VLOG 31 - Honda Africa Twin 50,000km Review

I finally go over the bike... finally.
If you have further questions, please comment. (I will answer them this decade, I promise)

[@martychin9496]

Bought and sold 1/2 dozen R1200GS/A, KLR650, and loved them. Went to buy an African Twin and got talked out of it by Honda/KTM dealer, talked me into buying KTM 1090 Adventure, fantastic hotrod bike, junk factory acessories -poor fit, gas cap broke off first ride, second ride fuel sender got stuck 8 weeks to fix -sold it with joy. Went back and bought my Africa Twin, rode 1200 miles in 3 days, through 5 storms, rock solid bike, hauls ass, agile and nimble, kick ass ride, reliable period. Thanks for a great review.

[@longranger5226]

MetreX You can’t really go wrong either way. I’ve got an Africa. Great bike. She’s a bit portly, but I really haven’t noticed while riding. Not as exciting as the KTMs. Had them before too.

[@porkchop803scwilliams9]

Man I'd like to get one

[@hesko125]

Would it be good for a dude that is 6"4

[@shampoo-supernova]

@@hesko125 I'm 6'9", works fine for me.

[@dannynagle]

Zero criticism! Honest and entertaining review from someone who has walked the walk! Great job!

[@nomad5176]

Finally the guy who likes his stock pipes. I thought I am the only one. Thanks for objective review.

[@zzxx33mh]

Nomad Nomad original exhuast nice shaped..

[@nomad5176]

Right, SoloRide. good shape, nice sound, good quality and weight. Really no sense to buy 'watch me' pipes.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Except it sounds like a scooter with stock pipe

[@michal1249]

I like them too. Snd the worst ones and most boring stock pipes are on BMW f800gs😋

[@MathieuTerzian]

Michal Kadlec that’s true. Had to change mine on the first days with an Arrow.

[@brentbergman81]

I bought an AT in June because of your VLOGs (also bought a Mavic Pro). Rode from Phoenix to Prudhoe and back the following few weeks. 12,000mi in 3 weeks. Love it. Zero regret.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Strong work!

[@8andsk835]

How is it in the freeway with the nobby tires?

[@youngboomerragevictim8857]

12000?? So you went cross county like 4 times?? Liar

[@tHaH4x0r]

@@youngboomerragevictim8857 I think you are right hahaha, 20k km in 3 weeks equals approximately 950km (590 mile) per day. Possible? Maybe. It would take non-stop riding every single day for those 3 weeks, with barely any breaks between. Even if you average 100km/h (unlikely) you'd spend 9.5h in the saddle not including breaks, fuel stops, food. I'd say extremely unlikely, and if true extremely unpleasant no matter what bike. 500 miles for most people is on the way high side for a day of touring, 300-400 is more reasonable.

[@anthonyd5220]

This is the type of review that guys need to watch when deciding on a bike. A 50,000 km ridden review is so much better and accurate than a 100 km, two day demo ride. I am on the verge of finalizing the Twin (DCT version) and the vid and comments have just inked the deal for me. Thanks William for a great review....

[@davidj4662]

Peace of mind traveling on a Honda = priceless.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I used a 5th gen VFR to travel the US for years. Honda makes fantastic machines.

[@jorgeneriksson3144]

There are two brand i completely trusts. One is Honda, and the other is Yamaha. Kind of bullit proof bikes. And you got to love that about them.

[@penilane009]

Your opinions helped me answer some questions and confirming my suspicions about the bike. Thank you so much 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kiwipirate60]

Not that I needed it but this just confirms what I love about my AT...can't beat it

[@MrStarmissed]

Now that's a review! Take care on the road William.

[@austinlasprec7403]

Great review. No BS, direct, informative and straight to the point. Thanks man Now I gotta start savin up to buy 1

[@davidj2549]

Great vid as usual...I have an Africa Twin but so far have only managed a few thousand miles around Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Feeling inspired to go further afield thanks to your vlog...just gotta convince the missus.

[@zzxx33mh]

David J yes..you must ride when ever you got the chance..make it commitment..and ride must include some off road;It's what bike biased to..

[@lamilumag]

"A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do"

[@xontheweb2376]

Funny enough my most amazing ride, possibly ever, was riding your beautiful NC500 2 years ago within 4 days of sunshine. Was on the zzr, not the AT, but I need to take my ATAS there, it's calling again.

