THIS SUCKS! HONDA Africa Twin Off-Road Test

The hardest test for any Adventure Bike is the Off-Road test. So today we're taking my 2016 Honda Africa Twin into the local hills for a rip in the fresh wet dirt. The stock suspension is pretty soft and bouncy so putting it through these tests was a real eye opener on what needs to be done to make it perform better. It was also a good test for engine power delivery, downhill braking and traction.
#africatwin #adventurelife #adventurebike

[@ja_co_bus650]

Ive rebuilt my front end with stock components and added 50ml more oil to each fork. Made a big difference in dampening the springyness. Have to hit it a lot harder to bottom the front end out. 10000miles later and the front end is still holding up without leaks.

[@Gggrennn]

Love that exhaust note!!!!!

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Yeah she sounds sweet. Lextek universal muffler.

[@ScottJones5280]

Great video! Thank you! I was considering selling my 2017 AT and getting a smaller bike (KTM 890r). I’m now convinced to just become a better off-road rider with what I have. Appreciate your effort making this video!

[@JIMWSMITH]

Just about to buy a early 2016/2017 bike here in the UK. Looking forward to seeing the future mods to your bike. Nice content 👌

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Build series starts in less than 2 weeks. Congrats on the new AT

[@SP2Rider]

You took it through the paces where none of the general reviews of this bike category take it. Here in Europe those bikes are almost only seen on regular or may be gravel roads. Absolutely grand.🤘

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thanks bud. It was a good time.

[@DaShcati]

Definitely agree good video on a bike that most use on the road

[@keyboarddancers7751]

First of all, top marks for your riding skills. Secondly, how interesting to see someone putting a previous generation AT through such rigorous paces. Look forward to seeing the result of proposed suspension upgrades. That bike sounds like an angry T. Rex; fantastic sound! Your choice of very capable secondhand steed reminds us all that *"new is not essential."*

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thank you. Loving this machine. Full build on the works so stay tuned

[@markw2k7]

Agree with this sentiment that new is not essential. Too many people believe the marketing hype with new bikes and don't realise the bike in their garage, if ridden right, is probably all they need!

[@RideWithGec]

@@markw2k7 I have done 8K (on and off road) on my brand new 2023AT with electronic suspension and I can tell you it's a big difference. So new does matter in this case :) Feel free to check my channel, tons of footage on new AT, like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnmtmKWOq8-LaZI

[@BP-id4cq]

Just found your channel. Great video. Looks like you were riding in Otay Mesa, my old stomping grounds. Would like to see a follow up video. Thanks for sharing

[@doublex632]

Love the sound of that AT, thanks

[@liamhenning]

Sounds great!

[@yoboo6167]

*Heads up bud, they're doing a recall on that front tire. Type in TKC80 Recall and you can find the list. Tread block separation issues* Might I suggest the IRC TR8 as a suitable replacement. Rides smooth, grips great.

[@lolbruah]

Nice video! Would love to see the same test with the Ohlins aftermarket suspension :) Should perform better if adjusted correctly. I've ridden an KTM 1190 Adventure (not the "R") up to 3000 meters of mountainous area in Italy (western alps) through ankle deep sand packed steep uphills. It was OK for that stuff but I didnt want to PUSH the street suspension. I'm now looking on a Africa Twin and would definitly buy an Ohlins System for good offroadin :)

[@alessandrotorrescampos522]

Amazing video. Is this video new? Because the bike seems to be really new (for a 2016). Really liked the video.

[@MtbPoland]

God bless, thank you. Just thinking about excactly same bike.

[@totaratree99]

Nice video thanks. Just purchased one of these. Yet to do nay serious off roading only some gravel.

[@Modelo408]

i have a stock 2019, and i took it to a motocross track a while ago. Suspension was soft but im pretty light so i was very impressed, cleared most jumps too

[@MOTOPILOT6]

I plan to do that once upgraded. I'll video it

[@DanTube2010]

Nice riding!

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thx. I try. Lol. A little rusty after no moto riding for around 7 years. It's coming back to me. Another reason I wanted this bike. Dirt baby!

