I would really love to see them put some effort into a light weight off road adventure bike. Maybe a 450cc 6 speed fuel injected dual sport with a comfy seat a windshield a fuel gauge a big gas tank and some nice bright LED head lights and tail lights. Optional heated grips and panniers and that sort of thing and it would be a great start. Keep its weight down under 350lbs and it would be perfect.
Ilya Hreshchenyuk yeah but that has no dealer network at all in the United States it would be better if it's made by Honda or Yamaha with that huge dealer network will be able to get parts for warranty work done almost anywhere in the country or in the world for that matter
Lots of people want it or even just a modern 450cc dual sport from the japanese companies. But dual sports are such a small market to start with they just dont care.
+plaid13 So true :\ It's up to us to convert as many people as possible to the Dual Sport fold so companies and dealers start to pay more attention to the market. An updated DRZ, or the CCM, or perhaps a better, street legal Honda 450 option would be legendary!
I've only recently found your channel and I must say: The quality of your videos is amazing and your passion for riding is apparent. Much respect. You've just earned a new sub.
+ColoradoDualSport I agree to an extent. However it might be wise to temper that optimism a bit in regards to "any exposure". If the bike turns out to be a flop, it could turn riders away from the segment. To me the Africa Twin looks like another big heavy ADV bike. I am worried that is already an over-represented design in the segment. It's also not a beginner friendly design - the cost is at the enthusiast level and the weight is intimidating and not friendly to learning. I would rather see Honda bring their marketing might to a middle-weight ADV or dual sport, like an ADV overhaul of the XR650 or a CRF450 dual sport. Why is it that the DRZ400 and KTM EXC500 are the only dual sports in that range?
+Tosh Outdoors I agree with you, I have a TW200 that has limits but I like the size. Then I bought a Super Tenere, I love it but must have been dreaming and watching too many videos from Australia thinking I could tackle expert trails off road. Next I wanted KTM 690 Enduro. But availability delays, plus cost has made me realize what I really want is a liquid cooled, modern engine, comfortable seat, and low enough seat to get foot down easy.
+ColoradoDualSport I disagree, when it comes down to marketing, we have to deal with exaggeration, some people call it "hype", but lets face it, these are simply lies. And this was never good for the consumer, ever!
I sort of agree, but not on the fact that other companies don't take this market seriously. Both BMW and KTM push the adventure segment further every year. And in my opinion BMW has grown the adventure segment more than any other bike manufacturer. Their GS sales are through the roof and they have been for quite some time. In my opinion Honda actually screwed up waiting for as long as they have to get back into the market. They could have improved their old africa twin over the year but they chose not to and they lost a lot of customers because of it. I am looking forward to trying out the new Honda though and I do agree that it is always better to have a bigger range of bikes to choose from ;)
WICKEDLEE LOOPY I say good things come to those who wait. You are right that Honda is a bit late to the party but now that they are here it most definitely is not too little. They hit it out of the park with the AT. Cheers man ride on
Its growing on me. Only thing holding me back is weight . Its a little over 500 pounds. I like going out into the sticks in some pretty tight spots. And my 350 pound XR650l gets sketchy. If i was heading across country i would rather be on the twin but its not what im into.Or im not hat old yet lol
Oh dang dat' sexy ADV photo-play........ I could sit and watch all those sexy bikes all day long..... Well done Ty Ty..... It's going to take a lot to rival the Widow though!
You are absolutely right, and I am a perfect example of why Honda marketing can get people into bikes. I had very little interest until I saw an ad for the Honda NM4, their new scooter that looks like the batcycle, while rather impracticable it did the job of getting me interested and looking into the different sports and communities of motorcycles. Say what you will about Honda but there is no denying that there are few companies as shrewd or intelligent when it comes to marketing and new products. I'm no Honda fanboy but they have my deep respect as a company and it is well deserved IMHO.
+NoharaLoco I've hardly ridden any Hondas, but you're right... they do a great job with their marketing and definitely with their reliability. I love Honda cars, too :)
Nice summary of where we are at at the minute. It will be exciting to see how the Twin performs - I have a test ride due, but not for a few months as this is Australia and stuff gets here late :)
the only issue is that with a street legal 450, you will greatly loose power and suspension will be more geared towards the street. There is more to emissions than simply what comes out of the pipe. the engine must meet specific harmonic requirements before it can be made street legal, as well exhaust emissions. compare a WR450 engine power wise to a yz450, then cut that power even more significantly to be street legal. Yamaha and Honda and Kawasaki just don't believe there is the market to require such tooling changes....which to me makes no sense considering the sales figures of drz s
I would be happy with an R3 in my wr250r frame with a small stroke change to increase bottom tourqe. Twins are just smoother than singles. However, would not turn my back on a 400 if it was as well put together.
If you live in Saskatchewan Canada you can take any dirt bike, put lights on it and you can insure it. I have a Honda XR 400, my buddy has a WR 450. It's great. Now where the loophole comes in is if you put a snowmobile kit on it it is actually legal on the road and city, that is until one of us try it, then they will change the legislation.
I could not agree more Tyler... I pray it is a great bike and sells well so that the bikes in our category develop. The KTM950 was released in 2003 and ever since litre adventure bikes have just got bigger and heavier. Im waiting for more
+Nerb1 Nooooow you're talking! See I want a company to start making rally-style enduro bikes in the 500-600 range. I guess KTM does, but I would like to see more companies add to that lineup.
+eveRide ADV check out Yamaha xt 660z it does what it says on the can.16000 mile valve check,6000 mile oil change.goes well off road 200 mile tank range.
Ian Lonsdale the 660 tenere has been around a long time but never really took off. Its still heavy at 200kg dry and doesnt have enough suspension travel. I wish they would update that bike also cause it looks great.
I agree with what you're saying about Honda. I will buy an Africa Twin eventually. But I feel like, at least for the the full size 1000cc+ market there has been a lot of investment from all the major brands.
Subscribed , 100% agree with your take that’s coming from a rider who pulled the trigger on a 2018 AFAS . This puts me at #28 on bikes that I have owned and the range I ride has been everything from SM , dez, extreme enduro , standard , super sport, dual sport , motocross, dirt bike with plates , dual sport to HD ultra classic.... now I’ve waited on the ADV with a proper price point ... my last bike took me places I’d never been because the bike was that good and it’s name was a 2t 300 pds and after riding this new adventure sport I can agree with you 100% that king sh!t Honda made a good move competing in the ADV market. Honda build good stuff it just sucks that they tend to wait the market out as long as they do 🍻
You got it Brother... Even if somebody hates the CRF1000 ( I don't see that as being possible) it will do great things for our beloved half and half world of dirt and pavement.
+eveRide ADV I personally believe that they all have good aspects and aspects that I would change... I would like to have one of each... ;-) yep... sounds good... I'll go with one of each so I can do my own comparison. Now to figure out the pesky detail of money... With that consideration... I'll stick with my trusty KLR...
It's hard to find fault in Honda when they are, as you say, dumping large $$ into the marketing of the new AT. That being said, where do the majority of ADV riders ride now and where do the aspiring ADV riders want to go? I'd guess most of us mere mortals would consider a BDR or similar excursion pretty much what we had in mind for ADV. That spells mid-weight, 500 - 800 cc to me. The more advanced riders will opt for either heavy weight 1000 cc or very nimble 250 - 400cc and deal with the buzzy thumpers. How about a 500 cc twin with Rally Raid gear but sub-350 pounds? Does the CB500X fit that description?
+eveRide ADV I think you've seen and commented on Juan Brown's postings (blancolirio) from over here in Nevada City, CA. He's a seasoned rider with several DS rigs under his belt and fine, informative and entertaining videos which, like yours, have shown impressive quality upgrades with new cameras and better mics. He raves about the RRPCB500X as his "go to" DS. Not as nimble but an able all rounder.
I consider both the vstrom 650 and cb500x all the bike anybody really needs for ADV, more than that is just a "because i can" thing. Another thing is the fact that people want to do trail rides on adv which is not really what they are for, they are for crossing continents.
Yes, Honda is revitalizing adventure motorcycling with a seemingly great machine but I wish for something lightweight with similar modern innovation. I just sold a BMW f650gs because of its weight and bought a Suzuki DRZ400s but, like you say, we're riding old technology, narrow gear ration, carbonated bikes. My big fat beemer was a hundred pounds lighter than the Africa Twin is supposed to be and I lost a hundred pounds by going to the DRZ. But, I miss the gobs of fuel injected power from the BMW. I want that power in an under 300# easy to maintain dual sport without spending KTM cash and getting KTM maintenance issues.
