CORRECTION TO MY TFT COMMENTS: You can disable ABS and TC with the middle toggle button on the left switchgear, if you hold it down. Still a lot of screen config, button pushes, and time related to doing that however, each time you re-start the bike. This complaint, and also the soft suspension, will only be an issue for the 5% who push the bike hard off road, 95% of people won't be bothered. Please keep that in mind. Also, I forgot to mention in my review that in 2020 they added an IMU to the bike, increasing the ABS and TC system effectiveness and making for a safer ride, including enhancing DCT operation. THANK YOU to my viewers for bringing these points to light. That's what this channel is about: transparency, integrity, honesty.
Do you know if the reasons for the (seemingly obvious) step backwards? Does it have to do with Euro5, or was it simply poor foresight? Didnt KTM have this problem for the initial 890, and fixed it immediately. I have a garage full of Hondas and love them, but what were they thinking?
@@mediocremichael I would think someone (aftermarket) will fix the emissions (lean) condition with a different ecu, reflash or dongle of some kind. It’s to bad that you would need to spend extra money to get it running better but it would be worth it if it cools the engine down and bonus if you get better power 🤙
Thank you for this comprehensive review. I don't have alot of patience with intrusive, or non-intuitive tech. Cutting loose and getting away from the frustrations of modern life for me is about simplifying things. The new AT seems too 'fussy' for me now that i've watched this. The T700 however - hmmm 🤔
I hear alot of people complain about the screen... before I get on the bike I turn the key and by the time I get my helmet on and get on the bike it's ready to go... really not that big of a deal.As far as all the buttons, after about 200 miles I figured everything out and honestly love the setup.
I sometimes drive away before it has booted up, the speedo is displayed on the lower screen and everything works but the rideraids, they don't really work until the wheels have turned some rotations anyways so.. 😁
I’ve just bought this model, I don’t go off road and I don’t carry luggage, it’s a great fun bike on the tarmac. I always buy Hondas had lots of different ones reliable and good build quality, In the UK it comes with 3 years warranty, 3 services, and 3 years breakdown cover.
I envy you being able to travel light, which is a prerequisite for owning a Tenere 700. I can't do that - my motorcycle is my only vehicle, so the T7 is out as my next bike, because I can't load it with supplies. If it weren't for that, I'd buy the T7 in a heartbeat, even with that inconveniently small fuel tank. If only Yamaha had put in the the CP3 engine instead (to make a T9), or lightened and added power to the Super Tenere.
As a 2019 CRF1000 manual owner, you raise some good points regarding the newer 1100 model. For me the high spec model pricing by Honda is getting too close to tele-lever, shaft and boxer territory just to buy in at the top end model. I think I will keep my CRF1000 for a while but probably end up on a Boxer GS. I love the absence of unexplained product loyalty in your reviews. Very useful video, thank you.
Excellent and fair video. I really appreciate your lack of fanboyism. It’s easy to want something to be perfect even when it isn’t. Buyers NEED to know the downside of particular bikes before buying. You weigh the options and make the best decision for you personally. There is no perfect bike.
I have a 2020 ATAS, at the beginning it was a little confusing to use the screen and the rider mods, then I just got user to it. Now after a year of ownership it doesn't bother me anymore. The star up is still annoying. Grate review. Keep on the good work.
