A real road bike? 2024 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports review

[@UncleWally3]

At 72 I’ve ridden for more than 50 years, down to three bikes and one is an Africa Twin DCT. I’ve grown from hating the DCT to lovin’ it and, while it’s a tad hefty, off and on tarmac it meets my needs. I want to buy the new Adventure Sports with the 19” front and lower height but I don’t want the youngster graphics and I do want adaptive cruse control and blind spot notification. Hey, I’m 72! So, I’ll wait until the ‘25 model but, at my age, my road’s running out of time!

[@PDCRed]

Isn’t it available in black with low-key graphics?

[@Flaresh]

There is always something better coming down the pipe. If you wait for the 2025 model there will be rumours of fabulous new features coming in 2026. Live your best life while you can. Carry on riding and stay safe.

[@CHUKDEPHATTE]

Still riding at 72, absolute Legend.

[@UncleWally3]

@@PDCRed In Canada, the Adventure Sport DCT only comes in white with busy graphics; nice, just not for me . . .

[@nogerboher5266]

@@PDCRed It is and it actually looks better. In full black ATAS looks like a Japanese version of BMW GSA - especially with those metal crash bars and engine protectors!

[@coolhandchunk]

I just got my 24 ATAS manual. Yes, 100hp is perfectly quick enough for the street here in Canada... Despite being a big girl, she is lighter and easier to push around than my CBF1000fa sport tourer...and easier to get on the centre stand. I am not sure why everyone is complaining about the weight... if you want a dual sport, buy a WR250. If you want to light up the tires and go autobahn speeds, get yourself a 'Busa. If you want a beautiful bike that is comfy, torquey, beautifully built and gorgeous... then give it a second look.

[@brianhoward9217]

Well said CoolChuncks!

[@MrPchubare]

Best comment!

[@andrewtofts7884]

It has been mentioned how expensive this bike is compared to its competitors. I did a comparison between the AT DCT with added engine/top bars, fog lights, centre stand, etc. to the 1300 GS and the existing 1250 GSA with similar equipment; both the Beemers came in at £3k more than the AT. Like a lot of cars today, the pricing of most bikes is advertised with basic equipment and you have to look deeper to fully understand how much the product really is to suit your needs. Thanks for the video.

[@terrellgarren7125]

Good review. I bought a gently used '22 V-STROM 1050XT for $10K. 19", V-Twin, 106HP, panniers, top box, tank bag, etc. The engine is little bland, but the bike is low cost and crazy reliable. The accessory bar above the display is a game changer. Wonderful touring bike. I learned 100HP is not enough for short ride thrills, but it is plenty for touring. Short rides should be about the bike. Long rides should be about the ride.

[@kiwiadventurer]

Shooting from the hIp Tim, love how your personal merges in with the real world facts we on this side of the screen need to know both academically and emotionally. You have the perfect blend and make for enjoyable watching. Here in New Zealand we love the vista's in the outback where the gravel roads lead. My 2019 AT manual has done 90,000 clicks with lots of it off road not just gravel. I'll be 76 this June and trading to the Adventure Sports you're reviewing makes sense. I don''t need the height anymore because I only ride gravel and the black stuff now. I find around 100hp mark quite adequate and hold my own with bikes having a lot more hp. In view of that, there are a feast of options out there that excite me more than the bike you're standing next to. But there is one factor that always comes to the top when in a quandary what bike to choose, and that is the legendary reliability of owning a Honda. Subscribed

[@timrodierides]

Thanks for the kind comment - I really appreciate that! You've done big miles - I'm envious! You can only do about 2 miles off-road in my part of the world before you're back on a congested bit of blacktop.

[@FistsInTheWind]

Good video, but it should be mentioned that the engine is way more reliable than those 140 HP+ bikes and doesnt require high octane fuel. The performance is amazing... and for me personally, I like knowing it wont leave me stranded somewhere on a backroad during a 5000 mile trip!