[@sabre40]

I’ve watched all of the other Africa twin blogs from people and this one was the best, banged on about welding a lot but some one actually out there doing what the bike is supposed too! Well done, I pick up my Africa twin tomorrow and plan to ride England-holland-Germany-Austria-Sweden-Norway-Scotland back to England so advice was welcome. Safe riding all

[@airwave4948]

Thanks for the straightforward & informative review! I enjoy watching your videos. Safe travels for the remaining legs of your journey.

[@rockbiterhd]

YES way to go the big Africa Twin

[@dream_up_tomorrow]

Really enjoy your vlogs. Was waiting for 31 for a while. Worth the wait. Thank you. Cheers.

[@recpro7847]

It's official, I like you. I'm not necessarily a Honda fan, but I've had a bit of seat time on this bike and I like this bike a lot.

[@rgrote3]

Where ya been man? I like your take on the suspension, you just saved me some dough Safe travels & keep them coming! 👍

[@HazardSports]

1,000 Cylinders 😳 1:20

[@JasonDeats]

50K miles.

[@gabrielnastase1198]

1000 cm³

[@bh8671]

HazardSports the point went right over everyone’s heads. 😂

[@Jungleland33]

Dampening 😳

[@mikybe]

Hi William, you can adjust the brightness on the screen there is a secret menu you can use. Hold down SEL and SET together. This menu allows you to change the time and brightness. Just cycle through and you will see the brightness option

[@WilliamGloege]

Mike Bee are you messing with me??? I guess I should read the manual at some point!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@mikybe]

William Gloege I only found out because I needed to change the time for GMT’s time change. Quick google! Can even change MPH/kph is the menu. Loving the vlogging thank you for sharing with us all.

[@nomad5176]

Real men never read manuals. Respect yourself, think experimental ;)

[@xforce52]

Yep me too brought one in September ..needed to change clock as it was set wrong!..and as Mike said found screen brightness!....was a bit fed up as dealer didn't tell me Honda was doing a new 30th AT addition with great paint job!....could have waited till next year!!!...still it's a great bike and lov watching your vids William!

[@iSlanderEST]

I was just about to write about this menu :P

[@mycbtguy]

Thanks so much for the thorough, real-world review. I'm up in the air between this bike and the BMW F800 GS and will likely test drive both before making the final decision.

[@mxgryan]

Discovered this by accident but now I'm going back to watch your entire around the world VLOG

[@ZSharkPH]

Good point on the racks breaking before the frame.. I always thought i wanted the toughest racks that wouldn't break.

[@rento1973]

Excellent concise and thorough review. It’s also inspiring to discover how ‘stock’ you have left the bike. I find the fascination (it seems to be standard in The States in particular) with changing end cans at huge expense to be so pointless!

[@donchambers3005]

Good review Straight to the point. Keep the rust it's conversation patina!

[@sparky1967gmail]

There are no bad opinions unless you are putting another bike down and there are no bad bikes anymore. All down to taste and budget. Good review sir.

[@ibeechman]

Dang! Finally a cat who tells it like it is with no BS.

[@loft4me]

Man is this relaxing to watch. And I don't even ride (my last bike was a Hodaka powered Bonanza mini bike while in High School). Subtle humor, sincere without being gushy, and with the self-confidence needed to ride an adventure bike in far off destinations but without the arrogance that might cause friction among the locals, my hats off to this guy William.

[@donniebaker5984]

a Winter's Take ...awh man you had a 100cc Rat motor in that mini bike geeezze ..those things were little kid killers ...two stroke that would buzz like crazy ..in frame no heaver than 20 inch stingray bicycle .... Back then every kids dream ride ..two of my buddies had them and would show off by riding down in our favorite strip mining pit that was about 60 foot deep and then climb " the wall" to get out that was the pit wall plus the spill pile of all the dirt that was dug out to create the pit .... Those hodaka 100cc two strokes would scream

[@robertfeast7691]

Great review. Nice to see someone who knows what they're talking about to. Great bike.

[@NorCalSaint]

Picked up a new 2018 AT AS on clearance last year and absolutely love it. Thanks for the great review!

[@janmajewski8831]

Great summary. Thanks!

[@goldfever4570]

Watched this for the second time now. Great review from someone who has REALLY tested the bike! Love this as well as all your RTW vids. My remaining question was on saddle height but you already answered it below. I test rode an AT in France for two days - man, the stock exhaust is just fine like you say. I was a little intimidated by the saddle height (I'm 5'9") on a really steep hill but overall they are outstanding machines. Cheers!

