Some owners have let me know I was using the bike with the softest throttle response and it's backwards to what you would think. My bad, I interpreted the manual wrong. I immediately went for a ride in full power, certainly better, still not an arm stretcher. Bloody electronics ayy...
@@onthebackwheel Yep another trap, we all think the more bars the more power etc… Not Honda 🤨 For back roads I run my own user mode: Maximum power, maximum engine braking, minimal traction control and wheelie control off… works for me, the big girl still throws an awesome roost fully loaded in any gear 🦾
Don't worry. Even the sales reps at Honda don't explain that stuff correctly... I don't own an Africa Twin yet, but I had to correct a Honda sales rep about that and they didn't know if the front abs can be turned all the way off in the settings without having to unplug the abs fuse and create a mapping to go around that issue.
One of the best adventure bike reviews I've seen on TH-cam. I really enjoyed seeing how the bike responded to increasingly difficult terrain. You're a great rider and I think your channel will go far.
For sure. He doesn’t say any bullshit like this is meant for this or that, or this bike is too big, or most won’t ride off road, just hops on and starts wildin out in the dirt. Also a plus, he doesn’t sell shot on every single videos. Really doin the lords work lol
Curtis, this is bar none the best review I've seen. Cerrtainly for an AT. You ride the bike with enough speed to let it do the work by itself, which I love. Using speed, you get it up tracks that I have never seen an AT do. Yoy really did it justice. You have to try to do more reviews, They are bertter than anyone else in OZ. Honda needs to make you an ambassador. This stuff sells bikes! I'd love to hear your comparison between this and your V-Strom and the Triumph 900 Rally Pro. Keep at it it. You're doing great!
After putting over 150k on 4 V-Stroms I moved to a brand new AT CRF1100 a bit over 2 years ago… It was a game changer for my riding… I’m only 168cm tall and weigh 62kg. She’s now done nearly 50k and I absolutely love it 💯😬 The Big Girl is built for adventure 👌🏻 My only dislike is the switch blocks and electronics… PITA 🙄 Heading to Tassie mid March
Great video, super ballsy to head out into the sticks like that on those tyres and that bike - respect. Also, awesome to hear someone having fun on a bike and riding it hard - thanks.
@@onthebackwheel Haha, that made me laugh everytime “.. the big girl likes it!” - it could become your catch phrase 😆 One question, you seem to really like the Tuareg, so how come you got a 800DE?
Finally a review where an Africa twin is tested to the max and without the negative whinging and trying to find fault. Also a reviewer who can use the electronics and screen and actually “gets it” with what the bike is. Great review thanks!
I will be interested to see if you would choose the AT over the 800DE. To me the 800DE is better than the Talp as an adventure bike. With the 800DE's weight, it puts it in the AT territory and the base AT isn't that much more. I love your test rides because they are in terrain similar to what I ride. I hate ADV reviewers that ride a bike on the street and a little dirt road any car can also do.
Firstly, yeah thanks for the Sunday arvo viewing!! 😃 From the start - you say "...and then get into some pretty serious offf-road stuff..." on those tyres?!?!?! a few pukering moments is right! dang, you got cohones! 😅😁😅...and agreed, it looks nice - quality Honda paint. Looks like a great road bike, which does dirt roads easily....or just about anywhere with you riding it .🤔🤔🤔 (and keep saying really nice things about my bike...😃tuareg) Great video - love how you just throw yourself in the deep end and see how it goes...
I had karoo Street on my varadero 1000 and I found them to be fantastic tires on road and if you end up on a resurfaced road with loose chippings you will find they don't lose any grip
wanted one of these for so long, finally went to honda dealer and sat on one - my god, no thanks - just simply too big/heavy/bulky, easy to sit on and not tall at all which was a nice surprise but the mass just felt too great for me - bloody gorgeous machine, i am very disappointed that I can't allow myself to have one but i knew immediately
I was looking for an adv bike, looked at 1050de T7 triumph 900 and atas! Just moving the Honda about it felt so big and heavy! I test rode the de and t7! Very nice machines! Came bk2 dealer and he had a standard crf1100 ready for me to take out! I was going to buy the 1050de, great bike! So, I did the same route on the crf1100 dct, fell in love! Soaked up the bumps better! Not as fast as the 1050de, but, I felt at one with the Honda! Its like a bmx with an engine! So I sourced a 2021, ex demo, 2900 miles. Heated grips, tank bag and Honda aluminium panniers and top box! With the help of adventure bikes, I have altrider, touratech healteck and denali products! Garmin zumo 2 and mitas e07 tyres! She is a keeper!
Great review! I enjoyed every minute of it. I did an off road training on this version last year and was pleasantly surprised how capable it is. With DCT you don't even have to worry about stalling the bike.
I remember when I migrated from the UK to Australia 26 years ago, I wrote to Honda and asked why they did not sell the Africa twin in Australia as it seemed made for this country and I just got a "no plans to sell the Africa twin in Australia' vanilla type response. Glad to see that they eventually 'came up with the idea' to sell them here as they've always been a good piece of kit.
