Who Needs a CLUTCH? BMW R 1300 GS Adventure TE ASA

[@ktmtravels3727]

I'm impressed by how impressed you are with it👍

[@weed46]

right? I would expect chris to say "is good but if don't know how to operate a clutch, shouldn't have a license" 😝

[@MrRodwatson]

I'm impressed by how your impressed by him being so impressed by the impressive ASA functionality….very impressive BMW😉

[@cromium1718]

⁠@@MrRodwatsonI’m impressed by how impressed you are with him being impressed with Baron being impressed with the very impressive GSA! Impressive! 😃

[@teamgas]

@@ktmtravels3727 it is impressive!

[@valebliz]

Yeah I would be impressed too if my relationship with bmw depended on it.

[@fuller9x]

First signs of Middle age, Searching out the automatic transmission and radar assisted cruise control :-D

[@szoe139]

Perhaps it comes with the age, that you can afford it.

[@223Sako]

You are probably not wrong, but having switched to a ZF 8 speed auto in my BMW car I would never go back to a clutch.

[@_chipchip]

@@223Sakointeresting. As I approach 40 I want to move away from an auto back to manual.

[@fuller9x]

@@223Sako Exactly. That transmission is so good and shift faster than I can with the M

[@zakelwe]

Due to falling off a bike my left leg does not work, so I have to drive automatic cars and bikes would be a problem too obviously. However with the advent of new tech in cars even sporty cars now have excellent gearboxes that let you manual or easy auto modes and are quicker than humans, so it is nice with a peg leg to have a choice. Hopefully the same will happen with bikes. Manual clutch control is useful of course for dumping the clutch for dicking about though !! But these automated manuals etc allow the best of both worlds other than that. It's a lifetime away from dull auto boxes of yore.

[@GabenHood]

All good until the kid at the crosswalk gives the universal sign for rev it up...

[@Ujin1989]

Switching to N (neutral) and revving as much as you want to impress ladies 😄Another thing is when you filtering in tight traffic, on low speed, and wants to warn car drivers about your presence - this is not an option anymore😅

[@Caksy12345]

It’s a GS, nobody wants to hear it

[@adep6189]

😂​@@Caksy12345

[@GabenHood]

@@Caksy12345 lol

[@SB-Kiwi]

😂​@@Caksy12345

[@sibzy1]

All the vid drops last few days, loving it 👍🏼

[@zakelwe]

Top work! I'd be interested to see the other half of our dynamic duo ride it also for thoughts. Perhaps both out together on English roads, they are always fun even without something like this to chat over.

[@motocyclism]

42yr old 100 mile a day London commuter checking in. I'm speccing the shit out of this bike. Give me radar, asa, high screen, anything to make my life easier. Comparing the cost to a train from my location, (I know... they're safer, but we're all bikers here) it's an easy purchase.

[@zakelwe]

Excellent choice. The great thing about this is that not only makes your commute easier it also improves your smoothness from what Chris said, so its a double whammy and nothing being sacrificed. You would be likely quicker point to point as well than a none equipped bike being able to react quicker to gaps and traffic control devices.

[@valebliz]

Commuting 100 miles 5 days a week sucks in any possible scenario tbh

[@viktorpantazis4441]

Yeah you should probably wait a year or two and buy a lightly used one to not get hit by depreciation too hard..

[@mickleblance8805]

Honda DCT says welcome to 2010 BMW, I owned a 2010 VFR DCT, loved the DCT! Only took BMW 14 years!

[@wobblysauce]

This is not just DCT, same with the eClutch, this is the good stuff.

[@R0ma111]

And what about Yamaha's FJR's automatic clutch? I've been owning one from 2007. Nice tech but unconfortable bike for me personally. Ended up with 1200rt, as confy as a sleepers. I didn't like 1250rt upgrade for sportier ergo, I hope 1300RT will do better.

[@-C.T.-]

I have a '16 Honda VFRX Crosstourer with the DCT transmission. 47k trouble free and fun miles. Just oil changes. Honda came to the show over a decade ago!

[@Sharpey76.]

makes you laugh... honda has had DCT for years and now eClutch and now BMW has finally caught up its suddenlly the best thing ever ROFL

[@wobblysauce]

A lot of it is also mindset, most are stuck in their ways.

