I have a 2020 ATASes since new, with 21,000kms now. DCT is actually something I wouldn't change now for slaying highways and fire/forestry roads for multi-week trips. This from a dirt rider of forty years, who loves third peddling my Z06 and Boss. DCT makes life so easy and enjoyable, but I don't tight single track this bike in my Rockies. Electronic suspension was the biggest surprise? It's always valved to my riding conditions (dirt, gravel,tarmac), or weight (panniers, and or pillion), at the toggle of a switch. Makes this bike great in most any conditions, and easier/ more comfortable and painless in seconds. Literally! I can get 450+ km per tank, and Google map directions through my Cardo headset. Phone calls patched through bike or send call commands on the fly. This is a touring bike that will go offroad! Put put some good tires on it first. Mitas E07's or similar, makes it twice as good in handling, and extremely compliant over mountain passes, and through BC forests. It's been extremely reliable, like Honda's tend to be. It wasn't cheap, but the value was definitely delivered in this bike! Three of us own them, and joked last summer, "if stolen, we'd be headed to Honda for another that day". And we have plenty of toys. Just can't live without an AT once you get one! Cheers, from Canada 🇨🇦
@@aalderni Lol. If you do hopefully you enjoy as much as we do. Just brought my Z06 out of garage with manual six speed. Not sure if I could live without a clutch in this rocket, so don't take my advice on trans any longer, ha ha 😂 Bud light, doah!
Once you find an actual T7 for sale, the price will be exactly the same as a base AT. Dealer markups put a T7 at out the door for $14K. For that realistic price, the AT wins all day every day. You can find a 2016-2018 used AT for under $10K if you look far enough. I bought a 2017 AT DCT with 3K miles for $8500. Best bike decision I ever made. And yest, the DCT is great in all situations, especially solo offroad.
In Colorado I'm paying standard MSRP for a T7, sure I have to wait for it to come in, but no markup, I would never pay markup...it should be borderline criminal
Maybe I’m a bit of a outlier myself. These are the only 2 adventure bikes I’m interested in. I love my Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Damn both these bikes are so good looking.
Very few people on this Earth possess the skillset to say "The T7 is underpowered." Having said that, myself being 5'10 @220lbs., the Africa Twin is appealing such that the suspension doesn't require modification. As stated the extra 5k can do a lot to the T7 i.e., suspension and ECM mapping that would put a smile on my face for sure, and yet the AT is basically a turn key out of the box. Both machines have high reliability ratings. It looks like there will be a proper shoot out in 2025 as the T9 is introduced. Excuse me if I'm a little excited...okay a lot excited LOL.
I owned a 2017 AT and couldn't get used to the soft suspension, brake dive, vague cornering and sold the bike pretty quickly. I regretted selling it because in spite of it's flaws it was a lot of fun to ride. I recently bought a 2020 AT standard version and for the 99% street riding that I do the 2020 is better than the 2017 in almost every way; better suspension, more powerful and punchy engine, and cruise control. I didn't think I wanted all the tech but I actually enjoy learning how to use it and seeing what it can do. The AT and T7 are both good bikes and I would like to have both.
I have recently come off a 2020 Tenere 700 on to a 2022 Africa Twin with 40/60 on/off road riding - From an owners perspective this is a superbly balanced review that is scarily close to reality. Excellent job with the video production, presentation, content and view point - New subscriber for sure....
All the non dct seem to be ATAS ones . Went through about 11 in a row at a showroom. I think for a lot of people the Africa twin is to big, to slow, and to expensive, most people probably should just get an MT-09 and stop pretending they are going to ride off road. I am generalising a little I know. I just think people made a mistake and the used market is flooded with them. With the old xrv650/750 you could get away with it but these were promising to much.
Naked bikes come with their own major downsides. I think a lot of people buy the AT because of its wind and weather protection. I can ride my 2020 ATAS DCT all year around because of that protection and heated grips. My old fz07 though felt like I was skydiving every ride. Fun for a short ride, but tiring over a longer trip. BTW the compaints about the AT being slow are a bit exagerated. Yes KTM, BMW, and Triumph make more power. Is the AT that much slower for it? Perhaps by .1 seconds on the 60 and maybe above 200 km/h - but what are you doing up that high with long travel suspension?
I have owned a 2016 AT since new, and was interested in the 2020 until i haw how terrible the dash was. Several seconds to boot up and no easy finger toggle through the traction control seemed like a step back. I've recently considered spending the $ for suspension upgrades but ultimately pulled the trigger on a Desert X. Not every cares about Apple Car play. Make it functional as a priority.
I have both and I really prefer the AT even though it's a '16. It really was in it's perfect form in those first 2 years. I bought the T7 in '21 hoping to shed some weight, but I didn't find that made any difference in the real world. It feels just as heavy, even to pick it up off the ground. The T7 was a downgrade in just about every area, but I was just looking for a cheap second street legal bike at the time because the AT suspension needed replaced and I hadn't ridden on the street in a few years. I've ridden each one across the country and the AT was just heaven compared to the T7 on this type of trip lol. After I did my first trip with the T7 I realized it wasn't the right bike and decided to sell it. I agree with most everything said in this video, except that I find the AT significantly better in the slow technical terrain just due to the way the chassis works and puts traction down. You do have to feather the clutch the entire time, but the ratio seems pretty appropriate for adv bikes. I feel like the T7 is geared really short to make it feel more powerful, but it's just screaming at like 80mph. The T7 is fun in the tight twisties. You're slamming through gears and the engine is screaming like a banshee, but you look down and you're going shockingly slow lol. It's fun like riding a small bike like a CB500 or ktm 390 absolutely as hard as you can. Travel-wise though the T7 was pretty terrible for multi-day trips riding with luggage for 12-16 hours a day. It didn't check off the boxes that I thought it would and left a lot to be desired in the end after owning both of those bikes. The AT won out for me, but I'm looking for something bigger and faster now.
Great reviews! When I was looking last year, a Yamaha dealer called and said they had one for $15k. I literally laughed and hung up. A few months later I found the AT base for the same price with 84 miles on it and a bunch of accessories. I had no choice! The bike is a the best do-it-ll bike that I have. Great on long trips, twisty roads, fast double track. Haven't single tracked but it really rides like a big dirt bike off road. I will this summer. Its heavy in the parking lot and when you drop it haha but it rides much lighter. I think you do need to be a higher level off road rider to get the full potential out of it but when you do its insane.
You just said it mate. Any single bike can travel the world 🌍. What is the best bike to travel? The one in your garage. You just need to be passionate, be perseverant, and love the adventure. A woman from the Netherlands proof that. Taking a 300 L from Ecuador to Sierra Leone as we speak. If you got the money for a GS, go get it. If not, well, there is a lot of options for a good price. Take care and enjoy your ride.
Not in México LOL both are around 16,500 usd I was in love whit the t7 hopping they bring it here and when they did they fuck us whit the price No longer worth it imo lol
-T7's power may seem limited stock, but with full exhaust, snorkel removal, larger airbox top, and ecu flash it rips. More than enough power. -Not sure what you mean by the T7 not being the best gearbox to rip the twistys. Super slick with Amsoil and having been broken in for a few thousands of miles. It's so fun on paved twisty back roads. The only reason I'd get an AT is if I wanted to blast on the highway at 85+ for a couple hours at a time, not that the T7 won't do it. I'd like to have both personally. Maybe pick up a used 2016.
My understanding is that the Africa Twins displacement increase in 2020 was because of Euro 5 requirements. It was easier to bump it up to tweak requirements. Don’t quote me on that though. I would go T7 if you want cheaper up front cost and less things that can go wrong. That said you can add 5 years of Honda warranty to the AT if you buy it within its first year from its sell date. Shop around online and I’ve seen that warranty for as cheap as 700 dollars. Finally the AT does have some advantages that get overlooked. It has on paper performance numbers between the KTM 890 and 1290. The key point though is that Honda isn’t pushing for max power like KTM. Instead they made a larger engine and tuned it down so that it can run 87 regular gas. You’ll be very hard pressed to find another motorcycle in the class that can do that. Maybe Royal Enfield? Not sure. Also they’re the only option for an automatic transmission if you have medical issues or don’t care about your buddies teasing you. Finally I would add that they’re manufactured in Japan, whereas KTM is outsourcing a lot of their units to China, and even BMW is getting their 850 power plant front china.
