2020 Honda Africa Twin - Standard Manual vs. Adventure Sports DCT | Review 

I’m just watching all the back issues of you guys presenting your tests. I loved you two guys and your presentations and the work you put into them. Yesterday I found out the tragic news about your loss of such a genuinely good guy. A big loss and still keep thinking about the joy of watching you both in such an entertaining way. My best wishes in your loss.

To be able to do this all the time as part of one's job is priceless..

For me is the adventure sports the most beautiful adventure bike on the market.

You guys sound honest and are funny at the same time. My girlfriend laughed a lot hearing you and now she knows about Africa Twin bike cause of you. Subscribed. 😀

I've been hooked on watching your videos from the USA. What a beautiful country, motorcycling riding and great reviews.

The cornering lights coming on in turns was great to look at

I finally got my Africa twin 2020 dct with ES thank you Christian for making us dream through all your videos.. you've been an inspiration for me I wish I could speak to you when i saw you at Eicma few years ago miss you 🖤🙏🏽

These dudes are becoming my favorite bike guys.

I was waiting for this review for so looooooong. Finally!

since writing my comment i have just discovered that this gentleman has had a bad accident and past away because of the injuries ? , my heart felt condolences to his family and friends .

I bought an Africa twin standard,gonna pick it up this Thursday,so hyped.

With enduro , you know where you start but you never know where you endup ❤ You just described the feeling i get when im offroading !

Hi guys. Thank you very much for these impressions and the comparison of the two different Africa Twins. Because of your review and your personal decisions for the Africa Twin Standard with manual gearbox I will buy this version, but an older used one from 2018. Best regards from Southwest Germany to you. Jörg

Great video from you lads once again 👍🏻😀 look forward to seeing some adventure trip vids from you sometime soon. I have an 1100 adventure sport ES with the manual gearbox (I had dct on the previous 1000 and prefer the manual). The electronic suspension is superb and in the 2 USER MODES, you can adjust everything about the suspension, preload, damping and have the the front forks different to the rear shock etc,etc. The suspension is vastly superior to the R1250 GSA i had previously imho. Even though the bike has a 21” front wheel, you wouldn’t think so, unlike the 1000, its very flickable, well balanced and stable. It’s great to be able to flick from comfortable and relaxed when cruising and on rough roads and instantly swop to sporty and firm when making progress 😉😄. The dash is superb and i would urge anyone who rides this bike to either look for a tutorial on how to use it or spend some time reading the manual. To be honest, its not complicated once you understand what does what, most the buttons you wont use whilst riding and there are short cut buttons to the main functions. Apple CarPlay is great, but due to the way CarPlay works and using a button to move from one option to another is a bit long winded, but its very easy to have the map and a route showing and change from that to the bikes speedo/rev/info page with one button. You can also access and adjust the heated grips, volume, spot lights and drls with just 2 buttons, or access and adjust the volume with one button. Once you have spent sometime when you first get the bike (having read the 300 page 😮😄 manual), you can setup all the optional settings, linked your phone and headset (CarPlay and google maps dont work unless unless the phones plugged in and you have a Bluetooth headset connected), you won’t change much again, except suspension and rider modes which just requires one button. Negatives for me, cruise control with the manual gearbox can only be used in 4th gear and over 30 mph (3rd gear on the dct model). Honda don’t offer the high seat option in the blue/black colour which I would like personally, only available in black for some strange reason. For the price (its not cheap) the quick-shifter should be standard on the manual version and it would have been nice to have TPMS with the tubeless wheels.

Given the recent issues that you've apparently had with some manually adjustable suspension ADV bikes and the wide range of bikes tested and available possibly: 1- Point out that for many people they will have to seek assistance to get manually adjustable suspension set up and that it does always require resetting when the bike weight is altered by a passenger or panniers or when changing from smooth paved roads to rough trails. This when compared to electronic suspension. 2- Point out the not so great difference in price when a basic bike is then equipped for doing things other than basic compared to a well equipped bike. 3- Report on the adjustability or otherwise of most bikes to suit different riders. Most bikes don't have much adjustment range when compared to cars - why not? Would we accept the same lack of seating and wheel adjustability when buying a car - I doubt it! Keep up the good work and thank you! Niall Leslie.