I have the bike you tested. But I don't plan to ride anymore than gravel, getting to old to pick this thing up. Your review was very good. I've had my AT DCT 2 months. 4300 mile , just replaced the rear tire to shinko 705. Things I Changed. The windshield is nice for hot weather but at 5'10 it put all the bugs on my face shield, replaced with a Givi that I took 2" off the top. Now I can ride at any speed with my face shield open. You were spot on with the engine heat , way more than my 2018 Vstrom 1000XT. I made a deflector that I mounted by the r. Cooling fan . It helped a little. My bike came with dealer installed package. The Honda panniers and top box. Center stand. Crash bars. Cigarette lighter plug. All the things I would have put on. For me the seat is only good for 30 miles. I started using a Back Joy seat cushion. Now a 400 mile day is no problem. Some of my favorite roads near me are old and pretty rough. The AT glides over them. I've rode my 2019 Goldwing on them and it beats the GW to much. I put highway pegs. And with the Givi shield and seat cushion this makes a great long distance bike. Unless the temps are over 80s the engine heat is not a problem. I can say I really like the DCT , mostly run in level 1 in the S. mode. I installed a old Presure Pro TPMS . I think every motorcycle should come with a TPMS. I have to laugh at people that say they use a tire gauge to check there pressure. That's fine till you start loosing air. And it's to late. Anyway just my opinion. Keep up the honest reviews 👍
Excellent review and thank you for being 'brutally honest'. I have a AF 2016 DCT I bought in 2018 at a steal. Added HEED crash bars, BUMOT Luggage Rack, Xtremada Soft Panniers, Defender Toolbox, Pannier Racks, Defender Engine Skidplate, Radiator Guards, Eastern Beaver PC-8 for secondary electronics and lights, AltRider Headlight Guard, GIVI Monokey M7 plate, OUTBACK 42 ltr top-case, National Cycle VStream Tall Touring Windscreen, Skene Lights P3-D-TS, side shooter LED lights, CAMEL Bridged Bar Riser +25mm, Peg Support, Windscreen Brace, Seat Concepts RALLY Comfort seat cover and custom made sheep skin cover. With all that and just the right amount of electronics with direct access to the ABS ,G Mode and TC buttons and no 30 second boot ups and extremely high penalty for breaking the TFT on the new bike I think my 2016 is the ideal balance with bullet proof performance and reliability up to now. To make the bike perfect all I need to do is drop $4,000 (less than what I would have to spend for a 'new' AF) for Cogent and Ohlin suspension the bike would be better than any new model AF, more reliable and more capable. As you experienced the DCT took a bit to get used for me too, especially after 40+ years riding manuals, but now I'd never go back to manual. I never use D mode that is disconcerting and ridiculous, always S1 mode at least, then switch to manual for the twisties so I'm not dealing with surprises as you take a tight bend. But I think Honda has D Mode for riding in Japan where the top speed on any non expressway road (that is 80 km/h) is 30 km/h (I should know I lived there 18 years. Riding my KLR there was quite frustrating. Was pulled over many times for going 5 km/h over the limit!). Myself and a few other AF CRF1000L riders don't get the 'not enough power' comments. I can be cruising at 65 then twist the throttle and in a blink of an eye I'm doing 90. And who needs over 90HP off-road anyway? My AF is my forever bike I won't need or get another one unless an amazing EV should manifest themselves. Otherwise I'm set for riding 2,000 miles then hitting the mountains and riding up to 12,000ft or zipping across deserts. As always thank you for your excellent reviews. Your riding around the mountain roads and deserts remind me of all the riding I did around Big Bear and the Southern Mojave desert when I lived there. Cheers!
Great review, shines some light on my contemplation of purchasing DCT or traditional clutch shifting. Really like how you include your personal opinions and nit picks because they are REALISTIC. The average person is not going to read the manual and memorize it as you said.
About time someone mentions the excessive heat egress. Nicely done review, quick and to the point. I'm surprised you didn't mention the excessive wind noise or buffeting, this is a large complaint by the majority.
One huge value proposition of the 2020+ is road safety due to the Bosch IMU, improved traction control, and cornering ABS. For someone doing a lot of road miles, it’s a huge benefit over a Tenere or other options without it. That said, I have a 2019 ATAS and won’t “upgrade” mostly because of that startup lag. It would really interfere with the stop/start/stop/start off-road group rides. I really like the simplicity of an abs-off button and traction control trigger that my ‘19 has.
I'm 3k miles into my 2020CRF1100L. I turn on my bike and never catch up with the boot. My favorites button switches my modes, so I can get to my off-road, gravel, and customized mode with one button. My thumb. I don't switch my traction control while riding, it's either on or off. If I was doing that much off-road I'd be on a smaller bike like a T7 or a KTM/Husky. I walked out the door for $12500.
