My first Africa twin adventure sports and DCT test ride was on this bike a week ago. I was skeptical of DCT at first but within 5 minutes I was convinced. In traffic, it is such a delight.
2024 model looks stunning with the flared tank. A bit dissapointed that they didn't make their screen OS more responsive but overall what a bike! Thanks for the awesome review Dan! ❤
Had my 2024 ATAS dct for a few weeks now, I’ve concluded it’s my Goldilocks adventure bike. Enough power, decent fuel economy, and I can flat foot it. Had a tiger 1200 rally pro prior to the ATAS, and while it made a ton of power it was a beast of a bike to live with.
I'm currently trying to decide what to buy a big Tiger 1200 or ATAS manual. Can you share some thoughts about both bikes, how would you compare Tiger to ATAS?
@@darekz9777 The power and induction noise of the 1200 was really addictive. The quick shifter and overall fueling were typical triumph smooth. I’d say overall build quality between the two are similar, Triumph has a sharper brake feel, but also a ton of fork dive to go with it. TFTs on both aren’t great, the triumph has more intuitive controls however. Africa twin has CarPlay which I use every time I ride. Fuel economy I get around 50-52 mpg us on the ATAS, Tiger was about 42-45 mpg. My biggest issues with the Tiger was seat height/top heavy feeling and I had issues with the bike stalling randomly at stops and even a few times on the freeway. My dealership couldn’t figure out what the issue was. Hopefully that helps you a bit. Both are great bikes.
@@soggywuffles882Thank you for your reply. Actually the Triumph dealer asked me if I really need a big adventure bike like the Tiger 1200, they suggested that I should consider the Tiger 900 Really Pro, which could be a better and lighter option.???
@@darekz9777 I had a 900 rally pro prior to the 1200 and objectively it’s a better all around bike. I never felt it lacking for power and the suspension felt equally as nice. This years model has an even spicier motor.
@@soggywuffles882So maybe the Triumph dealer was right offering me the new 2024 Tiger 900 Rally Pro over Tiger 1200😂 Is the new ATAS much bigger and heavier than the 900 Rally Pro? For sure new ATAS will be more expensive and you still have to pay extra for central stand and quick shifter 😭
Got mine in March and have toured Spain and Portugal on it. Good review, at least you know about the different modes for the DCT unlike other reviews that complain it changes too quickly. 👍
@@rkr6237 They mean in std mode (S1 I think) the upshifts happen very early/quickly leaving you with a feeling of no power. The other modes like S2 & S3 hold the gears longer and allow the bike to rev out more and run well. From what I've seen the S3 is the ideal mode that comes closest to how you'd probably normally shift a manual bike. Of course, it is all able to be over-ridden with manual mode if you want 100% control of shift points. Really wonderful and highly developed system. 15 years of development now. I don't own one yet but have had an extended test ride on a '23 model - the '24 is even quite a bit better I understand. My God, when Honda fits the supercharger this will be a supreme bike to say the least. Here's hoping it is on the '25 model as it has been under patent since 2019!
@@brianhoward9217 Thank you for the detailed reply, that was very helpful for me, a relative newbie when it comes to bikes, to understand better the nature of the cvt system on a bike like the AT. I assume the manual mode is pretty intuitive and easy to use on the cvt bike, but I wonder if it gives the same level of satisfaction as a regular manual bike with a foot gear shifter. I wish it were easy to test ride these bikes where I am. The supercharger does indeed present a tantalising prospect.
@@rkr6237 I found the manual mode quite acceptable. I'm 63 so I'm starting to appreciate any comforts on a long ride and not having to do a thousand clicks with my foot and clutch lever would be great I think. It is a personal thing, to be sure, and some people will indeed prefer a full traditional manual. I've had nearly 50 years of those so I am more than ready for the ease (and better acceleration) of the DCT. It is progress, just like the car over horse and cart. A number of manufacturers have DCT or very similar on the drawing board and some are about to release them - Honda has shown them it is a success by being the first.