[@Pcfly]

Soooo enjoyable…. Honda DCT owners from the 2010 VFR to the 2016 and onward Africa Twin are just loving all this!!! Laughing our asses off!!😂🤣 Love how complicated and absurd BMW made something Honda did so simple. 😂🎉 In my best Bruce Willis voice……Welcome to the party pal!!😂🤣😂

[@xMROHNZx]

Im a Future Honda Africa twin owner but wont Take the dct because of the extra 10kg BMW does it with 2kg and ktm even with only 1kg extra. So manual africa Twin für me. Even thiugh the system Works great

[@Pcfly]

@@xMROHNZx Ahhh-hahahaha…. Throwing 14years of Honda engineering, real world riding and thousands of miles of reliability into thinking BMW or KTM is worth up to 10kg lighter!!🤣 They’re all just oversized street bikes!

[@xMROHNZx]

@@Pcfly im Not complaining about the tech, which is great, Just the weight. Which is in my opinion quite alot.

[@neil2wheels876]

I’ve had 15k miles of this genius on my AT DCT. But the AT has the shifting linked to the IMU so it doesn’t shift when you’re leant over. It’s a brilliant system (and you don’t notice the extra weight because it’s so low down)

[@Sharpey76.]

@@xMROHNZx thats why Honda also offer the eClutch on some bikes now and its still a much more simple system... classic BMW over complicated and late the the party

[@markholmes5695]

I like it. I’ve an SFV4s grey nero. Use the quick shifter up and down, only ever need to use the clutch in slow control. So handy. Gear shifts are faster. Arguably smoother than u could do manually

[@buzz7927]

I did have this exact model on order in Australia with the ASA, total on road cost was $43,000. At the same time of order, they had the R1250 model run out at considerably less. I ended up purchasing the R1250GSA Rallye model for $31,000 . Not sure I could justify an extra $12,000 for an auto. This is now my 4th GSA 1250. I just know them well and have never had a failure. After reading about the issues with the GS 1300, I think I will give the 1300 adventure a few years in the market before i make the change, and of course the $12,000 saving over the 1300 was also a major decision maker.

[@skts2610]

Honestly Chris, I’ve got an H2SXSE which is superb, been all over Europe two up on it too, it’s now in sunny days only mode, but I also have a Honda Crosstourer DCT for touring two up fully laden now and it’s superb. It’s the way to go for this type of motorcycle👌🏽

[@bikerbellend]

Game changer?? Honda Africa Twin! Done this for a couple of years. But...you are right...who needs a clutch. I'm on the Honda DCT and it's brilliant.

[@SP_Cbr]

33 year old that owns a 2014 Honda CTX700 fully faired with DCT (PERFECT daily commuter imo) smiling from ear to ear watching this. 1199s Panigale is my other bike btw.

[@szoe139]

I wouldn't chose a bike because of DCT or ASA. I want the boxer so dct never was s point. Now I'm curious if I'll like the ASA. It doesn't cost too much and adds not much weight. So perhaps it's somthing for me.

[@PNH63]

Africa twin not in same league though is it ? 😂

[@mclarnonc2002]

@@PNH63Correct, it’s between £5-7K cheaper and is fantastic!

[@szoe139]

@@mclarnonc2002 If it's enough for you, fine.

[@markf5437]

The Honda Super Cub had no clutch lever on the handle bars in 1958, & DCT available on some of their bikes for over 10 years all at a price far lower available to most, in the form of Super Cub 125 & the newly re-release of the Dax 125. Well done BMW following it is what we need 👍

[@storegga]

You boys always working your socks off. R9 , this beast, likely lots more launches! Love to all and us 44T crew

[@safetypete9407]

More I look at it and watch the reviews, ASA looks a good fit for me, and Vines are great, on my 3rd GS from them now, great review Chris.

[@lS-xv6qn]

The one review I've been waiting for! when asked what i think about auto GSA i said ill wait for Chris from 44 teeth to tell me, love the feed back! " its like a ferrero rocher" new favourite line

[@JustinBikesnBites]

Your enthusiasm has definitely sold the ASA version to me however I’ll wait patiently until the R1300GS comes with ASA in my part of the world to upgrade. (Penang) Great video and excellent quality! Well done and keep them coming! Cheers!