First of all you don’t have to wait for the screen to finish going through it’s stuff before you can move off . Second, you can turn off ABS and traction control from left switch block. A little more homework required 👍
No offence to anyone but in the real world you mostly use the same riding mode, for me its just; enter, down, hold left and repeat once more.. Seems complicated at first glance but really is not. 👍
Tiger 900 Rally Pro is the most anticipated review of all the bikes out there right now for me and on paper my first choice as I am shopping right now. can't wait
Great channel awesome review I have a 1200gs just couldn't sell bought a 2017 AT great bike very happy with it. But the Beamer still see my longer road trips that is the best bike I've ever owned and my AT is the prettiest.
I am considering to buy a Honda AT Dct and starting a trip around the world for January 2022. I’m so excited! Definitely will buy one! Love your review! 👍
Thanks for the review! I've got a 2022 base model with manual transmission about 5 weeks ago, have done 1800kms and I have a very good impression of how the suspension works. You probably should try to play with susp adjustments. I haven't touched anything, my weight is 75kg and I didn't add any accessories to the bike. And yes, all the models have different factory adjustments, you can see it in owners manual. Interface is a bit confusing, but not a deal breaker.
TRed this today. Long TR of 25 kms. I could definitely feel the bump in power. Super torquey engine will throw you off if you aren’t paying attention. The handlebar is 5 cm wider than my VStrom and I appreciated that. The dash is self-correcting for ambient light. I liked that too. But other than these details I was finding it hard to find merit in the bike. Refinement levels were quite pedestrian. There were squeaks in the shocks and rattles from the panels that definitely feel less premium. The staff told me that they took the bike to the local bike week and really beat it up. They said that it will feel better after service. But that said, their bike was only 5k kms old and it left me wondering if I would have to work hard to maintain it after purchase. This is the issue with bikes like the VStrom. They spoil you thoroughly and make you hard pressed to feel impressed with other offerings. After the TR, I rode my VStrom home and could feel nothing but admiration for its absolutely buttery engine. After 11k kms, there are no rattles or squeaks or creaks. No nothing. Just fuss-free performance. Matter of fact, I remember TRing the Tiger 900s in 2020 and walking away feeling not very blown away even then. Coming back to the AT, the engine is definitely not tractable and will kick and lug even if you are in 4th gear at 35 kmph. Not in the Ninja 1000 league for sure. That bike was in 6th at 35 kmph and made zero protest. But maybe that’s an unfair comparison. An Adv with a twin will never be as tractable as a triple or an I4 I suppose.
Great concise review! I own the 2018 AT Adventure DCT Anniversary Ed. and really like it. This review helped me see that there’s no reason to trade up yet. The LCD dash is simple although harder to see in sun with polarized glasses. The engine heat issue in your review was unexpected, but could be a very important factor for riders in warmer climes. Here in NY we don’t mind some extra heat.
Good god that is the most convoluted display and bar set up ever. I’d surely be dumping the bike when looking for the right control. That’s where the Tenere 700 really shines. Simplicity. Good design removes the extraneous and distills the design to jus to what is needed.
At last an honest review!! I've tried the DCT and had the same results!! Didn't like it at all!! But someone is pushing the DCT as hard as they can!! A lot of these u-tubers are trying to push them!! They lose all credibility for me.. these things are terrible off road! Thank you for a good honest post!
you are the best ADV reviewer probably as you've owned them all over time. Firmly believe the 2016 -19 are the more user friendly AT & read another review about the euro 5 giving off more engine heat having to run leaner emissions, may be part of the reason of the lugging as well in lower rpm. Keep up the good detailed analysis & looking forward to the KLR review.
Have a 2016 DCT (from new) and upgraded the suspension due to stock being to soft. I think it's a great bike and wouldn't upgrade to the 1100 models. Main put off with the new model is with the time to set it up prior to hitting the gravel roads etc. Have clocked up 98K and only had one issues with my bike. For some reason it was reviving to high and wouldn't go into gear. Had to put the bike on a trailer for the three hour trip home. Bike shop reset the computer and faults went away. Enjoyed your reviews of the 1100.