After years of requesting the Africa Twin, Curtis finally delivers it!!! I always thought the Africa Twin with knobbies would be your go to bike. Regardless. I'm so happy you made this video and hopefully there's a few more Africa Twin videos to come. @onthebackwheel you make this America bloke soooo damn happy watching your videos. Hands down my favorite moto-vlogger! The abs on it doesn't turn off all the way 100% like the T7 does. A friend of mine just unplugged his abs fuse and had it "mapped out/tuned" to avoid the weird computer issues from doing that. Then the abs is off on the rear AND the front. Evidently front abs can't be turned off on the Africa Twin? Just what I've heard and I think the employees at the local Honda Motorcycle shop don't know all the ins and outs of that bike because they said the same thing 🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️ either way. I wanna sell my KLR for an Africa Twin. That bike though is a true all around street killah 💯😎 only bike that can compare to it is the Harley Pan Am? Y'all agree??
Thanks for this review, i own a 2020 and love it, it's a really reliable and fun machine. One thing i noticed in your video: It seems you accidentially used it in the lowest power setting the whole time. The power circle actually indicates power reduction on this bike. So a full blue circle means smoothest/lowest power mode, while having only one quarter being blue means most direct throttle response.
Man I enjoy the terrain you take these bikes to test out. I think you're the only one that does real off roading on YT. I agree about the suspension on the 800de, it's waay soft and I'll be upgrading my springs sooon. What's your thought on the AT vs compared to the DE if you can say? 🙃
I really like the improved ground clearance and 18 inch rear on the AT. In stock form, definitely the AT because of that suspension. Keen to try the Zook with better springs
Maybe some day I will push my ATAS half that hard, maybe after I get it paid off! In the mean time, I sure enjoy my Gen1 KLR. Great riding, Curtis. And yes, the DCT is sweet on the road and puttering off road.
Nice. I had to rush from my TV, to leave you a comment. As soon as you said the Africa Twin felt like a big Tuareg, I immediately thought of my ride on the Tuareg 660. One of my thoughts when I rode the Aprilia, was that it felt like a small Africa Twin :) The Tuareg is a great bike in many ways - regardless of how badly I slagged it off. Cheers CAM from NZ :)
Excellent riding on a stock base model with road biased tyres. Reminds me of *"That Guy On An Africa Twin"* (CRF1000). If you can develop the skill to hustle big machinery on really challenging terrain, you never need to worry about comfort if you have to do the big miles to get there.
The AT is the Prettiest torque tractor you can buy! You can get a dongle to maintain ABS and TC status during key cycles. You need to install a switch that disconnects the fuse for the ABS to deactivate the front ABS. As soon as the bike is rolling above walking pace, it feels light and well balanced! The power level must have been reduced in the settings, my 1000 can break traction easily, too easily! 😂
I really wish you could turn it all off! Good to hear about the dongle, that would be a game changer. And yep, had it on a softer setting and didn't realise 🫣
Awesome review, thanks! I didn't expect the big girl to perform this well.. Do I understand correctly that the suspension capability is roughly between the VStrom and the Tuareg? I know it's a heavier bike, so capability might not be the right word... what I mean is subjective feeling.
Mate go the L. Idle. Got a 2021 and just love it. After owning a few Euro’s I love the fact this thing just goes, leaves me with a grin on my face and takes 1% of the maintenance. Tip, next time try it in full power mode. 😂
Mate it was full power! Well the dash said so anyway. I tried a few different modes off camera and just left it in full wack. Good to hear about the reliability. The finish is A+
Yeah I live in the vic high country and am well over 120kgs. Throw some motoz on it, drop the psi and up Billy goats in less than 30 minutes with photo stops. Hence this suits me. I find the engine just spot on. It’s like my KTM 990 except better. Uses half the fuel, lower COG and has never left me stuck in the middle of no where pulling the bloody thing apart in 35c waiting on Ute to cart it off for the next $2000 warranty claim.
Another excellent video! Would the electronic suspension option have coped better, or do you prefer manual adjustments? And, in your opinion, how do you think the Adventure Sports model, with its 19” front, slightly reduced ground clearance, and bigger tank would have compared?
Thankyou and very good question. I don't think the AS would have struggled with any of this terrain, maybe just have to slow down, especially on the bumps. I've never used the electronic suspension off-road so can't say sorry
Nice riding! My 2024 transalp cannot turn front ABS off. And if you turn TC or ABS off and cycle the key you have to turn them back off. Havent had any good offroading with it yet to honestly know how it feels offroad, but its really nice cruising around.
Mines not broken in yet so I haven't really ran it like it needs to be ran. It leaves a little to be desired while you're cruising on it. You may find you will have to downshift a lot however the quick shifter helps with that. I also feel a little squished on the bike in my legs and am about 5'11"
The crazy dude Curtis sending everything to hell & back! Great to see you giving every bike you test ride the full works. Making it real. Weight wise, is the AF the same as the V-Strom? Do you wish the Strom had the same or more power? The trump card of the Strom is even after powering off, it keeps your settings & doesn’t reset? If you were to get the AF, would this piss you off having to rest it? Thanks for crazy attitude 🤟
Cheers mate. The settings would 100% annoy me. I just ended up leaving the ignition on most of the time. Power wise, I do like the extra top end, not really an issue though as the strom is grunty as. I think it's a couple kg lighter
Great review...and riding. Bike looks great, too. A pity the 2024's decals are so poor...can hardly believe people liking the new design. What were they thinking?