+Gary Sanchez Yes the weight thing is bothering me also. But they have made CB500X what I can only think is a substitute for Transalp and it can fitted with a rally kit though not making any difference in weight but a lot in handling.
+shortcut the CB500x has a curb weight of 430#, as heavy as the BMW f650gs I sold because it was too heavy. I would like a grown up Yamaha wr250r, maybe a fully dual sport wr450r. But, blancolirio has done wonders with his Rally Raid CB500x.
+Gary Sanchez It seems many of us are wanting conflicting things in a DS: a rig light enough to handle modest single lane trails yet with enough power and comfort to travel miles of highway to reach the next trailhead. Thumpers rattle and multi-cylinder bikes weigh more than desired. Oh, and it must be easy to maintain in the bush. We don't want much, do we? LOL. I am willing to try an older KTM 640 ADV.
+Gary Sanchez I think that we are on the same page. Most of the adventure riders who travel the world have the same preference and have selected KTM 690R and bolted on Basil kit. I have had my eye on Husqvarna 701 Enduro. Itś lightweight and a very reasonable service interval - 10 000km.
Nice review and viewpoints--competition makes a great product. New subscriber here Everide! Love the channel . TW200 here - 2 of them --looking for the next one !
+john gnipper Ohhhh I love me some TW! I've been dying to get my hands on one lately to play around on and maybe do a review. Welcome to the chan chan! :)
I might sign on the line for the AT in 2017. See how much accessory support there will be after the 1st round of this motorcycle debuts. Honda makes top notch products!! I just traded in my KLR for a CRF250L and am very impressed so far. Roll on Big T !!
+KLRPilot15 We need a CRf650L. Never mind the 1000cc Dakar bike. Not going to do much in the way of single track with that monster, it's made for wide open spaces.
I know the old saying if it isn't broke don't fix it., while yes in some aspects of that is true other parts of it is wrong I think. If we never try to improve on anything we would still be push mowing our yards instead of having riding lawn mowers after all doesn't a push mower mow the grass. I just feel that all the bikes need a updated version. Stay safe
The new African Twin looks like it will be pretty awesome and available in the good ole USofA....which the last one never came stateside. I'm excited for the new bike....can't wait.
I have this bike and love it,,,I am a very experienced rider of the xr650l, te610,dr 650,xt600,xr250 350 400 500 and 600. Ktm 300exc etc. etc. and this CRF1000L ROCKS!!!!
I thought about the Africa Twin, but I have decided to wait for the Honda VFR 12OO X Crosstour due here in the U.S. in May 2016. It's much more street than off road and they seem to be selling well in the European market.
the area I do most of my riding in this is way too big. anything too far away from a dirt bike isn't going to cut it. I wish we had riding areas like you guys out west. but love what honda is doing. I have my eyes firmly set on a duke 690 for a daily rider and if I can squeeze time somehow maybe a big cross country trip in a few years.
As a Honda rider I am very excited about the new AT. It was a shame that they stopped producing this legend at one point. I also hope that Honda, BMW and KTM do not start competing who will produce the heavier bike - girls are getting fatter year by year :D
+shortcut Very true! I hope that somehow the AT pushes the market towards smaller, as well. I doubt it will, but perhaps there will be a little trickle down. The midsize dual sport market needs a huge shot in the arm.
The only part I disagree with is Triumph. They brought some really top notch changes with the Tiger 800XC and Explorer that put some fire under BMW and KTM. Heck, I think the 800XCx comes stock with Cruise Control these days, which is pretty impressive for midweight adventure bike. Their problem was definitely in the reliability department, which is what Honda is legendary for. Still, it's an impressive looking bike, and anything that makes other companies build a smaller, lighter, faster, better bike is okay in my book.
+dustysquito I think you're right, actually. I applaud any company that puts R&D dollars into an ADV bike and pushes the whole genre forward. Sadly my favorite bikes/brands (Suzuki and Kawasaki) put zero effort into updating the DS line.
It's very sad. With the recent VStrom rework, I feel like they could have really done something special with it. The DR650's been without any kind of redesign (besides paint jobs) since 1996. The KLR got that Gen2 rework in 2008, but I bet they could make one super kickass midweight ADV bike by combining a Versys powertrail with an updated KLR chassis. Hell, I've actually seen that engine swap done with amazing results. It seems like too many brands are playing it safe these days, and I hope they snap out of it it and really make something special.
Honda will get it right, the original Africa twin was an epic machine and it has big boots to fill. Give Honda couple years to tweak and it will give KTM and BMW a run.
Maybe it's not necessary to write it but... it's better to remember you that we're all waiting for your test drive of the new AT as soon as possible! : ) : )
I mostly wonder how much weight can be shed off of it. Those pipes remind me of Xt660Z Tenere exhausts which everyone replaces with aftermarket pipes and it shaves off 3 kg. That new fancy clutch and ABS weigh a ton too. In my country the original Africa Twin has a cult status and a massive following so there will be no shortage of used ones for me in ten years haha.
+John Grammaticus Those original ATs were amazing! I wonder why the rest of the world gets all these awesome adventure bikes while the US kinda sticks with the same. I wish the market was better here.
+wd40 ducttape Ahhh for sure! Can you imagine a KLR 750? Or even if they went lighter with a KLR 500. EFI, lighter frame, more suspension travel, 6 gears... it would be amazing!
its unfortunate that you guys didnt get the origional Africa twin! us europeans are lucky enough to have had it for the last 20 years! love my origional africa twin and look forward to trying out the new one!
I don't think the bike will be great, but I do love that there is now more choice and with choice comes newer models and upgrades from other manufacturers :-) win win win win for everyone!!!!
Especially for me, when Procycle can make a DR900 It makes me excited for a future DR with a much bigger motor. I'd love a 1000cc supermoto just for giggles.
+MotardSteve There's one video I saw that was hilarious... the guy on the DR couldn't keep the front wheel down in any gear. It almost looked hard to ride!
I like the idea of it. I mean, I can't actually afford any of the new liter or bigger adventure bikes (or a new adventure bike of any size for that matter). But it does seem capable, and the short time I spent on the F800GS made me better appreciate what can be done. I managed more on it than I do on my KLR... The point is, I'm sold on the idea and like the thought that the prices of these larger adventure bikes might get driven down a little in the future. I'll be in the market for a used one in roughly 10 years ;-)
+FRAG-AFE That's precisely where I'm at. Lots of people are asking me to do a review, and I'm like, "Yeah I'll try my best, but 10 years is a realistic time frame for me to actually get my hands on one ;)
Well, the AT is now available in the USA! I also just saw that it's available in manual! I thought it was only the garbage automatic but I've seen the manual clutch and foot shifter which makes the difference. Let's see some AT action in MOAB!
+eveRide ADV I know!!!! Please KAWA hear me out!!! LOL My KLR is my first adventure- road - off road bike!!! I like the brand Kawasaki. I would love to have a big adventure bike made by Kawa. Not the Versys but something more capable off road. Anyway, we will have to wait and see!!!
Loving that red road though. Also been looking at that bike since it was first "announced." Though it's out of my price range it's definitely a nice looking bike and I hope they make it so good everyone else steps up their game.
+DeeKay It will be out of my price range... probably forever. Still, if it pushes competition and innovation, and actually gets the old guard to create new stuff, I'm all for it :)
Lots of dreamers here. The new AT will be perfect for what it was made for, long distance cross country ADV touring. No one said it was ready for Dakar. To enjoy this bike, your gonna need good skills. Pussies need not apply. After glompin around the country on a GS 1100 the last 13 years, the AT looks tight and right. So I got a new White one ordered for March delivery! Braaap
Everide, I disagree with regard to the marketing being the driving factor. The market responded to this bike in 2016 and Honda responded in kind with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. They hit a homerun with regard to the price point and features; almost immediately being compared to KTM and BMW machines that cost significantly more money. Full disclosure; I got back into riding with a new WR250R in 2014 and those I ride with know that I am a true Yamaha fan. However, when I saw the Africa Twin in 2016 and thought about getting a big bike to be able to use the freeway to get to where I want to ride, I started paying attention. I still have and ride my WR, but a month ago I bought a new 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. While I can no longer claim to be true blue; I absolutely love this bike as well. When a manufacturer gets it right, as Honda has in this case, the marketing, the hype and the competition will follow.