@@cyclenewsDon't sweat it. I just road my first motorcycle last week and it's all I can think about. The bike is a 883 Harley Sportster, but it's not the style of bike that reaches out to me. Funny enough, these two bikes that you have reviewed here as the ones that get forgotten about, are actually the ones that catch my attention the most, along side the 900 Tiger Rally and a Dual Sport DRZ 400. I think the Tiger 900 Rally is the best looking bike. The Africa Twin 1100 is the bike I respect the most because everybody says the same thing, that it handles off road the best out of the bikes in it's class. The Tenere 700 I think is appropriate for me to learn on as it is going to be lighter and more bare bones yet still falls in the class of bike that I feel I would enjoy the most. The dual sport Suzuki DRZ 400 is probably the real bike I should start on and learn the funamentals of riding on. But I feel like I will outgrow it a bit fast because I am a road tripper at heart. But I'm a road tripper that likes back roads and seeing around the corner or taking friendly looking trails. Anyway, thanks for listening, here's wonder wall.
I have a 2017 twin done 50.000 miles changed rear shock to an ohlins at 12.000 brilliant up grade fork seal blew at 45.000 so had k tech harder springs 7.1 I think. and thier compression adjusters fitted and a service and they feel brilliant its like a better then new bike and has bin done over the 6.5 years of owning it . Poss buy an old africa spend a bit on suspension and poss have a cheaper better bike for ya money.
I have a ATASes DCT and love it 21,000 kms and Honda reliable. No single track monster, but does everything else well. I day trip, and mult week your off it. Wicked range for big Western Canada, and comfort off and on road, with electronic suspension. DCT makes the miles easier, and rarely miss a clutch for this style bike. Never ever thought I'd enjoy the scooter fashion this much. I've muscle memorized the controls, and love Andriod auto via Cardo link. So many positives on this bike. I'd like to ride a BMW one day, just to compare. No BMW dealers with 800kms, so wouldn't change my purchase anyway.
did they fix the forks on the AT from the previous gen? I had two 2017 models and both had terrible fork stiction at only 3000 miles due to internal wearing . On the second one, fork seal blew at around 10k miles. I am just an average 55-year old rider. Wasn't doing any motocross or hero stuff.
I guess I don't agree with the underlying argument here that bikes are compared mostly relative to displacement. There are lots of other factors to consider when comparing adventure bikes - weight, travel, ease of maintenance, reliability, availability of parts, the terrain and others. Power isn't everything! One bike might excel one a certain ride and another might on a different trip.
Yea but buyers don't start with the other factors. They first say, "am I buying a small CC ADV bike, a mid weight, or a heavy weight?" And then they think about their own skills, strength, and riding conditions, and buy accordingly. Once they decide the weight, then they think about brands, including all other factors you listed.
I thought of getting the T7 because of Pol but his T7 is rebuilt from the ground up and weighs 385lbs compared to what the T7 normally weighs. I ended up getting the 2022 AT due to more power and electronics. I realized no matter the bike it boils down to skill. Yeah the T7 weighs less but hey. I can ride both the same. I will get a T7 or 890 R next. Good luck!
Based off you response to your thoughts on which bike to choose I would ask this. Would you pick the T7 or a 2016 africa twin? Used africa twin price wise will be similar and since it's simplicity compared to the new ones makes it more comparable to the T7. Comparison are only for the newest models which is unrealistic cause those are not the only choices.
New subscriber here and I appreciate your thoughts on both of these bikes, I just purchased a 20/20 Africa twin after coming off an old Triumph tiger this thing feels like a dirt bike lol about 100 lb lighter. I'll agree that the electronics are somewhat confusing but they really do make a difference once you figure out what it is you need and how much of it. One of the things I absolutely love about this bike is the available accessories that are essentially Plug and Play
Loved the way you angled this non direct comparison! Tell me does the Aprilia Touareg 660 fit right in between both these superb bikes, giving us the best of both worlds when most of us can only justify owning one motorcycle?? Regards David 👍
Would like to ask whether the comment regarding the "difficulty" of the CRF's 1100 ergonomics while descending (or other demanding situations), stands also for the CRF 1000. How do the the CRFs (1000 vs 1100) compare in regards with which is more preferable for the average rider in off road situations ???
Can't believe my Tenere 700 has been left unridden for 6 months now . Lots of reasons for it but I have get back on the horse and get familiar with it again . I remember in Feb 2020 I was at the dealership where I had bought my DR65O and was about to go to another dealer to put a deposit on the Tenere 700 and out comes a sales manager with a quote on a 2019 Africa Twin with DCT . I sat on it and was very impressed with how much more comfortable it felt than the DR650 plus just duck walking it it didn't feel 500 something lbs . 14 grand he dropped it to but I stuck to my guns , I was thinking the Tenere was a probably a better step up for me at that time . Fast forward to June this summer and I got to test the Tenere out up around Lake Tahoe and boy did I have a blast . With the Motoz Tractionator ADV tires it just went anywhere I felt I could handle and I am a beginner offroad rider for sure , do me lots of mountain biking some dirt biking and quad rips in various terrain but soon I will need to get more skills developed so an offroad rider training course is something I better do . Thanks for the video and inspiring me to get that bike out there again sooner than later !
If Honda would make the African twin with out all those electronic components. There would be no competition in the market. Everyone I know in the motorcycle world would buy one. That my friend would be like a T7 on a superior level. If they really wanted to blow the market out off this world they have the ability. Some day some one will and all those fancy bike are going to stay in there show room.
That’s where the CRF1000 falls… arguably the best version of the AT. Traction control & rear ABS on/off but no TFT dash. I’ve really grown to love my 2018 Africa Twin Adv Sports for double track and BDR riding. It also hauls down gravel. Where it doesn’t shine, is solo hard travel or taking it on single track by yourself.
@@wcolef it has 4 riding modes and you can also go with auto transmission. I wanted something simple if I brake down I want to be able get it going that what T7 offers
@@algonzalez7192 The ride modes don’t factor into reliability imo.. DCT/Manual is much more of a factor. I would always opt for any non DCT bike. T7 and previous AT’s are closer than you think in terms of electronics at the core
I seem to always be looking at bikes in 2 different “categories” always find it amusing that most act like no one is trying to decide between an 890 Adventure R, Husky 701, and a 1250GS
The Tenere 700 Feels like what everyone wanted from a Kawasaki KLR , and the Africa Twin Feels like a Big brother of Tenere 700 with the ability to compete with European brand's in terms of Value for Money but not in terms of Status Symbol like Big KTM's .
If I wanted to mess with settings to try and make me a better rider and have a color screen in front of me all day, I would stay home and play my XBOX. I don't want that, so that's why I bought a T7, I can out ride most other riders with all the gimmicks bikes with as well.
FYI, T7 is now upgrading it's TFT. Soon, all T7 will be having those "color screens" you are talking about. Also, it's not just for aesthetics or to make you a better rider like what you are saying. It gives every rider an option on settings, additional features for safety. Atleast an option to use it or ignore it. I would prefer having two or more options in case i need it. Having those doesn't make you a better rider. I know some of GS and Ducati owners with poor riding skills. Comparing these 2 amazing bikes is like comparing an orange with an apple. Better compare Tuareg 660 and T7 that would be more interesting.
Thanks for the video, I was looking for something like this. How does the 1100 AT compare to the 1000L AT, and how does that compare to the Tenere? From my understanding there isn’t a huge difference between the 1100 and the 1000L, is that right? Thanks.
