tuve una adventure sport 1995 y fue la mejor de todas de las q tuve . Un fierro en todos los aspectos . Saludos desde Argentina!

[@africarie]

nice recap of the AT; loved my RD07A a lot and have fond memories of touring with it around Marocco in 2012

[@rohzpopper4922]

Best motorcycle in the world is still C70/90. Can run on cooking oil ! Can run in submerged water in flood area with snorkelers like in Indonesia and Malaysia. So abused can run with 6 people on a bike in poor countries. Can have more than 100 mpg in careful driving ! Have conquered the Himalayan highway and travelled from South East Asia to London. Sells in millions in South East Asia !

[@marcochavane3124]

We do get the Trail 125 here in the US now, so at least we have that going for us.

[@SteveInskip]

I once saw one carrying 2 live goats so I guess that one was the real GOAT. 😉😂

[@terrystratford1235]

Ive seen so many c90 that are so rusted under seat, falling apart, yet the motor runs perfectly😂

[@kennypool]

Good job, I'm saving the rest to watch later.

[@jacksjaunts8580]

Loved the video. Didn’t want it to end. I had an RD07 and latterly a CRF Adventure DCT.

[@atmosphere199]

If I could have one bike it would be the first gen Africa twin, never ridden one but it is peak aesthetic. All old school adventure bikes looked awesome, I especially like the dual circular headlights.

[@arlandgaylor]

I want the 1liter for my Alaska trip from Austin tx. I want to take my ST1300 but I know im gonna want to do a. lot of off road riding, like MOAB and MOJAVA

[@kx501]

It is the best, Japanese Honda reliability and engineering, much better than any of that Euro junk.

[@jamesharoldbardwell2182]

This was excellent.

[@jellybertdelattiba7603]

Watching this video just before going to do some groceries and a bit of a ballad with my old RD04 ... J secretly love this bike, now j'm gonna tell her !

[@999mrkhaled]

It’s called Africa must be really good

[@JodyCybulski]

I love this historical video. Thank you Vehicle. hunter for your research. It helps us to understand why our Africa twin has so much research and development put into its manifest form. I also appreciate my bike 2021 ATAS a lot more, When I think about all of the engineers who came together to build such a balanced and reliable motorcycle. I truly appreciate your research and video footage from all the past years. Thank you

[@franciscosaldana2063]

That was awesome!! Well done on the video I have officially added a couple more bike to my dream list 😂😂

[@Brettstep315]

Transalp is the shit

[@southendparaquest]

I've owned a 2018 Adventure Sport for 6 months now, and it's VERY hard to fault. Very manoeuvrable for a big adventure bike, the engine has plenty of stomp and sounds great. Good on fuel and a decent range. Looking forward to going off the beaten track with it in the coming 18 months. the nearest bikes to it I've ridden, are Triumph's 1200 Tiger which is great for doing mileage likewise BMW's R1200 GS (which I have also ridden). Neither are anywhere as nimble as the AT, and the Boxer engine in the Beemer isn't for everyone (me included. Triumph's triple is good though).

[@Devastator123]

Honestly, The newer Africa Twin is the best adventure bike out! They are just so hard to get here in the US.

[@censored4christ162]

Yeah and its 14k before you add anything. Thats a steep budget. Less than like a harley softail standard and its arguably more capable. Its jusy a steep budget id really hate to buy it and crash it and there goes literally all my money

[@flixrhafyz439]

Thank you for this video. Africa Twin forever!

[@victorshteinberg6042]

Can you please do a historical video on the Honda Blackbird ?

[@VehicleHunter]

oh love that bike.

[@alexX42023]

Bb fam

[@ogasi1798]

well done, lot of work

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Thank you Yakamura and team. Myself and buds have three of these new AT Jewel's. Mine a 2020 ATASes, now with 17000km. I/We traveled across a large portion of BC Canada, on and off road, camping through rain, +46'C and cross winds of 100km plus. These bikes deliver amazing comfort, memories, reliability, and crowds wherever we stop. Best therapy going, no couch needed :-) Spoiler alert! These bikes make winter waiting unbearable, lol.

[@eQui253]

I bought a cb500x as my beginners bike.. maybe one day the AT will follow..

[@rondobrondo]

I'm in the same boat. It's almost aspirational at this point for me

[@adrianrouse5148]

Glad you mentioned the xlv. Would hate to ride it in the desert but it's great on uk roads.

[@luis_gorgs7574]

I restore a xlv 750 at the moment. It is one of the beautiful motorcycles i have ever seen. Not even my r100 gs is so nice

[@nicozimmermann8672]

that was a very well made history video about one of the best adventure bikes ever created. Keep it up mate!

[@gilasquiggy7846]

Great video. I love my RDO-6...

[@seebarry4068]

Very well made film young man. This was a bike I lusted after for a long time in my youth, but bought a Fireblade (round eye, obvs) instead. I still want one.