The bike looks amazing! I'm excited to see how it goes. I'm also excited for next year and ADV riding, but I would like to see how you pack for trips, can you do a video sometime on it? thanks
+Captain Licorice yeah that's not a bad idea! I've thought of doing that before, but I always forget when the trip starts... I just have too much fun :)
Part of me agrees and another part of me totally disagrees. Why? Because when it comes down to why I ride dual sport, more people out riding where I choose to ride (solitude/minimal human interaction with nature) is never a good thing. More capable machinery always bumps the total users up, and is known for bringing the weekend warriors out. This particular group is typically, not always, but typically the least invested in their riding. Ie... zero time spent lobbying for land use with politicians about closures, zero time spent wrenching on a bike that NEEDS a lot of mods to make capable, zero time for training/riding until that rare weekend comes up which puts them in the middle of no where stranded when things go awry. If the cost of admission is entirely the purchase price of the bike, it's usually a situation where someone is just out to "try something new". For example, I've also enjoyed back country Jeeping for the last two decades. Anyone that has been an avid four wheeler knows how much damage that's resulted from the new 4 door Jeep's introduction. Trails and public lands have been inundated with tons of middle aged soccer moms and dads driving fully loaded and highly capable Rubicon Jeeps with lockers, high departure and approach angles, massive articulation, etc. with little to no experience on what they're doing. So they end up miles from resources, stranded, and in need of rescue that costs the tax payers. Hence Black Bear Pass in Colorado on the chopping block right now. Luckily in motorcycling, this group is prone to give up easily, be injured and quit, or just don't have what it takes to get out often and mimic what they see in the commercials on a bike. Let the hate flow but, those that know, know I'm right. Peace. ;-)
+eveRide ADV It's a very unfortunate and ugly truth. I've seen that you yourself are dealing with local closures. Been there, done that. TMTC member #00002.
I like how this bike looks, but I don't know if I'd like that big of an engine for my dual sport. Seems like it would be heavy due to that big of an engine off road, but for on road I bet this thing rides like a dream
Ive been riding on the road for over 20 years and off-road way before that. I have had just about every kind of bike available other than an ADV bike and the Africa Twin just changed that. Absolutely hands down my most favorite bike i had ever owned. On road. off road this is a bike you will never get bored with. The KTM's and BMW's are fantastic bikes but the price is a bit too steep for my blood and I don't need every bell and whistle you can cram into a bike. I prefer to keep it simple. Africa Twin for the win.
question: have you considered the ramifications of new blood + dirt +1000ccs? I think that the target audience with this bike is the seasoned ADV rider. especially with it's power, and price point. Now if Honda were to invest in converting the cb500 or even the cbr 300 engine into a true offroad machine, we would see some real consumer influx into the ADV market.
+eveRide ADV I just think of it like, why are the 300s the new hot street bike, it's not because they are the fastest and lightest and have all the bells and whistles, it is because they are an entry level bike and I think they will boost sales of larger bikes once beginners are ready to move on... look at how wildly successful ninja 250s have been, I'm surprize it took Honda as long as it did to build the competing cbr250
The only thing I really wish was that my DRZ had a 6th gear for highway use. I am seriously considering an AT this coming spring. I want a bike that can cruise on the highways with a full load-out and still tackle dirt roads/easy trails......then I need to decide if I need two bikes and a quad.
Good points. ...and I really live my Africa Twin. It is like riding a giant powerful dirt bike that can go anywhere; unlike most adv bikes that are too big and more street-like. ...and the price point is unbeatable.
Thanks I'm trying to find my first >100cc motorcycle and I want a honda so your videos have been really helpful thank you!!! I fell in love with the AT but I'm not ready for it yet!!
One of the guys I ride with has a stock cb500x it can do most anything stock., Also there is a local guy who put the cb500x motor in crf250l frame then put on the 690 faring, it is a 336lbs of pure beast. Now if only Honda would do this for us I would take out a loan if I had to 😀
+UpstateTriumphST True great kit but $3000 at least. It would be not much of a stretch to put the 500 twin in a xl or xr650 frame with the 500 faring and boom Africa Twin 500. I would buy that.
I hope this gets Suzuki off their buts to update the DRZ. EFI would be a great start. Imagine... no more carb and leaky petcock to stress over. go to any altitude, and you're always running the perfect mixture. Slap on a new exhaust... and the computer tunes the mixture. A man can dream, though... A man can dream.
+aseredy Man, I'm with you! Bump the DR-Z to a 450 or 500, and EFI and it would be a massive winner in my book. I'd like to see some more attachment points on the rear subframe (or at least beef it up so I can carry my camping gear a little easier.) Not looking for full touring ADV here, just something that facilitates one or two night camping trips. Wish list item: 6spd so I can run deeper gears for off-road, but still not have to be wound to the moon for freeway speed.
Ha I hear that, but a larger displacement is not really on my radar (unless they find a way of making it lighter... then I'm down). With EFI, and a tuned fuel map, even the venerable 400cc will open up like you would not believe. I totally feel you on the lack of attachment points on the rear subframe, though. Wouldn't even be that hard of a addition... just weld on two or three more mounting points... and that would be awesome. And the gearing... man I hear that. It's like the 1950's in that gear box. Also... maybe redo that stock seat, so it doesn't feel like a fence post is trying to rape you.
I am curious why a lot of the major vloggers haven't covered the csc rx3 and upcoming tt250 bikes. Wildly popular and reliable in other countries but lacking over here. I have the tt250 on order and planning on the rx3 as well but surprised the lack of mentions it gets.
+Brian Bundridge I would love to demo any bike from CSC, but according to some responses, they're not interested in working with vloggers at the moment. I've heard really good things about them... someday I'll try one!
Good vid and explanation of the niche in the 650 and above class. But, I would beg to differ about new innovations/models from the Japanese companies not coming out for the under 650 class. Take a look at all the new models Yamaha has just churned out in 2015 & 2016.
It's great to make fun of the new Honda - my Facebook feed is full of hype about the bike. You are right about it bringing in new blood. Honda is the second largest motorcycle dealer in America. It will put a large bore ADV bike in front of a lot of generator and lawnmower buyers.
It would be nice buy I don't see Honda putting extra effort into the adv market. They brought out there version of the updated Africa Twin. Let's see if Honda and other companies go in big with the Paris Dakar that might indicate more
Sounds fantastic - but where's the electric motor hybrid drive? Stick one in the front hub at least, that gap most bikes have between the two front disks, is dying to be filled with an electric motor-generator surely? Or at the very least, like Honda do with cars, slap a motor-generator unit on the standard engine to at least give some zero-speed torque grunt and some energy back for free - read more miles per gallon like 5 to 10. Now, THAT would be innovation. Comments please, aren't you thinking the bikes are lagging cars badly now in this regard?
I have the original Africa twin and its heavy enough thank you. And I can fix it on the side of the road. New doesn't mean better. And I don't have a restrictive cat to rob me of performance.
The Africa Twin will do very well...and I am sure you will soon see Yamaha and Kawasaki follow suit... Honda will soon be on the top of the ADV market surpassing BMW and KTM if they stay the course...This is one of the fastest growing segments in motorcycling and the Big four can all but crush the competition by making affordable ADV bikes and promote them properly ... Saw a guy not too long ago in a BMW dealer trading his "Road King" in for a 1200 GS Adventure....POT belly and all!!...
it's really hard for me to get away from the KLR even based on better bikes. I have my street bike for city and commuting. The KLR scratches my need for touring and off road use well enough. All for $3000.
+eveRide ADV I hope so too but to me it looks like more of the same. I was disappointed when I learned it was 1000cc...to bring in a new market you have to bring something new to the market! I'm sure there will be some differences between this and the Strom, GS, KTM 1190, Tiger, et al... but if they had made it a lighter 700 or 600 I think they would be opening more doors and maybe catching even more attention. Just my opinion though.
To me, the Tenere 700 looks even more promising now than the africa twin did then. More offroad oriented and the expected lower price should reach more people.
Biggest thing since Long Way Around? Have you ever heard of the 690E. The 950SE and Adverntures came out years ago, and the spec sheets show that the new Africa Twin will be worse offroad. Huge cred loss.
+gargantuandick I can't speak for how good or bad the CRF1000 will be.This video was more about the economics of Honda bringing a new player into the market and what that does for the industry as a whole. KTM innovates all the time and they rule, but their marketing budget is pennies compared to Honda's. This video wasn't necessarily a reflection of the bike, but a reflection of the industry.