Am having the 2023 Adventure sport Manual with Quick shifter with a 21 front but really miss DCT as my previous 2 ATs were DCTs. am contemplating on selling it for a 2024 DCT but debating between a standard vs Adventure sport. Obviously wont be doing extreme off roads like Kirian Mirabet but the shorter front suspension of the AS keeps me off.
If you had to choose between the Aprilia Tuareg or the Africa Twin, what would you put your money down on. Serious Q's. I'm looking at the Tuareg but I feel like the Twin will outlast the Tuareg for the 10+ years I want out of this bike. Thanks for the content 👍
Tuareg for me. I've got a close dealer and don't do massive kms so it suits me perfectly.. The AT will no doubt outlast the Aprilia, its a Honda after all!
I think the africa twin is the best adventure bike. It just needs to weigh less. I don't know where the excess weight is coming from, but it would be amazing if it could at least be on par with the other 205kg bikes. Patiently waiting on someone to make 180kg or less bike with ~80lb/ft torque. That kove 800x looks to be it, but who knows if it will come to america or be reliable.
It's really engrossing to watch and know the track at the same time. Comparing speed is good, I rarely hit 90k though. Nice ride wish I could afford one, or a Tuareg 660, 800GS is within reach & might still the smart option. Great Vid, Cheers PS: Nice not riding in dust, hay. And is it the centre stand making all the racket and producing a thump rather than bottoming out ?
Great vid again Curtiss. That AT is too heavy for me to take over Mt Mee, I'm an offroad newbie although 66yo. Can I ask what was the section you were on before you got to the A Break? Might see you whizzing past me on my crf300 Rally one day haha!
Not too far behind you, I’m 52 and in good shape but definitely don’t have the skills for that big girl in the woods! Sat on one in the dealership the day I picked up my 300rally, and it’s intimidating by comparison! I’m an old XR guy, still have a few, and the older I get the more important the weight gets. Even the rally feels huge on the trails compared to my xr250, that big beauty must feel like a tank! Bet it’s a dream on the blacktop!!!!
Not really 😂 I went front practically street front to knobby and it's same shit on gravel. Only on grass and soft stuff knobby i's better. Key is tyre pressure. Never more than 1.9, ideally 1.7-1.8
@@Angry-Lynx you only changed the front tyre to a knobby and left the back as a street? No wonder you noticed no difference. And yes you are correct, 20-25psi is generally what you run offroad tyres at.
@@billblogs8206 no obviously I changed both I'm just specifically talking about front tire, cuz it's important to isolate them, as have very different role and behaviour. My main point is it doesn't make bike more confidence inspiring or even improve grip on most surfaces which is common misconception. I do exactly the same speed in corners on knobby Vs Bridgestone a41 on gravel which is btw fantastic tire. Knobby helps only in soft stuff. But that help is huge when needed and the only reason I went knobby 😅
@@Angry-Lynx Knobs will 100% make a difference cornering in anything loose compared to slicks unless you are riding very conservatively. Your council might care and keep your roads nicely graded and rolled. I'm west of the range so ours don't
By the way, your User1 setting is at the LOWEST power mode. The highest power mode is when you see P with only one segment. The interface is not very intuitive unfortunately.
i’d imagine a genuine dot knob up front like a metzeler mc360 mid hard and a Motoz Rallz on the back you could make her go anywhere…once you pull the ABS fuse and junk the centre stand…D’aguilar is looking worse for wear atm 😢
@@onthebackwheeldo you think you’ll get your hands on a T alp anytime soon? I’m curious bigtime between this or a base AT. Problem is the way you ride like an animal. I’m not sure the T ALP will be able to handle it. Lol
@@onthebackwheelwow. My study will end here when review is up. So far got to know its fantastic road bike. Most agile, Quick & Fast enough like big brother & big rivals. If with upgrades TA can be sorted for off-road then it will be big win win in all aspects. Since in my country AT is not available, when new AT comes it will be only in Adventure sport DCT model . Very hefty price tag & weight.
I wish the ABS would come back on at every opportunity said no rider ever. Not sure why everyone doesn't just follow KTM's lead on this...settings stick, even when you turn the bike off. I've never forgotten to stick in back into street mode after I'm done, so I think its overrated as a "safety feature" which I assume why they set it this way.
It is a pain! KTM you generally need a dongle too. Damn rules and legislation. The 800de one isn't too bad TBH. The Tuareg 600 as well
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@@onthebackwheel ah, in Europe/UK at least on most of the KTM Adventures they keep the settings on for turn on/turn off, so I guess this might be a rule that applies in some regions and not others...glad they apply the nuance here, because it really did bug me when I had bikes without it! But yeah, as long as its a long press or something, or the offroad mode gets you most of the way there it's liveable at least.