Good honest review from your perspective. I do think you dissed the vstrom 1050 too quickly vs this bike. If you want a bike to just do occasional light gravel then the vstrom is a good choice. The engine has less vibes, the display doesn’t take 2 minutes to boot, it runs less hot, handles the road twisties as well (likely better), less complicated electronics to break, has a 19 inch tubeless front wheel and the firmer suspension is better dialed in for road use. I probably forgot a few things …. Oh yeah, the seat height is a bit lower too. All bikes have specific pros/cons. For the vstrom, it doesn’t do as well off-road and maybe the fit/ finish overall isn’t as nice as others. Personally, I think most folks are just fooling themselves if they think any of these heavy adv bikes are alternatives to light dual sports.
The added pluse is a 21" front wheel base, which is good for off road riding. But once you take a bike off-road, weight is an issue, especially if your on a sandy road. At 500 pound's your limited. Your review is very 👍, especially where you make a point of handles, suspension, and terrain or the kind of riding one intends on doing. Africa is mostly dirt, muddy if it rains, which happens a lot, deep ruts, and can be almost impassable because of deep sand. African roads are never maintained properly, so your review really hits the most important things like suspension, to know if you are in Africa like I am as of this review. 😷😷👍 Thanks for a complete review!
I got this bike 3 days ago, and EVERYTHING you said was completely accurate. EVERYTHING. I love it so much, but you're deff telling the truth. Only thing I didnt agree with was surprisingly I like the seat, maybe because Im a bigger guy and have more padding.
Great review! I really wish honda let you spec up the base model with the electronic suspension and tubeless rims. I don’t do many long rides so I don’t need the giant gas tank and the other touring oriented features of the AS version. But I want all the tech! And tubeless rims should be standard on any modern bike.
I really like my 2020 Africa Twin. Reviewers never test out Apple Car Play ... I use it ALL the time. It is Awesome. Also if you turn off engine using Kill Switch rather than key ... it keeps the your settings you were complaining about it dropping. The only downside is the DRLs stay on. So only good for a short stop.
The best review yet of this bike. I've got a 2019 base model and I'm thinking of upgrading to the new 1100 Adventure Sports. I do more touring than off road so it would make sense I know. Hopefully you can get your hands on 1 for a review All the best from the UK 🇬🇧👍
Great review as always. After spending a few months this winter wondering what I'd replace my 2019 AT with (after 3 years and 30000km of happiness), I considered many models, including the newer AT. Now that the world is somewhat gradually going back to normal and I expect to ride a lot more, I wish the AT was lower maitenance and easier to work on. Before selling it I had the big tuneup done and it was over 1000$ CAD (24000km interval for valve check is something you'd expect from an italian brand). Just changing the air filters is quite a project on the AT compared to my 1991 Nighthawk with hydraulic valve lifters and I could change air filter and all 4 spark plugs in probably 15 minutes if I'm taking my time and valves never need to be adjusted. Since I spend most time touring on paved roads or dirt/gravel roads, I decided to go with the Super Tenere 1200 2021 (2021 leftover new stock). It will need an exhaust and a few bits here and there, but stock it comes with super comfortable electronic suspension, heated grips, cruise control, a drive shaft and, a 42000km valve check schedule (and my Yamaha mechanic said I shouldn't even have it done before 55-60000km if engine still runs great).
This is a great and very informative video about the Honda Africa Twin. From everything that I have seen on the internet, this is actually the very best info available on the Honda AT. With the DCT, this bike is easy to ride, but very complicated to fully understand and master. Thank you Big Rock Moto!!
I have a 2020 Adv Sports and I love it. Everything you say is accurate, but I still love the bike lol I found the tft and handlebar controls annoying at first but now I’m used to it, and don’t mind it at all. Great review!!!
Great review as usual. I get spoiled watching your thorough and well produced reviews so that not many others stand up by comparison. I was waiting for how top heavy it feels. I'm guessing very top heavy. Presentation note: smile. Keep up the good work!!!
