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Received some feedback that I should know how to use the controls before doing a "review". This is not a review, it was titled as a "first ride" so you can ride along for the first time on the bike. In my full review and other videos, I will know how to work the systems (I already learned by now). Still have some complaints about controlling the ABS and TC, but I have the dash figured, and I am getting used to the DCT which is amazing in traffic and in city. For off road, I am torn, but will do a side by side with the manual Africa Twin for comparison. Thanks for the feedback as always.
Hatters gonna hate. I test drove all the Honda's when I he caravan got to my town. I cared less about the controls. Just hopped on and rode them hard. That's what is all about. I had to be instructed that in order to put in in drive I had to lift the stand (if I remember correctly). Keep riding.
First complaint out of everyones mouth is “it short shifts in D mode”! Ok, D mode is mainly for commuting and highway. Quick shifts keep fuel mileage down. And when you’re not lugging around a pillion or 100# of camping gear it’s not really lugging.
So many people don't understand the DCT trans. Once you realize the DCT benifits in all its modes, ability to override with manual finger toggles even in auto it's an incredible gearbox. Combine all of these benifits with electronic suspension (which is so under rated), this is an amazing bike.
There are 2 break over points on the throttle where it will downshift. Once you have some experience with the bike you can easily find them when you need them. Most of the reviews I’ve seen are too superficial to actually even cover the manual mode. D is simply there to save fuel.
Bret Tkacs has an awesome video of the Africa Twin DCT off road. He loves it and rides it like a total BOSSSSS! Watch it because he has decoded the no clutch and gives great instruction!
The whole idea of DCT is to provide a number of options to accommodate your riding style and terrain/purpose. It's just silly to expect drive mode to react the way you would normally ride. That is the idea of DCT. You have to find the mode that suits you. Choose manual mode to suit your individual preferences.
If you want snappier response on the throttle turn on G-mode. By default it's the star button. If you wanna turn off rear ABS you need to set the off road mode's display to "Gold" mode, which gives you all the access. Dragging rear brake will be weird for about a week. Once you master it, you will find it's actually a useful trick even on standard bikes.
Indeed dragging rear brakes is very useful for slow speed manouvres. It keeps the chain in tension and takes up all the slack and backlash in the drive train. Makes it much smoother to apply power with clutch/throttle.
I currently own a 2020 Africa twin standard,Love it! After spending one weekend on my new bike I come to thoroughly enjoy the tech that’s built into this,really not that tough to learn As far as the TFT not coming up quick enough, what I do is turn the key on than put my gloves and helmet on and it’s ready to go, Not an issue Not sure if you realize the suspension has a Lotta adjustability built into it through sag,compression and rebound dampening, I world never complain about a bike’s suspension until after I have spent some time dialing it in All bikes come with a generic suspension set up up to the owner to dial it in
I bought a 2021 Gold Wing Tour DCT a month ago. For the most part I enjoy the 7 speed DCT and its different modes. The Sport mode gives it a very aggressive shifting pattern while the tour mode makes shifting almost imperceptible. It has a manual mode with paddle shifters so I can “lock-in” a gear for certain situations. I would definitely buy the DCT again in a Gold Wing or other touring bike. I agree that it gets to 7th gear way too soon. Sport mode doesn’t do that
Hi. Thanks for this video on the Africa Twin. I’ve bought an Africa Twin Adventure Sport DCT and take delivery of the bike in 4 weeks’ time and I can’t wait. I’ve developed good skills in using the clutch on my current road and off-road bikes. Apart from Brett TKacs, there is little information on RU-vid that focuses on developing riding technique using the DCT especially in off road settings and especially slow speed control. Brett Tkacs states that it’s the throttle and rear brake relationship which needs to be developed. Most the reviews I’ve seen of this bike are road reviews and the use of all the various settings but there is little on getting the DCT off road and going through sand, rock, water crossings and the technical requirements of slow speed control. Perhaps you could work on producing something along these lines as you get to know this bike. Thanks for this info and I look forward to more.