@@onthebackwheel I own a 2024 AT standard. Picked it up 3 weeks ago. Trust me - Tubeless tyres!!! You have the old model. Look at the Honda web site. I am in the U.K. but I believe it is an international model release. Just Google it for that matter
Some owners have let me know I was using the bike with the softest throttle response and it's backwards to what you would think. My bad, I interpreted the manual wrong. I immediately went for a ride in full power, certainly better, still not an arm stretcher. Bloody electronics ayy...
Yes you are right on throttle modes. One blue bar on the circle is full power .All full blue circle is least amount of power.
@@marshall3498 yeah bit annoyed at myself for that
@@onthebackwheel Yep another trap, we all think the more bars the more power etc… Not Honda 🤨 For back roads I run my own user mode: Maximum power, maximum engine braking, minimal traction control and wheelie control off… works for me, the big girl still throws an awesome roost fully loaded in any gear 🦾
Don't worry. Even the sales reps at Honda don't explain that stuff correctly... I don't own an Africa Twin yet, but I had to correct a Honda sales rep about that and they didn't know if the front abs can be turned all the way off in the settings without having to unplug the abs fuse and create a mapping to go around that issue.
@@Slong970 hehe the guy there didn't know how to use this dash either mate
One of the best adventure bike reviews I've seen on TH-cam. I really enjoyed seeing how the bike responded to increasingly difficult terrain. You're a great rider and I think your channel will go far.
Thanks mate, appreciate it
literally the only guy on YT that does real offroad testing with adventure bikes. Nice1
For sure. He doesn’t say any bullshit like this is meant for this or that, or this bike is too big, or most won’t ride off road, just hops on and starts wildin out in the dirt. Also a plus, he doesn’t sell shot on every single videos. Really doin the lords work lol
Yes you’re right but he’s so good that he makes any bike amazing off road.
Are you serious? Do you not not how to use the search feature?
Agreed. You do good off-road vids. 🤘🏼
Transalp or twin of you had to pick as an all rounder bike ?
Not the only guy, but he does give them stick on the dirt.
I swear, we need Aussies doing all reviews of everything😂😂”it’s just beeaauuttiiffffuulllll”
Hehe cheers
Curtis, this is bar none the best review I've seen. Cerrtainly for an AT. You ride the bike with enough speed to let it do the work by itself, which I love. Using speed, you get it up tracks that I have never seen an AT do. Yoy really did it justice. You have to try to do more reviews, They are bertter than anyone else in OZ. Honda needs to make you an ambassador. This stuff sells bikes! I'd love to hear your comparison between this and your V-Strom and the Triumph 900 Rally Pro. Keep at it it. You're doing great!
Thanks mate. The plan this year is to concentrate on bike reviews. I love doing them and people seem to like them
Finally a review of the AT Standard in its natural habitat. Awesome review brother!
Thanks mate, enjoyed getting out on the big girl
After putting over 150k on 4 V-Stroms I moved to a brand new AT CRF1100 a bit over 2 years ago… It was a game changer for my riding… I’m only 168cm tall and weigh 62kg. She’s now done nearly 50k and I absolutely love it 💯😬 The Big Girl is built for adventure 👌🏻 My only dislike is the switch blocks and electronics… PITA 🙄 Heading to Tassie mid March
Haha yep, don't like them either. Jealous you're going to Tassie, it's on my bucket list. Got to wait till the kids get bigger though
mate did u lower it? I'm 169-170 on a good day and think I would struggle with the big girl...then again I'm not the most coordinated either 😊
@@AndyPat239 Nah mate she’s stock, I do use the lower seat height though 👍🏼
Great video, super ballsy to head out into the sticks like that on those tyres and that bike - respect. Also, awesome to hear someone having fun on a bike and riding it hard - thanks.
Thanks mate, had a blast on the big girl
@@onthebackwheel Haha, that made me laugh everytime “.. the big girl likes it!” - it could become your catch phrase 😆
One question, you seem to really like the Tuareg, so how come you got a 800DE?
@@ShortInterestFilms short version, for content and as a point of difference. Good price too
@@onthebackwheel Of course, I forgot about the business side of it… thanks for the straight up answer 👍
@@ShortInterestFilms all good mate. Been a great change too the 800
Finally a review where an Africa twin is tested to the max and without the negative whinging and trying to find fault. Also a reviewer who can use the electronics and screen and actually “gets it” with what the bike is. Great review thanks!
Thanks mate, appreciate it
I will be interested to see if you would choose the AT over the 800DE. To me the 800DE is better than the Talp as an adventure bike. With the 800DE's weight, it puts it in the AT territory and the base AT isn't that much more. I love your test rides because they are in terrain similar to what I ride. I hate ADV reviewers that ride a bike on the street and a little dirt road any car can also do.
In stock form, AT. With the suspension done on the 800DE? Keen to see
I’ve ridden all those tracks on my 2 stroke and super impressed you took the big girl on them with average tyres. You can ride! Cheers
They'd be a blast in the 2 banger
Most thorough off road test of the bike I've seen.
Was good fun. I've got a dedicated off-road vid coming up too
Great to see the AT standard reviewed. Too offer the focus is on the larger versions which are a completely different bike.