[@bungfupanda8936]

I had the Honda Africa Twin adventure sport at the top of my list for the new year, especially now it has the 19 inch front wheel, without DCT though, but the issues you have highlighted with the tft screen and the button controls have dropped it way down the list if not removed it completely. So many reviewers speaking negatively about buttons and tft issues that it is obviously a big problem, especially if you end up owning an ATAS long term. I may start looking at middleweight machines now. Good review, thanks. 👍🏻

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

Take a look at the Ducati Desert X the button buttons are a lot more simpler. I think you can do everything with two buttons. Unfortunately, you won’t have the Apple CarPlay though.

[@bungfupanda8936]

@DesertCoyote-t5k Thanks for the heads up, I did own a Ducati in the past and vowed never to again!

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

@@bungfupanda8936 Then my next pick would be the VStrom 1050. I don’t remember if the cruise control button was in a weird spot though. The TFT is nice check out the V Strom very very reliable motorcycle. Also if you’re in some backwoods foreign country on it, it will take 87 octane and not act weird.

[@AT2021Rocker]

I absolutely love my 2021 atas! Great on road and very capable off road.

[@gerryryan2302]

i think the complicated switchgear is not really as big a problem as people think ..tbh we set the bike up initially to how we want it then never really visit the menu system again ..but yeah its bloody expensive when compared to the rest of the bikes in this class and tbh the midweights are comparable to it now ..and they should have updated the tft

[@axelfiraxa]

This is the reason i went with the KTM1290 SAS in 2022. The ATAS was the same price as the 1290 with the tech pack and dynamically the 1290 is in a completely different league.

[@timrodierides]

Yeah, I agree I tend to leave bikes once I've set them up - or at least have a 'soft' and 'hard' mode customised.

[@coolhandchunk]

Here in Canada, it is a relative bargain. The Ducatis, BMWs, Triumphs etc are all quite a bit more expensive. The other Japanese alternatives (ST1200, Versys 1000, VStrom 1050 etc) are all very comparable, but not nearly as good looking and not as advanced.

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

I thought it automatically reset the default every time you turn the bike off that it doesn’t save your settings. I could be wrong educate me.

[@BalefulBunyip]

Have an 22 Africa Twin DCT. It is the perfect bike for Australia. Great on our many, many dirt roads.

[@baldandbiking]

I've had mine since 2020. Much as I get the urge from time to time to trade it in for something else, I just can't find anything better.

[@TheZanshen]

I have the vfr 1200x crosstourer dct and it’s superb. Had the crosstourer manual and changed to Dct . It’s a keeper. Not overloaded with electronics and enough for safety ie ABS/TC .

[@torbenjensen6236]

Honda gone a different way than big GS, Tiger 1200. They kept the relative low compression at 10.6:1, added more toque instead of chasing HP. Engine can run on low octane fuel and last many km's. Michael Neeves MCN said in his test that he never felt it lacking power, 100hp is enough on public roads. Off course you don't get the rush you can get from +140hp but it's fun in its own way. My old AT dct 2017 will maybe be replaced by one of the new AT 24

[@localfishinghole]

I have a 2022 model that I have had since new and it takes a few weeks to figure out the screen. I am pretty quick with it now, but it was annoying initially.

[@solidfoundation6991]

I am 6ft3 as you are. Do you have recommendations for bikes that offer good wind comfort for us taller people. How about the nt 1100?

[@coolmaverickguy]

Do you get handle wobble on the 2024 AT [with or without topbox] ? lots of previous model AT riders are complaining about it.

[@scubarubanzaii]

This won’t help at all, but I have a 23 CB500X with a Shad 58X tailcase and that causes front end wobble at high speeds

[@szeriman13]

hi is the wind buffeting solved, if you are taller than 180cm? because is still see gap between the frame and the windscreen if you put up. bmw has "ears" there. thanks

[@mr.t9976]

Do the Honda brand side cases require an additional bracket? If so are they included or is it sold separately

[@dpinedoblog]

Thanks for the vid. I have a KTM 1290 SAS, so as much as I love Hondas, it might feel like I am going backwards?

[@timrodierides]

Hey! As an ex 1290SAS owner, you'd definitely miss the power/torque and general angriness...