This is what I got from the website for G. We assumed that most Africa Twin users would already be actively engaged in off-road riding. So, we decided that it was crucial to offer operation that provides a sense of ‘uniformity’ while riding off-road, and essential that the G Switch provide the most appropriate clutch operation for off-road riding. Further, if the G Switch were turned on while riding in D (Drive) mode, users might be confused by the very wide range of choices, including the S (Sport) mode, since the machine determines on its own that it is riding off-road, and the DCT’s shift schedule would change accordingly. One way of coping with this problem was to include an off-road mode. However, on the Africa Twin, to enable riders to enjoy tuning part of the electronic control themselves, we made the DCT’s S mode operate in 3 steps, and the effective degree of Selectable Torque Control also operate in 3 steps, a setup that better satisfies rider sensibilities. Normally, when riding on paved roads in D mode, the speed selection schedule is set so that gear shifts up to 6th are done at speeds of 56 - 58km/h. When the G Switch is turned on, the bike determines that it’s riding off-road, and even when in D mode, the transmission only shifts up from 4th to 5th at higher speeds of around 59 - 61km/h.. Moreover, to facilitate handling in tight corners, it’s been set so downshifts from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st are delayed to remain in the same gear for as long as possible. What we regarded as most important is creating a package that enables riders to enjoy riding without feeling uneasy, like the MT (Manual) models, rather than feeling the effects of the DCT while riding. We wanted riders to enjoy the realization that “I’m riding well today.” We then proceeded with the development of the system based on these desires. The difference between the G Switch’s ON and OFF positions is that if the throttle is repeatedly opened and closed over a short period of time while riding in 1st gear at speeds of around 15km/h, the engine’s response at the instant of opening or closing is noticeably different. Also, I think the effect of the G Switch can be more easily felt during acceleration, deceleration or executing figure eights.
This is far and away the best review I've watched on the AT. I appreciate the fact that you took your time, not only learning the bike, but showing the various settings and how they impact the ride. Thank you for this!
Great review. Just bought mine today. So looking forward to putting many many miles on it. I’m 6 ft tall but only have a 32inch inseam and this bike is perfect.
Dan, as always, nice video. I tested one a year or so ago and I was pleasantly surprised. At a 29in leg I am deffo a shorty. What put me off was the height of the bars, they felt too high and it was just massive. I guess that’s why they brought back the Transalp. I ended up with a CB500x. Ride safe.
Cracking looking bike ... the styling is so on point. It's easily right up beside the Ducati Desert X for the best looking ADV bike. The engine is a real peach too, I have the previous gen version in my NT1100 (manual with quick shifter) and highly rate it ... nice and lazy at low revs and lugs along in a very relaxed manor, at 30mph in 4th it's only just above tick over - but get it up over 5/6K rpm and it properly livens up, nothing like as aggressively as my 790 duke did but still plenty enough to raise grins and laughs whilst back lane scratching. The Africa Twin has always been a bit tall for my liking but this new lower one is 100% on my shortlist of bikes I'm likely to buy next 🙂
I don't like the smaller wheel size and lower seat height. It doesn't look like a classical Africa Twin with the shorter front wheel. Part of the appeal of the Africa Twin is the tall height and intimidation factor that keeps women and noobs away from it.
11:16 - they've basically made the Africe Twin two separate bikes now. The ironically named Adventure Sports which you're riding is the one least appropriate for actual adventure sports, i.e. gnarly off-road stuff. The Adventure Sports model is now the road tourer, mostly, while the "base model" retains the 21" wheel and tubed tyres, and is still quite capable of some Toni Bou and Kirian Mirabet style madness, jumping up over logs, rocks and all sorts. I highly recommend the Honda Adventure Experience - talk to them about doing the course on a base model DCT AT & you'll have a lot of fun. I did.
@@Englishbikerdan not really. If you're on road you're in civilization. That's a pretty lame adventure. Unless you live in Erdington I suppose, & then you're running the gauntlet of machete-wielding freaks on mopeds but you're hardly halfway up the Andes or crossing the Serengeti.
Brilliant review again Dan, I was in honda bellevue today just sitting on my potential new purchase and I noticed that all the taller bikes nc, trans and Africa had rock hard seats, virtually no padding and very angular edges that kind of dig into the inside of your leg, I'm 6ft and easily flat foot all these bikes, they just seemed rather uncomfortable, I guess that's for shorter guys/girls to fit on them, who would champion older bikes style seat like my cbf1000 that had loads of padding but could be moved up or down to suit every rider? Lol
The bike you have there, with DCT and being the adventure sports is about 250kg fuelled up. The normal engined (without DCT) adventure sports I think is 235KG and the competition isn't loads different apart from obviously more bhp when you talk about BMW 1250/1300 and KTM etc. Like you say the vast majority of people aren't going to take the bike on very serious, knarley off road scenario's and fire road type roads it should be fine and good fun.
After over fifty years of riding and at 72, my fully farkled Africa Twin is still one of my favorite bikes. The ‘24 Sports DCT model attracts but I’m not sure if it’s significantly more accommodating - for my demographic - than previous models. Because snagging a demo ride is next to impossible, I’ll likely just go to the gym a bit more and keep what I have.
@@Englishbikerdan Ha, but actually no. The only thing I really needed for my AT is a seat that likes my ass (hard to find) and a windscreen that keeps me cozy. The other stuff (full exhaust and suspension upgrades + fiddle toys) is more driven by hubris than necessity. I’ve owned many bikes over the years but I suspect the Africa Twin DCT will be my last really functional motorcycle, the others will be to wrench, look at and roll to the coffee shop . . .