Interesting, I didn't think of this from the standpoint of advertising. The big ADV bikes are certainly a recent concept, and I guess honda must be making a hard push to get a solid market share.
+Adventures in Real Life I certainly hope they get it, not because I'm a huge fan of Honda or any other manufacturer, but because if Honda wins big (like they did with the Grom), then other companies will follow suit and it will push the market forward.
I agree with Poul Hansen, about "if Honda make a CRF500L i would buy one" I had the oportunity to change from a "China" cheap motorcycle to a CRF250L and ith worth the $6800 in Costa Rica. However, the Africa Twin cost over $20.000. Well this price is not very affordable to anyone. Also my motorcycle run 30 km with one liter of gasoline!!! So I believe that a CRF500 or a CRF650 would not be too much difference!
I love Honda and had high hopes for this bike, but to me they fell very short of meeting expectations. What they created looks just like everything else out there. You are right about one thing though, they are pushing it with heavy marketing, so much so that they would have you believe this bike is innovative. I can't see anything that they bike genuinely has that other bikes don't already have. It also doesn't seem any more capable either. The excitement generated about this bike came from all of the concept drawings and renderings, and the final product looks nothing like them. Hopefully you are right about it revitalizing the market and making other manufacturers take a serious look at their lineup. If it drives innovation, then cool. But I'm not running to buy one of these. Still waiting for someone to get it right.
+armourbl I think you're exactly right. We may still be a way out from having a larger touring bike that can truly handle off-road, but I'm still glad Honda threw some money at it!
That wuld be awesome! I think that Aprilia (to some extend) has done this with their Pegaso 650 trail, factory, qube, strada, whatever they are all called. Single cylinder 660cc bike that is bigger than the dirt bikes but still very nimle and light compared to regular bikes. Seeing Honda making a similar bike would be so awesome! In fact they could probably use the v-twin from their 500 series and make a proper adv bike, as opposed to the 500x which just needs too much conversion to tackle anything rough.
Being one of a small percentage of Americans who has had the chance to ride an Africa Twin, the RD-07. i wasn't impressed, the RD07 750 is basically like a compromise between the KLR and Wee Strom. I already know the CRF1000L will not be impressive,, it's not what Honda does, BUT any new Honda bike creates waiting lists at dealers. Like the Grom that got more than a few non-riders interested in motorcycles.
+MM95 You may be right! I think every new bike gets billed and hyped as the "heavyweight bike that can ride like a lightweight". The truth is that there is no such thing, and probably never will be. However, we can HOPE the technology gets better, and the only way it can get better is through innovation... so hopefully they've actually innovated!
Too late! I have been begging Honda for years to bring back the Transalp. Last year I gave up and bought a sports car. I will just keep riding my 22 year old XR with its 30 year old technology. Great vid though.
I love the idea of the bike as well but I'm curious as to why it disappeared to begin with. It dominated Rally in the 80's and I've actually seen some of those older bikes for sale, but it was discontinued in the 90's and never heard of again until now.
+Ride AMAP (As Much As Possible) Honda has a habit of discontinuing successful models. From the Pacific Coast scooter to the S2000 coupe. They love teasing us with amazing machine and then suddenly they pull the plug on them. Im happy to see the return of the AT
what a brilliant advert for adv motorcycles,,although honda has almost stopped production of trail bikes in general, at least they have offered something new,or at least reborn... or maybe just following the trend of there old faithful consumers that they once had,who are now all grey and buying there shit regardless ...long live competition
Dual sport and ADV bikes are two different markets. Everyone except Kawasaki is in the game and takes the ADV market seriously. ADV is the fastest growing segment in motorcycling. All the bikes you mentioned above are new or have been upgraded in the last several years. How do you consider that not being taken seriously?
Do you think the new Africa Twin will "kill" the XR650L ? I wish Honda would Bring back the XR line, they were the most reliable and sturdy bikes around.
They will sell truckloads of them. I hope I can find one covered in dust in about four years that's been sitting in the corner of a garage since some dudes mid-life crisis.
Maybe there will be a rush to buy them, and people will sell their GS and KTM adventure bikes at a quick-sell price! Boom! I'm all about good used bike deals
Here in Sweden Honda must have become crazy - but also the buyerscmust be nuts: the AT is more expensive than the 1190 R, which has same weight, more than 50% more horsepower and the excellent cornering ABS! Yes, the CFR is MORE expensive!
Christ just give us a new XR650R
What's wrong with L
I would really love to see them put some effort into a light weight off road adventure bike. Maybe a 450cc 6 speed fuel injected dual sport with a comfy seat a windshield a fuel gauge a big gas tank and some nice bright LED head lights and tail lights. Optional heated grips and panniers and that sort of thing and it would be a great start. Keep its weight down under 350lbs and it would be perfect.
+plaid13 google CCM GP450
Ilya Hreshchenyuk yeah but that has no dealer network at all in the United States it would be better if it's made by Honda or Yamaha with that huge dealer network will be able to get parts for warranty work done almost anywhere in the country or in the world for that matter
+plaid13 If there is demand, there will be an offer. All we need is to wait. Or make it ourself.
Lots of people want it or even just a modern 450cc dual sport from the japanese companies. But dual sports are such a small market to start with they just dont care.
+plaid13 So true :\ It's up to us to convert as many people as possible to the Dual Sport fold so companies and dealers start to pay more attention to the market. An updated DRZ, or the CCM, or perhaps a better, street legal Honda 450 option would be legendary!
I've only recently found your channel and I must say: The quality of your videos is amazing and your passion for riding is apparent. Much respect. You've just earned a new sub.
I completely agree. Any and all exposure for the ADV community is outstanding. It just means more bikes and more riders and that can't be a bad thing.
+ColoradoDualSport Aaaaaaa-men. See you in a week! MUAHHAHA!
+ColoradoDualSport I agree to an extent. However it might be wise to temper that optimism a bit in regards to "any exposure". If the bike turns out to be a flop, it could turn riders away from the segment. To me the Africa Twin looks like another big heavy ADV bike. I am worried that is already an over-represented design in the segment. It's also not a beginner friendly design - the cost is at the enthusiast level and the weight is intimidating and not friendly to learning. I would rather see Honda bring their marketing might to a middle-weight ADV or dual sport, like an ADV overhaul of the XR650 or a CRF450 dual sport. Why is it that the DRZ400 and KTM EXC500 are the only dual sports in that range?
+Tosh Outdoors I agree with you, I have a TW200 that has limits but I like the size. Then I bought a Super Tenere, I love it but must have been dreaming and watching too many videos from Australia thinking I could tackle expert trails off road. Next I wanted KTM 690 Enduro. But availability delays, plus cost has made me realize what I really want is a liquid cooled, modern engine, comfortable seat, and low enough seat to get foot down easy.
+ColoradoDualSport
I disagree, when it comes down to marketing, we have to deal with exaggeration, some people call it "hype", but lets face it, these are simply lies. And this was never good for the consumer, ever!
+Bill Hazelton so at the end what did you choose? the TW again?
I sort of agree, but not on the fact that other companies don't take this market seriously. Both BMW and KTM push the adventure segment further every year. And in my opinion BMW has grown the adventure segment more than any other bike manufacturer. Their GS sales are through the roof and they have been for quite some time. In my opinion Honda actually screwed up waiting for as long as they have to get back into the market. They could have improved their old africa twin over the year but they chose not to and they lost a lot of customers because of it. I am looking forward to trying out the new Honda though and I do agree that it is always better to have a bigger range of bikes to choose from ;)
I agree 😑 honda...too little to late
Lee Bradley maybe sooner may have helped them but right now they are dominating the market. it's almost impossible to get one
WICKEDLEE LOOPY I say good things come to those who wait. You are right that Honda is a bit late to the party but now that they are here it most definitely is not too little. They hit it out of the park with the AT. Cheers man ride on
Absolutely. The bike that got me into the idea of ADV riding, and into motorcycle in the first place, was the GS650.
This might be the bike that propells us XR650L guys into the ADV realm. We shall see!
Its growing on me. Only thing holding me back is weight . Its a little over 500 pounds. I like going out into the sticks in some pretty tight spots. And my 350 pound XR650l gets sketchy. If i was heading across country i would rather be on the twin but its not what im into.Or im not hat old yet lol
Just went from a KLR650 to a 2018 Africa Twin DCT.