[@dillonmech7206]

I bought and still have a KTM1190r, I ride quite a bit in the dirt, the best mods as far as making it better all the way around were increased progressive springs front and rear, and the scott adjustable steering stabilizer that moved the handlebars forward and up at the same time. The only advice I have on the springs is go with more than you think on the spring rate especially if you plan on carrying some gear off road (thing giant loop gear bag by the way). I love the lines on the Africa twin but I didn't like the fork rake, better for low speed handling though. I transitioned into the "adventure" market from a 99 xr600r that I have put greater than 100k. miles on in the dirt. I'm waiting for the 150hp. Africa twin then I will bite....Thanks for a great video, good luck with the mods.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thanks. Yeah I have suspension ready to be installed. The biggest fault on this machine. Plus I'll squeeze some more power out of it.

[@dillonmech7206]

@@MOTOPILOT6 Unfortunately no matter what you buy they always need something, as for KTM they like to say "ready to race" but unless you re gear the transmission its a lie.... too high in first and way too low in 6th, go figure.. If you want to ride some cool country I'm Dillons auto in Portola CA, look me up...

[@daverose4774]

Your a great rider Years of motocross really show Great video man

[@drespinoza100]

still believing is one of the beasts in the segment

[@wilco1v]

a litle havea bike on the frontend ,did trim my stock suspension settings ,its better but still on the soft side (not to soft ) ,sonds good ,stock 2019 have 95 db and it,s max db,s for a lot of places in europe see mad mick crf1000 on youtube have a nice ride....

[@MikeDLees]

A little confused. The video is titled "this sucks" but your review seems to give a general thumbs up. Obviously the suspension is terrible, and I agree with your remedies. I have a 2017 AT, and have replaced front and rear springs with appropriate weight. Also fitted RaceTech gold valves to the front, but not really sure I achieved any benefit by doing so. I agree, just replace the suspension completely, and the bike is great, especially for the price.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Well I didn't want to completely be nagative about our beloved AT. But I did note the softness, bottoming, fish tailing and springyness. Glad you got yours worked out.

[@arcsolomon6360]

click bait to get more views this is what idiot youtubers do nowadays

[@terrystratford1235]

@@MOTOPILOT6 it would also seem the tft screen is breaking on most bikes! From going black to not being able to use a touch screen! Mine likes to switch off and back on! Only done 3400 miles!

[@rickruger4215]

Great looking bike

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thx. Stick around for the build

[@Toofast821]

As a profesional racers specially moto 6:17 you know what you have to do before riding hard set the sag adjust the spring rate maybe you need stiffer springs maybe softer maybe less oil maybe more oil in the forks your a racer teach the public

[@dancurran3854]

I have a ''17 - first bike in 30+ years & really enjoy your build videos and product details. Have you dropped her yet with the Givi crashbars? Did you keep your Outback bars?

[@Itsjustme326]

Hi. Nice video. However I am wondering if you adjusted you suspension setting/ clickers before you made this video? I did not here any mention of this and believe a lot of what you are feeling could be sorted with some proper time spent setting these?

[@MOTOPILOT6]

I did mention at the beginning that I had the fork springs and compression dialed way up. Having the proper preload is a given. Bottom line is this bike would highly benefit from heavier springs and proper valving.

[@davidsonneman1121]

Nice job. I have a stock suspended 2019. I also think it is way too soft. Very interested in what you come up with.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thanks. Stay tuned for the full build

[@patekphllp]

Hi! Are you using an extra mic inside your helmet? 13:39 why did the mic sound change? I min, I like your sound settings up to this point. Which mic are you using? Thanks!

[@advbull]

Nice video. Just subscribed to you. I have a 2022 Africa twin. I'm not nearly as good of a rider. I've always been on the road but I keep practicing. Had the bike for a year now. Got 10,000 mi on it and my videos aren't as good as yours😂. And I'm also discovering the wonderful world of Florida sugar sand. Ugh! UGGH

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Welcome to my channel. Practice makes perfect. Great bike to learn on...but I bit heavy for aggressive dirt riding.

[@shaneholmes7581]

Looks like a fun place to ride! Where is this?

[@thorstentrapp274]

Nice review, cheers. Does anyone know about possible changes made to the suspension etc compared to 2023 models?