That was my thoughts too so I specifically asked for the base model
Firstly, yeah thanks for the Sunday arvo viewing!! 😃 From the start - you say "...and then get into some pretty serious offf-road stuff..." on those tyres?!?!?! a few pukering moments is right! dang, you got cohones! 😅😁😅...and agreed, it looks nice - quality Honda paint. Looks like a great road bike, which does dirt roads easily....or just about anywhere with you riding it .🤔🤔🤔 (and keep saying really nice things about my bike...😃tuareg) Great video - love how you just throw yourself in the deep end and see how it goes...
Cheers mate, had a blast. Still prefer the Tuareg 😜
I had karoo Street on my varadero 1000 and I found them to be fantastic tires on road and if you end up on a resurfaced road with loose chippings you will find they don't lose any grip
That's good to hear. In my short time they feel really good on the street
wanted one of these for so long, finally went to honda dealer and sat on one - my god, no thanks - just simply too big/heavy/bulky, easy to sit on and not tall at all which was a nice surprise but the mass just felt too great for me - bloody gorgeous machine, i am very disappointed that I can't allow myself to have one but i knew immediately
They are pretty imposing. Good once they are moving though!
I was looking for an adv bike, looked at 1050de T7 triumph 900 and atas! Just moving the Honda about it felt so big and heavy! I test rode the de and t7! Very nice machines! Came bk2 dealer and he had a standard crf1100 ready for me to take out! I was going to buy the 1050de, great bike! So, I did the same route on the crf1100 dct, fell in love! Soaked up the bumps better! Not as fast as the 1050de, but, I felt at one with the Honda! Its like a bmx with an engine! So I sourced a 2021, ex demo, 2900 miles. Heated grips, tank bag and Honda aluminium panniers and top box! With the help of adventure bikes, I have altrider, touratech healteck and denali products! Garmin zumo 2 and mitas e07 tyres! She is a keeper!
Great review! I enjoyed every minute of it. I did an off road training on this version last year and was pleasantly surprised how capable it is. With DCT you don't even have to worry about stalling the bike.
Thanks mate. A bloke at work has the DCT and loves it
It does well the dct off-road?
@@TheZakkmylde Yes, I absolutely love it.
Love my 2021 ATAS! Have ridden many many kms off-road and it kicks butt for a bigger bike!
I own the 2022 ATAS, it is awesome, quite heavy though. Thinking about switching to the 2024 standard version.
It's a mean machine. Very keen to try the 24 out, that added grunt will be fun
Solid riding skills.
Cheers
I remember when I migrated from the UK to Australia 26 years ago, I wrote to Honda and asked why they did not sell the Africa twin in Australia as it seemed made for this country and I just got a "no plans to sell the Africa twin in Australia' vanilla type response. Glad to see that they eventually 'came up with the idea' to sell them here as they've always been a good piece of kit.
Hehe I know those emails too well. I think you're right, seems to suit pretty well!
Last year I bought the 2020 standard version used with 10,000km. It is the DCT version and I absolutely love it.
Seems to be lots of love for the DCT
You off road with that dct ? How’s it perform ?
2018 dct, love it to. Dct is great off-road maybe besides soft sand, that it better in manual mode
@@TheZakkmylde not much, putt around to town. But i do like the DCT, no stall, no messing with a clutch in tight places.
That was a fantastic review. No BS just put the thing through real life on and off road situations.
Thanks mate
After years of requesting the Africa Twin, Curtis finally delivers it!!! I always thought the Africa Twin with knobbies would be your go to bike. Regardless. I'm so happy you made this video and hopefully there's a few more Africa Twin videos to come. @onthebackwheel you make this America bloke soooo damn happy watching your videos. Hands down my favorite moto-vlogger! The abs on it doesn't turn off all the way 100% like the T7 does. A friend of mine just unplugged his abs fuse and had it "mapped out/tuned" to avoid the weird computer issues from doing that. Then the abs is off on the rear AND the front. Evidently front abs can't be turned off on the Africa Twin? Just what I've heard and I think the employees at the local Honda Motorcycle shop don't know all the ins and outs of that bike because they said the same thing 🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️ either way. I wanna sell my KLR for an Africa Twin. That bike though is a true all around street killah 💯😎 only bike that can compare to it is the Harley Pan Am? Y'all agree??
She's a fair upgrade from the KLR mate! Mapped out, that sounds like the way. Annoying though
You keep saying you don't like the ABS but that's exactly what saved you on that slippery bend!
It was the complete opposite. The Abs chattered on the initial brake press, I was already hot and that stuffed me
Thanks for this review, i own a 2020 and love it, it's a really reliable and fun machine.
One thing i noticed in your video: It seems you accidentially used it in the lowest power setting the whole time. The power circle actually indicates power reduction on this bike. So a full blue circle means smoothest/lowest power mode, while having only one quarter being blue means most direct throttle response.
Thank you mate. A couple of people have mentioned that. Looks like I interpreted the manual wrong. Super keen to try it in full power!
Gorgeous AT. 😍
You put the big bike through its paces.
The electronics would drive me batty, Honda should simplify those.