Yeah, it's heavier, but daaaaang, is it in another league.
Oh dang dat' sexy ADV photo-play........ I could sit and watch all those sexy bikes all day long..... Well done Ty Ty..... It's going to take a lot to rival the Widow though!
+MrDuhfactor Ah man I will never part with her! :D
You are absolutely right, and I am a perfect example of why Honda marketing can get people into bikes.
I had very little interest until I saw an ad for the Honda NM4, their new scooter that looks like the batcycle, while rather impracticable it did the job of getting me interested and looking into the different sports and communities of motorcycles.
Say what you will about Honda but there is no denying that there are few companies as shrewd or intelligent when it comes to marketing and new products.
I'm no Honda fanboy but they have my deep respect as a company and it is well deserved IMHO.
+NoharaLoco I've hardly ridden any Hondas, but you're right... they do a great job with their marketing and definitely with their reliability. I love Honda cars, too :)
Well said there Mr. eveRide. I love seeing the little snippets of trail 157 and 252 in there.Keep up the good work.
+Gunner40Five Ahhh yeah! You know the good stuff :)
Nice summary of where we are at at the minute. It will be exciting to see how the Twin performs - I have a test ride due, but not for a few months as this is Australia and stuff gets here late :)
+CaptainCranky You're so lucky!
I was just at AIMexpo 2018 and I have to admit....I want an Africa Twin even more now than ever!
Dear Yamaha.....WR450R.....Please. Thank you. That is all.
+RideVictoria I'm Tyler, and I endorse this opinion.
the only issue is that with a street legal 450, you will greatly loose power and suspension will be more geared towards the street. There is more to emissions than simply what comes out of the pipe. the engine must meet specific harmonic requirements before it can be made street legal, as well exhaust emissions. compare a WR450 engine power wise to a yz450, then cut that power even more significantly to be street legal. Yamaha and Honda and Kawasaki just don't believe there is the market to require such tooling changes....which to me makes no sense considering the sales figures of drz s
I would be happy with an R3 in my wr250r frame with a small stroke change to increase bottom tourqe. Twins are just smoother than singles. However, would not turn my back on a 400 if it was as well put together.
If you live in Saskatchewan Canada you can take any dirt bike, put lights on it and you can insure it.
I have a Honda XR 400, my buddy has a WR 450. It's great.
Now where the loophole comes in is if you put a snowmobile kit on it it is actually legal on the road and city, that is until one of us try it, then they will change the legislation.
Greg Wiens I lived in Saskabush for 3 years......missed my chance I guess....dang. :(
I could not agree more Tyler... I pray it is a great bike and sells well so that the bikes in our category develop. The KTM950 was released in 2003 and ever since litre adventure bikes have just got bigger and heavier. Im waiting for more
+Nerb1 Nooooow you're talking! See I want a company to start making rally-style enduro bikes in the 500-600 range. I guess KTM does, but I would like to see more companies add to that lineup.
+eveRide ADV check out Yamaha xt 660z it does what it says on the can.16000 mile valve check,6000 mile oil change.goes well off road 200 mile tank range.
Ian Lonsdale the 660 tenere has been around a long time but never really took off. Its still heavy at 200kg dry and doesnt have enough suspension travel. I wish they would update that bike also cause it looks great.
I agree with what you're saying about Honda. I will buy an Africa Twin eventually. But I feel like, at least for the the full size 1000cc+ market there has been a lot of investment from all the major brands.
Subscribed , 100% agree with your take that’s coming from a rider who pulled the trigger on a 2018 AFAS . This puts me at #28 on bikes that I have owned and the range I ride has been everything from SM , dez, extreme enduro , standard , super sport, dual sport , motocross, dirt bike with plates , dual sport to HD ultra classic.... now I’ve waited on the ADV with a proper price point ... my last bike took me places I’d never been because the bike was that good and it’s name was a 2t 300 pds and after riding this new adventure sport I can agree with you 100% that king sh!t Honda made a good move competing in the ADV market. Honda build good stuff it just sucks that they tend to wait the market out as long as they do 🍻
You got it Brother... Even if somebody hates the CRF1000 ( I don't see that as being possible) it will do great things for our beloved half and half world of dirt and pavement.
+Pastor Bug Very true! There's some haters out there for sure. I just don't get the whole "ultra brand loyalty" thing.
+eveRide ADV I personally believe that they all have good aspects and aspects that I would change... I would like to have one of each... ;-) yep... sounds good... I'll go with one of each so I can do my own comparison. Now to figure out the pesky detail of money... With that consideration... I'll stick with my trusty KLR...
Good point !! We will all benefit from Honda sucess with the Africa twin!
It's hard to find fault in Honda when they are, as you say, dumping large $$ into the marketing of the new AT. That being said, where do the majority of ADV riders ride now and where do the aspiring ADV riders want to go? I'd guess most of us mere mortals would consider a BDR or similar excursion pretty much what we had in mind for ADV. That spells mid-weight, 500 - 800 cc to me. The more advanced riders will opt for either heavy weight 1000 cc or very nimble 250 - 400cc and deal with the buzzy thumpers. How about a 500 cc twin with Rally Raid gear but sub-350 pounds? Does the CB500X fit that description?
+osimnod I am SOOOO on board with the 500cc twin under 350 lbs... I'd need to ride the CB500X with the kit to see if it would pan out.
+eveRide ADV I think you've seen and commented on Juan Brown's postings (blancolirio) from over here in Nevada City, CA. He's a seasoned rider with several DS rigs under his belt and fine, informative and entertaining videos which, like yours, have shown impressive quality upgrades with new cameras and better mics. He raves about the RRPCB500X as his "go to" DS. Not as nimble but an able all rounder.
I consider both the vstrom 650 and cb500x all the bike anybody really needs for ADV, more than that is just a "because i can" thing.
Another thing is the fact that people want to do trail rides on adv which is not really what they are for, they are for crossing continents.
the africa twin is going to convert me from naked road Bikes to ADV riding
Until one has to pick up out there 20 miles from any help. That said, think I'll get one and carry a hydraulic pusher upper thingy that I invent....
Get a KTM
I am sick of the Africa Twin hype but you are dead on. It is great for adventure motorcycling!
Yes, Honda is revitalizing adventure motorcycling with a seemingly great machine but I wish for something lightweight with similar modern innovation. I just sold a BMW f650gs because of its weight and bought a Suzuki DRZ400s but, like you say, we're riding old technology, narrow gear ration, carbonated bikes. My big fat beemer was a hundred pounds lighter than the Africa Twin is supposed to be and I lost a hundred pounds by going to the DRZ. But, I miss the gobs of fuel injected power from the BMW. I want that power in an under 300# easy to maintain dual sport without spending KTM cash and getting KTM maintenance issues.
+Gary Sanchez Yes the weight thing is bothering me also. But they have made CB500X what I can only think is a substitute for Transalp and it can fitted with a rally kit though not making any difference in weight but a lot in handling.
+shortcut the CB500x has a curb weight of 430#, as heavy as the BMW f650gs I sold because it was too heavy. I would like a grown up Yamaha wr250r, maybe a fully dual sport wr450r. But, blancolirio has done wonders with his Rally Raid CB500x.
+Gary Sanchez It seems many of us are wanting conflicting things in a DS: a rig light enough to handle modest single lane trails yet with enough power and comfort to travel miles of highway to reach the next trailhead. Thumpers rattle and multi-cylinder bikes weigh more than desired. Oh, and it must be easy to maintain in the bush. We don't want much, do we? LOL. I am willing to try an older KTM 640 ADV.
+Gary Sanchez I think that we are on the same page. Most of the adventure riders who travel the world have the same preference and have selected KTM 690R and bolted on Basil kit. I have had my eye on Husqvarna 701 Enduro. Itś lightweight and a very reasonable service interval - 10 000km.
+Gary Sanchez my pref is drz400 adv conver. power and liquid with panniers windscreen and soft seat with the cap to take the Hard roads
Nice review and viewpoints--competition makes a great product. New subscriber here Everide! Love the channel . TW200 here - 2 of them --looking for the next one !
+john gnipper Ohhhh I love me some TW! I've been dying to get my hands on one lately to play around on and maybe do a review. Welcome to the chan chan! :)
I might sign on the line for the AT in 2017. See how much accessory support there will be after the 1st round of this motorcycle debuts. Honda makes top notch products!! I just traded in my KLR for a CRF250L and am very impressed so far. Roll on Big T !!