As a long haul trucker who has 25 years experience with 29years over all, about 90% over all is with ten and twelve speed “automatic “ or DCT style transmissions they are AWESOME once you get used to it. My first time was 5 years into my career and using only 8-9-10-13&15 speed manual transmissions it took 5 minutes literally 5 minutes to get used to it and I WAS HOOKED. So from my observation of this video has me rethinking interest of what my first motorcycle should be. Myself I am 6’0” about 340 lbs and size 18 boots so I could really consider the Africa Twin with DCT. The other contenders are current year KTM 1290SAS, and BMW 1250/1300 GSA. Now focusing research here. Good introduction to DCT.
I own the bike you are on, first the drive mode works fine if you take off with a little more spirited pace it will hold the gears longer. 2nd I would never do a review on this bike without a fair amount of time riding it . There's to much to get us to while riding and trying to explain while you are learning. Otherwise I loved the beautiful scenery.
well that was nice to see someone who wasn't sold immediately on the DCT giving the bike a good shake down I was wondering about head shake at higher freeway speeds like my 2017 does.
Yup, it's my favorite as well. Nearly always shifts the same time I would if it was a manual clutch. I may help it with a manual override now and then, but otherwise, S2 is perfect!!
Ian, As much as I like Honda and the AT, thank you for an honest, transparent review and not just repeating the manufacturer’s marketing material as many other reviewers do.
I own the 2020 manual transmission. Honestly it took me a month to learn the controls, but I would never go by a 1000 after getting the hang of them. This bike has a very adjustable suspension. My weight has dropped from 220 to 180 since I bought it and it was too stiff at 220 from folks playing with the knob in the showroom. Also, nobody keeps OEM tires long. On the manual transmission 4th gear is everything. I keep my tires at 34/36, but not very loaded. When I buy a goldwing it will be dct, but I doubt I get it on an adv. Thanks for the video.
Honesty -it’s rare when you have to get these bikes from the dealership. I appreciate your lack of knowledge, it shows your being honest keep up the good work, and stand up on those pots. You gonna be 6” shorter if not!
I swapped my 2016 R1200GS for 2021 DCT Adventure Sport with semiactive suspension. Yes it's a pricier model compared to the one you tested but it also doesn't have of the suspension problems... In fact I think the suspension is actually quite good! I ride DCT on S1 most of the time. I use the fore-finger trigger to up-shift when I'm done accelerating, the DCT lags a bit after hard roll-ons. No other complaints. For off road the DCT is unbeatable once you get used to it and learn work around it's quirks. Yes the menu system is a complete PITA but after I battled through and configured user 1 for touring and user 2 for off road, I've never had to dive in the menu system again. The factory settings are not bad I think. I fact, I use the 'Urban' as is for commuting and grocery runs. My two complaints about the bike (again, ADV Sport) are the tall touring screen (bought an MRA shortie to replace it) and the seat. Dear lord the seat is just useless in the ADV Sport. And let me tell you my ass is fairly robust... Now I'm in the process of finding a better alternative. All in all, for me this is the best do-it-all bike. Even better than the R1250GS. Or the KTM offerings. I did testride basically all of the bikes in this genre. Apart from the Harley. For me it's just too ugly. :)
I almost bought the same bike but at last minute bought my BMW. I will be getting one for testing this summer. i am figuring out the controls and dash a lot better now
For the street I use sport 2, manually down shift going into corners and letting it do it's own upshifting. In the dirt I use manual, it works like a really good quick shifter.
It's nice to see someone who actually knows how to ride off-road. Even I am guilty of this talking to friends but all of us that can ride have to re-valve and change springs on every bike we get so I wish we all wouldn't make such a big deal about suspension because every bike, even all my 2 stroke and 4 stroke enduro's have needed the suspension changed if I don't want to blow through the stroke. The only guys who don't need to change spring rates are the starbucks pavement princess cruisers who should have just bought a Fatboy or a Goldwing lol.
