I already put 55tkm on my 2020 AfricaTwin DCT Standard in one and a half year. I rode through south Europe, South America and will hopefully extend my ride through USA tomorrow. 😅 And I’m happy to say that I never faced any issues you mentioned for the 2019 model. I absolutely love this bike and it never let me down. I destroyed my steering head bearings after 18tkm of rough washboards in South America, but just call it maintenance. 👍 My bike will easily take me to the artic ocean and back to Europe. Well done Honda! 💪
At around 65K miles, I certainly don't have the same amount of mileage on my 2016 as I'm sure you do on your fleet bikes. The only problem that I have experienced with mine in the time that I've had it is the well-documented fork seal issue. Other than that, it has been completely bulletproof. On the number of long trips that I've taken it on, I've never felt any anxiety over reliability. I know when I push that start button, it's going to start and throughout the day, it's going to handle every situation that I can put it in and function flawlessly. Honestly, best overall bike I've ever owned.
Great bikes for sure. Keeping those fork seals clean with a Seal Saver or similar bootie makes quite an improvement in the frequency of seal leaks. Super easy for like $30.
@@northeastadventuremotorcycleri 10,000 miles on my 2020 owned from new - No faults at all except for slightly clunky gears 1st to second if rushed and some mild corrosion on one spot out of sight.
having the Fork Seal issue on my CB500X too after just 12k km and did not even rode her offroad or on much bumpy roads ... seems to be a HONDA Problem they should look into...my CRFs having the same problems btw
The 2020 and newer models fixed many of the cons: bolt on subframe, slightly more power, suspension not too soft, a bit lighter. Although most people loved their early model AT's too.
2018 standard, suspension definitely not too soft, actually rear damping is too much for me even on softest setting. Its just rear spring thats on soft side, having 40%+ sag with just avg weight rider. Front is spot on both damping and spring
Hey Eric - thanks for the long term review of the AT. It's great to hear these bikes have been serving your operations so well. I ordered up a 2021 Adventure Sport ES and took it home from the crate in May of 2021. I've got just over 21k of my own miles on it now and haven't had any trouble. Love this bike.
Love my 2017 AT. Agree on the fork seals. That's about the only weak spot on mine. 42,000 mi. Had 0 when I threw my leg over. I have the idle air sensor and the water pump replaced under warranty in the first 2 years. The highest mileage AT is a 2016 with over 400,000km on it!
Great video! I have 2016 Africa Twin DCT. Through all years I've put just around 55,000km on it. It was a reliable bike, but here are my findings: 1) around 50,000 crank position sensor stop working when engine temperature reached a certain level. So the engine was stalling. It didn't show any error code so finding this issue was a bit a tricky part. 2) After 50,000km the valve clearances stayed almost in spec but valves were leaking quite significantly, causing lower power and increased fuel consumption. 3) fork springs are way way too soft, hard to control on a bit more technical terrain. I became much better rider after I changed springs to a bit stiffer ones. 4) DCT gear changing actuator got contaminated by debris from motor brushes. Resulting in a stuck gear when motor temperature got high. Easy fix by cleaning the brushes, something to keep in mind nevertheless. 5) Way too fragile plastic. 6) wind protection is a joke. Other than that its a great bike.
Hello, Eric! Well, another minor problem I had on my 2016 AT was something of a bad contact on the kill switch button. When i started the bike it would run for a few seconds and then just die. I searched on forums and groups and it was pretty common between 2016 models, but it was a simple fix: i bought a contact cleaner spray and took the kill switch assembly apart, cleaned really good with the spray, left it open a few minutes to dry out and put it back together. Never had any issues again. About the fork seals...i've read that part before buying the bike (second hand) and anyway i had planned to have the fork serviced so i bought a set of SKF fork seals and 16.000km later with a lot of offroad, no problems. It's such a great bike, i am so happy i got it. Thanks for the review, have a great Sunday!