It seemed like ages waiting for this review! But it was worth the wait! I'm currently in a big decision battle between T7 and Africa twin. But the more i research about Africa twin, the more I want one!
@@TheFbiFilesRepeat I know it's been a while but if you're still interested. I've visited both Honda and Yamaha dealers and got to try both for 30 mins. Both are very good, but T7 seat is a disaster and i noticed that (at least for my long legs) I had to put my leg kinda at an angle on the right peg, because my calf was touching the engine case/side. Super easy to get burned. Honda on the other hand.. it feels like a big bike, the seat is wider and way more comfortable. But yet again the Bike itself is more expensive. Regarding power, both have way more than enough power to overtake cars while traveling. But Yamaha felt like its power focused towards the lower RPM range while Honda became alive in the higher rpm range. (That's how it felt for me) Personally I "removed" T7 all together from my search list after visiting the dealers. Going to buy myself older AT.
nice work- always cracks me up that these days a “mid” sized bike is a 900 or 1000cc. So, if you had to choose, this is the the Tiger 900 what would it be?
Thanks for your very well-balanced review. Just watched it again and the following thoughts have surfaced for me. The 2024 Africa Twin is an incredible improvement on the release of the 2020 model when it was upgraded to the current 1,084cc motor. The torque has increased and is much smoother and more measured in its deployment from zero to high rpm. It really is a pearler of a twin motor with a great traditional 'twin' sound with the upgraded 2024 muffler. I'm a fan and a Honda tragic from way back and can hardly wait to own one. I would very much like to buy the '25 model next year. HOWEVER, Honda will NOT be getting my money until at least some or all of the following glitches/negatives are resolved: 1) The atrociously long time it takes to boot the TFT screen and THEN it requires a touch on an 'OK' button before giving you access. WTF Honda?! No other manufacturers spoil the ride experience like this so WTF Honda?! 2) The switchgear needs an overhaul - simplify it AND include backlighting 3) An easy way to get the seat height BELOW 800mm. Please don't try to tell me it can't be done Honda. I'm 5'6" (167cm) and I would like to be able to flatfoot. 795mm seat height is a worthy goal Honda. 4) For the top-of-the-line model (mainly road use owners) ditch those ridiculous spoked wheels and give us some tasteful forged cast aluminium wheels. Cleaning spokes is an absolute nightmare. We already have enough cleaning with the chain drive, so, please Honda - some alloys. 5) For two-up touring it most definitely needs some more power. They should either bump the capacity to 1250cc for another 30hp OR, preferably, finally release the supercharged model on which they hold a Japanese patent and as such has been in development since 2019. One would think that simply in the name of competition with the Multistradas, GS1300s, Triumphs et al, Honda would want to increase the power at least somewhat. It is great for low speed stuff but 2-up with luggage on the highway it does need quite a bit more. Please! (from all reports the supercharger design is for low-mid range torque - not meant to be a high-rev Kawasaki H2 competitor). 6) Not mandatory for my purchase but, with DCT, a reverse gear for parking such a heavy baby would be handy. You'd only need 'impulse power' Scotty :-) 7) Does that great sounding rear muffler really have to be the size of a boat anchor? So there's my list of gripes for a bike I love a lot. My wishlist. How about it Honda - all for '25?
@@jfro5867 I reject outright that a shorter person should have to look for a lower bike when the manufacturer has the technical capability to lower it for them. Honda currently has this tech and part of it is already employed in the existing lower 795mm solution. I currently ride a 2015 Multistrada with a seat height of 845mm. It isn't that a 5' 6" person 'can't use the bike, it is a matter of being skilled enough to. Given that less than 1% of a ride is feet on the ground it isn't a showstopper for me or many other 'shorties'. The low seat on the ATAS ES is 795mm, so a lovely height, it is just that a bit of padding is missing to achieve this and I'm saying Honda can do better. Designing the subframe a little different (2cm would do!) and the whole shebang can be lowered without detriment to padding. With my current 845mm Ducati I'm not saying it can't be done - I'm just saying it would be nice to have it lower but it isn't a showstopper. 50 years of biking experience is a good foundation to beat most motorcycling challengers (like inconvenient heights😅 but sometimes you have to ask "is there a better solution" - in this case 'yes' and it is over to Honda.
Nice review. This will be my next bike. Test ridden DCT and Manual. Manual is the one for me and that engine is a peach. More than enough power for this type of bike. Love the looks too.
One of my favourite looking adventure bikes. Honda also do this machine in a red colour which is quite stunning as well. Great review again Dan....love it ❤👍
I hear what you say about adequate power however I think another 30hp would be then competitive. The strongly rumoured supercharged model for '25 MY should fix that! THAT'S when Honda will get my money. Beautiful bike!