RIP CRISTIAN! Such a talented dude

The standard manual is the way to go. I would just add some aftermarket hand guards and a taller windshield.

02:12 priceless moment when you finally conquered technology

2:12 that "aaa...aaaaaaahhhhhhh"🤣🤣🤣

2:07 "Aaaaaah" LOL :D A great team. We miss Cristian.

Firstly guys, the videography was superb and really dynamic. For such a low budget production you guys are onto a winning formula. I felt right there with you and part of the play. Bloody well done.... I've got an all black 2019 and for touring and 20% off road its the cats pyjamas's. The little manual under the seat gives me a comprehensive how to ...... for the need to knows.

I have the 2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. The only ONLY thing it is really missing IMHO is cruise control. (Well not gonna lie, the extra power in the new bikes intrigues me) > I have ridden two up and with lots of baggage, and no adjusting of the suspension was necessary. The suspension actually seems amazing perfect to me. Coming from a Harley I am amazed by it.

Good review, I’d have the Adventure Sport ES manual, had a ride on one and the new motor and electronic suspension is awesome, its also a great looking bike too.

Thank you so much guys for your "second to none" videos and content and just as much for your perfect English. You are as good as it gets in quality reviews and as so, invaluable as I'm looking at both ATs and your opinions are extremely helpful.

Thanks guys, Great video I will also get the standard model, as you mentioned, lighter and more fun and nimble

അണ്ണാ അണ്ണന്റെ riviewnu വേണ്ടി കട്ട വെയ്റ്റിംഗ് ആരുന്ന്...

Nice video! I like the fact that you can keep the traction control on and still wheelie when you want/need to!

Thanks guys. Was waiting for this video from long time...

Top review. I have the older version, but might consider upgrading after this. Keep up the excellent work! Multumesc!

i like these 2 . They r v compassionate about bikes . They dont even have to say anything funny ,just the accent makes us giggle .

Yes, I also LOVE that red and black color, not sure why is is not available in the USA.

Great vlog guys. One of my best go to sites and I am English.

Chat in romenian... Push this, press that! Wheelie! 👍👍👍😅😅

I prefer the basic one. Pity it doesn't have tubeless tyres.

I really enjoyed another great videos from you. Big Thanks from USA !

Thanks, was looking for a comparison of the two models 🙏🙏👌

Very good, nice review 👏. Smart choice ! Standard owner here 😝

Can't believe Christian is gone . RIP

They could change the firmware so you see the warning, but there is a 10 second timer which clears it automatically. That shouldn't be a hard to roll into a future software update.

Great video guys. well done. To me it seemed that your major issue was with the tft screen, but I think its kind of the same when buying a new phone. You spend some time on it and its easy. You really shold have read the manual first, its far not as complicated as it seems. I love this bike , especially the ATAS dct es. Perfect as it is.

Purchasing the adventure sport DCT with foot shifter this week so that I can experience manual and automatic shifting

kind of nice to ride on empty roads... stay healthy during lockdown and ride safe! nice review as usuall

I purchased the 2022 Africa Twin Adventure ES sports this weekend..... Really a tall bike. I'm 5'8" I'm tip toeng on stop.

I would get the standard bike with DCT and fit Oxford Heated Grips and Barkbusters. Really bad that Car Play will only work with a headset.

Bought the 2020 standard a week ago. Generally love it, the apple car play is a PAIN to use with my phone and headset, and almost unusable. Waste of an electronic feature, Honda needs to fix!