Great vid again. I already bought a 2021 ATAS DCT but like to dig into "known" issues bikes can have to watch out as I enjoy my new ride. Your info is always sourced with real world experience and many hours, so thank you for sharing it with us all.
just hit 40K miles on my 2017 Africa Twin 1000 DCT, I am second owner, bought with 32k on it. In the past year I have had two instances where the DCT did not respond to shift input, I will chalk that up to sticky buttons that need to be cleaned. I commute on it every day, and take it up to the mountains to tear up the forest service roads. Had to replace the battery, change the oil, lube the chain, and that's pretty much it. I did have an aftermarket windshield/mount that rusted out, replacement was discontinued, so I said whatever and secured it with some heavy duty zip ties. Zero issues. I would recommend to anyone looking to buy an earlier model to get some extra aftermarket lights, touratech seat and kickstand, as well as a Denali power distribution box for all your accessories. I ran premium gas for the last 8 months, dealership reccomendation, but the manual says it doesn't matter, so I will believe Honda over my local powersports shop. Honestly, the exhaust didn't smell right running premium, it smells more natural running regular. Weird observation, but I said what I said. It cold starts in 17 degree weather no problem. I have nothing but good things to say about these bikes. Hoping to break 400,000 miles, cheers and happy riding y'all!!
Got a second hand 2018 AT, with 35000 Km on it, last year. Glad to heard this. I bought it on the internet from the previous owner without testing it or putting a hand over it while I was working out from home. Once back home, I took it to my mechanic for an inspection (I know the right thing to do is taking it to the mechanic first :D), he told me "you can go and buy one of them eyes closed, no problem". I love it, great machine.
i ownthe A.T. 2016 DCT for 8 monthn i enjoy it, and i am ready to travel around europ . The DCT is very confortable and i didn't ride on hard off road with it so i will try and see . I like your channel , please continue , i watch from Belgium. Bye bye
Year and a half ago I got a 2017 AT Standard. Put on 25km on it since and apart from oil change and tires haven't done anything to it. Yes, it is heavy and tall, but does it handle and work like a charm. Keeping it till one of us kicks the bucket.
I bought my 2016 AT in 2019 with 12,000 km on it. 3 1/2 years later, I've got almost 40,000 km on it. I've been all over my home province of BC and as far as the Yukon. I've got two trips to the US planned for this summer. So far, my only mechanical issues have been with the fork seal and a failed rear bearing. I do find it heavy for me to handle off-road, and I'm considering a lighter bike. I hope to join you on one of your trips in the next couple of years, and I plan to ride a different bike for the experience.
We'll be here! Enjoy that AT until then, and let us know what other bike you'd like to try on an epic voyage somewhere. Lots of folks do that, using one of our trips/rentals as a test ride for future purchases.
49XXX miles currently on my 2018 Africa Twin DCT. Had 33XXX on my 2017 Africa Twin DCT. I was rear ended by a cellphone addicted driver on this bike. Had 14XXX on my 2016 Africa Twin DCT. This was written off in a crash. I was out of the country when it happened. Yes. Loved it so much I bought it 3X.
Great choice, I have a 2022 CB500X and it's such a good all-rounder. Do I wish it had just a bit more power, a bit more ground clearance, & a better suspension setup? Yup! But at its price point it really has no competition. If you are listening Honda, please make an ADV to compete with the Aprilia Tuareg 660! I want that bike, but with Honda reliability and dealership network.
Yea, the suspension would be a good first investment if any, but congrats on the great bike either way, and our next video this weekend will validate your decision. Love ya, Honda!