Hello to the motorbike community. I have a question for anyone with the knowledge and experience. I am contemplating buying a brand new ADV this spring. I basically have it narrowed it down to 2 options. Option A) 2023 Honda Africa Twin Super Adventure Manual. Like the style and look, I am concerned about the continual maintenance on the chain. It is not uncommon for me to jump on my current bike and put ~500 km's on it in a day on the weekend (311 miles). I am also concerned about the comfort, both in the seat and wind protection. I read lots of information and people love them and of course people will gripe as well and for good reason, experience on the bike. Everyone is different. Is this bike going to be comfortable enough for a few very long days in the saddle from time to time? Although we all get off our bikes every 2-3 hours to fuel on a long trip, still good to have really good comfort when needed. Is this bike the one to have if a person gets an upholsterer to redo the seat to your butt contours? Will that make it an awesome long haul machine? Option B) 2023 Yamaha Super Tenene 1200. I understand this bike is boring (perhaps compared to some of the competition) but with that come great all day comfort in the saddle and super easy maintenance and reliability. Maybe not as much fun as some of the competition, but my current bike also has shaft drive and has had zero issues in 13 years of ownership. So maybe I don't want to give up reliability and low maintenance? Also, perhaps the Tenere is reaching it's last year of production, what happens if they do this year and I want to own the bike for 10+ years? This bike that I buy will be a long long time purchase and possibly my last bike (maybe not), but as we get older we look for more comfort. The riding I will do is 80-90% on the pavement and 10-20% gravel and fire roads. HOWEVER, I live an hour away from the mountains and perhaps with an ADV, that ratio will switch to less highway and more gravel/fire roads..........we'll see, the ADV could open a whole new chapter in my riding. The Honda would be a no brainer, but does the Yamaha do the same job with a little less fun factor? Would love feedback from all people that have/had either or both bikes and let me know based on your experience and knowledge. Thank you!
@@barendfourie6687 , I have had some responses from various people and watched a lot, and I mean a lot of videos and reviews. The africa twin is a great bike, maybe more fun to ride and the feedback is it is a great long distance tourer as well. It has apple car play which is very nice. I think that's the way I want to go because I think it has more fun factor. I just would maybe get a better screen, a tank deflector and get an upholstery shop to put a get insert into the seat. And the OEM polycarbonate hard bags. The only big advantage I can tell from the Tenere is shaft drive which are awesome and it's a great value. If your on road only and are ok with the lesser fun factor (maybe) but super reliable and low maintenance, then I think the Tenere maybe for you. I want to rent both bikes for a day to test, and have the dealer agree to put the rental fee towards the purchase of the bike (if I can negotiate that).
@@danman5857 my problem is the chain maintenance, I live in south east kansas and every trip I did need me to do between 550 and 650 miles per day to get where Im going the first 2 days and the last 2 days of my trip, which means chain maintenance every day at least 4 days of my trip.
@@barendfourie6687, dang, yup that makes the Tenere a better choice. I currently have shaft drive on a Vulcan Classic and I suppose I take it for granted, and yeah having the maintenance of a chain, when having to do it so frequently would suck. Good luck with your choice. IF you do buy and remember me, gimme some feedback down the road.
I want both. lol. I’m going to sell my drz. I need something good bigger. I think the t7 is more practical for most things I do. Fire roads, commute, explore. But the twin would be cool if I want to carry more luggage or the Gf. It would also be better for long rides from state to state. I have a fantasy of riding a ton of canyons and highway miles to different national parks. I just worry that the t7 is too small for that. I’ve had supersport bikes, dirt bikes, and dual sports. I’ve ridden a 1290, 1090. Those are sweet but I don’t trust them. I’ll stick with the Japanese bikes. Any suggestions? I have off and on experience since 2004. I’m also 6’1 230lbs. I should be down to 220 by the time I purchase.
Choice was simple for me. Can't find a Yamaha anywhere. It is like they quit making bikes about 5 years ago. Honda is everywhere. I got the ATAS, and will probably get a Transalp in a few years to replace the old KLR.
How's it been going?? That's a very fast first bike! It's like my 20th bike and accelerates just as fast as any others I've had, off the line, the way it's geared, etc, but still, very quick!
@@AliEspresso-k7m good! I was a bit nervous about the seat hight and the speed/torque being my first bike. But I’m 5 11 and weigh 240lbs so it’s been perfect. It’s acceleration is super manageable and I cruise the highway at 70-80mph no problem. Took it on some reasonably sketchy trails as well without dropping it😂 which was a surprise to me lol. The sandy spots had me checking my pants after though😂. 450lbs bike in sand wasq no fun lol. But ya, I’m super happy with it. Now I’m reckless eyeballin some street bikes and cruisers lol. But I need to recoup some money 😂.
I'm just not sure of the parameters of these bikes, in this video. I'm stumped as to why anyone would buy a GS1250, unless they just wanted to ride in extremely modest conditions, with zero truly hard or technical sections. The 'middleweight' market seems to be where the real adventure bikes live, but they're suffocated by some macho requirement that any adventure bike MUST have huge displacement. How many of us actually genuinely ride these bikes around the world? Middle weight is more than enough for the grand majority of people. They're just brainwashed into thinking that they need more.
@@matthew3136 Hey, Matthew. I live in gods country, as far as adventure riding, and road riding. During the summer months, there're endless, well surfaced roads for road hooning....and a lack of police. :) During the winter, the same, but endless pine forest logging roads and wilderness bush access roads. Hundreds of kilometres, in any direction, to play. What I constantly see, pulling in, in town, are huge adventure bikes, with well clad adventure riders....all as clean as my R1. Actually; my Alpinestars are possibly more dirty, covered in unfortunate insects that met their doom, as I rode through them. The fifty-something year old, well healed people, living their adventure dreams. None of them actually intending on getting into it, in reality. I hope you get the Africa Twin...and give it hell. The T7 World Raid is the one for me. My boxer shorts are getting slightly tighter, just thinking about the impending Australian release.
Big pavement miles are much more comfortable on a large, powerful ADV bike than one of the smaller bikes. If you only want to ride off road with short pavement stints, get a dual sport. A Tenere 700 is still too heavy to be really good off road.
It's like u want to ride and enjoy or getting into too much over thinking with modes. I have Himalayan I can ride on motorway in nz at 100km which is legal speed and I can do much more off road without thinking about damaging my bike. If I buy expensive motorcycle I can never enjoy what I do. Next bike once I get my full license will be tenere ❤
The Himilayan looks ugly but ugly bikes are usually the most fun. I won't lie, the Himilayan seems like it would be a good bike for me as I am just starting our, but I will probably go for the Tenere because of the styling.
There's apples to apples, and then there's honey crisps to honey crisps. That's all yall are doing...... Viva la difference......for most people an AT and a BMW 1200 are gonna accomplish exactly the same thing in the long run. For AT vs Tenere, it depends on what you want to do with it. (I think you make that case!)
I have a CRF300L Rally and want both the AT and T7, but for different reasons as they are different bikes. The AT is better suited for touring and places like Big Bend State Park with really rough roads with loose rocks. Would also be a superior commuter with its size and technology features. The T7 is basically a bare bones big bore dirt bike you can ride to the trail or single track riding area and then ride home. Albeit less comfortably than the AT. Hoping to get an AT next year and will wait on a T7 until the market cools off for those. They are selling for the same price used as the AT is new at around $14k.
Marco Chavanne , I assume you have "outgrown" your 300L ? I am older and slow on the trails, but need decent power getting there. This includes hills and 55 mph roads. At 185 pounds I figure the suspension and street power are not enough for me. A friend just bought a CB500X but we're snowed in until March - April, so can't ride it. A T7 would be good for me, I think, but my dealers can't get any. I bet the Transalps will sell out, too. But I'm not going to pay a scalper $14K for a T7! Are guys putting down deposits, getting them for $10K and selling them for $14K ??
Nice review. Just the information i was looking for. Africa Twin is what i have narrowed it down to. Just looking for a good deal on a low mileage 2020+.
If your new to ADVs you will be trading it in for a middle weight after this season... too big... almost all my riding buddies have done it though, so it's kind of a right of passage...enjoy
Loving the video up to 12 minutes but uhhhhhh does anyone else see the AT dash saying 118°??? My dude that is way to damn hot to be testing bikes! At least for me up in the PNW, but I ride in nonstop rain so I guess it’s just what you are used to 👍
The T7 needs to be put on a diet relocate the fuel delivery better suspension, so simple Yamaha so simple to do, JUST DO IT! I mean Aprilia just smoked your butts with the 660 T . Don't tell me you can't build it lighter and better for the same price. The lighter weight will make it feel more powerful. 80hp is plenty. One thing the Japanese don't get is they need to build the so called adventure motorcycle to carry 250 to 300 pounds rider or riders and gear, tents camping gear, extra fuel, drones etc. Honda screwed up with the CRF 300 Rally way to soft junk suspension. Press over hyped the T7 IMO
The more useful parts of this video are your comments about engine behavior and how they are to ride.. quoting bikes history and stats is telling us something we already know
Awesome comparison. I have a 2020 standard AT went one tooth smaller on front sprocket which I felt helped with the gearing problem (that I agree with you on) rode the NMBDR and only stalled it once. My biggest complaint is with all the compression or engine braking and it feels the throttle is very ON/OFF at low RPM which makes it harder to be smooth and kind of tiring. Has anyone tried to fix this? maybe reflash the ECU or something can you recommend anything for that? 2nd biggest complaint is the suspension at 180lbs I feel the rear spring is too soft and after riding a Tiger 800 XCA the forks dont feel so great either I would like to get some work done on both.. But I do love the bike. If I had the extra $$ I would like to own a T7 too though
The T7 is over rated getting people to fall over each other to get a bad deal. And why not compare it to the Aprilia Tuareg 660? A used, base Africa Twin 1000 is very tempting, considering.