+KLRPilot15 KLR for CFR250??? What about your name??? :D
I know...ugh!! I wish YT would let us be flexible with changing our channel name. Who knows?? Maybe it's time for something fresh?
+KLRPilot15 we can my channel changed from Ftdraw to steviepeevlogs.
+KLRPilot15 We need a CRf650L. Never mind the 1000cc Dakar bike. Not going to do much in the way of single track with that monster, it's made for wide open spaces.
Yamaha XT660Z ever comes to the States...Game Over !!!
I might have just found this video again because I'm shopping for a new bike. Your search terms are solid. 133k views! Nice!
I know the old saying if it isn't broke don't fix it., while yes in some aspects of that is true other parts of it is wrong I think. If we never try to improve on anything we would still be push mowing our yards instead of having riding lawn mowers after all doesn't a push mower mow the grass. I just feel that all the bikes need a updated version. Stay safe
+Tankerman Very true! Innovation is a very good thing!
The new African Twin looks like it will be pretty awesome and available in the good ole USofA....which the last one never came stateside. I'm excited for the new bike....can't wait.
+monocogenit1 I really hope it lives up to the hype! I'd love to get my hands on one and find out for myself!
I have this bike and love it,,,I am a very experienced rider of the xr650l, te610,dr 650,xt600,xr250 350 400 500 and 600. Ktm 300exc etc. etc. and this CRF1000L ROCKS!!!!
I thought about the Africa Twin, but I have decided to wait for the Honda VFR 12OO X Crosstour due here in the U.S. in May 2016. It's much more street than off road and they seem to be selling well in the European market.
+Scott Bulgrin Ohhhhh sounds sexy!
+eveRide ADV Lol.
the area I do most of my riding in this is way too big. anything too far away from a dirt bike isn't going to cut it. I wish we had riding areas like you guys out west. but love what honda is doing. I have my eyes firmly set on a duke 690 for a daily rider and if I can squeeze time somehow maybe a big cross country trip in a few years.
As a Honda rider I am very excited about the new AT. It was a shame that they stopped producing this legend at one point. I also hope that Honda, BMW and KTM do not start competing who will produce the heavier bike - girls are getting fatter year by year :D
+shortcut Very true! I hope that somehow the AT pushes the market towards smaller, as well. I doubt it will, but perhaps there will be a little trickle down. The midsize dual sport market needs a huge shot in the arm.
anything with 2 wheels is a blast!
and you're right the African twin will help all of the others compete.
cool vid!
+DRZcoffeegirl Ride I certainly hope it pushes competition forward! Thanks for checkin' it out Juanita :)
The only part I disagree with is Triumph. They brought some really top notch changes with the Tiger 800XC and Explorer that put some fire under BMW and KTM. Heck, I think the 800XCx comes stock with Cruise Control these days, which is pretty impressive for midweight adventure bike. Their problem was definitely in the reliability department, which is what Honda is legendary for. Still, it's an impressive looking bike, and anything that makes other companies build a smaller, lighter, faster, better bike is okay in my book.
+dustysquito I think you're right, actually. I applaud any company that puts R&D dollars into an ADV bike and pushes the whole genre forward. Sadly my favorite bikes/brands (Suzuki and Kawasaki) put zero effort into updating the DS line.
It's very sad. With the recent VStrom rework, I feel like they could have really done something special with it. The DR650's been without any kind of redesign (besides paint jobs) since 1996. The KLR got that Gen2 rework in 2008, but I bet they could make one super kickass midweight ADV bike by combining a Versys powertrail with an updated KLR chassis. Hell, I've actually seen that engine swap done with amazing results. It seems like too many brands are playing it safe these days, and I hope they snap out of it it and really make something special.
Great footage, makes me want to escape everyday life. Love the new africa twin, well done Honda.
As always well. Done my friend, stay safe and keep the beautiful sceneries coming.
+Heartland Dual Sport Thanks! I will :)
Honda will get it right, the original Africa twin was an epic machine and it has big boots to fill. Give Honda couple years to tweak and it will give KTM and BMW a run.
+Sean Goldsmith I certainly hope so! Not that I dislike BMW or KTM, but more competition = good!
Maybe it's not necessary to write it but... it's better to remember you that we're all waiting for your test drive of the new AT as soon as possible! : ) : )
+Giulio Buccini Oh believe me, I want to SOOOOOOOO badly! :D
I mostly wonder how much weight can be shed off of it. Those pipes remind me of Xt660Z Tenere exhausts which everyone replaces with aftermarket pipes and it shaves off 3 kg. That new fancy clutch and ABS weigh a ton too. In my country the original Africa Twin has a cult status and a massive following so there will be no shortage of used ones for me in ten years haha.
+John Grammaticus Those original ATs were amazing! I wonder why the rest of the world gets all these awesome adventure bikes while the US kinda sticks with the same. I wish the market was better here.
I wish Kawasaki would do a major upgrade/update of the klr 650.
+wd40 ducttape Ahhh for sure! Can you imagine a KLR 750? Or even if they went lighter with a KLR 500. EFI, lighter frame, more suspension travel, 6 gears... it would be amazing!
@@eveRide Tennere 700 coming haha maybe sooner or later
I personally wish they would just go back to the pre 07 design...
its unfortunate that you guys didnt get the origional Africa twin! us europeans are lucky enough to have had it for the last 20 years! love my origional africa twin and look forward to trying out the new one!
I don't think the bike will be great, but I do love that there is now more choice and with choice comes newer models and upgrades from other manufacturers :-) win win win win for everyone!!!!
Especially for me, when Procycle can make a DR900 It makes me excited for a future DR with a much bigger motor. I'd love a 1000cc supermoto just for giggles.
+MotardSteve Oh my goodness have you seen the DR 800? Check out some of the YT videos, that thing is insane!
+eveRide ADV Derp you just mentioned the DR 900 :D I'm a moron! hahaha
+eveRide ADV ha I'm gonna go look for those Dr800 vids though. I mean if procycle can do it, I don't see why Suzuki's r&d couldn't make it happen.
+MotardSteve There's one video I saw that was hilarious... the guy on the DR couldn't keep the front wheel down in any gear. It almost looked hard to ride!
The CRF1000L is how I ended up with the CB500X. Good video.
+hillbillydualsport Ohhhhhhh are you going to do the rally kit on it? :D :D :D
+eveRide ADV That's the plan in time. :)
I rode the Africa twin it is an awesome bike and I can't wait to get one
I like the idea of it. I mean, I can't actually afford any of the new liter or bigger adventure bikes (or a new adventure bike of any size for that matter). But it does seem capable, and the short time I spent on the F800GS made me better appreciate what can be done. I managed more on it than I do on my KLR...
The point is, I'm sold on the idea and like the thought that the prices of these larger adventure bikes might get driven down a little in the future. I'll be in the market for a used one in roughly 10 years ;-)
+FRAG-AFE That's precisely where I'm at. Lots of people are asking me to do a review, and I'm like, "Yeah I'll try my best, but 10 years is a realistic time frame for me to actually get my hands on one ;)
Well, the AT is now available in the USA! I also just saw that it's available in manual! I thought it was only the garbage automatic but I've seen the manual clutch and foot shifter which makes the difference. Let's see some AT action in MOAB!
I want a Super KLR 1200!!!! Kawa made a statement with the H2!! Hope to see that again with a new big Adventure bike!!!
+Clarence Prigent Ohhhh how awesome would that be!!
+eveRide ADV I know!!!! Please KAWA hear me out!!! LOL
My KLR is my first adventure- road - off road bike!!! I like the brand Kawasaki. I would love to have a big adventure bike made by Kawa. Not the Versys but something more capable off road. Anyway, we will have to wait and see!!!
Well put! It will be a positive impact short and long term.
+California Dual Sport Riders I certainly hope so!
Loving that red road though. Also been looking at that bike since it was first "announced." Though it's out of my price range it's definitely a nice looking bike and I hope they make it so good everyone else steps up their game.
+DeeKay It will be out of my price range... probably forever. Still, if it pushes competition and innovation, and actually gets the old guard to create new stuff, I'm all for it :)
Love your videos and their quality man!
+The Adventure Biker Thanks so much! :)
eveRide ADV Sure thing!