[@axelfiraxa]

I rode both the 2022 ATAS and the 1290SAS and went for the SAS at the time since it was dynamically superior for literally the same price(including the tech pack)

[@BuckyUSA]

Personally I just don’t need 140+ hp on an adv bike for where I live. If I want to tour then I want to see stuff and not speed past them. Plus, aren’t a lot of the UK roads speed controlled with cameras anyways? I do think it should be less money, though.

[@timrodierides]

Thing is, once you've ridden a bike with more power (even a GS) it's quite hard going back to an AT. I get why the off-road version doesn't need more than 100hp, but I think most road riders spending this amount would expect more.

[@BuckyUSA]

@@timrodierides that’s a great point. I’ve seen riders go from a GSA to a T7 or 701 but those are half the price or less.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

some listed as L1,2,3,4, ok whats the nomenclature of differences ?

[@BN1960]

I think the AT, as nice as it is, is being left behind now. £17k+ for 102bhp is up against the big boys and it's not really enough (perception is the key in bikes) Apple CarPlay is not the USP it was in 2016 when I can buy a £200 wireless CarPlay (and Android auto) unit from Carpuride for my GS either C'mon Honda - you've recognised that a change to a Tall-rounder is needed, now recognise that the bike needs a big ol' ergo update yeah (the switches and instruments,,,just to be clear)?

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

Maybe in 10 years

[@abubakarhussein5197]

Am having the 2023 Adventure sport Manual with Quick shifter with a 21 front but really miss DCT as my previous 2 ATs were DCTs. am contemplating on selling it for a 2024 DCT but debating between a standard vs Adventure sport. Obviously wont be doing extreme off roads like Kirian Mirabet but the shorter front suspension of the AS keeps me off.

[@andyh9068]

I had a 2021 ATAS ES and it was a good bike but a bit top heavy. Now got a cb1000r naked and dont think i would want to drop down in power now. The controls are pretty easy once you get used to them. Im considering getting another adventure bike but sadly the ATAS probably wont be in the mix although i would like to try that 19" front tyre. This is a good review despite what some other owners say.

[@demzunoplayer]

Love it. But too heavy and an old fashioned type of frame. Maybe a little underpowered for the weight. DCT is a great innovation, and has a lot more potential.

[@charlesochler5800]

Is the manual more sporty

[@scheun2]

I have one. Almost perfect review. Love the bike regardless. For me, it's like a 70 series land cruizer. Perfectly flawed.

[@s.ri.1020]

Agree that they have to review the buttons and ease of navigating of the different controls. Even connecting to apple car play is f… complicated. I end up not connecting and not touching any of the adjustments - controls. Seriously to me I even consider making a different purchase on my next bike because on this. Now a days everyone make things intuitive - Honda should hire or partner with someone that fix this.

[@predragkardashian3730]

You all forget that automatic gear shift costs! You all mention only - 17 K for 102 PS... How much will BMW ask for their automatic? We dont need 150 PS...Each bike has their public...if you into speed go KTM, if you want good reliable go Africa twin...easy )))

[@timrodierides]

To be fair my KTM 1290SAS was pretty reliable! I do mention that the DCT adds £1300 to the bike

[@CBRHONDA-ky7xo]

I like it T-shirt instead of Bike ❤

[@Обовсемпочуть-чуть-ю7э]

how tall are you?

[@timrodierides]

6’3”

[@jackvliet]

Sadly honda has made the AT too expensive in my opinion. Also, what boots are you wearing?

[@sdavey10]

Excellent, many thanks

[@migo33]

The ATAS DCT is in its own class. It sells like hot cakes and there are many reasons for that. So if you want to ride like the devil go ahead and ride something else. Many of not most peole ride sensibly and are after comfort amd reliability.

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

Maybe you need like a series of 50 classes on how to operate the buttons and the TFT. You might get a lot of view$ just saying.

[@beetleything1864]

Waaaaaay to EXPENSIVE !!!!

[@timrodierides]

Everything is way too expensive at the moment to be fair!