One question, your answer will add value to your stated opinion; have you owned a Tenere 700? Test rides dont count. I won't respond, whatever your answer may be.
@@jameshart1028 I have not owned a T7, but no doubt it is a good bike, and I would not mind owning one. Problem is, it is not available to all, and prices have been hiked up, meaning its validity of being simple, and cheap, has been undermined, hence the relative over hype. That was not my opinion, but it is fact.
Try finding an Aprilia dealership near any BDR.. Honda and Yamaha one has a much better chance. Africa Twin weighs 100lbs more than the T7. If I want a fat cheap Adventure bike - ill get an 1150 GS
How did you not mention that these 2 beasties are likely the best value when being serviced as well... no? Oh and why does Every T7 owner that wants to sell theirs, is asking MSRP for their used bike?
I've never understood that.. the T7 was in high demand at launch, yet now I can find last years model at MSRP and people STILL ask that for their used trash
Every ones Need is different... For my applications the AT is a Better Road Bike given its Weight, Range and fuel capacity.... At age 66 im not looking to blow down a single track the way I did in my 30s ahahaha I do however need the reliability and want to explore a dirt road now and then to capture that once in a life time VIEW... I HATE that HONDA put all that ELECTRONIC CRAP on the AT... The T700 is a WIN in that Dept.
18/19 model has not got an IMU. It has rider modes including one custom user mode. Its a much better bike than the 1st gen. Theres a CVT in every manual motorcycle, clutch modulation. The AT has enough torque to chug along at low revs in any gear anyway.
After the seeker series of mini movies, it's difficult to say that the T7 can't do the things you've said, when it clearly can, the caveat being you have to be a great rider. I love the AT , non DCT base spec but with a decent exhaust is a great bike.
@@cyclenews I thought it was a great comparison. We really are splitting hairs with these two bikes and nuanced opinions is the only way to gain clarity.
The tenere gear box is as good if not better than honda , very smooth ,as for the buid quality the honda is not 5 grand better i own both bikes and the yamaha is a better bike ,
Frankly i find your mindset and most of the journalistic mindsets out there completely wrong as you basing your standards on who has the most horse power, most punch and who gets there dick up faster. Frankly both the Honda and Yamaha should be tested accordingly with there competitors as I guarantee if you take out the "Horse Power Factor" the Honda will out perform most of the bigger bikes and the Yamaha there category. The Honda and Yamaha may lack the outright HP however they are no slouches on the tar and along with there amazing reliability your almost guaranteed to get to your destination. Where they do perform best is in the sand and this my friend is where you guys get it all wrong.
Do what I done I just took the abs ring off the rear wheel and it turns all that off then u just use full power and everything off , yes it makes the engine light comes on but I know my bike so dnt care and now I can ride it out bush like a dirt bike
Right. He kept saying displacement like it matters when you use these bikes for what they are designed for. I mean yeah I could understand noticing the difference between 95hp and 120hp on a major interstate for hours and hours, but once these bikes make it to anything offroad, anything really over 60hp is going to feel very similar. And honestly, bigger HP numbers start to hinder the bike offroad. Smooth delivery is what matters offroad. And obviously less weight in a lot of scenarios.
Yamaha has a super tenere 1200cc never been on it but I'd think it would be to big I like the lower cc 350cc up to 700cc they are much more capable in camping trails a lot easier to throw around even the klr 650 if you put the work into it and buy the right parts it will have the pep of a 2 stroke witch I really think Yamaha had it right when they made the 2 stroke oil injection dual sport in the late 80,s why they stop making them is beyond me they just had to let it catch on I'm so trying to buy one in a 350 or higher I had a 1987 Dt125 red and white it was more then enough for backroads and city's a 250cc or 350cc would do highways no problem. Also Yamaha should bring back red and white or black and red
I thought Honda was supposed to come out with a smaller displacement AT??? I love the looks and the great performance reviews of the KTMs but, damn, they seem to have reliability problems.
I have a 2020 ATASes since new, with 21,000kms now. DCT is actually something I wouldn't change now for slaying highways and fire/forestry roads for multi-week trips. This from a dirt rider of forty years, who loves third peddling my Z06 and Boss. DCT makes life so easy and enjoyable, but I don't tight single track this bike in my Rockies. Electronic suspension was the biggest surprise? It's always valved to my riding conditions (dirt, gravel,tarmac), or weight (panniers, and or pillion), at the toggle of a switch. Makes this bike great in most any conditions, and easier/ more comfortable and painless in seconds. Literally! I can get 450+ km per tank, and Google map directions through my Cardo headset. Phone calls patched through bike or send call commands on the fly. This is a touring bike that will go offroad! Put put some good tires on it first. Mitas E07's or similar, makes it twice as good in handling, and extremely compliant over mountain passes, and through BC forests. It's been extremely reliable, like Honda's tend to be. It wasn't cheap, but the value was definitely delivered in this bike! Three of us own them, and joked last summer, "if stolen, we'd be headed to Honda for another that day". And we have plenty of toys. Just can't live without an AT once you get one! Cheers, from Canada 🇨🇦
Ohhhh fineeeee. I will buy it 😅 😂
@@aalderni Lol. If you do hopefully you enjoy as much as we do. Just brought my Z06 out of garage with manual six speed. Not sure if I could live without a clutch in this rocket, so don't take my advice on trans any longer, ha ha 😂 Bud light, doah!
Once you find an actual T7 for sale, the price will be exactly the same as a base AT. Dealer markups put a T7 at out the door for $14K. For that realistic price, the AT wins all day every day. You can find a 2016-2018 used AT for under $10K if you look far enough. I bought a 2017 AT DCT with 3K miles for $8500. Best bike decision I ever made. And yest, the DCT is great in all situations, especially solo offroad.
In Colorado I'm paying standard MSRP for a T7, sure I have to wait for it to come in, but no markup, I would never pay markup...it should be borderline criminal
Maybe I’m a bit of a outlier myself. These are the only 2 adventure bikes I’m interested in. I love my Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Damn both these bikes are so good looking.
Brooo have you seen the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally in green??
Very few people on this Earth possess the skillset to say "The T7 is underpowered." Having said that, myself being 5'10 @220lbs., the Africa Twin is appealing such that the suspension doesn't require modification. As stated the extra 5k can do a lot to the T7 i.e., suspension and ECM mapping that would put a smile on my face for sure, and yet the AT is basically a turn key out of the box. Both machines have high reliability ratings. It looks like there will be a proper shoot out in 2025 as the T9 is introduced. Excuse me if I'm a little excited...okay a lot excited LOL.
I owned a 2017 AT and couldn't get used to the soft suspension, brake dive, vague cornering and sold the bike pretty quickly. I regretted selling it because in spite of it's flaws it was a lot of fun to ride. I recently bought a 2020 AT standard version and for the 99% street riding that I do the 2020 is better than the 2017 in almost every way; better suspension, more powerful and punchy engine, and cruise control. I didn't think I wanted all the tech but I actually enjoy learning how to use it and seeing what it can do. The AT and T7 are both good bikes and I would like to have both.
Soy
I went with the ATAS DCT.
After 7k miles in six months, I’m in love! Grave roads, state routes, interstates. Some back roads.
Good to know! I’ll probably look for a non DCT AT
I have recently come off a 2020 Tenere 700 on to a 2022 Africa Twin with 40/60 on/off road riding - From an owners perspective this is a superbly balanced review that is scarily close to reality. Excellent job with the video production, presentation, content and view point - New subscriber for sure....
so RED or BLUE , what do you say. Thanks
@@boykaj8201 AT better bike for sure.