[@redsv1000]

While I don’t plan on switching away from a manual bike yet, I’m glad this tech is improving and coming out from more manufacturers. I’ve got a left foot injury and if it were to get worse, having options like this from manufacturers would be nice

[@jimporter]

Yep I ride an NC750X because of foot drop so can’t use a lever, shame BMW have decided not to put paddles on though.

[@bsidethecside2283]

I could actually be tempted. I reckon the foot shifter is the bit that has finally softened me up. The modern sports tourer perhaps? Long days in Auto and manual in the mountains.

[@AdamForeman]

The GS is the perfect bike for ASA. If you're using your bike for touring, this makes perfect sense. Obviously you're not going to fit it to a Panagale, but this type of tech laden bike is probably the way forward

[@Nomads_Rowing]

Makes total sense especially on an adventure or touring bike - let’s face it, how many high spec road cars do you see now? Should be buttery smooth with BMW’s background. Okay Chris, I’m sold on it - you do realise you have done more PR in a very positive sense than BMW’s marketing wing could ever achieve 😎

[@barryjohn7765]

Was waiting for your review of this! I’m impressed how impressed you were 👍🏻 I road a 1300gs with the ASA, loved it. Only went for the clutch twice whilst riding it, nearly forgot to put my feet down at one point though 😂 I’ve ordered a 1300GSA with ASA, it’s amazing (Red the best colour)

[@Goldieridesbike]

Remember the Goldwing of 20 years ago? They have stuffed all the buttons that that bike got on the tank in the bars on any current bike... Amazing.

[@tednrok]

I get it if people like the automatic, however, I struggle with accepting the idea myself. Part of what makes riding enjoyable to me is the rider engagement. Give me a quick shifter and I’m good. Although, I guess it could be argued that if you have a quick shifter you might as well just go automatic.

[@tednrok]

@@firstbloood1 Glad these auto systems are able to keep you on two wheels. I agree that they are a great thing for biking, just not for me…yet. Surely we’ll all be there someday. Ride safe.

[@jameshealy4594]

I just got my first bike with a quickshifter and in my mind it's definitely what has paved the way for systems like this. After a short adjustment period the only time I'm using the clutch is when riding really gently because the quickshifter doesn't work well - that being the case, why would I really need it...

[@scotlandontheroad]

Very much looking forward to your trip to Spain and thoughts afterwards!

[@shanechiang4141]

Great review - your joy is felt.

[@antonoat]

That was a hormone calibrating experience, thank you! I want one!

[@pwburch1988]

Love to hear it Chris. Great video. I know different tech, but Aprilia did this with their Mana in 2008 and I'm riding an MV Turismo 800 SCS on a '68, so more BMv playing catch up 😂😉

[@PeteAnda]

Next BMW, a bike that rides its self and I stay at home in front of telly watching it.

[@flyjets01]

I have owned the DCT Honda wing and it's also as you described the new GSA. However where the DCT needs a bit of work at times is in the mountain twisters. Once it learns your riding style for the most part Sport mode works well. I look forward to your thoughts when you can get her out on some more challenging roads.

[@timrodierides]

That looks well impressive for the sort of biike. Plus you get to listen to all the 'bikes have too much tech' people every time you stop

[@Parkyste]

Definitely going to try one of these… On an Africa Twin DCT and wouldn’t go back to that clutch Malarkey anytime soon… It’s overrated 😂

[@MikeK6046]

IMO, BMW GS's/ GSA's are still king of the road & a slight step ahead of "all" the competition. Fortunately "for me" there are a couple of $10K and below adventure bikes that tick all my boxes/ riding needs, thus saving me lots of money.

[@beans4491]

Well, you’ve made me feel very excited with my bike purchase, it arrives next week, not ASA though.

[@inthewind773]

Those of us with thousands of miles under our belts with the old GSA understand your enthusiasm for this tech completely. ASA is indeed the way for the GSA. I'd take the radar system for sure though, how often have you found yourself making micro adjustments to your cruise control or simply turned it off altogether because of the erratic drivers in front of you? Another annoyance solved. This bike is all about that easy living on two wheels. Getting weak over here, this video definitely helped.

[@listerthat]

The Old GSA clutch wasn't bad though (isnt) .

[@Waldo1122]

@@listerthat Shifting gears is bad, false neutrals are bad, burnt clutches are bad, janky quickshifters sre bad.