Excellent video - thank you RIDE Adventures. I've owned a number of "fast" bikes in the past & now that I'm a 40 something guy - I chose a 2021 AT DCT as my trusty steed. I'm not new to owning Japanese motorcycles (I've owned a number of Kawasaki & Honda bikes in the past). I am extremely happy with my Africa Twin - it's trustworthy & reliable. No bike is perfect & neither is this. But it's easily one of the most comfortable bikes I've owned - you could spend long hours in the saddle & feel right at home. Honda's legend lives on... I hope to explore the Swiss Alps this summer on my AT :)
In Carinthia, Austria, we a have a guy namend Varahannes, a professional driving-teacher, his 2016 dct AT reached last autum 400.000 km!, and it's still running fawless, greetings, Christian from Graz
I got a 2018 ATAS in February of 2022 and wow. It was used with just over 2000 miles, and I think it's because it is *so tall* ! This isn't a huge issue for me; I am 6'5". I rode it on the Mid-Atlantic BDR last fall and it was great. Not as fast as the crew of KTMs that I was playing 'tag' with, but I am not skilled either. One note, they don't replace the gas tank under warranty, they flush it out and clean it. This is reported to be (by 'The Internet') not a 100% permanent fix, but the bike remains warrantied for the issue for life.
Thanks. We did something like this, but a little different. The two bikes have so much in common. It all comes down to one thing: SIZE MATTERS - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-a8E-e8fncTs.html
Fuel gauge works funny: First 100km it shows full. Then goes to one segment in about 100km and you have left 100km+ range on last segment. Not an issue really as estimated range works very well. Talking 2018 model
I`ve got a 2016 with 84,000km, about to ride through the middle east and hoping I dont get any problems at 100k! my wheels were replaced by warranty, my throttle did stick but that was filled with sand. my starter button didnt work for a while and the biggest issue is that at cold temps she doesn`t like to start at all, splutters like a carby with choke off
Great video, I'm sure that it'll definitely swing many of those planning an adventure trip., Also, you're probably a great source for a used one. Maybe a good idea would be a used Africa Twin Giveaway ;)
Since 4/2017 now on 109.000 km, no issue at al, changing chain set on 64.000 km, fork seals with liquid at same range... bullet profe ... mounted Scottoiler at 0 km, not cleaning the chain from the start.
Hello Eric, you asked about millage on ATs. I'm living in Chiang Mai, Thailand (yes, BTA), and my good friend 'oleg.volobujev' got over 170k (km) on his 2016 AT DCT. I bought my 2016 AT DCT in 2020 with below 10k on the odometer for a great price and I'm a happy AT long-distance driver since, even with two BMW GSs next to it in my garage. Planning our next BKK-Berlin trip on a new 202x AT DCT adventure model and will see if I have any issues with the AT on this 3-month trip through Asia and Europe.
Thanks for sharing that, that's a pretty big km number! Looks like an instructor named Varahannes in Austria has 400,000, so good news there, folks : )
Varahannes from Germany got 492.784Km on his 2016 Africa twin he also got his own website about service and problems and other things like tires what he had on this bike . Myself got 42000Km on my 2017 and I love it really reliable and great on and off road.
I have a 2016 DCT model, with 64000 km. I bought my bike two years ago at 47000km. I experienced the following problems: 1. rear wheel bearings renewed at 60000 km 2. start button malfunction at 62.000 km 3. Shift motor control problem right now. There are different ways to solve this: Revision of the electric motor or put a new one on. (Easy to find on YT).
My 2022 ATAS DCT has had some electrical issues. The touch screen wouldn't respond to touch for a little bit, and the heated grips would not turn off at one point. I do live in Western Washington where it rains a lot, so I believe that had something to with those issues. Other than that, the bike is great.
Amazing video. I’m just dreaming about upgrading from my CB500X to a brand new Africa Twin. I have a little issue in my left foot, due a motorcycle accident, so I’m considering getting a DCT (but, in other hand, I like so much off-roading), so I don’t know what to decide.
My 2019 is the best bike I have ever ridden. I love it, no matter how much I ride it, it still makes me smile. No issues, and the maintenance (minus the valve check) is really not that hard to perform. I can change the air filters in 15 minutes. Its not really a big deal, just more involved than looking under the seat.