[@benswanepoel4142]

Thank you. I rode one the other day and I like it more than the R1200GS! It just feels great to ride.

[@mikefeiner6024]

I totally agree. The bike is awesome the way it is. Thanks for all your vids! Cheers

[@stevejohnson9391]

Enjoyed your review. Entertaining. I've got the same bike. Made a lot of the same mods. Only thing I have to disagree with you is about the suspension. But then again, I'm 6'2" and weigh 190 lbs. Add to that the amount of luggage and camping gear I carried with me from Oklahoma to Alaska and I can tell you the stock suspension is wholly no bueno! My sag was so sag I slapped a Touratech HP Explore shock and a new set of springs for the front forks before I left. So glad I did. Carry on! I've subscribed.

[@toby7504]

Nice review...its smart to keep most of the original parts on the bike..if anything breaks its aftermarked parts..it has een a joy to follow your trip around the world. Thanks

[@coyotetrips]

Great review. I love my Africa Twin, but I've got one of the few old models in the US, a 2000 XRV750. 125,000 km so far and still going strong. Eventually I'll get a new one.

[@christosntaflos4560]

I had a XL1000V VARADERO, for many years. Now a 2017 AT! Although on paper it is slightly lighter, it feels as light as a feather! I enjoy every day on this bike! Keep riding!

[@advrx1041]

I have had my 2016 AT here in the US since March 2017 and I have Managed a little over 14K miles in that time with about a 60/40 on road to off road ratio. We have amazing riding here in Utah I believe the best of both worlds. I have come to the same conclusion on the suspension. After 5 KLRs I just simply had to learn how to work with all of those adjustments. You have produced some amazing videos, Thanks for sharing. I am running the Batzen windshield adjuster and when I saw the vid where your wind screen frame failed I had the same thought. I notice the windscreen in the raised position flexes that bracket a lot more. Surely that has an impact on the metal bracket being moved back and forth so rapidly for long periods of time. I love my AT!

[@marcready6369]

Really great video - thanks.looks like the most logical and intuitive upgrade after my XR, XL, & NX650.

[@nickygarner3080]

Great review - I could actually understand what you were talking about lol!! I'm deciding what to buy atm that helped a lot. Thanks William

[@waynecompton7612]

Thank you William it's been a while, the bike is good. Take care . 👍🇬🇧

[@kram1719]

Great review! You kept everything on point and was very informative. I like your bike, safe travels

[@christiansendra3610]

That how you do a review. Quick, no bullshit and to the point. Looked this bike today and this review helped a ton. Sadly won’t be riding around the world but riding never the less. Nice work.

[@WilliamGloege]

christian sendra I hope you get one!

[@jeffandconnortatadventure5510]

Thanks for a real world practical review. Good video focused on perhaps the most important point....RELIABILITY. My son and I rode 5200 miles on the TransAmerica Trail last August on two old Craigslist bikes. (Riding some more remote location in Nevada highlights the importance of reliability.) Somehow we made it with the skin still intact on our rear ends...even with "unfarkled" stock seats. (We did have some padding in cycling shorts that we wore.) Amazingly the stock bikes made it too...despite being 1990 and 1996 model years with only routine maintenance.

[@steves7359]

What a refreshingly honest review, nice one.

[@stephencarrahar286]

Great review. So much better to watch a long term, long distance appraisal. I bumped into 2 German guys in the USA doing a round the world trip on the same bike. You could see the effect on the bikes, tyres totally squared off. Hand grip rubbers worn through. Chain way past the end of its life. Good choice of bike.

[@LarryMullins111]

Great review...appreciate your honesty.

[@MrJcmoore]

William...what great info, thanks. I just took an expat assignment in Santiago Chile, (from Texas) and am about to pull the trigger and buy this bike. I have test ridden the GS 1200, the Yamaha Ten, and the KTM 1290...but, you know, I feel the same way about Hondas...for the money, it has a lot of value and reliability, and not to mention parts availability. Your review made the difference for me...thanks.

[@jimmyjoe1871]

Rode my wing from Florida to Oklahoma and back this year….. Glorious

[@jimmyjoe1871]

Also I want this Africa Twin but the pegs are too high

[@tvsorgatz]

love your review style...well done!

[@jfkcamp1]

Real Review, Straight Forward, Straight Talk..... Real Mileage... Thank You.