[@listerthat]

@Waldo1122 no offense fella but christ you probably shouldn't be biking if this is the experience you've had. 7 bikes in now. Never had any of this. Although I did change the clutch basket on the dl650 I had after 80k miles.

[@Waldo1122]

@@listerthat You've never had the experience of pulling a heavy clutch lever to shift gears? You never had a false neutral? You've never practiced slow speed maneuvering? You've never rode a 1200-1300GS and experienced the very well known janky quickshifter?

[@listerthat]

@Waldo1122 ya maybe about 15 years ago. Modern bikes aren't like that. Let's be real the last GSA is perfectly fine. I'm tackling your premise that it's not. also questioning your skill levels frankly.

[@familystenlake2553]

Great vid, love the enthusiasm, what's it like for real slow work, tight u-turns, etc?

[@rickp9946]

Interesting - you appear as impressed with it as I was with an Africa Twin with DCT. I bought one and sold it quite quickly though as ultimately I didn't like not being in full control - even in manual mode. A lot of people love them and I dare say on a long tour when you're knackered and in a place you don't know at night etc etc it would be nice to have. But I didn't like it. That said, this was 8 years ago so things might be a bit better nowadays.

[@stuartjohnston1086]

Yeah, I'd have an ASA equipped bike. I definitely get a demo and when I come to change my current 1250, it's more than likely the way I'll go. I think the handling difference is due to the GSA having slightly more aggressive steering geometry. I believe this was to compensate for the extra weight.

[@NickyLong89]

I test rode the Honda transalp and then tried the Africa Twin DCT. I loved the DCT Africa Twin, such a good bike, at no point did I ever want a clutch lever. I eventually bought the CF Moto 800MT due to the value for money but I think when I start to do more euro touring, the DCT or E clutch will be my next move, they’re so good.

[@MrBecksy2]

Even though I am not vertically challenged being a solid 5’10”, I would still spec with the height control as it would make things more stable on tricky ground. I.e. those rare occasions ground is a bit further away on one side than the other, stopping ina poorly laid lay-by, with dip in the surface or off road. Like you say, go all in!

[@M45KY]

Good to hear Chris having a laugh 😊

[@tonydare7614]

Watching this video, it wasn't clear by the end whether you liked it or not🤣 I tested the regular GS1300 and thought it was a huge improvement on the 1250 in nearly every way. It does look like an amazing package but it is still huge and heavy and I do quite a lot of urban riding/parking and short trips. As someone with just one bike, I'm not sure I'd get my adrenaline rush with a GSA so I've just pre-ordered the Triumph Tiger Sport 800 as I think it'll be more fun on a daily basis. Time will tell.

[@SickBikeDude]

The green is nicer than the triple black this time around When I test rode the 2024 ATAS DCT, I love it, especially in shitty ass traffic.

[@MiddletoM]

Sometimes it can be a struggle to feather the clutch and change the indicator at the same time when on a roundabout, this would no longer be an issue. Personally i think this is cool and im looking forward to test riding a "clutchless" bike.

[@mid.bike.crisis]

I had a 23 plate GS1250 Rallye, sold it and went back to a new Africa Twin. I found the GS a bit bland. This new 1300 looks interesting, might have to go test ride 😁 Great video ❤

[@motomark7671]

I’m told, the ASA is a game changer by a BMW Sales guy! I wasn’t sure what he meant until I watched this!

[@Unedited2022]

Key words “sales guy”.

[@london_biker6177]

Automatic mode sounds great but would prefer a clutch. You need this as a secondary brake when pushing a bike around, especially a bike Adventure bike.

[@tommoso55]

Brilliant. I'm seriously thinking about buying the Yamaha MT09 Y-AMT in the new year.

[@SeanFisk]

So glad I found your channel. So fun. Thank you

[@Johnnywhamo]

I don't know if you've had the chance but watch the budget bike battles They're awesome

[@_Makanko_]

Try before you buy, sure. Maybe something for a travel bike. I think I can get behind Honda's e-clutch a bit more because you still have to option to operate a clutch. You won't stall it either. I get that it is easier but I like the involvement. Spec it if you want it!

[@CPUspeed]

I think it’s interesting that they went with the traditional gear lever rather than buttons on the switch gear. Didn’t occur to me at first but I prefer the gear lever.