I am sure there will be taller wind shield available for standard version, so if there is no need for automatic suspension adjustments and bigger tank no need to go with touring version. They could put tubeless tires on both because they also plan to launch smaller AT like 800cc or something like that in the future, that will be more for fully off road oriented riders. 1000cc is still quite big bike for off-road in general and both versions should have tubeless tires. Please make a review for new Suzuki v-Strom 1050, thanks!

best guys on the planet ! thx for this review !

I see you guys too are a fan of rev it airborne base layer. So cozy for those hot days.

You guys are the best, what a great review.

New sub just got a AF Adventure Sport DCT I’m hoping I did the right choice . Thanks for comparison

Really enjoyed this comparison as I'm trying to decide between these two, I am so undecided as I'd like it for long tours but want to be able to take it off road while touring as much as possible. Like you I am learning towards the standard with some upgrades. But one thing I would of liked to hear more on with your comparison views was on the suspension on the manual versus the es on road and off road? Can you adjust the standard manually to equal the settings on the es?

Well done guys. Terrific review. Stay safe.

Nice review, thanks! As far as wind protection is concerned I experienced that shoulders are very poorly protected. Ride safe

Thanks guys.

Buna.Sunt Moldovan .Traiesc in Russiea.Vreau sa cumpar motocicleta si nu ma pot apreciea Africa twin Adventure sau BMW F850GS .Ce parere ai ?

I'll stick with my 2018 ATAS manual transmission. It was only $12,500 US. For me it's been my favorite motorcycle and I've owned a lot of different bikes. BMW GS, KTM, SUZUKI and many others.

Going with the manual for the same reasons. Lighter. More nimble. More fun. Cheaper is nice too.

Another great video guys 👍

I would be interested in your thoughts between 790 S and base africa twin 1100 for a mix of road, gravel and off-road. Short rider at 5 foot 7 inches.

Currently using the 2018 adventure sport model..really love it..maybe in the future will upgrade to dct model..

Always love this channel ...drive you young men !!! Love from Assam, India.

Hey Guys, thanks very much for the very good comparison. One question, what do you think of the short screen on the standard model ? I've had a bike before with a very short screen and it worked OK as the wind off it was "clean". I'm thinking about buying the standard bike, and would really like to hear what you think about the short screen, and if you do put on the optional touring screen what difference that makes. Thanks !!! :-)

Jajajajajaja that moment that you know it was soo easy "ahhhhhhh" jajajajajaja

I'm glad you choose the basic model because that's the one also prefer. However, I am disappointed that the standard model doesn't have the tubeless wheels. Your vids are great and so is your English! 👍🏻

Bring on the AT / T7 / 790 ADV / 850GS Comparison.

Can you guys PLEASE do a comparison with the standard AT and the triumph rally pro???

I would like to see the new AT with new v strom 1050 at on road review rather an off road riding.Which will be the best choice?

Great review, excellent standard chaps 👍

hey guys loved the review! Could you make a video how to adjust the suspension manualy for the new standard AT? It will be agreat help to make it more agile on twisties or offroad. Thank you and great job!

12:35 is exactly why i preffer DCT :)

A very good bike but I would not to for it. It has something I don’t like that I al not a le to explain. I will wait for the Triumph. Very good vídeo!!!

Nice review! You liked the basic twin more because is lighter en cheaper and more fun to ride. I would like to see a comparison between this africa twin and de crf450L 2020. Because the crf450L is more lighter then the africa twin and soo more fun. I do not know which i will choose between these two bikes. A DCT on the crf450L would also be nice.

Beautiful bikes. Whats up with the flickering of the TFT screen? Why is it flickering? It's a bit annoying. I hope that you'll be able to do an in-depth review of the new Triumph 900 Rally soon.

Nice video guys, thanks. Are either of these available with a quick-shifter?

The HRC Africa twin can stop traffic due to its looks and road presence.

Now you have tried them all (AS Africa Twin, 790 Adventure Sport KTM, Tiger 800/900) what do you think is the best for mostly highway with more and more off-road as I get better. I'm 5 ft, 7 inch. Great work guys.