I’ve decided to go with the AT, but you’d be surprised how hard a base non-DCT is to find
Oh, we've heard
All the non dct seem to be ATAS ones . Went through about 11 in a row at a showroom. I think for a lot of people the Africa twin is to big, to slow, and to expensive, most people probably should just get an MT-09 and stop pretending they are going to ride off road. I am generalising a little I know. I just think people made a mistake and the used market is flooded with them. With the old xrv650/750 you could get away with it but these were promising to much.
Naked bikes come with their own major downsides. I think a lot of people buy the AT because of its wind and weather protection. I can ride my 2020 ATAS DCT all year around because of that protection and heated grips. My old fz07 though felt like I was skydiving every ride. Fun for a short ride, but tiring over a longer trip. BTW the compaints about the AT being slow are a bit exagerated. Yes KTM, BMW, and Triumph make more power. Is the AT that much slower for it? Perhaps by .1 seconds on the 60 and maybe above 200 km/h - but what are you doing up that high with long travel suspension?
I have owned a 2016 AT since new, and was interested in the 2020 until i haw how terrible the dash was. Several seconds to boot up and no easy finger toggle through the traction control seemed like a step back. I've recently considered spending the $ for suspension upgrades but ultimately pulled the trigger on a Desert X. Not every cares about Apple Car play. Make it functional as a priority.
@@brucerossonthetube Can't go wrong with a Desert X tho. Enjoy! Don't do what charliesanewan did with his in the swamp!
I have both and I really prefer the AT even though it's a '16. It really was in it's perfect form in those first 2 years. I bought the T7 in '21 hoping to shed some weight, but I didn't find that made any difference in the real world. It feels just as heavy, even to pick it up off the ground. The T7 was a downgrade in just about every area, but I was just looking for a cheap second street legal bike at the time because the AT suspension needed replaced and I hadn't ridden on the street in a few years. I've ridden each one across the country and the AT was just heaven compared to the T7 on this type of trip lol. After I did my first trip with the T7 I realized it wasn't the right bike and decided to sell it.
I agree with most everything said in this video, except that I find the AT significantly better in the slow technical terrain just due to the way the chassis works and puts traction down. You do have to feather the clutch the entire time, but the ratio seems pretty appropriate for adv bikes. I feel like the T7 is geared really short to make it feel more powerful, but it's just screaming at like 80mph. The T7 is fun in the tight twisties. You're slamming through gears and the engine is screaming like a banshee, but you look down and you're going shockingly slow lol. It's fun like riding a small bike like a CB500 or ktm 390 absolutely as hard as you can. Travel-wise though the T7 was pretty terrible for multi-day trips riding with luggage for 12-16 hours a day. It didn't check off the boxes that I thought it would and left a lot to be desired in the end after owning both of those bikes. The AT won out for me, but I'm looking for something bigger and faster now.
still have a 17 AT and love it, love the simplicity, decent motor, no fuss, no problems
Great reviews! When I was looking last year, a Yamaha dealer called and said they had one for $15k. I literally laughed and hung up. A few months later I found the AT base for the same price with 84 miles on it and a bunch of accessories. I had no choice! The bike is a the best do-it-ll bike that I have. Great on long trips, twisty roads, fast double track. Haven't single tracked but it really rides like a big dirt bike off road. I will this summer. Its heavy in the parking lot and when you drop it haha but it rides much lighter. I think you do need to be a higher level off road rider to get the full potential out of it but when you do its insane.
Nice deal! Congrats on the ride.
You just said it mate. Any single bike can travel the world 🌍. What is the best bike to travel? The one in your garage. You just need to be passionate, be perseverant, and love the adventure. A woman from the Netherlands proof that. Taking a 300 L from Ecuador to Sierra Leone as we speak. If you got the money for a GS, go get it. If not, well, there is a lot of options for a good price. Take care and enjoy your ride.
Yes, her name is Noraly she is the reason I want an adventure bike best TH-camr for me 🏍️
currently watching her in togo @@jonathanperez2017
T7 is the best bang for buck adv bike out there. Africa Twin is better but more expensive
Not in México LOL
both are around 16,500 usd
I was in love whit the t7 hopping they bring it here and when they did they fuck us whit the price
No longer worth it imo lol
@@savi6562 wtf if both cost the same, just go for the Africa Twin, more advanced, electronic suspension, more power, tubeless tires, etc
@@elzamboangueno9287 not everyone views electronics as a positive, its a motorcycle, if I wanted electronics and comfort I would drive my SUV
@@Mistro07
Or better yet stay home with the tv and a playstation
@@Mistro07 do that
-T7's power may seem limited stock, but with full exhaust, snorkel removal, larger airbox top, and ecu flash it rips. More than enough power.
-Not sure what you mean by the T7 not being the best gearbox to rip the twistys. Super slick with Amsoil and having been broken in for a few thousands of miles. It's so fun on paved twisty back roads. The only reason I'd get an AT is if I wanted to blast on the highway at 85+ for a couple hours at a time, not that the T7 won't do it. I'd like to have both personally. Maybe pick up a used 2016.
Love my T7!!!
considering putting a rerouted exhaust on mine, what process did you go through to flash your ecu? moto performance shop or something?
simple, reliable and very capable T7
Great contrast between two Iconic bikes, well done.
Thanks Robert!
Loved this! Comparing a new YT 700 to a 2019 Africa Twin. Thanks for the help!
Cheers Jim!
My understanding is that the Africa Twins displacement increase in 2020 was because of Euro 5 requirements. It was easier to bump it up to tweak requirements. Don’t quote me on that though.
I would go T7 if you want cheaper up front cost and less things that can go wrong. That said you can add 5 years of Honda warranty to the AT if you buy it within its first year from its sell date. Shop around online and I’ve seen that warranty for as cheap as 700 dollars.
Finally the AT does have some advantages that get overlooked. It has on paper performance numbers between the KTM 890 and 1290. The key point though is that Honda isn’t pushing for max power like KTM. Instead they made a larger engine and tuned it down so that it can run 87 regular gas. You’ll be very hard pressed to find another motorcycle in the class that can do that. Maybe Royal Enfield? Not sure.
Also they’re the only option for an automatic transmission if you have medical issues or don’t care about your buddies teasing you.
Finally I would add that they’re manufactured in Japan, whereas KTM is outsourcing a lot of their units to China, and even BMW is getting their 850 power plant front china.
You can look all you want if you are honest about it the africa twin is the ultimate all rounder for anything you want to do.
Damn, who does not love motorcycle reviews filmed in the office? 🗿
Thanks for the support!
@@cyclenewsDon't sweat it. I just road my first motorcycle last week and it's all I can think about.
The bike is a 883 Harley Sportster, but it's not the style of bike that reaches out to me.
Funny enough, these two bikes that you have reviewed here as the ones that get forgotten about, are actually the ones that catch my attention the most, along side the 900 Tiger Rally and a Dual Sport DRZ 400.
I think the Tiger 900 Rally is the best looking bike.
The Africa Twin 1100 is the bike I respect the most because everybody says the same thing, that it handles off road the best out of the bikes in it's class.
The Tenere 700 I think is appropriate for me to learn on as it is going to be lighter and more bare bones yet still falls in the class of bike that I feel I would enjoy the most.
The dual sport Suzuki DRZ 400 is probably the real bike I should start on and learn the funamentals of riding on. But I feel like I will outgrow it a bit fast because I am a road tripper at heart. But I'm a road tripper that likes back roads and seeing around the corner or taking friendly looking trails.
Anyway, thanks for listening, here's wonder wall.
@@eskimocheeks9911nobody's reading that novel wtf
I have a 2017 twin done 50.000 miles changed rear shock to an ohlins at 12.000 brilliant up grade fork seal blew at 45.000 so had k tech harder springs 7.1 I think. and thier compression adjusters fitted and a service and they feel brilliant its like a better then new bike and has bin done over the 6.5 years of owning it . Poss buy an old africa spend a bit on suspension and poss have a cheaper better bike for ya money.