[@PaulJackson-w6m]

Yeah,all great but we are in a cost of living crisis and the cost of these new bmw,s is crazy.sticking with my 1250.its fine for me still.i couldn't take the Financial hit

[@xl447]

Glad the bike rode well for you. I was thinking it would have been nice to have a semi auto on my K1600 when I did the Alps last year. Sounds like Bimmer done a good job on the GS platform.

[@jimporter]

Wait ‘til the new R1300RT debuts possibly at EICMA.

[@OurITManager]

Great review Chris, I'm not currently shopping for a GS\A but do own a 2010 VFR 1200 F DCT and my opinion (for what it is worth) is that when you 'get it', you really do 'get it'. When you live with it (and it does take a few months) it grows on you, I LOVE the handlebar buttons. As you you head towards a corner, you touch a thumb button and the bike rev-matches perfectly. Good riding is about being smooth, nothing better than a DCT or auto-box\clutch. Welcome to the future 😁😎

[@Ole.Schultz]

Totallly agree. My R1250GS is +3years and +42.000 km and also owned Honda DCT bikes for the last 11 years and +150.000 km. If i am going to buy the 1300GS it will be with ASA

[@SP-xd8gs]

Which honda? GW? I have a gw dct I tested the asa the other day and it is NOT smooth in D mode 2 to 3 is violent and jerks like you're riding a bull , may cancel my order.

[@Ole.Schultz]

@@SP-xd8gs NC700X DCT 56.000km and now NC750X DCT with +95.000km. Have not tried ASA yet, but i do not expect it to be as smooth as DCT

[@SP-xd8gs]

@Ole.Schultz it's very violent shifts u can't do it w one hand

[@Mr_Frazza]

That was cool, made me want to try one, won't be getting rid on my MT10SP but would definetly try one for sure.

[@Pompomgrenade]

😅 It is a safety precaution to remove the clutch when you have to fiddle with switches, dials toggles and two touch screens... Don't forget to answer cell phone calls 🤙... On the go-go

[@gerryryan2302]

Had a go on an asa ..was swayed . But the trade in on my 3 month gs1300 was terrible ..so will wait a short while

[@marktaylor4602]

I went out for a test ride on the standard 1300 GSA this afternoon. Agree with most of what you summarised. Found the raised front of seat a bit of a ball cruncher though if I’m honest. Really want to try the ASA now having watched this. Could be the clincher. Wonder how good the ASA is on a hill start though? Wonder if it holds bike in a hill like an auto car does?

[@jamesf2656]

Did not expect it to be so refined. HIGH FIVE VER NICE

[@darkmunk1]

This freedom to use your left hand for anything, launch instantly without even putting your hand back; just that feeling of not having to worry, is why I love my zero. But this Beemer has character and a visceral feeling the electric is obviously lacking. after this test, I'm really tempted to spend the children's inheritance. However... it is an over-complicated BMW, with loads of things to go wrong; I may just ride vicariously on this one... Stick to my Guzzi when I want to feel more alive (uncomfortable) and the effortless Zero when I want my left hand back - 95% of the time.

[@ChrisJohn_444]

Maybe it feels nicer because it keeps the frame under tension...in the same way riding the rear brake at slow speeds gets you stability from gyro inertia.

[@dondiabolo5308]

Looks great, 1 bike with clutch for off road, 1 bike without for cruising.

[@benmitchell2072]

Would be interested to see how the ASA handles in situations where you ordinarily need to feather the clutch like on some slightly more technical sections of off-road tracks. I wonder how clever the BMW engineers have been in that respect. I suspect that might be a reason to spec the clutch on the GSA if you ride a bit of that stuff like I do on my 1250 GSA. Happy to be proven wrong. If you get a chance in Spain to give it a crack.... Thx. Enjoy the trip!

[@barrybridgman6288]

What's it like when moving the bike around slowly, where you would be slipping the clutch? It's the one place I miss the clutch on my DCT M4 BMW car. You have to tap the throttle to engage the gear, something you get used to but its not quite got the finesse of using the clutch. Once moving its brilliant and the shifts are brilliant and driving fast it makes total sense.

[@bobdog4379]

I've been out on my sons 2005 Aprilia RS 125 stroker with his L plates on today on the North Yorkshire moors, it was absoloutly brilliant, the handling,the brakes the feeeel...but above all the soundtrack..oh yes and I even turned around once to see if I could sniff myself and if I'd kept my lid on nobody would have known I'm 57 on Sunday .. two stokes make you think, automatics make you , er , automatic ?