"The ups and downs of a DCT model" - me laughing in Dad joke (Increased compression, from 10:1 to 10.5:1 often results in more heat too - often running quite lean - interesting its the new normal. )
I appreciate the honesty in your reviews. I'm not really a big fan of all the technical and gadgets on the new bikes. Watching you struggle with it on the updated model, tells me it's going to be a horror show for me. I'm going to look for the best 19 model I can find. And I'm going to wait until the market calms down. Everyone is feeding into the inflation and shortage thing. Patience is a virtue!! Thanks for the review
Thank you for the honest review. Software design is ruining great motorcycles....its the one thing the owner cannot modify or buy something better aftermarket to change.
Your reviews are great and trustworthy. Obviously you don’t sell magazines! I am researching a Honda AT ES DCT and only one comment on your videos, when you have several on the same brand/type although different generations, could you number the videos please. Many thanks for your videos they are some of the best anywhere.
Very nice 👌🏽 pros and cons well balanced views, glad to know about the soft suspension. I don’t think I’ve seen you lift the bike though, curious how it weighs lying down
As AT owner for more than a year I would like to comment some of dislikes since I believe Ian is not doing justice here: 1. suspension to soft: you bought the wrong version. You should buy Adventure sports with electronic suspension, it does ton of difference On and Off Road. 2. control layout: there are so many different buttons you can control all functions just by feel, no need for touch screen as Ian is complaining. In one month I could switch functions without even looking at the controls. 3. bike does not memorize settings: ABS on is mandatory by the law. If you turn off the key Ian is right, you will loose current setup. But if you just kill the bike with kill switch all settings will be preserved. All I can say about the buying AT is that you need to understand why you have bought it. I found it very good, capable bike, don't regret buying it a minute. The only complaint I have is that could come with the more power for the street use. Personally I would be fine with 140HP+.
Honda makes the smoothest engines on the market. When you put it in cruise control on the highway you can't even hear the engine it's that smooth. Nobody drives this bike in regular D, it acts like a tractor when you do. You have to put it in S2 or S3 for smooth operation, so that is probably where you are sensing a sluggish rattle, the regular D favors high gear. The only drawback I've found with mine is be careful not to wear oversized gloves, you can cause unintended acceleration when reaching for the brake on the DCT model. It's happened to me a few times until I figured out what was going on. I can't tell for sure in the video, but maybe you had the suspension set too soft when you were offroad. You mentioned you don't have the ES so that might have a lot to do with it too. On mine I Try simply setting it for Pillion plus luggage and watch how much it stiffens up. Noticeable difference! I think Honda deliberately set it up to reset TC and ABS if you had them off when you switch off the bike. This is for safety reasons. They want TC and ABS ON for most of your riding and they want you to manually set it if you choose to take those off for advanced offroad use. You also have the stock tires on, not the best for offroad or gravel. Once you have decent tires there is also a noticeable difference in offroad stability and traction. You can get an aftermarket seat cover that is far more comfortable and stylish. Made a huge difference on longer rides. Just check out on Amazon. If you aren't much into offroading, or long trips on gravel, there are better bikes out there for you, this one has a lot of tech built in for these things so if you never use it, it's a waste. It's made to handle going over logs, rocks or huge potholes, that is why you have a lot of brake dive, longer suspension travel. I added utility lights to mine which really help light up the road and increase visibility, although some drivers will flash you because they don't like the extra brightness. I learned to ride on scooters and maxi scooters, so DCT came natural to me. Mine is a 2020 ATAS DCT
Great review of the AT. I have the 2018 DCT non AS model and love it. Admittedly I don't go off road but based on your review, and others I have seen, there is no temptation to go to the newer model, which in my opinion is a 'home goal' by Honda as they should want all their buyers to graduate to a newer model. Anyway thank for your honesty and I love the countryside you ride in. Where do you live may I ask?
Love & keeping my 17 AT. The digital engineers over did it for me(2020+). I use D mode for rain only as there aren't any ride modes(16-19). I will buy aftermarket cc. This very good review confirms my decision. Still waiting for a halfrica twin.
This was a great review most people would be scared to be so honest for fear of Honda disliking them. But as a consumer I personally would make a purchase off of your reviews. I have a chance purchase a 2017 Honda Africa twin Manual, 580 mi looks brand new excellent! condition with side cases. For $14,680 is the price tag. It's located at cycle City Maui which is where I live. I'm having a hard time deciding whether it's too much for 2017? I really like it and I can do without all the electronic buttons on the newer one.