[@FloridaOutdoorAdv]

Excellent real world info, thanks and keep on filming!

[@mithunkartha]

Gr8 review..last bit was wicked..I am keeping them 2 myself!

[@texasbaboon1028]

thanks for the review. just bought a 2019 AT. hope you keep going after the pandemic

[@wrany72]

Great vid ! I've got a couple weeks to wait on my '18 AT AS. Thanks

[@22lovejon]

Great review Mate. Thanks so much for doing the 50k plus

[@awcharnock]

Great to the point no BS review! I love the rotopax position. I had those same racks on my 990 and they broke very easily but like you said its an easy cheap fix and when you crash w hard cases something has to give and it may as well be the racks.

[@harleysrule2176]

Great review. Mine is a 2017 and so far... my favorite bike of all time; and I've tried quite a few. Keep up the excellent work.

[@bobwal0404]

I just bought a 2018 AT with DCT at the age of 76. I decided to start riding again and this was a great review with everything I needed to give me confidence in Honda.

[@gordongoodman8342]

Why would you have confidence in anything else?

[@cezaryr8628]

What a decent review this is! Straight talking guy...very few of them out there. Thanks!

[@anad44]

I enjoyed your trip around the world while I just ride my A/T to work and back. Don't feel too bad for me. I live in Florida and don't have a car.

[@andyjames5707]

Excellent video, thank you for doing this, Im looking to buy one next summer. Cheers, stay safe.

[@yessure5291]

Great video - I got a new 2017 AT in May of 2018 - 5600 kilometers up to Oct 09 so far - just local riding - no long trips yet - longest was about 220 kilometers. A great motorcycle - I wish it was 100 pounds lighter but you can't have everything.

[@emorty1703]

Don’t watch many reviews all the way through because I get sick of the shit talk but really liked this honest opinion of the Africa twin... well done....

[@irelage7646]

Wonderful review! Great job.

[@MikeJonesadventuretravel]

I am in full agreement with you William....I have a twin just like yours and with 10,000 dirt miles it is doing great....and it has been in some tough places with me and never failed me one second...Great around the world bike I think...

[@bedouin75]

Here's a like and subscription for the no-nonsense style of review and of course the personality

[@cyanogen7582]

Thanks for the review, I'm looking at picking up a 2017 model here in the next few months once I am able. First priority was getting some proper gear instead of the budget stuff I was riding around in.

[@rrmerlin4961]

Can’t argue with anything you’ve said 😄, great review and all valid points based on your experience.👍🏻

[@andrewl5095]

Safe trip where ever you go. Cheers 👍🏻

[@SchalkvdLinde]

What a honest "no-bull" review. Love it - TX :)

[@chrisdeegenaars1168]

Would of been good if you had made it to Australia I would have joined you Been following your adventure from the start excellent Cheers from Australia

[@momorider7056]

Awesome review my son and I are talking about getting one each. This helps a ton

[@jeffferguson899]

I just bought this exact bike. its a left over 2017. I am stoked

[@newt3k]

It's crankcase ventilation to the airbox (PCV valve) oil vapor.

[@guenter4860]

Great VLOG`s watched all of them. Some thoughts about BMW GS Adventure and the Africa Twin. Before two month I sold my GS adventure 2014 built. I made just 55.000km and had already to replace the clutch with 42.000km. Expensive part and limited chance to do it by yourself because of the special tools you need. It was my second GS and with the older model I made nearly 105.000 Km without any mayor problems. I was looking for an Alternative as I found your VLOG and that’s why I remembered the old, first Africa Twin and she was nearly un-destroyable. Honda parts you get nearly everywhere and the normal service or brake pads changing, I can do by myself.Thanks for your Input and as Honda will bring the new model "Africa Twin Adventure Sport", it looks like this will be the wright choice for me.Wish you the best and go on like that!

[@zzxx33mh]

guenter48 it's hard to go wrong with Honda..and like been saud;you meet good people..the new sport adventure diffenetly will be something to conclude in your shopping cart..but notice that it may not be comfortable in touring as GS..!

[@seansteede]

Great review. I'm only in 13K but agree on all points. Some guys asking about tires, so far my best bang for the buck has been Shinko E804/E805 combo for a solid well priced 50:50 set. I did find the seat not so comfy, so went with Rich's Custom Seats near Seattle Washington, now I've pulled down 850km days back to back with only minor discomfort toward the end. Love your videos!