[@VehicleHunter]

I want a round eye fire blade

[@seebarry4068]

@@VehicleHunter had one for 15 years. So so reliable. Never broke in over 100,000 miles. I had the rarest colour black/gold. I was very lucky and my wife still looks at me with disgust for selling it. Get one if you want one, they’re gonna cost big money eventually. Total ‘bloke who used to ride’ magnet, no shopping trip was without a conversation with somebody who always wanted one, but the wife the dog etc wouldn’t allow it.. easier to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission 😈

[@alansmith1268]

@@seebarry4068 😝

[@morty532]

Thanks for the video! It was interesting

[@philipashley1517]

Cracking bikes I got the 700 Transalp it's a great machine aswell.

[@ckyrooster]

Good show. Was in a hurry.

[@nathandevine552]

I'm really wanting one for my next bike

[@TheDude-n3p]

beautiful hommage

[@aaronswanderlandadventures9561]

Africa twin life forever ❤️ keep up the good work brother hope to be in one of your videos one day soon for being a top rider in the world 🌎 😀👍

[@coombsfh]

Superb video. Thanks so much for doing it.

[@maxuzb]

15:26 shows some press release where Tomonoru mention VT500 which was my most beloved bike...It's the V engine that precedes to ATwin?

[@autonomousindividual7780]

Go watch some old Baja 1000 vids of the XR650R after this. I really get to awe when I consider what Honda has done in the dirt world. I do love Suzuki too when it comes to motorcycles and I'm silly for Moto Guzzi, but damn Honda was a giant. In truth, if your life depended on your "ADV" bike I'd say your better with the AF than the GS. I have an older GS, but even the 1150 is pretty damn complicated. Has some very weak points IMO. The throttle cables, final drive. IDK, the AF is not as sexy, but I believe it will go the distance.

[@gerry343]

4:00 Nice save!

[@hvalour1]

awesome video thanks for sharing!

[@williamcooper126]

I lusted after the Africa Twin but living in the USA it was a dream since we couldn't have them. I even looked into going to Europe buying one disassembling one shipping it as parts to the states and then making a "homebuilt" but as my 20's came and went responsibilities grew and I became a filthy KLR rider.

[@JohnMChew]

I would love a used klr but, I haven't figured out a way to hide it from my wife.

[@PA-Tammy]

@@JohnMChew You guys always say that As a wife I don't have to hide anything not even the 13 XT1200, 16 CRF1000 "AT" 94 KLX650, 04 EXC525, 08 WR250F not even the PW50.. Had an 01 KLR sold it after 50k miles had a lot of fun on it... Go get the KLR she will get over it we always do...

[@gerloczyek]

This was amazing! Thanks for the hard work!

[@deborahchesser7375]

I’d love to find an AT, I’ll settle for the nice 87’ XL600R I spotted though ✌️🇺🇸

[@SergeyPRKL]

I have a 1994 RD4. Love it. The original fuel pump failed, but i replaced it with more reliable (and readily available, many times cloned in china) Facet 0.4Bar pump.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

Серёга I have Two Africa twin 750 RD04-07 I had all of them in Bashkortostan Ufa RD01- rd03 😊😊😅😮😢🎉😂❤

[@nicholasc1781]

Love this video. Tons of detail.

[@90330]

And Africa is the most beautifull name for motorcycle.

[@religiosoemeritokaprinsky6204]

the real africa twin and the most iconic is the rd03, with that color that you recognize it at a distance of 1 km....

[@jonh9561]

Never understood why the stopped production in 2003, the CRF1 100 is made for places like Australia. BTW I owned a Yamaha 750 Super Tenere in the UK and it was an excellent bike in all respects. Never limit yourself to bitumen roads!

[@ARoberts0115]

The Honda Transalp made in japan and sold in America in 1989 and 1990 is also a true legend. If you own one like myself you understand. If you never owned one you will never understand how Badass the bike really is.

[@mr.ajayjose]

Luckily there are bringing the Transalp back. Hoping it retains some of the og DNA>

[@ARoberts0115]

@@mr.ajayjose yeah. Not a huge fan of the new one. Love the 1989 and 1990 Japan built Transalps for the United States. So under rated and so Bad Ass.

[@linusnoren3661]

Made a junkpile of my 2020 AT, getting a new 2023 soon

[@SculptSome]

What happened?

[@linusnoren3661]

@@SculptSome New tires happend*got to blame it on something right ;)* Lost the rear, slid abit and ended up in a ditch, myself and my baby both broken -.-

[@wriijk]

Great program! Thanks! Can't wait to try out my rd07 that I bought for Europe. Here in US enjoying xr600r xr650r&l

[@landshark9603]

Great Video! Cant wait to try one of these beauties.

[@davee8659]

Anyone here after watching Adam Riemann and the Warhorse?

[@jellybertdelattiba7603]

Yessss !

[@CilitBang-fx6lq]

jep 😁

[@chiefpepdesign]

Great vid! Would be nice to mention all info in (or also in) Metrics instead of imperial. Basically everybody in the world uses the metric system. Thanks! 👍

[@alexandrecassemiroalvesbra185]

Excelente material ! Parabéns !!!