I've set all my screens to gold. It gives you more options for setting the bike up, especially off road when you want to toggle traction control, G mode, ABS etc. Once you learn how to fine tune the setup it's a great bike. If the suspension feels a bit soft set it onto the rider and luggage setting.
Good point with the passenger and not bumping heads 👍 I would like to see it do extreme off road hill climbs in gravel or dirt. From a slow start at the bottom of a good hill climb. We can call drive mode "old guy mode".
Thanks for an honest review of the DCT…. I’m still vacillating on which to get, but you’ve got me leaning towards it. Awaiting your follow up video. Thanks.
I can definately see the advantages of the DCT in removing one less element of cognitive load. On the other hand, an aspect of motorcycling I enjoy is that all 5 points of contact are engaged and occupied while riding. Cars have become so dumbed down that driving a machine that takes skill and finesse is a real joy. With the quality of quick shifters these days, clutch control is really only relevant in first gear which is when you want it most anyway. I wonder what input MSF-A will have regarding the DCT. One element of the training that has always stuck with me is making use of the clutch to keep revs and centrifigal balance up when negotiating low-speed, tight maneuvers. If DCT is all you had ever known I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue but after riding clutch bikes for nearly two decades it would take me a while to re-calibrate my riding style and unconscious reach for the clutch lever.
I came off a standard clutch\shift bike. Bought a Goldwing 2018 DCT and it was a different experience. Honda has made great strides with their DCT engines. Smooth shifting and acceleration. I’m in Sport Mode when riding in traffic and Tour Mode while cruising out of the city. For those on the fence about DCT, don’t be. I have more time enjoying the ride and driving defensively by not worrying about what gear I’m in and shifting. Yeah DCT will put you in higher gears at lower speeds, but the way DCT works and shifts to lower/higher gears is so seem less. I ever have to worry about if I have enough engine speed to ride.
I set user 1 for off road/gravel use and user 2 for road use. It took me over a month to tweak and learn my settings and also the favorite button helps tremendously for a well used programmed setting. I wish you would do another video once you have it actually set right. All programmable bikes have a steep learning curve. Really love the DCT. It learns your habits too. I have the electronic suspension. You won't bottom out once you have it set right.
The ES must be nice. This oen bottoms like crazy. I will do a video on the electronics, I have it figured out now. Still don't like the way to disable abs and TC though
Watching his challenges off-road I'd have to say I wouldn't want DCT on the Honda used for that riding. I've ridden both on the road and found DCT to be a hoot but still preferred the manual model. YMMV.
As a truck driver, I have to deal with lots of buttons! So for me, the buttons weren't daunting! It will take time to understand them, but I'm hoping I can program the 2 user modes, one for on road, one for light non technical off roading!? I only rode a demo for 1 hour, but I abosultly love it! It took the bumps better than a v storm 1050de, not as good as the T7! More comfortable than both. Plenty of poke!! I'm definitely getting one! I even prefer it to the adventure sport!
Thanks for your thoughts/work. It is a sleek bike but the menu-system is too complicated for me (coming from a 2019 AT with quickshifter)… keep on the good work!!!
Great video, a Honda AT adventure sport DCT is probably my next purchase, after riding an 09 Yamaha FJR EA model with no clutch lever , i probably will get used to it quickly, keep up the great videos.
Nice video. When it comes to bikes I guess I'm a bit of luddite......but I guess once you get use to it looks like a nice bike to own/ride. As you mentioned that color combo does look sweet.