[@joshb3929]

There is a reason maxi-scooters are HUGELY popular. If you just need a two wheeled vehicle to get around… why not. Without trying to be facetious, the auto GSA is basically a big maxi-scooter, for longer distance.

[@FortyFourTeeth]

pretty much, with good off road ability, higher speed and carry capacity

[@waltermcinnis]

I was a motoauto skeptic until shopping for a touring bike I tried Honda's. I told the salesman, that "thing is psychic," and bought it. Agree, not for the sports bike. The Honda one has transmission modes and they make a huge difference.

[@j0akim123]

Wow, you forgot to use the "paid advert" in the movie ;) Looks pretty interesting though on that kind of bike.

[@G0ogs]

I think the clutchless thing works well with that type of bike, My car is auto and prefer it but if i was after a little sports car i would probably want a clutch? It will probably catch on but the price may stop a lot. I think the new KTM 1390 adventure as this feature.

[@sandorfeher320]

Great vid! Now we got full auto rear brake at lean, auto gearbox. Maybe next we get gas pedal or auto lean for track, but at least an auto stoppie😂😅

[@zephyr139]

I have a Honda NC 750 DCT and honestly it's fantastic. Proper lazy rider. The Hondas have like 3 sport modes and a fully manual mode too, where it won't change up unless you tell it but it will change down and won't stall either which is pretty cool. Its not hard to change them either and they're pretty self explanatory. Might go for the Twin Africa DCT next.

[@jimporter]

Even in manual the NC should change up to protect itself and stop you damaging the engine in the red zone, plus it will change down eventually if you don’t to stop the bike stalling.

[@Exploding_Barrels]

Imagine how many old gits are going to rear end someone cause they are trying to figure out the menus

[@jimporter]

The sensible old gits will sort it before setting off not like this bloke.

[@stephenpotts8170]

Ordered mine five weeks ago to replace my 1250 GSA, and for me ASA is a must, as is the radar cruise if you do a lot of touring miles it will make a huge difference. Also had the fancy up and down suspension at 67 years old I do like feet planted with a bended knee. Thank you enjoyed your take on the bike...

[@JellyMan3634]

Wish you had filmed your initial thoughts going back to the clutch. Very interesting for adventure and touring bikes.

[@gilomoto5148]

Will have to have a go to see if it’s as good as Honda’s dct ✊🏻 I’m now intrigued!

[@MrMarkg1150]

That's the thing about autos, good ones are brilliant and change when you would anyway. Bad ones do their own thing and drive you mad. (French car autos)

[@hensola]

Thank you for this vid. Initially I thought you were driving the 13 with ASA, after watching your other vid on the Clutched Adventure. Wow, I'm sold, in about 2 years when I can afford it.. but will my trade-in on my BM be less then? lol Love it, want moar vids :)

[@WDXash]

I’ve been changing gear for decades so I’m ready for a change to trying this for my next bike. Looks like a logical progression.

[@johnsumser9743]

Wow. I've rarely seen you so enthusiastic about a bike! The Missenden Flyer convinced me that automatic is the way to go on a Goldwing, should I ever get one of those, and now you've convinced me that auto is the best option for any big touring bike.

[@jimporter]

Then you need to look at the 2025 Honda NT1100 which now has the upgraded AT engine with the 6-Axis IMU on the DCT version.

[@chrisward8708]

I can't believe that you have never riden a Honda with a DCT gearbox, they've been available for years. My 2021 Africa Twin has DCT and it's literally the best thing ever for touring and playing on a weekend. Only issue is slow speed manoeuvring takes a bit of getting used to. You have to use the rear brake to control the power input.

[@gingerelvis]

Impressive tech and only becoming more common. It's good to have options like this especially with the average age of bikers going up. It's not for me, other than in slow traffic I enjoy the full manual, total control aspect of traditional clutch and gears, it's all part of riding. I can't afford any of the bikes with this tech anyway so it'll the "old shitters" for a good few years.

[@perpelle]

In the same way I want my old porsche to be manual due to driver involvment and mechanical feeling I feel that i want my bikes to be the same. I'm not into these new bikes though with all the electrics. Atm I'm riding a 2003 africa twin. For off-roading I definitely want a manual.