Lots of dreamers here. The new AT will be perfect for what it was made for, long distance cross country ADV touring. No one said it was ready for Dakar. To enjoy this bike, your gonna need good skills. Pussies need not apply. After glompin around the country on a GS 1100 the last 13 years, the AT looks tight and right. So I got a new White one ordered for March delivery! Braaap
Everide, I disagree with regard to the marketing being the driving factor. The market responded to this bike in 2016 and Honda responded in kind with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. They hit a homerun with regard to the price point and features; almost immediately being compared to KTM and BMW machines that cost significantly more money. Full disclosure; I got back into riding with a new WR250R in 2014 and those I ride with know that I am a true Yamaha fan. However, when I saw the Africa Twin in 2016 and thought about getting a big bike to be able to use the freeway to get to where I want to ride, I started paying attention. I still have and ride my WR, but a month ago I bought a new 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. While I can no longer claim to be true blue; I absolutely love this bike as well. When a manufacturer gets it right, as Honda has in this case, the marketing, the hype and the competition will follow.
@everide, always doing such a nice work! Keep up! (finally bought my 2014 KLR)
The bike looks amazing! I'm excited to see how it goes. I'm also excited for next year and ADV riding, but I would like to see how you pack for trips, can you do a video sometime on it? thanks
+Captain Licorice yeah that's not a bad idea! I've thought of doing that before, but I always forget when the trip starts... I just have too much fun :)
+eveRide ADV even just a over view of what you recommend taking.
Part of me agrees and another part of me totally disagrees. Why? Because when it comes down to why I ride dual sport, more people out riding where I choose to ride (solitude/minimal human interaction with nature) is never a good thing. More capable machinery always bumps the total users up, and is known for bringing the weekend warriors out. This particular group is typically, not always, but typically the least invested in their riding. Ie... zero time spent lobbying for land use with politicians about closures, zero time spent wrenching on a bike that NEEDS a lot of mods to make capable, zero time for training/riding until that rare weekend comes up which puts them in the middle of no where stranded when things go awry. If the cost of admission is entirely the purchase price of the bike, it's usually a situation where someone is just out to "try something new". For example, I've also enjoyed back country Jeeping for the last two decades. Anyone that has been an avid four wheeler knows how much damage that's resulted from the new 4 door Jeep's introduction. Trails and public lands have been inundated with tons of middle aged soccer moms and dads driving fully loaded and highly capable Rubicon Jeeps with lockers, high departure and approach angles, massive articulation, etc. with little to no experience on what they're doing. So they end up miles from resources, stranded, and in need of rescue that costs the tax payers. Hence Black Bear Pass in Colorado on the chopping block right now. Luckily in motorcycling, this group is prone to give up easily, be injured and quit, or just don't have what it takes to get out often and mimic what they see in the commercials on a bike. Let the hate flow but, those that know, know I'm right. Peace. ;-)
+uncleansanchez Man you have a really really good point.
+eveRide ADV It's a very unfortunate and ugly truth. I've seen that you yourself are dealing with local closures. Been there, done that. TMTC member #00002.
I like how this bike looks, but I don't know if I'd like that big of an engine for my dual sport. Seems like it would be heavy due to that big of an engine off road, but for on road I bet this thing rides like a dream
Ive been riding on the road for over 20 years and off-road way before that. I have had just about every kind of bike available other than an ADV bike and the Africa Twin just changed that. Absolutely hands down my most favorite bike i had ever owned. On road. off road this is a bike you will never get bored with. The KTM's and BMW's are fantastic bikes but the price is a bit too steep for my blood and I don't need every bell and whistle you can cram into a bike. I prefer to keep it simple. Africa Twin for the win.
question: have you considered the ramifications of new blood + dirt +1000ccs? I think that the target audience with this bike is the seasoned ADV rider. especially with it's power, and price point. Now if Honda were to invest in converting the cb500 or even the cbr 300 engine into a true offroad machine, we would see some real consumer influx into the ADV market.
+Beyond2Wheels You bring up a really good point, especially with new blood+dirt+1000ccs being a little too much to handle.
+eveRide ADV I just think of it like, why are the 300s the new hot street bike, it's not because they are the fastest and lightest and have all the bells and whistles, it is because they are an entry level bike and I think they will boost sales of larger bikes once beginners are ready to move on... look at how wildly successful ninja 250s have been, I'm surprize it took Honda as long as it did to build the competing cbr250
The only thing I really wish was that my DRZ had a 6th gear for highway use. I am seriously considering an AT this coming spring. I want a bike that can cruise on the highways with a full load-out and still tackle dirt roads/easy trails......then I need to decide if I need two bikes and a quad.
I cant wait to ride one. might have to trade in the vstrom
+jeff ferguson I'd love to get my hands on one as well, but there's no way I could afford one!
maybe after they have been in the market for a couple of years you could find a nice used one. its a stretch for me as well, but we can always dream
Good points. ...and I really live my Africa Twin. It is like riding a giant powerful dirt bike that can go anywhere; unlike most adv bikes that are too big and more street-like. ...and the price point is unbeatable.
"love" ...not "live". Damn spell checker.
Thanks I'm trying to find my first >100cc motorcycle and I want a honda so your videos have been really helpful thank you!!! I fell in love with the AT but I'm not ready for it yet!!
just wish that Honda would turn the cb500x into a Africa Twin. The weight loss compared to the twin weight is needed
+Charles Penner That would be ridiculously awesome! I've wanted to get my hands on a CB500x with an ADV kit for a while now. I've heard good things.
One of the guys I ride with has a stock cb500x it can do most anything stock., Also there is a local guy who put the cb500x motor in crf250l frame then put on the 690 faring, it is a 336lbs of pure beast. Now if only Honda would do this for us I would take out a loan if I had to 😀
+Charles Penner Google "cb500x Rally Raid". They created and sell parts to make the cb500x a baby africa twin
+UpstateTriumphST True great kit but $3000 at least. It would be not much of a stretch to put the 500 twin in a xl or xr650 frame with the 500 faring and boom Africa Twin 500. I would buy that.
+eveRide ADV Everyone is screaming for a fun hard core mid-range ADV/enduro bike and none of the Japanese manufacturers are listening :(
i just love hondas! my 450x is a beast!!! now i can add a honda ADV bike to the lineup
join the club, both are awesome adventure bikes
I hope this gets Suzuki off their buts to update the DRZ. EFI would be a great start. Imagine... no more carb and leaky petcock to stress over. go to any altitude, and you're always running the perfect mixture. Slap on a new exhaust... and the computer tunes the mixture. A man can dream, though... A man can dream.
+aseredy Man, I'm with you! Bump the DR-Z to a 450 or 500, and EFI and it would be a massive winner in my book. I'd like to see some more attachment points on the rear subframe (or at least beef it up so I can carry my camping gear a little easier.) Not looking for full touring ADV here, just something that facilitates one or two night camping trips. Wish list item: 6spd so I can run deeper gears for off-road, but still not have to be wound to the moon for freeway speed.
+WheeliePete and aseredy I'm making a video about this right now :D
Ha I hear that, but a larger displacement is not really on my radar (unless they find a way of making it lighter... then I'm down). With EFI, and a tuned fuel map, even the venerable 400cc will open up like you would not believe. I totally feel you on the lack of attachment points on the rear subframe, though. Wouldn't even be that hard of a addition... just weld on two or three more mounting points... and that would be awesome. And the gearing... man I hear that. It's like the 1950's in that gear box.
Also... maybe redo that stock seat, so it doesn't feel like a fence post is trying to rape you.
I am curious why a lot of the major vloggers haven't covered the csc rx3 and upcoming tt250 bikes. Wildly popular and reliable in other countries but lacking over here. I have the tt250 on order and planning on the rx3 as well but surprised the lack of mentions it gets.
+Brian Bundridge I would love to demo any bike from CSC, but according to some responses, they're not interested in working with vloggers at the moment. I've heard really good things about them... someday I'll try one!
+eveRide ADV I'll bring mine next year!
Good vid and explanation of the niche in the 650 and above class. But, I would beg to differ about new innovations/models from the Japanese companies not coming out for the under 650 class. Take a look at all the new models Yamaha has just churned out in 2015 & 2016.
What would it take to cram that big twin into my DRZ SM ?
I still love the BMW boxer engine, but would not mind trying out an Africa Twin for comparison.
It's great to make fun of the new Honda - my Facebook feed is full of hype about the bike. You are right about it bringing in new blood. Honda is the second largest motorcycle dealer in America. It will put a large bore ADV bike in front of a lot of generator and lawnmower buyers.