Hi Ian, Yep that D mode is terrible. I don't think there are ANY twin owners that like it. It's like riding a tractor. Has to be S2 or S3 for sure. I'm surprised Honda hasn't adjusted that yet. You'll find a quick downshift with the paddle is your best bet, like when going up a steep hill or pulling out to pass. The DCT just drive it like it's a big scooter. I find engine braking is too aggressive even when you set it down. This causes a jerkiness between throttle response and the engine brake. It's nice to have it when going down a steep gravel hill, and I guess that's the purpose of the design, but that's about it. Setting your engine "power" level up will speed up response rather than give it more power. You mentioned a delay, set it on power 1 and should eliminate delay. A longer response time helps to smooth out jerkiness.
Funny thing. European motorcycle licence tests require motorcycle handling proficiency tests. One of the mandatory items is slowspeed u turns and they teach us to modulate speed with the rearbrake. Put the bike in 1st gear let out the clutch to the biting point give it some good throttle and modulate speed with the rear brake. Also, look where you're going!
Mate this is a great first ride video and it's something similar to what I would do when I take one for a test ride out of the dealer. I won't have time to rattle through the settings, I'll just get out and ride the thing. I'm keen to move away from my GS and take the AT out for some other types of touring. Looking forward in seeing more for sure.
Best first impression on the dct I've seen.... All those "read the manual" comments... Who reads a manual nowadays? . We are not in 1980 trying to figure out DOS on a Comador 64.... You should be able to jump on it and figure it out in 2 minutes. I thought your first impression was spot on. Great job.
The shop where I bought mine had an Adventure Sport ES model and two base models, a manual and a DCT. I went with the manual base model because, at this point in my riding, I still want to be able to clutch the bike, and I love the red, white, and blue color scheme. I may, at some point, decide to get a DCT, but not yet. I will admit that the left hand cluster is rather confusing and intimidating at first, but easily conquered after spending a little bit of time with it. Mine is still in the break-in period, but I’m really enjoying it so far. Thanks for your review!
It is really not complicated to operate the systems on the TFT screen. Recommendation to adapt the TOUR screen that has all the options to the other driving modes as well. The default screens of the various riding modes are pretty redundant.
The menu system on that bike is easy I don’t even own a computer can’t even operate one had no problem figuring out my menu on the 2020 Africa twin adventure sport DCT es
I bought a 2020 with manual transmission after riding both manual and DCT for a day. While the DCT is great for cruising/touring or hard acceleration, I ended up using the paddle shifters most of the time on twisty roads on the DCT model. Since the gearing is rather tall (for off-roading) and the fueling is lean, it is possible to stall the engine when going up steep hills from slow speeds in 1st gear while off-roading - being able to use the clutch here is necessary imho.
Yes I would as getting on in life it would be more relaxing once you got used to it and not living in a country like the US where you have the opportunity to ride vast distances off-road it's going to be on the tarmac with potholes is about as wild as it gets, on a side note with the videos I've watched of people going off-road with the DCT it's better to use the paddles and turn off the traction control on more challenging surfaces other than that it works really well
I’m not a fan of the DCT. Not on an Adventure bike. The clutch give me more control off road. I’m not against automatic gearboxes on bikes, have a Honda Helix and it’s perfect on a scooter, when you just want to cruise around town. All driving aides on off-road bikes are just ridiculous. I ride for fun. It’s not a car. I just keep coming back to the old 950/990 Adventure. It’s so manual and fun to ride in the dirt even though it’s a big bike. Great review btw.👍
I appreciate the video, but I feel that you were not prepared for this review. One should know the settings and controls before the review. Regarding the DCT, I always tell people that you need to live with an automatic for at least a week before you get familiar with how everything comes together. I saw your later video on the top of the range manual and enjoyed that one.
Just put transmission in manul, in manul mod it will shift down at stop, but you have to shift up and down, enjoy, ride it one week you won't want a clucht evey again.
Es braucht ein paar Fahrten bis man nicht mehr nach der Kupplung greift. Irgendwann gewöhnt man sich dran. Offroad Wende etwas Bremse und dann Gas. Funktioniert gut.