I agree. A bit painful at times
Well ridden. You managed that terrain very well
@@joshuasarfati5520 thankyou. It's a capable bike, certainly helps
It's absolutely fine, at least in 2018 version abs never bothers, actually helps because you don't have to modulate front brake very much
@@Angry-Lynx I found this got in the way a fair bit so I had to compensate for it. Should be much better with a good front
Man I enjoy the terrain you take these bikes to test out. I think you're the only one that does real off roading on YT. I agree about the suspension on the 800de, it's waay soft and I'll be upgrading my springs sooon.
What's your thought on the AT vs compared to the DE if you can say? 🙃
I really like the improved ground clearance and 18 inch rear on the AT. In stock form, definitely the AT because of that suspension. Keen to try the Zook with better springs
Maybe some day I will push my ATAS half that hard, maybe after I get it paid off! In the mean time, I sure enjoy my Gen1 KLR. Great riding, Curtis. And yes, the DCT is sweet on the road and puttering off road.
Got to love the gen 1
the best looking adventure bike for me in this colour...and your comment like a big aprilia tuareg is a catch for me
That was one of my immediate thoughts. Like a big grunty version
Just awesome mate. Great riding, no bullshit and brilliant quality and editing. Top job bud!
Thanks mate
My dream bike. I own a vstrom 800 de but if money wasn't an issue, i would have bought this instead.
That extra 6000 is a big leap hey
Nice. I had to rush from my TV, to leave you a comment. As soon as you said the Africa Twin felt like a big Tuareg, I immediately thought of my ride on the Tuareg 660. One of my thoughts when I rode the Aprilia, was that it felt like a small Africa Twin :) The Tuareg is a great bike in many ways - regardless of how badly I slagged it off. Cheers CAM from NZ :)
Great minds think alike mate 🤣
😅🤣😂😂 LOL - Yep that was my point. Although some may say 'Fools never differ' 😜 @@onthebackwheel
great reviews!! Thanks for actually really testing these bikes out offroad
Hope it helped mate
With those tires going to places like in the video, man you are one skilled guy.
Thanks mate. I get along ok, nothing crazy!
Excellent riding on a stock base model with road biased tyres. Reminds me of *"That Guy On An Africa Twin"* (CRF1000).
If you can develop the skill to hustle big machinery on really challenging terrain, you never need to worry about comfort if you have to do the big miles to get there.
It eats the miles up too
Gorgeous looking bike!
It really is
The AT is the Prettiest torque tractor you can buy!
You can get a dongle to maintain ABS and TC status during key cycles.
You need to install a switch that disconnects the fuse for the ABS to deactivate the front ABS.
As soon as the bike is rolling above walking pace, it feels light and well balanced!
The power level must have been reduced in the settings, my 1000 can break traction easily, too easily! 😂
I really wish you could turn it all off! Good to hear about the dongle, that would be a game changer. And yep, had it on a softer setting and didn't realise 🫣
Awesome review, thanks!
I didn't expect the big girl to perform this well..
Do I understand correctly that the suspension capability is roughly between the VStrom and the Tuareg? I know it's a heavier bike, so capability might not be the right word... what I mean is subjective feeling.
Mate I think that's spot on. Performs like a really big Tuareg to me. I'm keen to see where I can get it with some tweaking
Great review mate spot on 👌👏
Cheers mate
Curtis, you are one amazing rider! I would be very lucky to get my CRF 300 Rally through that stuff ,even with knobbies.
I'm sure you'd be alright!
16:01 "still tractoring up..." well described 😂
Hehe yep
WOW ………what an awesome review well done
Thanks mate
Brilliant review thank you 👍👍
No worries mate
That bike looks so good, bummer that its so expensive and has too much tech. Apple car Play is nice tho.
Love your Channel, Bro, really good quality!
Thanks mate. Only thing with the car play, it won't connect to my ear buds for some unknown reason, bloody frustrating
You had the power modes backwards, 4 blue bars is the lowest, 1 is full power, full power will spin all 6 gears in dirt easily I own one.
Yep, interpreted the manual wrong 🙄 Can't wait to head out and try it again
Great review mate👍🏻
Thanks mate
Mate go the L. Idle. Got a 2021 and just love it. After owning a few Euro’s I love the fact this thing just goes, leaves me with a grin on my face and takes 1% of the maintenance. Tip, next time try it in full power mode. 😂
Mate it was full power! Well the dash said so anyway. I tried a few different modes off camera and just left it in full wack. Good to hear about the reliability. The finish is A+
Full power is one segment on the power dial. Backwards? Yes.@@onthebackwheel
@@rodwales1 ok I'm excited to try this out!
Yeah I live in the vic high country and am well over 120kgs. Throw some motoz on it, drop the psi and up Billy goats in less than 30 minutes with photo stops. Hence this suits me. I find the engine just spot on. It’s like my KTM 990 except better. Uses half the fuel, lower COG and has never left me stuck in the middle of no where pulling the bloody thing apart in 35c waiting on Ute to cart it off for the next $2000 warranty claim.
@@whomcares3438 hehe sounds like a KTM!