[@d675ose7]

I don’t even get cruise control on a bike - had it on two Aprilia Tuono’s & might have used it once. Bikes are for involvement, theatre, focus & fun - this is another step too far in the long electronics dept list - how much more do BMW charge for this version vs the clutch one?😅

[@dalehawkes1698]

So any downside in your opinion?, I’m super tempted to with asa I’m going in Tuesday to put my deposit on one , I’m just hoping spirited riding on a mountain pass it still inspires if u put her in manual will it stay in that gear or would the brain take over and up shift ( if your near the top end/red line or close) ? Great review

[@2wheelsbetter]

Thanks for the insight. How did the 1250 feel on comparison on the way home?

[@pgVeritas]

Great video.....that's my next bike, but got to wait a couple of years, boss won't authorise it sooner. ASA here we come!

[@stfu6397]

really cool stuff I must say

[@simulacrae]

But, there’s a mode button on the right handlebar, just above the start button. It’s been there for years :)

[@herculanomorais]

I just love that when Honda made the Africa Twin DCT no one liked it, and BMW does a worst system and now everyone loves it. If you pair an Africa Twin DCT with the shift pedal, you get a much superior transmission than this one. You have 4 automatic modes with different levels of aggressiveness, not to mention that it is even smoother. Even in Auto, you can override the system, for instance, when you see you need a bit more engine braking. Honda even took care of the problem BMW has that you are not able to move around the bike when it is turned off by implementing a parking break, instead of shutting it down in first gear.

[@ihorvorontsov7938]

You should definitely try new 2025 Africa Twin Adventure Sports😉

[@CaptLawrence]

Well one big reason would be price another would be offroad which believe it or not that bike is supposed to be doing the TET. I think the Africa twin would be better you should try that. Its never going to be for me but this tech intrigues my wife alot whom also suffers from anxiety as it appears alot of people do. If it gets people in the saddle more often I'm all for it. For me though like I said its never gonna be something I want or need shifting happens without me thinking about it other than on the track its literally already automatic for me by nature of how long ive been doing it.

[@mart7798]

I never thought using a clutch was a hardship to be honest.i can see the attraction for that land whale though.my question is if these new fangled bikes are going to be any use in 10 years time or are they going to be scrapped for parts because the front light stopped working?

[@ThisIsNotASim]

Did you ride it "normally"? When I tried the Africa Twin with DCT it wanted to be in 6th going around roundabouts, which was not helpful. I didn't like it much and I've a fairly open mind to these things. But if ASA fixes the truly terrible gearbox on these 1300s then it's probably worth it.

[@liamblakeley1866]

I definitely think all large adventure bikes and big tourers like the goldwing and bmw rt should be semi auto those bikes are used long distances and for comfort in mind.

[@marijnkramer6897]

The tech is really impresive.. but then again, why would you order it over a normaal quickshifter/blipper setup. For touring 2up it is awsome. But I cant put it in my mind to be on a road in the Alps or Pyrenees and have a computer thinking to shift for me. Just the risk of shifting up or down on 40+ degrees lean.. just a trust issue I guesse😅

[@SuperchargedLlama]

I've had a couple of DCT's and all I can say is FINALLY! Finally some other options to ride, wish Honda would put it on some of their more interesting bikes, not between BM and Yam doing it, what a relief!

[@jimporter]

Just need Honda to put the auto on other bikes it doesn’t need DCT, as both BMW and Yamaha have proved. Just imagine a CB1000, fireblade or other with everything on an A/M transmission plus the e-clutch and foot and finger shift, and the 6-axis IMU , they would wipe the floor. I like DCT, I have one, but Honda could slimline the supply chain by just building an all in one.

[@SuperchargedLlama]

@@jimporter agreed! I rode the eclutch CB650R the other day, it is a really nice experience (not quite as good as the DCT one though as you still need to shift, but it works well and does what they said it would). I think they said that the Y-AMT added an extra 10kg, right? Maybe I am misremembered, but I know that's how much the DCT box adds over the standard gearbox on Honda's too.

[@jimporter]

@@SuperchargedLlamajust looked at MT09 and it adds 3kg, much less than the DCT. Have to remember the extra weight of the DCT also includes an extra brake calliper, cable and hand lever.