I have a ATASes DCT and love it 21,000 kms and Honda reliable. No single track monster, but does everything else well. I day trip, and mult week your off it. Wicked range for big Western Canada, and comfort off and on road, with electronic suspension. DCT makes the miles easier, and rarely miss a clutch for this style bike. Never ever thought I'd enjoy the scooter fashion this much. I've muscle memorized the controls, and love Andriod auto via Cardo link. So many positives on this bike. I'd like to ride a BMW one day, just to compare. No BMW dealers with 800kms, so wouldn't change my purchase anyway.
Great review Just go fast forward to around 12min
did they fix the forks on the AT from the previous gen? I had two 2017 models and both had terrible fork stiction at only 3000 miles due to internal wearing . On the second one, fork seal blew at around 10k miles. I am just an average 55-year old rider. Wasn't doing any motocross or hero stuff.
Love this type of comparison
I guess I don't agree with the underlying argument here that bikes are compared mostly relative to displacement. There are lots of other factors to consider when comparing adventure bikes - weight, travel, ease of maintenance, reliability, availability of parts, the terrain and others. Power isn't everything! One bike might excel one a certain ride and another might on a different trip.
Yea but buyers don't start with the other factors. They first say, "am I buying a small CC ADV bike, a mid weight, or a heavy weight?" And then they think about their own skills, strength, and riding conditions, and buy accordingly.
Once they decide the weight, then they think about brands, including all other factors you listed.
After a lot of research and watching videos of Pol Tarres, I choose the T7. I just have find one now.
Great choice
I thought of getting the T7 because of Pol but his T7 is rebuilt from the ground up and weighs 385lbs compared to what the T7 normally weighs. I ended up getting the 2022 AT due to more power and electronics. I realized no matter the bike it boils down to skill. Yeah the T7 weighs less but hey. I can ride both the same. I will get a T7 or 890 R next. Good luck!
Based off you response to your thoughts on which bike to choose I would ask this. Would you pick the T7 or a 2016 africa twin? Used africa twin price wise will be similar and since it's simplicity compared to the new ones makes it more comparable to the T7. Comparison are only for the newest models which is unrealistic cause those are not the only choices.
New subscriber here and I appreciate your thoughts on both of these bikes, I just purchased a 20/20 Africa twin after coming off an old Triumph tiger this thing feels like a dirt bike lol about 100 lb lighter. I'll agree that the electronics are somewhat confusing but they really do make a difference once you figure out what it is you need and how much of it. One of the things I absolutely love about this bike is the available accessories that are essentially Plug and Play
I own AT and my vote T7
Loved the way you angled this non direct comparison!
Tell me does the Aprilia Touareg 660 fit right in between both these superb bikes, giving us the best of both worlds when most of us can only justify owning one motorcycle??
Regards
David 👍
Thank you
Would like to ask whether the comment regarding the "difficulty" of the CRF's 1100 ergonomics while descending (or other demanding situations), stands also for the CRF 1000. How do the the CRFs (1000 vs 1100) compare in regards with which is more preferable for the average rider in off road situations ???
Can't believe my Tenere 700 has been left unridden for 6 months now . Lots of reasons for it but I have get back on the horse and get familiar with it again . I remember in Feb 2020 I was at the dealership where I had bought my DR65O and was about to go to another dealer to put a deposit on the Tenere 700 and out comes a sales manager with a quote on a 2019 Africa Twin with DCT . I sat on it and was very impressed with how much more comfortable it felt than the DR650 plus just duck walking it it didn't feel 500 something lbs . 14 grand he dropped it to but I stuck to my guns , I was thinking the Tenere was a probably a better step up for me at that time . Fast forward to June this summer and I got to test the Tenere out up around Lake Tahoe and boy did I have a blast . With the Motoz Tractionator ADV tires it just went anywhere I felt I could handle and I am a beginner offroad rider for sure , do me lots of mountain biking some dirt biking and quad rips in various terrain but soon I will need to get more skills developed so an offroad rider training course is something I better do .
Thanks for the video and inspiring me to get that bike out there again sooner than later !
Enjoy the ride!
If Honda would make the African twin with out all those electronic components.
There would be no competition in the market.
Everyone I know in the motorcycle world would buy one.
That my friend would be like a T7 on a superior level.
If they really wanted to blow the market out off this world they have the ability.
Some day some one will and all those fancy bike are going to stay in there show room.
I was hoping that's exactly what Honda would do with the Transalp. Sadly, it's just another street bike with Knobby tires.
That’s where the CRF1000 falls… arguably the best version of the AT. Traction control & rear ABS on/off but no TFT dash.
I’ve really grown to love my 2018 Africa Twin Adv Sports for double track and BDR riding. It also hauls down gravel.
Where it doesn’t shine, is solo hard travel or taking it on single track by yourself.
@@wcolef it has 4 riding modes and you can also go with auto transmission. I wanted something simple if I brake down I want to be able get it going that what T7 offers
@@algonzalez7192 The ride modes don’t factor into reliability imo.. DCT/Manual is much more of a factor. I would always opt for any non DCT bike. T7 and previous AT’s are closer than you think in terms of electronics at the core
@@wcolef ok thanks I'll look in to it, it may be my next bike
Well...Africa Twin because those are actually available. I've yet to see a Tenere 700 on a showroom floor.
Well said! I still love my 2017 CRF1000L for exactly the reasons you said.
Thanks! 👍
Most accurate comparison of T7 and AT.
I rode both and the choice is AT - suspension and gearing on T7 is not up to my expectations.
Thank you!
Thank you! That's all I needed to hear. :)
Happy to help!
The rear turn signals on these bikes tell the story....
Nice approach here!
Thank you!👍👍
Love the concept of "getting in the outliers!" Don't forget the Norden, VStrom and others of the world when walking this talk ...
Yep, those are next on the list
I wish they would give the AR maybe 20 more HP and adjust the gearing just slightly. If they did that. I'd buy one.
I seem to always be looking at bikes in 2 different “categories” always find it amusing that most act like no one is trying to decide between an 890 Adventure R, Husky 701, and a 1250GS
Sorry guys but you can’t compare King with prince! Everyone knows that the AT is the king!!!
Yea , the big fat heavy king
who are the king?
Africa of course!!!!
I’d love to see a comparison test with no price considerations or displacement groups…
The Tenere 700 Feels like what everyone wanted from a Kawasaki KLR , and the Africa Twin Feels like a Big brother of Tenere 700 with the ability to compete with European brand's in terms of Value for Money but not in terms of Status Symbol like Big KTM's .
If I wanted to mess with settings to try and make me a better rider and have a color screen in front of me all day, I would stay home and play my XBOX. I don't want that, so that's why I bought a T7, I can out ride most other riders with all the gimmicks bikes with as well.
Nice
FYI, T7 is now upgrading it's TFT.
Soon, all T7 will be having those "color screens" you are talking about.
Also, it's not just for aesthetics or to make you a better rider like what you are saying. It gives every rider an option on settings, additional features for safety. Atleast an option to use it or ignore it. I would prefer having two or more options in case i need it. Having those doesn't make you a better rider. I know some of GS and Ducati owners with poor riding skills. Comparing these 2 amazing bikes is like comparing an orange with an apple. Better compare Tuareg 660 and T7 that would be more interesting.
Thanks for the video, I was looking for something like this. How does the 1100 AT compare to the 1000L AT, and how does that compare to the Tenere? From my understanding there isn’t a huge difference between the 1100 and the 1000L, is that right? Thanks.
Hello to the motorbike community. I have a question for anyone with the knowledge and experience. I am contemplating buying a brand new ADV this spring. I basically have it narrowed it down to 2 options.
Option A) 2023 Honda Africa Twin Super Adventure Manual. Like the style and look, I am concerned about the continual maintenance on the chain. It is not uncommon for me to jump on my current bike and put ~500 km's on it in a day on the weekend (311 miles). I am also concerned about the comfort, both in the seat and wind protection. I read lots of information and people love them and of course people will gripe as well and for good reason, experience on the bike. Everyone is different. Is this bike going to be comfortable enough for a few very long days in the saddle from time to time? Although we all get off our bikes every 2-3 hours to fuel on a long trip, still good to have really good comfort when needed. Is this bike the one to have if a person gets an upholsterer to redo the seat to your butt contours? Will that make it an awesome long haul machine?