Great video 👍 I love that bike….,must get one 😁
Beautiful bike. Keen to try out the updated model too
Another great review 😊
Thanks mate
Another excellent video! Would the electronic suspension option have coped better, or do you prefer manual adjustments? And, in your opinion, how do you think the Adventure Sports model, with its 19” front, slightly reduced ground clearance, and bigger tank would have compared?
Thankyou and very good question. I don't think the AS would have struggled with any of this terrain, maybe just have to slow down, especially on the bumps. I've never used the electronic suspension off-road so can't say sorry
@@onthebackwheel great to know because I’m seriously leaning towards the AS. Thanks.
Nice riding! My 2024 transalp cannot turn front ABS off. And if you turn TC or ABS off and cycle the key you have to turn them back off. Havent had any good offroading with it yet to honestly know how it feels offroad, but its really nice cruising around.
I wanna buy t alp but not sure how it performs
Cheers. I'm keen to get my hands on the Transalp, seems like a good thing
Mines not broken in yet so I haven't really ran it like it needs to be ran. It leaves a little to be desired while you're cruising on it. You may find you will have to downshift a lot however the quick shifter helps with that. I also feel a little squished on the bike in my legs and am about 5'11"
The crazy dude Curtis sending everything to hell & back!
Great to see you giving every bike you test ride the full works. Making it real.
Weight wise, is the AF the same as the V-Strom? Do you wish the Strom had the same or more power? The trump card of the Strom is even after powering off, it keeps your settings & doesn’t reset? If you were to get the AF, would this piss you off having to rest it?
Thanks for crazy attitude 🤟
Cheers mate. The settings would 100% annoy me. I just ended up leaving the ignition on most of the time. Power wise, I do like the extra top end, not really an issue though as the strom is grunty as. I think it's a couple kg lighter
Great review...and riding. Bike looks great, too. A pity the 2024's decals are so poor...can hardly believe people liking the new design. What were they thinking?
Cheers. Agree, the red base model looks ok, not so much the AS
Am having the 2023 Adventure sport Manual with Quick shifter with a 21 front but really miss DCT as my previous 2 ATs were DCTs. am contemplating on selling it for a 2024 DCT but debating between a standard vs Adventure sport. Obviously wont be doing extreme off roads like Kirian Mirabet but the shorter front suspension of the AS keeps me off.
Depends on your riding. The new one looks like a good upgrade though, more punch and should be great for touring
Will you test ride the new Transalp?
Maybe, struggling to get my hands on one
In the USA the front wheel is a 19” on the 2024 model. My 2022 is a 21” front.
Only on the Adventure Sports. Some cool changes
Ud be surprised how much you can push her on street tires..just 1.8 presssure i always say and u fine as long as it's not wet stuff
Wet conditions are the great equaliser aren't they
If you had to choose between the Aprilia Tuareg or the Africa Twin, what would you put your money down on. Serious Q's. I'm looking at the Tuareg but I feel like the Twin will outlast the Tuareg for the 10+ years I want out of this bike. Thanks for the content 👍
Tuareg for me. I've got a close dealer and don't do massive kms so it suits me perfectly.. The AT will no doubt outlast the Aprilia, its a Honda after all!
I think the africa twin is the best adventure bike. It just needs to weigh less. I don't know where the excess weight is coming from, but it would be amazing if it could at least be on par with the other 205kg bikes. Patiently waiting on someone to make 180kg or less bike with ~80lb/ft torque. That kove 800x looks to be it, but who knows if it will come to america or be reliable.
It's the dream mate
It's really engrossing to watch and know the track at the same time. Comparing speed is good, I rarely hit 90k though. Nice ride wish I could afford one, or a Tuareg 660, 800GS is within reach & might still the smart option. Great Vid, Cheers
PS: Nice not riding in dust, hay. And is it the centre stand making all the racket and producing a thump rather than bottoming out ?
Cheers mate. Yep it's the centre stand sometimes. While not a big fan of them, this one works well and stays out of the way
I hated the complicated menu's and settings - frustrating!
For sure, they took some getting used to
Mate, you make any bike look good off road haha.
Haha thanks
Great vid again Curtiss. That AT is too heavy for me to take over Mt Mee, I'm an offroad newbie although 66yo. Can I ask what was the section you were on before you got to the A Break? Might see you whizzing past me on my crf300 Rally one day haha!
It is a big unit. The first section was Lacey's Creek road, Range Road then onto Diana's Bath
@@onthebackwheel Thanks for the info Curtiss. Happy riding!
Not too far behind you, I’m 52 and in good shape but definitely don’t have the skills for that big girl in the woods! Sat on one in the dealership the day I picked up my 300rally, and it’s intimidating by comparison! I’m an old XR guy, still have a few, and the older I get the more important the weight gets. Even the rally feels huge on the trails compared to my xr250, that big beauty must feel like a tank! Bet it’s a dream on the blacktop!!!!
With more aggressive tyres they are a total different machine. Ran motoz tractionators on mine. Damn I wish I still had that bike.
I bet. Would love to try it with better tyres
Not really 😂
I went front practically street front to knobby and it's same shit on gravel. Only on grass and soft stuff knobby i's better.