Didn’t the bigger windscreen have an adverse effect on the white one’s fuel consumption? 0,2 l/100km difference for a world load’s of comfort is worthwhile trade-off for me

Should i go for Africa twin adventure sports or a gs 850 adventure or 1250 adventure to travel Greece and in Europe the next years? Mainly through asphalt and bit off road. I've seen your adventures with 1250gs on patagonia, with Africa twin in pamir and 850gs on siberia and would consider your opinion. I'm inexperienced driver and ride an nc750x,my main trouble when riding is strong side winds.

great video thx guys for sharing your opinion

Brilliant guys and I agree the standard one is better

how is the wind protection for you Cristi on the standard AT ?

I am not interested in paying extra money for a dual clutch transmission .. Just the same I wonder if you have an clutch control for jumping a log or going really slow say crossing a river of some bad situaiton in rocks or ruts ect ?

Thanks for another great video...My question is : aren’t the bikes too heavy...especially at very low speed on a slight slope...may be while push ithem around to park...in that sense would a CRF 250Rally be able to reach everywhere these two beasts can.? And also with more fun factor?

Does the front end dive on braking

I was waiting for this video, thank you guys! I have question, i am going to buy a new bike and i am strugling between AT 1100 standart without dct, and BMW 850 Adventure? I do communting and some off road weekends and i have to go along with a friend on one T7. Once again great video, this is really public service. Thanks

My brother, what is the best Honda African twin or KTM 790 r. In roaming around the world, especially roaming around Africa

As a 2019 At owner, my issue with Honda is over the poor quality parts that corrode like hell. Before I spend this money, I would like to know if Honda has addressed this and does the BMW have better quality brackets and fixings that have better corrosion resistance. Also at this price I might want to swap the chain for a shaft.

biased. If its not a BMW or KTM you bag it as not as good BUT WE ALL KNOW THE HONDA IS KING.

Awesome video! Thanks for the education!!

Just for reference how tall are you guy? Montana USA love watching you guys i value your opinions!

Hi, I was waiting for this review since I see the bike in your garage. Is the fuel economy of this 2020 model is less than the previous one ? I have a 2018 DCT and I am thinking about selling it and buying the new one. My bike I can easily have 20-23 kmpl on lower power mode. In this video u are saying the fuel economy you are getting is 16.6 kmpl (6L for 100 km). How is the cornering lights in night cornering - that is something I need. I also love the tubeless tyres.

I have dream to ride these kind of bikes.. But bad luck... I don't even have a basic bike.

I really like your videos thanks for the great reviews. 2 questions for you in the USA right now you can get a new 2018-19 model for about $9,500 the 2020 look like they are going to be about $14,500 do you think the 2020 is $5,000 better than the 19? Also would love to hear thoughts on AT vs Tenere 700 ($10,000) those along with Tiger 900 Rally (< they are pricey I think $15,000 - $16,700 for the Pro) are on top of my wish list for a new bike this year coming off a 2012 Super Tenere looking for something lighter and better off road

Very interesting information! Thanks!

Ok gentleman, I like the review however I would really appreciate a possible comparo with 2018-2018 GS 1200 what do I gain / loose. I would do 80 % touring 23% off road ( not single trail but fire roads etc) thank you in advance. Props from Toronto Canada ; )

Daca Africa cu ce cutie manuala sau automat?

Is it possible to achieve 4 or 4,2 4,3 L/100km at 90kmh solo ride on the flat nice road..I m 180 100kg ...dct or manual whatever

Very interesting vid .. Is the new standard AT much better than the previous Standard model? also Was there any difference between the tyres? I noticed the AT AS had Bridgestones A41T?, and it looked like the Standard bike had Karoo street? I have an AT and need new tyres soon and can't decide which to get ... I like the look of the Karoo street and just wonder how they are on the street? Thanks ..

I really like the red and black also! Not available in the usa though!

When shifting is smoother and faster and different to the previous one is the gearbox than a different one or only the software? And if so, than there should be possibility to update it! Do you guys know it?