Eric, what is your experience with the ATAS and valve adjustment/check service intervals? How many of your fleet bikes have needed any valve adjustments at the 1st interval (16k)? Thanks for the info!
I'd like to hear your input on the DCT vs Manual debate with the AT. I can't decide which one would be better for me, my style of riding as I continue to improve is to do mostly dirt trails/off road. Not sure if the DCT is worth the extra weight and cost for long term ownership. TIA
After I traded my Super Tenere in on the first year of the Africa Twin I knew I made a big mistake. I like the new 1100 AF but I did not like the 1000 AF. I couldn't wait to get me a new Super Tenere. Honda and Yamaha are the most reliable motorcycles on the planet, There is no debating that. The Super Tenere has more torque and handled better on the hi way and dirt roads , My opinion. I didn't any problem out of the AF 1000.
I'm looking to buy an adventure bike but have very short legs. My shortlist is 1200 GS low chassis, 1090 KTM and now the AT as I have found out the low position seat height is 850mm and can easily be lowered another 30mm which would be about right for me. It's a tough call to make as all are reckoned to be very reliable but I suspect the honda would be the best in that department, although the GS is my favourite.
I wish I could find a 2020+ model here in the US. None of the dealerships close to me have seen one in over a year, and I can make a $500 deposit but they said I may be waiting a few years before one arrives. So frustrating.
I know you are in the USA I was at De Wilde Powersports in Hamilton Ontario, Canada, just last week - April 20, 2023. The dealer had 4 Africa Twins right on the showroom floor…
@@overlandovertime I think you better check the year again. Honda has not and will not announce any 2023 AT model for the U.S. The 2022 model was the last year produced for the U.S.
Good stuff, thanks! With so many middleweights now in the marketplace (the new VStrom 800 and base 890 Adventure are two that have my attention), is the Africa Twin still an attractive choice? Your team gets so much more experience with different bikes than most of us could ever get, so I would be really interested in hearing your thoughts. It seems like the pricing is similar, the features are similar, and the weight isn’t too far off, so it should still be competitive. But am I miss something like it being more top heavy, other issues, etc???
AND this is a first generation batch. 2020 models should have some revisions on manufacturing end (hopefully) oh one note sir; your'e putting those IEM's in wrong way; I assume thats a Shure S215 or 300or something: you've put the left earpiece to youre right and vice versa. I recommend switching them. they are more comfortable with the proper fit.
Just bought a 2019 atas 1000, accelerate in first gear & sometimes second & the power cuts for a split second & up to 3 seconds then the power bangs back on,then you you look like you can’t ride, it hasn’t happened in a corner yet hopefully it doesn’t 😮 just setting off from standstill,
Check out Honda's recall on the ATAS fuel tanks. The inner lining of the tank is degrading, and clogging up the fuel filter (most likely.) Have fun on that great bike and thanks for watching.
Thank you for the reply, & apart from this small glitch the bike is fantastic 🎉👍just checked Honda uk tank recall been completed, so just turned off HISS & quick shifter, see if that works 🤞cheers from uk
Guglatech Mazinga kit resolves magnesium weld flake fuel filter/pump issues, hands down! RU-vid it, makes total sense, easy to do yourself, i did :-)
@@RIDEAdventures Yup. Recall = New OEM fuel filter, swish tank clean with new fuel and dump. Mine was crazy dirty! But what if future magnesium weld flake takes place? Honda is hoping your tank is done shedding, and replacement filter won't plug off, and take out pump (when your on multi week trip, possibly in remote Rockies). I have zero ties with Guglatech, but once I saw their package, I new it was the solution. 1000's% more surface area needs plugged off to plug filter/destroy pump. Now my AT is as reliable as my wife. 35 years strong and complete faith :-)
@@RIDEAdventuresYes they did. But I was always afraid of more weld flake in future, so did the Guglatech kit, to be certain no fuel pump issues would arise. (Honda just rinses out tank and puts in a new stock fuel filter) We live in northern BC and ride remote. For a couple hundred dollars and few hours personal shop time, we made our bikes bullet proof on this issue.