Key is tyre pressure. Never more than 1.9, ideally 1.7-1.8
@@Angry-Lynx you only changed the front tyre to a knobby and left the back as a street? No wonder you noticed no difference. And yes you are correct, 20-25psi is generally what you run offroad tyres at.
@@billblogs8206 no obviously I changed both I'm just specifically talking about front tire, cuz it's important to isolate them, as have very different role and behaviour.
My main point is it doesn't make bike more confidence inspiring or even improve grip on most surfaces which is common misconception. I do exactly the same speed in corners on knobby Vs Bridgestone a41 on gravel which is btw fantastic tire. Knobby helps only in soft stuff. But that help is huge when needed and the only reason I went knobby 😅
@@Angry-Lynx Knobs will 100% make a difference cornering in anything loose compared to slicks unless you are riding very conservatively. Your council might care and keep your roads nicely graded and rolled. I'm west of the range so ours don't
seeing you fly up that track at 80 plus makes me nervous. i went up it last year was doing about 40 on Cb500x lol
😅😅😅
By the way, your User1 setting is at the LOWEST power mode. The highest power mode is when you see P with only one segment. The interface is not very intuitive unfortunately.
Hey mate, yep a few people have mentioned that already and I put a sticky. Bloody annoying, I'll be changing it for the next ride and keen to try it!
"takin it places it's not meant to go". lmao
You're a loon. Luff ya work Curtis :)
Haha cheers mate
i’d imagine a genuine dot knob up front like a metzeler mc360 mid hard and a Motoz Rallz on the back you could make her go anywhere…once you pull the ABS fuse and junk the centre stand…D’aguilar is looking worse for wear atm 😢
💯 mate. The rain has made it a bit washed out, good fun
Will be Transalp 750 with aftermarket suspension better choice over this being much lighter & nimble ? Power to weight ratio looks almost similar too.
I haven't ridden one, but even with the suspension sorted it's significantly cheaper. Plus, you can add in a bit of suspension travel
@@onthebackwheeldo you think you’ll get your hands on a T alp anytime soon? I’m curious bigtime between this or a base AT. Problem is the way you ride like an animal. I’m not sure the T ALP will be able to handle it. Lol
@@TheZakkmylde yeah I'm getting one soon. Crf450rl next then Transalp (long as the CF Moto 450 isn't out by then)
@@onthebackwheelwow. My study will end here when review is up.
So far got to know its fantastic road bike. Most agile, Quick & Fast enough like big brother & big rivals. If with upgrades TA can be sorted for off-road then it will be big win win in all aspects. Since in my country AT is not available, when new AT comes it will be only in Adventure sport DCT model . Very hefty price tag & weight.
What is that app you have on the screen at 18:38? Looks great!
Hi. Thats Gaia GPS. Fantastic free app
Thata new version with 19" front?
Nah it's the base model. The new adventure sports comes with the 19, looks great
quick ques Curtis..Africa Twin or Transalp?
Money no object? Africa Twin
Are you a pro rider? I'm new to all this, but haven't seen others (except for pros) riding this fast on this kind of bike in such terrain.
Definitely not a pro, I like to hustle though
How would you compare the standard AT to other ADV bikes you've ridden?
It's like a big Aprilia Tuareg. Similar feel but bigger, more grunt and better on the highway
@@onthebackwheel Thanks and keep on the nice riding!
What navigation do you use? I sadly didnt find allot of android car compatible apps
Gaia GPS. I've used it on Android auto and it's very good. Free too
Thank you!
I wish the ABS would come back on at every opportunity said no rider ever. Not sure why everyone doesn't just follow KTM's lead on this...settings stick, even when you turn the bike off. I've never forgotten to stick in back into street mode after I'm done, so I think its overrated as a "safety feature" which I assume why they set it this way.
It is a pain! KTM you generally need a dongle too. Damn rules and legislation. The 800de one isn't too bad TBH. The Tuareg 600 as well
@@onthebackwheel ah, in Europe/UK at least on most of the KTM Adventures they keep the settings on for turn on/turn off, so I guess this might be a rule that applies in some regions and not others...glad they apply the nuance here, because it really did bug me when I had bikes without it! But yeah, as long as its a long press or something, or the offroad mode gets you most of the way there it's liveable at least.
i loved my 22 atas i put 13k miles on in 8 months then i lost it in a bad wreck when a car hit me
That sucks mate. Everyone seems to love their ATAS
Where did you take it , mount mee ?
Yep, conditions were great
So was that the new model?
23/24 so not the newer one thats coming out this year
👍👍👏
Thanks mate
Thy must be closed roads with no oncoming traffic to share it with 😢
Tons of visibility here
It’s last year’s model.
Yeah I said at the start it's a 23/24. The standard updated 24 model is still a bit away. Super keen to check it out
why does it have 2 speedos lol
It is a bit weird 😂
2024 std Twin has tubed tyres. Wouldn’t buy a bike with tubeless
Mate this one has tubed tyres too. The adventure sport has tubeless
@@onthebackwheel I own a 2024 AT standard. Picked it up 3 weeks ago. Trust me - Tubeless tyres!!! You have the old model. Look at the Honda web site. I am in the U.K. but I believe it is an international model release. Just Google it for that matter