[@adnanalam200]

Too many "a"s and not enough "o"s 😂

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

Buy used then

[@malcolmmuirhead301]

Spot on about the price, as a chap said to me it is just a parrallel twin after all. I am a honda man but i think honda now make mostly boring bikes but when they hit the mark and they have here for me, they are over priced, crf 300 and rally come to mind also. Perfect power for me, had more, dont need it, as the missenden flyer says the new more piwerfull gs does not do the gs thing any better.

[@cadman9615]

I was checking out the new 24 AT at my local dealer since they finally got them in…& the sales guy was even confused by the button madness on the switchgear. Also, I’m 5’11” & I had NO problem flat footing it either.

[@Flaresh]

I'm moving to Thailand in a couple of months and had my heart set on buying a 2024 AT AS. However, after contacting Honda Thailand and 3 or 4 dealers, nobody has been able to confirm when, or even if, this bike will be available. Consequently, I've opted for the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, which is available. Doesn't have DCT, but does have a great quick shifter. Also comes standard with heated seats .... a feature which is essential for riding around SE Asia where the temps have recently topped 40 degrees C 🥵😂

[@StefanPacMan]

Brother, you're using the lowest amount of power, the icon should be filled with blue bars 4/4 not 1/4.

[@timrodierides]

Someone didn’t watch the whole thing where I point that out!

[@StefanPacMan]

@@timrodierides not yet, I’m halfway thru it at the moment 🤣

[@StefanPacMan]

@@timrodierides oh well, I did not know that it's the other way around, today I learnt I guess, thanks.

[@demzunoplayer]

Hilarious!

[@lr_spb]

Choose between the Honda AT ES for £17,600, the BMW R1300 TE for £19,000, or the Tiger 1200 GT Pro for £17,300. Personally, the Honda would be my last choice among these options.

[@coolhandchunk]

Pricing in Canada is much different. The BMW and Triumph are MUCH more expensive.

[@ahmedawad563]

@@coolhandchunk There's a significant price gap between these bikes in Canada. All European bikes are more expensive than the Honda. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES manual edition is closer in price to the BMW F900 GS in Canada. So for us here, that's what we would compare to. Comparing it to Triumph, the ATAS costs $22,316, and the cheapest Tiger 1200 GT PRO costs $25,595. That's the price Triumph has on their website, so at the dealer, you'll easily add a couple thousand dollars to that number.

[@dimekoza]

Please tell me how much does the competition with 40 Hp more, cost, compared to the Honda when equipped equally? I'll wait... Also on another note... I've watched maybe a couple of dozen reviews of the Honda from people all around the world, and you're the only one that has a problem with the bike's interface, so I'm thinking it's not the bike, it's you.

[@os6219]

There’s is not one German or French speaking review which doesn’t point out the poor user interface. So you are probably watching the wrong channels or not telling the truth ! A couple of dozen….yeah. Looks like you’re the typical AT driver. One of those who think they’re above everyone and therefore don’t salute fellow bikers.

[@timrodierides]

Erm, the point is the KTM and GS aren't far off in terms of price. Sure, they don't have CarPlay but… I'd rather have more power and torque than that. And really, no one else has mentioned the UI problems?! I think someone's been selective with their review watching!

[@dimekoza]

@@os6219 I don't own a Honda, but I have used the interface and it's very good. Now, if you and the dude in the review are not really tech savvy, and can't find your way around the system, well that's your problem. You're probably using a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop...so this should be intuitive and easy for you. If you don't use modern tech in everyday life well, sorry to say, time has passed you by.

[@dimekoza]

@@timrodierides like I said, equally equipped like the Honda, with the alu panniers and all else... I beleive you'll find they are pretty far off with price. Do you want me to post actual links from website configurators?! Or you gonna check for yourself... And no, nobody has complained about the interface except you. Like I told the guy bellow, if you're not tech savvy, don't blame the machine, admit that it's you that has a problem, it's dignified and there is no shame in it. But if you want to use a modern day machine, any machine, you're going to have to adapt.

[@timrodierides]

@@dimekoza​​⁠ to be fair, my KTM 1290SAS with a top box was £4k less than an AT without luggage. And panniers would’ve added maybe £800? Also I’ve definitely not ridden many modern motorbikes. What do you ride?