[@SuperchargedLlama]

@@jimporter that's good news isn't it! That handbrake system isn't on the NC750X btw (I ride one of them now) but it definitely is on the Africa Twin/NT1100 and Goldwing. Looking forward to the Tracer9 getting the AMT, and hopefully Triumph magic one up soon, because that new Tiger Sport 800 is looking good already, that would be the icing on the cake for me in a few years (dodgy left knee makes manual shifting a bit painful).

[@jimporter]

@@SuperchargedLlama my 2023 NC750X DCT has most definitely got the handbrake if yours hasn’t and it’s a DCT then something is wrong.

[@Desmo904]

Was the clutch THAT much of a hassle before? Not that I've ever noticed. I can see folks having 'moments' trying to figure out what button combo to press to access the thing they want and not paying attention though. Just my opinion of course.

[@Waldo1122]

@@Desmo904 Gotta pull the clutch in and do a dance to get the bike to go forward, when with these all you gotta do is twist. Yes it was a hassle. The fact that there are entire courses to master the clutch is proof that YES the clutch is a hassle.

[@lexievv]

​@@Waldo1122also, there's people out there with disabilities or chronic conditions that make them unable to use a clutch for long amounts of time or even at all. This opens up more and more options besides Honda DCT and maybe a few others. It's one of those things that, if you ride enough, you really won't miss the shifting. That's what I had with cars anyway.

[@Waldo1122]

@@lexievv Exactly, most of the people complaining about automatic are the exact people that do a total of 100 miles each year and have tons of fun pulling a lever because it still is something new and interesting to them, after doing 60,000+ miles in just 2 years I am DONE fiddling with a clutch lever.

[@razvanpat2211]

@@Waldo1122 If the clutch was such a big issue you'd see more scooters on the road.

[@Waldo1122]

@@razvanpat2211 Weird because in every big city in the United States you see hundreds of scooters not people riding around on adventure bikes and sport bikes. Oh and lets not forget the fact that other countries have a majority of scooters on the road not motorcycles.

[@djkenn77]

So… if I was 80, wanted to sit on a couch whilst able to feel the wind hitting my lid and shoulders… it is possible. It is possible I would want clutchless GS… but highly unlikely… for me anyway. But, riding with a clutch and changing gear is just as important as braking isn’t it? Engine braking. A good debate would be how quickly a biker’s reaction time is vs a non biker? Be interesting to find out how better a practiced rider is against all these new ‘aids’…. lol. Segway… Speaking of brakes, that automated braking down to the lights after the motorway looked horrendous! You can’t have been comfortable with that can you?

[@jameshealy4594]

Our reaction times aren't any better than average, we may be more alert on the road but measurable reaction time is about age and genetics, not choice of hobby. I think the idea that an experienced rider can outride computers has already been proven wrong, though some of the implementations are clearly lacking (auto braking is not something they're ready for in any version I've seen).

[@jimporter]

You don’t have to be 80 to need this tech life can be cruel. I personally have nerve damage that means I can’t use foot gear shift, I have started volunteering with a charity to help people het back on bikes, those that have impairment because of an accident, some that have had stokes (and aren’t necessarily that old). The Auto takes away something to think about and allows the rider to concentrate more on what is happening around them. This technology is a game changer but still no manufacturer is doing it right, they all leave something out of the equation. Think of this bike but also with something like the Honda e-clutch and finger paddles. Everyone would be happy and none of this “but it’s not for me” stuff. Want to ride manual with clutch, fine. Want to ride fully auto, fine. Want to ride manual but with no clutch, fine. Want the clutch for slow speed work, fine. Just a shame after doing this they always want to save a buck and leave bits out. Neither Yamaha or BMW have seen fit to include a 6-axis IMU even though it has been known for years on Honda that it makes the gearbox better to use.

[@exeveche1979]

I’m my opinion if you can’t pull away from a junction without stalling it then it’s not that you can’t ride and it justifies spending 20 odd k on a bike it just means your normal. Another thing is yeah having a automatic car myself I wouldn’t go for manual unless it’s a car that makes it worthwhile going manual something that sounds good when changing and again having said that this does sound good when manual but without clutch so why not if you got the money. Yeah it all comes to money

[@Ronburgundy75]

Nice review, certainly a consideration one day. Did you fall out with Bahnstormer?

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Who are they?.......

[@Ronburgundy75]

@@BaronVonGrumble 😂 oh dear!