Option B) 2023 Yamaha Super Tenene 1200. I understand this bike is boring (perhaps compared to some of the competition) but with that come great all day comfort in the saddle and super easy maintenance and reliability. Maybe not as much fun as some of the competition, but my current bike also has shaft drive and has had zero issues in 13 years of ownership. So maybe I don't want to give up reliability and low maintenance? Also, perhaps the Tenere is reaching it's last year of production, what happens if they do this year and I want to own the bike for 10+ years?
This bike that I buy will be a long long time purchase and possibly my last bike (maybe not), but as we get older we look for more comfort. The riding I will do is 80-90% on the pavement and 10-20% gravel and fire roads. HOWEVER, I live an hour away from the mountains and perhaps with an ADV, that ratio will switch to less highway and more gravel/fire roads..........we'll see, the ADV could open a whole new chapter in my riding. The Honda would be a no brainer, but does the Yamaha do the same job with a little less fun factor?
Would love feedback from all people that have/had either or both bikes and let me know based on your experience and knowledge. Thank you!
Im in the same boat super tenere or africa twin. I need highway comfort because everywhere I want to go is 2 days to get there.
@@barendfourie6687 , I have had some responses from various people and watched a lot, and I mean a lot of videos and reviews. The africa twin is a great bike, maybe more fun to ride and the feedback is it is a great long distance tourer as well. It has apple car play which is very nice. I think that's the way I want to go because I think it has more fun factor. I just would maybe get a better screen, a tank deflector and get an upholstery shop to put a get insert into the seat. And the OEM polycarbonate hard bags. The only big advantage I can tell from the Tenere is shaft drive which are awesome and it's a great value. If your on road only and are ok with the lesser fun factor (maybe) but super reliable and low maintenance, then I think the Tenere maybe for you. I want to rent both bikes for a day to test, and have the dealer agree to put the rental fee towards the purchase of the bike (if I can negotiate that).
@@danman5857 my problem is the chain maintenance, I live in south east kansas and every trip I did need me to do between 550 and 650 miles per day to get where Im going the first 2 days and the last 2 days of my trip, which means chain maintenance every day at least 4 days of my trip.
@@barendfourie6687, dang, yup that makes the Tenere a better choice. I currently have shaft drive on a Vulcan Classic and I suppose I take it for granted, and yeah having the maintenance of a chain, when having to do it so frequently would suck. Good luck with your choice. IF you do buy and remember me, gimme some feedback down the road.
Thanks Cobber , great round up of two terrific bikes , onya
I want both. lol. I’m going to sell my drz. I need something good bigger. I think the t7 is more practical for most things I do. Fire roads, commute, explore. But the twin would be cool if I want to carry more luggage or the Gf. It would also be better for long rides from state to state. I have a fantasy of riding a ton of canyons and highway miles to different national parks. I just worry that the t7 is too small for that. I’ve had supersport bikes, dirt bikes, and dual sports. I’ve ridden a 1290, 1090. Those are sweet but I don’t trust them. I’ll stick with the Japanese bikes. Any suggestions? I have off and on experience since 2004. I’m also 6’1 230lbs. I should be down to 220 by the time I purchase.
You want the Africa Twin 1100 or the Triumph Tiger 900.
Choice was simple for me. Can't find a Yamaha anywhere. It is like they quit making bikes about 5 years ago. Honda is everywhere. I got the ATAS, and will probably get a Transalp in a few years to replace the old KLR.
Nice
Just got T7 as my first bike🥹
Congrats!
@@cyclenews thanks!!!
How's it been going?? That's a very fast first bike! It's like my 20th bike and accelerates just as fast as any others I've had, off the line, the way it's geared, etc, but still, very quick!
@@AliEspresso-k7m good! I was a bit nervous about the seat hight and the speed/torque being my first bike. But I’m 5 11 and weigh 240lbs so it’s been perfect. It’s acceleration is super manageable and I cruise the highway at 70-80mph no problem. Took it on some reasonably sketchy trails as well without dropping it😂 which was a surprise to me lol. The sandy spots had me checking my pants after though😂. 450lbs bike in sand wasq no fun lol. But ya, I’m super happy with it. Now I’m reckless eyeballin some street bikes and cruisers lol. But I need to recoup some money 😂.
I'm just not sure of the parameters of these bikes, in this video. I'm stumped as to why anyone would buy a GS1250, unless they just wanted to ride in extremely modest conditions, with zero truly hard or technical sections. The 'middleweight' market seems to be where the real adventure bikes live, but they're suffocated by some macho requirement that any adventure bike MUST have huge displacement. How many of us actually genuinely ride these bikes around the world? Middle weight is more than enough for the grand majority of people. They're just brainwashed into thinking that they need more.
@@matthew3136 Hey, Matthew. I live in gods country, as far as adventure riding, and road riding. During the summer months, there're endless, well surfaced roads for road hooning....and a lack of police. :) During the winter, the same, but endless pine forest logging roads and wilderness bush access roads. Hundreds of kilometres, in any direction, to play. What I constantly see, pulling in, in town, are huge adventure bikes, with well clad adventure riders....all as clean as my R1. Actually; my Alpinestars are possibly more dirty, covered in unfortunate insects that met their doom, as I rode through them. The fifty-something year old, well healed people, living their adventure dreams. None of them actually intending on getting into it, in reality. I hope you get the Africa Twin...and give it hell. The T7 World Raid is the one for me. My boxer shorts are getting slightly tighter, just thinking about the impending Australian release.
Big pavement miles are much more comfortable on a large, powerful ADV bike than one of the smaller bikes. If you only want to ride off road with short pavement stints, get a dual sport. A Tenere 700 is still too heavy to be really good off road.
So what about comparing the small Africa Twin with the KTM 890 adv? I thing that’s an interesting comparison in terms of price and actual performance
We'll add it to the list👍
It's like u want to ride and enjoy or getting into too much over thinking with modes. I have Himalayan I can ride on motorway in nz at 100km which is legal speed and I can do much more off road without thinking about damaging my bike. If I buy expensive motorcycle I can never enjoy what I do. Next bike once I get my full license will be tenere ❤
The Himilayan looks ugly but ugly bikes are usually the most fun.
I won't lie, the Himilayan seems like it would be a good bike for me as I am just starting our, but I will probably go for the Tenere because of the styling.
There's apples to apples, and then there's honey crisps to honey crisps. That's all yall are doing...... Viva la difference......for most people an AT and a BMW 1200 are gonna accomplish exactly the same thing in the long run. For AT vs Tenere, it depends on what you want to do with it. (I think you make that case!)
Thank you!👍👍
If you love pressing buttons and like to watch your plastics explode when you lay it down get the African lol just sold mine
I have a CRF300L Rally and want both the AT and T7, but for different reasons as they are different bikes.
The AT is better suited for touring and places like Big Bend State Park with really rough roads with loose rocks. Would also be a superior commuter with its size and technology features.
The T7 is basically a bare bones big bore dirt bike you can ride to the trail or single track riding area and then ride home. Albeit less comfortably than the AT.
Hoping to get an AT next year and will wait on a T7 until the market cools off for those. They are selling for the same price used as the AT is new at around $14k.
Both are awesome! Good luck.
Marco Chavanne , I assume you have "outgrown" your 300L ? I am older and slow on the trails, but need decent power getting there. This includes hills and 55 mph roads. At 185 pounds I figure the suspension and street power are not enough for me. A friend just bought a CB500X but we're snowed in until March - April, so can't ride it. A T7 would be good for me, I think, but my dealers can't get any. I bet the Transalps will sell out, too. But I'm not going to pay a scalper $14K for a T7! Are guys putting down deposits, getting them for $10K and selling them for $14K ??
YAMAHA ❤
Nice! Someone that can push the potential of T7.
Nice review. Just the information i was looking for. Africa Twin is what i have narrowed it down to. Just looking for a good deal on a low mileage 2020+.
If your new to ADVs you will be trading it in for a middle weight after this season... too big... almost all my riding buddies have done it though, so it's kind of a right of passage...enjoy
Traction control on a bike 🤣 can I have a spot of tea🤣
African twin 100 # Too much ! Would LOVE BOTH! Bought Yamaha tenere ! VERY HAPPY!
What's up with people over 50 typing like this??
What's to understand?
Loving the video up to 12 minutes but uhhhhhh does anyone else see the AT dash saying 118°??? My dude that is way to damn hot to be testing bikes! At least for me up in the PNW, but I ride in nonstop rain so I guess it’s just what you are used to 👍
The T7 needs to be put on a diet relocate the fuel delivery better suspension, so simple Yamaha so simple to do, JUST DO IT! I mean Aprilia just smoked your butts with the 660 T . Don't tell me you can't build it lighter and better for the same price. The lighter weight will make it feel more powerful. 80hp is plenty.