[@56floorer]

another expression you can use re acceleration is "it pulls like a teenage schoolboy" didn't't know whether mentioning this would be ok but after you said "it won't roll your foreskin back" I figured it would be alright 😁

[@timrodierides]

Hahaha, you might have guessed I have no filter and don't mind!

[@TheTonicro]

Sales numbers are saying the opposite. It's the best selling adv tourer in Europe after gs. Too much talk about power.

[@alex8850]

If you want excitement buy a CBR 1000 RR-R. Honda always know what she's doing.

[@bmc8989]

At that price why not just get to a full size adv (1300/1250 GS, Tiger 1200 etc). Same weight but more power.

[@timrodierides]

Exactly, especially if you're riding on the road.

[@matthewevans4317]

ahh, fuck. Made me schedule some time with the hand controls.

[@GoncaloGandra]

Love when the "pro's" say 100cv are not enough. Right! Not enough for what? Track day? And the reasoning between "horsepower vs price"?!? That's hilarious. Go ride more and stop comparing "sizes". You will soon realize that life is much more fun that way.

[@timrodierides]

Someone needs to go ride a GS or KTM 1290SAS and feel how easy it is to overtake a couple of cars at once vs the AT!

[@GoncaloGandra]

@@timrodierides Yes, I know what you mean. I have a 2024 ATAS but I've had the pleasure of ride much more powerful motorcycles (a GSA was one of them). And yes, everything is faster if we have 200 hp. But realistically, how often is this level of power really necessary? If the answer is "very often", then I can only assume that the type of driving someone is doing is not at all suitable for a public road. All the best.

[@spangoz1000]

​@@timrodieridesSeriously 😅 I've owned a GS1250 and now own a Triumph 900 GT pro , in the real world there is no difference in overtakes.

[@jasgsxr2726]

Looks like Yamaha got it right 24 years ago with the Tenere 1200 ? Get the Yamaha if you don't need the extra electronics for a lot less $

[@davidmallia628]

Very true! Even premium products are Chinese, like Volvo.

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

Volvo is premium??😅

[@davidmallia628]

@@TheFbiFilesRepeat The price people pay is premium! Only personal experience would dictate otherwise, because many haters, and ill informed, prejudiced people out there. One fact remains. The Chinese have refined their engineering product to the point of taking markets from more established, western, brands. The west has exported it's manufacturing to China to maximize it's profits, out of laziness, and greed. The Chinese are wise, and shrewd enough to capture the opportunity. Look at Australia. Rather than exploit their natural resources, they sold out to the Chinese, not even bothering to dig it out of the ground. They would rather fatten their beer belly, and have a good time, rather than be industrious. This is indicative of all modern day western society. What you sow, you reap!

[@spangoz1000]

Has it still got that instrument of torture, maskerading as a seat 😮

[@benkelly2190]

I can’t understand it! I brought a 2024 BMW S1000XR! It does it all. Obviously not off road! I wouldn’t swap it, for any thing else! I just want em all! …help..please😁🙂🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

You gonna need a motorcycle intervention. Now go out and buy the Africa Twin and ride it for 30 days. You’ve gotta give the BMW a break. She feels that you are controlling. Once she finds out that she’s not your only option. She will love you even more. 💕

[@МихаилСтрогов-ш4ж]

If Honda is pushing towards heav road bike it wants to compete with GS. And it cant really. GS is a better road bike, by far. AT forte is middle ground, good road good offroad. With that front wheel its no that good off road.

[@Jubelly]

Same prcie as a bmw or ktm? A fully equipped honda might be similar to a base bmw or ktm you mean? 😂

[@timrodierides]

A KTM 1290 SAS has been about £13-4k in the UK for a few years! I know because I bought one

[@aleksandartasic7652]

You are not changing power, you are changing throttle response.

[@timrodierides]

Yes, correct

[@warrenr4]

Foc me. Just looking at those buttons gave me a headache.

[@stevo8629]

Don't listen to this guy, the TFT and controls are easy to learn if you have a brain. and the system is clear and concise. Its also a complete rebuild from the ground up and is completely different from the standard model. i think you should stick to BMW its simpler and may suit you better

[@timrodierides]

Yeah nah don't listen to me. I clearly have no idea what I'm talking about.