This is some thing I really want to try. At first I thought it was some sort of fad or would be some thing kind of useless or a novelty and would actually impede writing ability but a lot of people seem to love it and I can definitely see some advantages but it would be very weird feeling, but I don’t ride hard-core off-road anymore and I get the feeling this is something I would really love once I spent some money at seat concepts😅 Most people use sport one but I don’t know, but I think once you figure out the option you want it seems pretty cool but it’s definitely something I want to try before I buy.
Awesome vid, was always curious. 2 mins in: That wait time on startup blows, absolutely uncalled for. The TFT looks like it was made from Crayons compared to the BMW screen. Also DCT setup looks similar to the setup on my Honda (2020) ATV. 3:45: I want to manually shift a motorcycle, this bike sucks. Who the F buys this thing? Aliens? Millennials? I digress. Good channel man.
I've got a DCT tour wing and I love it , but I just wouldn't want all the tech on an adventure bike. Sure , once you get used to all the controls it gets easier, but honestly there's just too much . Fun trying all the modes and settings?.. absolutely, but is it really practical to think everytime your terrain changes your gonna stop to adjust your settings?? Another worry of mine would be how all of that tech is gonna hold up to offroading. It just seems like you may be inviting more issues to a trip, and they're probably going to be issues that can't be fixed or patched on the side of a trail. I'd sit it out for a while before buying to see about it's reliability, but I'm hopeful it will be good as I am a fan of Honda!
I could do without the DCT, though see merits for a handicapped rider. Also, for my needs which are 90% street and only hard packed reasonably smooth trails, I like a 19" front wheel and a less floaty suspension. Maybe when I'm older I'd consider a self-shifter.
Great content! I just got my African twin DCT adventure sport trying to get used to it is a mofo but I'm sure it will come with time & I don't know what the hell I'm doing with all these buttons I'm just riding the bike 4 now🤷
I saw elsewhere some guys were discussing how hard it is to switch ABS & ECT off & someone suggested removing the fuses for it, which are apparently under the seat. It occurred to me that the lines for these must be routed to the TFT so how hard would it be to get a waterproofed push-button switch & mount it on a bracket beside the TFT, that cuts or provides power to these circuits? Not (yet) an AT owner so, conjecture at this point, but worth exploring? Better software from Honda would of course be more desirable.
Where are you? Looks like heaven. That is my dream bike, but it's such a dangerous place to ride where I am...would love to live there. If you would like to adopt a 61 year old, I'm available! LOL
Nice bike but not for me. Too complicated. Hopefully honda are bringing out a new transalp with less tech and tubeless tyres. Now that would get me opening my wallet.
The Honda DCT has been available for many years now. Why does every review of the Honda with DCT start out with a novice asking where is the clutch? --Where is the clutch lever? It is so cliché. If you reviewed a motorcycle: would you go: Wow!! Only two wheels! So strange! I'm used to four wheels--I keep looking for the other two wheels! Wow! I'm not falling down! The two wheel vehicle keeps the balance! So strange! The DCT system is amazing, but like with everything else in life: you need to be an expert if you want to master it. Would anyone review a motorcycle like they had never rode a two wheel vehicle? The DCT system is amazing, but it is different, and you need to learn about it before judging and reviewing it:) There is a reason why Ferrari and other race cars have switched to DCT or DSG or BMW SMG like transmissions. Don't like the clichés in this review.
that's why it is titled, first ride experience. it is not a review. in my review, I will have ridden the bike for a month and learned everything. your points are understood. thanks.
Hmm. DCT or Manual? Great question. I like the controllability of a clutch. On road the DCT is absolutely sublime. Agree on Honda quality/reliability is legendary. As always great perspectives. How are you liking the Klim gear? Have you done a recent review on this?
my humble opinion, it's a video from a year ago and I own the same bike, certain things happen because we males are like this: take it and use it... never once do we read the instruction booklet before