I was ‘kinda’ eyeing the AT at some point, but not after knowing about your experience with the over engineered software and the keyboard-styled controls 😨 Brilliant video and thanks for the honest feedback 🍻
Excellent review. Like others have mentioned, more information in here than all the others. You specifically addressed the handling on the street in twisty’s which kept me away from the 2016-2019 models. Fortnine was the only other channel that made a point to mention that about the bike. Thank you for the honesty and detail in these reviews.
I have 2020 ADV Sport. The suspension is WAY too soft for the weight of the bike. I can stiffen it up somewhat with the settings, but it's still too soft. I wouldn't say I push the bike too hard off-road, my riding is 70% off-road, my on road is getting to and from where I want to go explore, and yes, the suspension is too soft. It get's worse with gear/ camp equipment etc. I agree with your comments on the controls, I'm pretty sure its easier to start and taxi a 747 than this thing, the controls are not intuitive and are complex. I'm in year 2 and I'm far from an expert with the settings, although better. It handles well of road/ on road, I find it comfortable and love the DCT, but its far from a perfect bike.
The crf1100 was my top pick after riding a rental on a two-day adventure bike tour. Obviously I was initially enamoured by the engine and looks of the brand new machine. However, further research revealed some serious issues. You are very correct about the slow TFT. I believe Honda is skimping on components, using cheaper chips during the chip shortage. This philosophy is evident in other areas of the bike. Scratch the surface and there are a host of build quality problems. Finally, to this day I’m not entirely convinced that Honda addressed the fork stiction and tank welding issue. Sad. Will probably push most potential customers, me included, towards Triumph. PS: The suspension feels like they pulled it off an old f800gs. You can feel the front end flex under the weight of the machine. PPS: The plastics are very brittle.
I did not see or I did not remembered this video about heat and now i have one atas that I have to sell. But DCT and car play are great, so I am indecisive but I hate the heat
1) If you were to buy this bike (non Adv Sports) - what Suspension Components would you recommend? 2) Any Clue if the 2022 or 2023 improved the lack of "Memory" of the TFT / ABS / DTC issue?
I love my 2021 ATAS! It’s like my old klr on steroids. The user configurable settings allows the suspension to be set up properly and I’m 225lbs. The electronics are not hard to navigate! A few minutes of reading and it makes sense. TFT takes 17 seconds to boot up but you can drive away right away. Nit picking. User modes user modes user modes….
Good review in that you are brutally honest. This way I can make my selections for my new bike candidates. I don't want to buy a new ADV knowing that I'll have to immediately modify the suspension and also deal with complexity of operation that takes a long time to learn. I think the IMS inability to memorize my personal settings I a significant drawback as well. Thanks again. I'll keep watching.
24:33 reg on road only. I am actually torn between The man/auto switch of dct of crf1100L.. Which feels very useful Spcly in hot heat bumper to bumper city entry traffic ( 9kms in 45 mins once or twice a wk ) And then I also crave the sofa seat and suspension of 1250 gs. 24:33 Wondering if gel on similar such seat tech on crf1100L will let me ride for 300kms ( @ 90/120kmph) At one go. Max of 600 kms in a day. If not then I will be forced to buy the Bmw 1250 gs and live with the terrible after sales service in my city/ cities
I agree with what u say regarding rear rack and the electronics on it il be staying with my 2017 AT its just a rock solid simpler good allrounder ive owned since new . With a few extra dollars spent customising the 2017 0r 18 models you end up with a awesome do all bike .People just have to remember it was never desighned to be a ktm500exc offroad .
Thanks, great review. The damping is really an issue. I also think the footpegs are in an odd position and that you need to configure the traction control after key off is a dealbreaker for me, i will go for the competitors KTM or a BMW instead
The primary reason I am not considering updating my 2019 to a newer version, is the amount of money I have spent on all the accessories, and most are not compatible with the newer bikes.
It's gearing is tall because the engine doesn't rev very high. I was impressed how the nc750 is around 3500rpm @70mph till I realised it only revs to around 6k