[@RainnMakerr]

Nice demo. I came across looking to find out if it is worth getting the updated 2020+ AFR twin or look for a 16-19 models. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@jonlough3074]

I have a 2022 At with the DCT. The dct wasn't my first choice, but it is actually pretty cool. Especially for driving in the city. I was just riding terrain like this today, and the bike did great. The suspension is soft for sure. I have never been one to mess suspension settings. I just hop on things and ride. Making the suspension stiffer would help off the road, but i dont know if it would affect the street handling.

[@adrenalinetv7944]

I have a 2018 AT and I've never had any issues with the suspension on or off road it handles great, I think honda did a great job.

[@floydgould4401]

Obviously you don't ride it hard enough

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Excellent riding. How tall heavy are you? Africa twin is on my list but many say it is only for tall folks.

[@NoelHeyer]

Not sure about him, im 5'9" 175lbs I have almost 20k miles on mine (bought new) mixed terrain similar background to him I have 49 years experience.

[@RyfusFox]

Man I really want to buy this bike, however I keep getting torn between this or the Yamaha Tenere 700. They're in the same price range as each other but do I spend a little extra money and get the suspension tuned on a second hand AT or should I go for the smaller bike?

[@jameswhite007lurchio]

Can I ask which make and type top (presuming it’s armour) you are wearing? It looks light and breathable?

[@bwb2321]

Isn't the suspension adjustable on these?

[@nihonkokusai]

Does the 2019 front forks fit 2020- models and vice versa?

[@CODIAK13]

Who are you looking at for suspension upgrades?

[@ianross225]

This test establishes that the Africa Twin is a “softroader” and soft focussed on any off-road pretensions. I have a later ATAS DCT ES and find it compromised for the road especially it’s overly soft springing. To make a comfortable long range bike natural comes at the expense of other considerations not least weight and handling. I like this style of bike more for the riding position and comfort than any off-road activities. I’m in the majority by all accounts. A jack-of-all-trades bike is hard to make. The Tiger 900 and KTM 890 are probably better bets with the Tiger somewhere between the Honda and KTM. I’m a Brit and due to head to the US to do some of the TAT and I’m pretty clear that the ATAS is not the right bike with my lack of skill, height (or lack of) and strength. I’m leaning to the KTM for lowest weight and low CoG as the best. We’ll see……

[@MOTOPILOT6]

The TAT sounds awesome

[@danman5857]

Have you had your AT on any really long highway rides strictly all tarmac and decently high speeds? How's the handling, ride and comfort on a long highway stint? Would you recommend the AT or another ADV bike that is more road focused?

[@ianross225]

@@danman5857 The AT is fine on highways but didn’t feel as planted as the GSA it replaced. On twisty roads I didn’t have the confidence that the GSA gave me. The stock seat isn’t especially comfortable. My issue was that of weight and the DCT around town. I’ve sold it for a KTM 890 Adventure which is better for my needs and has a fun factory missing in the Honda and BMW. The Tiger is good other than the vibration which I find obtrusive. The KTM isn’t perfect but so much lighter and more manageable in town where I spend a lot of time. Good luck with your deliberation.

[@danman5857]

@@ianross225 , Have you had KTM before? I looked at the 2023 1290S and what a beauty. The pricing is decent and what fun 160 hp would be. I just don't know about longevity without big expense. The next big I buy will be long term and sit beside my current 13 year owned bike.

[@ianross225]

@@danman5857 It’s my first and whilst the heart said 1290S the head said 890. I bought new to ensure all and any issues are dealt with under warranty. An old buddy of mine and owner of several KTMs said that KTM stands for Keeps Taking Money!

[@TLE1977A]

What are the brand of the lever guards on the bars? The barkbuster ones I have are too short and restrict adjustment of the clutch and front brake angle on the bar.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Not sure. Came on the bike. Hhmmm I was considering a bark buster swap. Not sure now

[@TLE1977A]

@@MOTOPILOT6 you can tilt the levels down but also have to tilt down the barkbusters. I think im going to just make a 10mm x 5mm bar to bridge the gap from the long bar to the mounting bracket on the inside so the levers have more clearance. There is also the option of a company that makes a bracket the mounts from the bar clamps on the top triple clamp that attaches to the barkbusters bar. Camel ADV runs them on his AT in the older videos.

[@MotoBmx01r]

Cool 😎

[@cobrin6437]

blip much...

[@habibi750]

Maybe it’s you and not the bike

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

🙊🙈🙉

[@mototechsam3051]

People are idiots! Your one!