+Jon Bishop Hahaha indeed it would :)
It would be nice buy I don't see Honda putting extra effort into the adv market. They brought out there version of the updated Africa Twin. Let's see if Honda and other companies go in big with the Paris Dakar that might indicate more
Sounds fantastic - but where's the electric motor hybrid drive? Stick one in the front hub at least, that gap most bikes have between the two front disks, is dying to be filled with an electric motor-generator surely? Or at the very least, like Honda do with cars, slap a motor-generator unit on the standard engine to at least give some zero-speed torque grunt and some energy back for free - read more miles per gallon like 5 to 10. Now, THAT would be innovation. Comments please, aren't you thinking the bikes are lagging cars badly now in this regard?
+sleekitwan I totally agree! Pushing hybrid/electric drive on Motorcycles would be excellent :)
Preach it brother EvR IDe
I have the original Africa twin and its heavy enough thank you. And I can fix it on the side of the road. New doesn't mean better. And I don't have a restrictive cat to rob me of performance.
The Africa Twin will do very well...and I am sure you will soon see Yamaha and Kawasaki follow suit...
Honda will soon be on the top of the ADV market surpassing BMW and KTM if they stay the course...This is one of the fastest growing segments in motorcycling and the Big four can all but crush the competition by making affordable ADV bikes and promote them properly ...
Saw a guy not too long ago in a BMW dealer trading his "Road King" in for a 1200 GS Adventure....POT belly and all!!...
I get what Honda is doing, I just wish they had gone the other direction, i.e. lower displacement and lighter.
+John Sanford Me too. This is good for the big bikes, but the midsized adv and dual sport bike market needs a huge shot in the arm.
it's really hard for me to get away from the KLR even based on better bikes. I have my street bike for city and commuting. The KLR scratches my need for touring and off road use well enough. All for $3000.
Some great points there mate.
+JoeJoe Moto I hope they are true, though... hopefully Honda brings a new market into the sport!
+eveRide ADV I hope so too but to me it looks like more of the same. I was disappointed when I learned it was 1000cc...to bring in a new market you have to bring something new to the market! I'm sure there will be some differences between this and the Strom, GS, KTM 1190, Tiger, et al... but if they had made it a lighter 700 or 600 I think they would be opening more doors and maybe catching even more attention. Just my opinion though.
To me, the Tenere 700 looks even more promising now than the africa twin did then. More offroad oriented and the expected lower price should reach more people.
Drz 500 with 6 gears is my dream
Biggest thing since Long Way Around? Have you ever heard of the 690E.
The 950SE and Adverntures came out years ago, and the spec sheets show that the new Africa Twin will be worse offroad.
Huge cred loss.
+gargantuandick I can't speak for how good or bad the CRF1000 will be.This video was more about the economics of Honda bringing a new player into the market and what that does for the industry as a whole. KTM innovates all the time and they rule, but their marketing budget is pennies compared to Honda's. This video wasn't necessarily a reflection of the bike, but a reflection of the industry.
Interesting, I didn't think of this from the standpoint of advertising. The big ADV bikes are certainly a recent concept, and I guess honda must be making a hard push to get a solid market share.
+Adventures in Real Life I certainly hope they get it, not because I'm a huge fan of Honda or any other manufacturer, but because if Honda wins big (like they did with the Grom), then other companies will follow suit and it will push the market forward.
+Adventures in Real Life No so young buck. Check my comment.
I agree with Poul Hansen, about "if Honda make a CRF500L i would buy one" I had the oportunity to change from a "China" cheap motorcycle to a CRF250L and ith worth the $6800 in Costa Rica. However, the Africa Twin cost over $20.000. Well this price is not very affordable to anyone. Also my motorcycle run 30 km with one liter of gasoline!!! So I believe that a CRF500 or a CRF650 would not be too much difference!
I love Honda and had high hopes for this bike, but to me they fell very short of meeting expectations. What they created looks just like everything else out there. You are right about one thing though, they are pushing it with heavy marketing, so much so that they would have you believe this bike is innovative. I can't see anything that they bike genuinely has that other bikes don't already have. It also doesn't seem any more capable either. The excitement generated about this bike came from all of the concept drawings and renderings, and the final product looks nothing like them.
Hopefully you are right about it revitalizing the market and making other manufacturers take a serious look at their lineup. If it drives innovation, then cool. But I'm not running to buy one of these. Still waiting for someone to get it right.
+armourbl I think you're exactly right. We may still be a way out from having a larger touring bike that can truly handle off-road, but I'm still glad Honda threw some money at it!
Would be nice if honda made a crf 500l Africa single. I would buy it.
the cb500x upgraded with rallyraid is as close a little brother of the African twin we got so far....would suit you 👍
That wuld be awesome! I think that Aprilia (to some extend) has done this with their Pegaso 650 trail, factory, qube, strada, whatever they are all called. Single cylinder 660cc bike that is bigger than the dirt bikes but still very nimle and light compared to regular bikes. Seeing Honda making a similar bike would be so awesome! In fact they could probably use the v-twin from their 500 series and make a proper adv bike, as opposed to the 500x which just needs too much conversion to tackle anything rough.
Still love the simplicity of My KLR as i never take to the dealer. Cant wait to see the new Honda
Being one of a small percentage of Americans who has had the chance to ride an Africa Twin, the RD-07. i wasn't impressed, the RD07 750 is basically like a compromise between the KLR and Wee Strom.
I already know the CRF1000L will not be impressive,, it's not what Honda does, BUT any new Honda bike creates waiting lists at dealers. Like the Grom that got more than a few non-riders interested in motorcycles.
+MM95 You may be right! I think every new bike gets billed and hyped as the "heavyweight bike that can ride like a lightweight". The truth is that there is no such thing, and probably never will be. However, we can HOPE the technology gets better, and the only way it can get better is through innovation... so hopefully they've actually innovated!
Too late! I have been begging Honda for years to bring back the Transalp. Last year I gave up and bought a sports car. I will just keep riding my 22 year old XR with its 30 year old technology. Great vid though.
I love the idea of the bike as well but I'm curious as to why it disappeared to begin with.
It dominated Rally in the 80's and I've actually seen some of those older bikes for sale, but it was discontinued in the 90's and never heard of again until now.
+Ride AMAP (As Much As Possible)
Honda has a habit of discontinuing successful models. From the Pacific Coast scooter to the S2000 coupe. They love teasing us with amazing machine and then suddenly they pull the plug on them. Im happy to see the return of the AT
I loved everything about the Pacific Coast except the back. So true how Honda does like to tease
+Ride AMAP (As Much As Possible) I know it's weird, right? And many, like the Transalp, weren't available in the states.
what a brilliant advert for adv motorcycles,,although honda has almost stopped production of trail bikes in general, at least they have offered something new,or at least reborn... or maybe just following the trend of there old faithful consumers that they once had,who are now all grey and buying there shit regardless ...long live competition
would love to see a bigger wr r from yamaha. maybe a 350 or 400 with the same easy maintenance.
+Jake Andrews Mmmmmm a WR350R? Or 450R? That would be amazing!
I have an AT, you need to ride one, sure you will be tempted to buy one
I am dreaming of a Suzuki DRZ 450 with EFI, upgraded suspension and a 6 speed gear box :)
+Riding Rabbit Uncut Mmmmmmmmmmm it makes me drool just thinking about it!
Well said Brother!
i getting one pre ordered in OZ . keeping my drz 400 as well
Dual sport and ADV bikes are two different markets. Everyone except Kawasaki is in the game and takes the ADV market seriously. ADV is the fastest growing segment in motorcycling. All the bikes you mentioned above are new or have been upgraded in the last several years. How do you consider that not being taken seriously?
Do you think the new Africa Twin will "kill" the XR650L ? I wish Honda would Bring back the XR line, they were the most reliable and sturdy bikes around.
Can't wait for the T7! I think it might be better
They will sell truckloads of them. I hope I can find one covered in dust in about four years that's been sitting in the corner of a garage since some dudes mid-life crisis.
+Walter Sigona Ohhhh yes! You and me both!
And, end up finding one?
Maybe there will be a rush to buy them, and people will sell their GS and KTM adventure bikes at a quick-sell price! Boom! I'm all about good used bike deals
Here in Sweden Honda must have become crazy - but also the buyerscmust be nuts: the AT is more expensive than the 1190 R, which has same weight, more than 50% more horsepower and the excellent cornering ABS! Yes, the CFR is MORE expensive!