Great video mate! This is my ideal next bike, i plan long tours 2up and my Tracer 9GT as much as i love it, it needs a bit more ground clearance for that and i had on loan the 2023 AT and that was too tall for me, so this new one with 19" front wheel, looks like it may do the trick. Will test one and see. Keep the hard work coming.
Great review as always Dan. This is good that you need a ladder to climb on. I like the idea of the DCT. However this is a very heavy bike and as the majority of people are going to be using roads only why not just buy a sports tourer which would be 40/50 kilos lighter? It would also appear that you need an A level in computer science before actually riding. Also worryingly it stalled twice! Just my thoughts, Dave N
I can only speak for myself, I would prefer a sports tourer but even the paved roads where I live are so rough it overwhelms the average sports tourer suspension. I just picked up my 2024 ATAS a couple of days ago.
@@Sasquatch_by_Day-nv3yh Sadly, I’m gravitating towards the same conclusion, as much as I love my Ninja 1000sx, the road surface where I ride gets worse from year to year and is increasingly overwhelming its suspension
I can only echoe what you write. I ride a sports tourer with 17” wheel and on good roads it’s a blast to ride and comfy enough for long trips (Ninja1000sx). Unfortunately more often than not the more interesting the roads get, the crappier the road surface and my Ninja’s suspension sometimes falls short. My headstock bearing has suffered from the repeated beating it’s exposed to and therefore, much against my preferences, I’m slowly gravitating towards adventure bikes, if only for the accrued suspension comfort they offer on long rides of which I do a few. Regards
@@carlosalonso9866 Living in rural Eastern Canada, our roads are badly damaged from the freeze thaw cycle of winter. I'm not exaggerating when I say our roads have patches on top of patches on top of potholes on top of frost heaves. Many secondary and tertiary roads are barely better than goat paths. I wish I could ride a sports tourer but the combination of poor roads and a surgically fused lumbar spine means I need the best suspension I can find. I usually do one long trip per summer, it's not unusual for me to cover over 1000km per day.
Think you’ve just got to be honest with yourself, the AT and similar adventure bikes are made for tall leggy riders, 6 foot and over. Whilst shorter people can ride them you are always going to find them hard work. I tried an AT Adventure it was wallowy, not particularly enjoyable and I couldn’t wait to get off it, because it was too big for me. I have no problem with a bikes weight (my current is 340kg) but if you can’t reach the floor PROPERLY you are always on edge.
@@Englishbikerdan sort of Dan, you couldn’t hardly push it backwards on that flat gravel could you? Riding the damn thing isn’t the issue, it’s the maneuvering of it in nadgery circumstances. Freddie Dobbs articulated this very point on that Ducati Multistrada review he’s just posted.
I just bought a 2019 AT 200 miles on it by mistake! I only drive it to work and I'm thinking of traveling across states but Im scared to go on the highway. What should I do? Also, I'm thinking about trading it in for Yamaha Xmax. I'm more of a scooter guy!
Most bikes i won't buy just because they're too high. I mean you won't sell many bikes with a seat height that eliminates 50% of men and 90% of women. Why has it taken them this long to work this out?
Who said anything about flat footing a bike, I didn't! You do know that right? My point is shorter men and women are a massive part of the population that could be buying bikes also and increase sales.
@@Englishbikerdan It's not that the Honda is a bad bike, it's just that the Triumph has all the same stuff, is lighter and a fair bit cheaper too. The only case I can see for the Honda is if you actually wanted the automatic transmission for some reason, eg physical limitations.
@@jonathanr72the DCT is awesome. I thought I’d hate it but I don’t. Honestly, I’m tired of shifting, car was manual for 17 years straight. Speed triple is manual. It’s nice to hop on an Africa twin DCT and come back with less rider fatigue. Nothing to do with physical limitations. Honda is 17,500 usd Tiger is 16,895 usd.
The FK? Every motorcycle I sit on is too small for me, I’m 6’3”, literally every motorcycle is meant for small people, the struggle is most definitely for us giants!!
That TFT is rubbish. Slow to boot up and you have to ok a message on the screen. What's that all about? Other manufactures don't do that. and £18k is 4k dearer that a Triumph Tiger GT pro, which has more kit and more HP 820mm seat height on the low setting and you don't have to clean spoked wheels 😂
I don't like the smaller wheel size and lower seat height. It doesn't look like a classical Africa Twin with the shorter front wheel. Part of the appeal of the Africa Twin is the tall height and intimidation factor that keeps women and noobs away from it.
@@Englishbikerdan Well the Africa Twin had the distinction of being a "man's bike" because it was too big and tall for women to handle. I have never seen a woman riding an Africa Twin.