[@paulogilbertocosta]

Great Videos, I am planning on buying one AT and Travel South all America, cheers keep the good work, Paulo

[@vstm3950]

good job mate. great helpful review!

[@fouledout443]

William, this was a great review! I'm currently researching to figure out what ADV bike to get so hearing all the little nuances etc is really helpful. Regarding the seat comfort, you should definitely look into getting an 'AirHawk' seat pad, I guarantee you wont regret it. I'll have to check over your other videos incase you've already covered it, but what are your thoughts on the ABS/TC resetting every time?

[@BudFox559]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@bigjon4806]

Been looking for a review like this for a few days. Wanted to know the weak points of this bike. Good vid, thanks

[@MotoCampAdventure]

William, I like your style. I'm so happy to find your review as so many reviews are with less than 10k miles on the bike. I put 36k on my R1150GS in one year of owning it, so I need a reliable bike into the higher mileages and I figured Honda would do well (especially, as you said, with a lower compression engine). With that said, how often are you adjusting valves on this bike? That's one concern I have as valve adjustments come around pretty quickly for me on these GS's, even at every 12k miles. Again, thank you so much for the review. I just subbed and will be watching from here on out.

[@jimenagulla9081]

I really like the Africa twin, looks like a great ride! I have a ktm 790 adventure R on deposit can't wait! Good riding, be safe.

[@billybiker1383]

Hi William, nice review....safe journey man!

[@MrTone41]

Great review, no bullshit and straight to the point!!

[@bstadele]

Great JOB !... I got one and I love it

[@michelgendron2695]

Bravo! c'est très agréable de te suivre et plein de bon conseil.

[@es9734]

Thank you, this was an awesome review. Helped me a lot. Be safe 🤙

[@raymondmalan487]

To the Point Review. Liked it. Planning on Buying one. Safe Travels Mate !

[@CraigJungers]

Just stumbled across your VLOG and enjoyed the first scenes of this review immensely (the hail storm!). My current bike is a KLR650 with 18000 miles and your comment about your first around-the-world ride on a KLR caught my eye. I don't see any specific videos in which you compare your KLR650 with your Africa Twin and wondering if you plan to do that. I have been riding for (I almost hate to say this) about 60 years. Started with a Triumph Thunderbird 650, had various Hondas (including XL250 and XL350), a few Yamahas (RD250, RD350), three Harleys (an FL and two XLs) and now wife and I both have KLRs and love them. If I were to upgrade bikes it would be to the Africa Twin and DCT (arthritis!). I plan to watch every single VLOG! Stay safe!

[@tts949]

Interest for AT DCT for your same reason. Let us know your satisfaction. I have a 1200gs 2009

[@479_adv]

I came from a KLR650 and bought a 2016 AT a few months ago. It is surprising how much more confident I feel riding offroad with such a bigger bike.

[@ntucker5000]

Hey William! Love the positivity! How do you protect your camera gear? Drone? Pelican box? Maybe do a small clip on protecting gear on the road. Love the footage, and the adventure. Positive vibes your way - rubber side down!

[@theDudeOfDudes]

Richie Tenenbaum reviews the Africa Twin. Love the channel.

[@richardmourdock2719]

"Honda"... a Japanese word for "bullet proof".

[@WilliamGloege]

Richard Mourdock no. You are wrong. It means "invincible ninja with an eight foot sword". Hahahaha. Thanks for watching.

[@seau2007]

Roger that amigo!!

[@teepee4296]

Richard Mourdock I fully agree, had my XR400 for 16 years now from new mainly used for hard off road & it’s never let me down, it’ll be with me until I die 😇

[@Maskinmester-DK]

Just not in formula 1 ;)

[@MR-vt3np]

Yes, bed over and take one for the team or just a Honda cheer leader? Let’s see faulty: universal joint in the driveshaft recall, metal shavings in the engine recall, all this on the VFR1200 which was...still is the flagship bike in Honda line up.

[@nowphoenix]

You're like family now. Come for Christmas! Was looking at a 1200GSA, but you've convinced me it's overkill.

[@iancurnow9060]

Love your review...!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

fantastic vid. BIG thumbs up. thanks for the effort and the sharing. if you are ever in nyc, i'll buy the coffee.

[@offroadtrailrider77]

Excellent review. Looking at the AT 2018 Adventure or maybe the KTM 790 that’s coming out later. Awesome to have options.

[@Senator812]

Great review, that's to the point and clear! Do you miss the clutch and shifting ?