One thing the Japanese don't get is they need to build the so called adventure motorcycle to carry 250 to 300 pounds rider or riders and gear, tents camping gear, extra fuel, drones etc. Honda screwed up with the CRF 300 Rally way to soft junk suspension.
Press over hyped the T7 IMO
1100cc is not giving up 300cc to the ktm 1290 wouldn't that be 1400cc at that point ?
The more useful parts of this video are your comments about engine behavior and how they are to ride.. quoting bikes history and stats is telling us something we already know
Thanks for the note Ben
Awesome comparison. I have a 2020 standard AT went one tooth smaller on front sprocket which I felt helped with the gearing problem (that I agree with you on) rode the NMBDR and only stalled it once. My biggest complaint is with all the compression or engine braking and it feels the throttle is very ON/OFF at low RPM which makes it harder to be smooth and kind of tiring. Has anyone tried to fix this? maybe reflash the ECU or something can you recommend anything for that? 2nd biggest complaint is the suspension at 180lbs I feel the rear spring is too soft and after riding a Tiger 800 XCA the forks dont feel so great either I would like to get some work done on both.. But I do love the bike. If I had the extra $$ I would like to own a T7 too though
both 🎉
The T7 is over rated getting people to fall over each other to get a bad deal. And why not compare it to the Aprilia Tuareg 660? A used, base Africa Twin 1000 is very tempting, considering.
One question, your answer will add value to your stated opinion; have you owned a Tenere 700? Test rides dont count. I won't respond, whatever your answer may be.
@@jameshart1028 I have not owned a T7, but no doubt it is a good bike, and I would not mind owning one. Problem is, it is not available to all, and prices have been hiked up, meaning its validity of being simple, and cheap, has been undermined, hence the relative over hype. That was not my opinion, but it is fact.
We have multiple tests of the Tuareg on our channel - th-cam.com/video/IfFntEiTSwA/w-d-xo.html
Try finding an Aprilia dealership near any BDR.. Honda and Yamaha one has a much better chance. Africa Twin weighs 100lbs more than the T7. If I want a fat cheap Adventure bike - ill get an 1150 GS
How did you not mention that these 2 beasties are likely the best value when being serviced as well... no?
Oh and why does Every T7 owner that wants to sell theirs, is asking MSRP for their used bike?
I've never understood that.. the T7 was in high demand at launch, yet now I can find last years model at MSRP and people STILL ask that for their used trash
Because they paid too much during the pandemic.
This guy may save this channel!
Thank you!
Too much talking!!
😂
Still don’t know which one I want aaaaaa😊
If you want to go off road, there Tenere is better. If you care about lots of on Road power, AT
1290cc-1100cc=190 cc not 300 CC
The difference is 217cc, AT has 1084cc and KTM 1301.
Every ones Need is different... For my applications the AT is a Better Road Bike given its Weight, Range and fuel capacity.... At age 66 im not looking to blow down a single track the way I did in my 30s ahahaha I do however need the reliability and want to explore a dirt road now and then to capture that once in a life time VIEW... I HATE that HONDA put all that ELECTRONIC CRAP on the AT... The T700 is a WIN in that Dept.
18/19 model has not got an IMU. It has rider modes including one custom user mode.
Its a much better bike than the 1st gen. Theres a CVT in every manual motorcycle, clutch modulation. The AT has enough torque to chug along at low revs in any gear anyway.
Yeah, I noticed that small reporting error as well. The AT didn't get an IMU until 2020.
Good Perspective!
Thank you!
After the seeker series of mini movies, it's difficult to say that the T7 can't do the things you've said, when it clearly can, the caveat being you have to be a great rider. I love the AT , non DCT base spec but with a decent exhaust is a great bike.
Pol has put race forks and shock on his T7, its totally different to the factory T7.
COMPARISON TEST ????? After 12 minutes of specs , I'm turning this off.
Thanks for watching!
@@cyclenews I thought it was a great comparison. We really are splitting hairs with these two bikes and nuanced opinions is the only way to gain clarity.
You fluffed the crap out of that intro, just compare the two damn bikes and get over yourself lol
The word pontificating comes to mind
5 min to get to the actual topic of the video….
I don't understand why people don't compare the Yamaha super Tenere????
it is for the highway ..not more
that would be like comparing a Chevy Impala to a Toyota Tacoma
Actually a bike test?? I'll get a magazine or Google the specs
Here you go - www.cyclenews.com/2022/12/article/honda-africa-twin-yamaha-tenere-700-comparison/
The tenere gear box is as good if not better than honda , very smooth ,as for the buid quality the honda is not 5 grand better i own both bikes and the yamaha is a better bike ,
Honda build quality and components are quite disappointing for the price. Tigers are much higher quality, more robust, and very reliable.
How is a tiger better than a Japanese bike??????
@@totalglitch ask Honda
@@khakimzhanmirasthe most reliable triumph is way less reliable than the least reliable Honda. Don't use youtube while you're drunk 😂
@@aurelios69 africa twins are rusting from the factory floor, paint is flaking off, fork stiction issues, tank welding issues, faulty tft screen
at is amazing just gota 24 coming from a 17 800gsa power/suspension reliability
What are you even saying?
@@DB-sd3cwmy thoughts exactly
@@DB-sd3cw well if ya know ya know
1290cc - 1100cc is still 300cc :D sure...
1290-1000.
Built in traction control....... Code for low HP & trq, fat tire & over geared.... Especially when you say you can't lift a wheel@altitude
Frankly i find your mindset and most of the journalistic mindsets out there completely wrong as you basing your standards on who has the most horse power, most punch and who gets there dick up faster. Frankly both the Honda and Yamaha should be tested accordingly with there competitors as I guarantee if you take out the "Horse Power Factor" the Honda will out perform most of the bigger bikes and the Yamaha there category. The Honda and Yamaha may lack the outright HP however they are no slouches on the tar
and along with there amazing reliability your almost guaranteed to get to your destination. Where they do perform best is in the sand and this my friend is where you guys get it all wrong.
Thank you for your opinion
But how far can I jump it
Right..!? They always leave that vital info out of reviews
Which one would you recommend for the Trans American Trail
WR250R lol
Do what I done I just took the abs ring off the rear wheel and it turns all that off then u just use full power and everything off , yes it makes the engine light comes on but I know my bike so dnt care and now I can ride it out bush like a dirt bike
American obsession with horsepower and big numbers...
Right. He kept saying displacement like it matters when you use these bikes for what they are designed for. I mean yeah I could understand noticing the difference between 95hp and 120hp on a major interstate for hours and hours, but once these bikes make it to anything offroad, anything really over 60hp is going to feel very similar. And honestly, bigger HP numbers start to hinder the bike offroad. Smooth delivery is what matters offroad. And obviously less weight in a lot of scenarios.
HP is needed for street riding, deffos feel the difference. Off-road the T7 is pretty much perfect.
How can someone talk for days months years I'm just waiting for him to say that the tires are black etc
I like your point of view....
Thank you!
Yamaha has a super tenere 1200cc never been on it but I'd think it would be to big I like the lower cc 350cc up to 700cc they are much more capable in camping trails a lot easier to throw around even the klr 650 if you put the work into it and buy the right parts it will have the pep of a 2 stroke witch I really think Yamaha had it right when they made the 2 stroke oil injection dual sport in the late 80,s why they stop making them is beyond me they just had to let it catch on I'm so trying to buy one in a 350 or higher I had a 1987 Dt125 red and white it was more then enough for backroads and city's a 250cc or 350cc would do highways no problem. Also Yamaha should bring back red and white or black and red
How does one do a review from a studio!? No don't share a link to your website. Static content belongs in a website, a video needs some riding.
Thanks for the tip!
World Raid over AT any day!!
The world raid totally defeats the purpose of the base t7. If you're interested in the world raid, an AT is just the better, more logical buy.
I thought Honda was supposed to come out with a smaller displacement AT??? I love the looks and the great performance reviews of the KTMs but, damn, they seem to have reliability problems.
They have. They have just launched their new Transalp.
No contesr AT easy.