Why youd ever want to turn off front abs it work beautifully on and offroad. Tbh i dont turn off even rear abs in offroad unless im just playing in sand for some sideways action, but to actually ride even rear isnt needed to turn off 2018 model
The only bike I ever thought I could stop equally as fast with/without ABS, would be an R1200/1250GS with the telelever front suspension. Otherwise, this rider always stops faster without ABS in the dirt. To each his own though!
@@RIDEAdventures you might stop faster without abs offroad. But in emergency most of your attention will be focused not to lock front instead of choosing path that can save your life. Lock your front and can end up under truck. Make sure you dont lock front - ull use like at most 70% of grip. Axe me how i know. Never anymore bike without abs for yours truly ; It really boils my blood when some people say they dont need abs, its the utmost arrogance, some will have to learn the hard way i guess
I hated that I couldn’t turn off the front ABS too, so I just pulled out the ABS fuse. Problem solved 😁 Yes, I don’t have ABS on the road now, but I don’t a F--. Plus, now I don’t have to remember to turn it off every time I stop and start the bike off road.
Install a switch to cut power to the module on that fuse you pulled. I did it with the wifes KLR. Works great. A flip of the switch and she's got ABS again for the road.
Hello riders. I have a question. I am in the market for an adventure bike and will be buying a new 2023 model, or waiting until 2024. The 2 bikes I have my eye on, the AT A/S manual transmission and the KTM Super Adventure 1290s. Both are very similarly priced where I live. Do I go for the reliability of Honda with less power (and be safe), or do I go for the KTM ?? I love reliability, but I also love power. I take impeccable care of my equipment and hope for many years of flawless service. I know KTM has the reputation, but is that reputation real or just a fact the those who have problems are the loudest at screaming and complaining? Thoughts/comments? Thanks.
the better question is what would you be riding on most of the time? dirt and offroad or groomed trails and highway? what type of dealer support do you have? which will be easier to get parts for near you? these are all good questions and while i do have a local yamaha and ktm shop they never have anything in stock and thats what led me back to honda as there are dealers but 30min-1hr drive instead of 15min from me..
My riding buddy has 86K on his AT just checked the valves for the first time one exhaust valve was a little out of spec but it's the screw and locknut type, and 66K on his WR250... The only thing I have seen bad about the AT's is they Honda side boxes are garbage....
What was the highest mileage and plate on single unit you used? if you ride only mostly new bikes like most rental companies do then that review is worthless. Honda has far more well known problems with AT, some experienced even engine failure at ~50k km, faulty display, rusted frames etc etc
Yep, we're usually selling bikes with less than 40,000 miles on them, so no true long-term test of any 1 bike. But 30+ bikes, over 6-7 years, on multiple continents with ?how many thousands? of bikes....and we've had no significant problems? Noteworthy for sure. They make great, high-quality bikes.
Hi Eric! Thanx so much for this Overview! 👌 The Problem with the Fuel Tank of the Adventure Sports, how many of them you are using had this issue? Thanx man! 👊
Hi Cari. I have a 2020 ATASes and had it stall twice at about 9000 km. I saw a video for fix and bought the Guglatech Mazinga kit. It's a sock filter and stock filter replacement. This resolves any magnesium weld flake that plugs your fuel filter, and destroys you fuel pump. My stock filter was crazy dirty with metal flake deposit. 12000 km later and not a hiccup :-) If your handy it takes about 2.5 hours to do yourself. Cheers from Canada :-)
@@RIDEAdventures Hopefully your bikes are running well now. I know where I live Honda's solution was to change OEM fuel filter and swish fuel tank clean with new fuel and dump, while changing. Doesn't cure any future magnesium weld flake in tank from contaminating new filter, taking out pump, but hopefully not much is left. 🙏 All I know, is I still love mine, and just got on two days ago for another season. Happy days :-)