[@shamuso1596]

I've had one (africa twin) for two years and the switchgear is a pain, but I just leave it in urban, the switch gear if awkward, but if you loosen it you can move it upwards awards about 30 degrees - making it OK. I've and people do put on a tom tom sat nav the Google of your phone is flawed, it just goes of, you need to stop to reset it and that takes 5 minutes so it's $hite, I'm really not impressed so stuck my tomtom on and noticed after 2 years that most people have done the same.

[@ydarbg]

I find that manufacturers are catering more now for short arses which is a problem when you're not

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

Yeah, and you haven’t been riding on your tippy toes for 40 years. Karma.

[@sonohata53]

道頓堀🎉

[@alexstan5358]

My BMW R1200GS needs to go,new R1300GSA is fugly! HONDA here i come! ( or maybe KTM1290SAS)

[@fuglbird]

I'm sure it's a great motorcycle; but I can get great motorcycles at half the price.

[@apexslider1]

私たちは工場にすべての電力を残しました

[@dreamcrusher112]

Lots of angry honda owners in the comments today. 'you dont need more than 100hp' sounds a lot like 'you dont need more than 4 inches'. 100hp at 250kg will not make you giggle if you have ridden anything fast.

[@timrodierides]

This is the thing really. Looking at the road-going adventure bikes at the same price point, you're going to notice the AT's power deficit after riding pretty much any of the competition. Sure it may not matter, but once you've had 140hp+, it's tricky to go back.

[@ydarbg]

Low center of gravity...plenty of power and torque...all day comfort... Shaft dr..... Ooops wrong review video 😂😂😂

[@llano19fly]

Holy Crap! To hell with all these electrics. Even H-Ds have way to many electrics screwing their bikes up. My 2 favorite bikes were the KZ1000 J & Suzuki DR 650!

[@MtbPoland]

Rich?

[@fcalin21]

Africa Twin is a stupid concept. Bad for the road , unfit for the off-road.

[@Dan-56]

Honda…..it’s the Japanese word for “Without Soul”. 😉

[@timrodierides]

I dunno… the Fireblade and my old Blackbird had something special!

[@TheZanshen]

Total reliability not like BM trouble you lol 😅.

[@brianhoward9217]

Clearly this guy is an Apple tragic - no mention of the excellent android auto fitted on the '24. Just generally, he's a bit lazy in the review, to say unprofessional would be unkind, so I won't.

[@timrodierides]

Alright Brian. There are better bikes

[@brianhoward9217]

@@timrodierides Of course there are but at what? In what way? I currently own a Multistrada with 150+HP but it is the most unreliable bit of junk I've owned in 40+ years. I'm looking to trade on the '25 Africa Twin when it arrives with the supercharger next year, which will certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons. Even now, with 'only' 100hp, I'd prefer this one over the Multi. The power arrives early in a wave of torque, unlike the multi which needs the tits revved off it to realise the full power. So, just because conventional wisdom says a bike is 'better' during a 20 min review (like a Multi Vs Africa Twin for example) it doesn't often carry across that it is. The Honda would be a MUCH more equitable ownership experience than the 'thrown-together-from-a-distance' Ducati. This is something reviewers often gloss over, if mention at all - the real world ownership experience - just as important as the initial ride experience if not moreso. This is all besides the point I'm making, of course, about the excellent Android Auto fitted to the AT.

[@prof.2248]

European motorcycles are better nowadays than Japanese

[@Jungleland33]

Lolz. Let us know how you get on touring the world on your Ducati/ BMW/ Aprilia/ Triumph/ KTM etc., etc.

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

Is it for middle class middle aged men that passed their test ten years ago? They also might be gay?

[@timrodierides]

What’s wrong with any of that?

[@friktionrc]

@@timrodieridesjudging by their previous comments around same sex relationships, me thinks they may themselves be hiding so far back in the wardrobe they’re actually in Narnia. A case of unrequited love, perhaps. 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@unbannablebob395]

Veddy guud aksent, saar!!