Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I had the privilege to have a go on the Honda Africa Twin yesterday and with the responses, I decided to give the feedback of a novice Motorcycle rider. Keep in mind this is my view on the bike.

I started off by taking the NEW DCT for a Spin. Before climbing on the bike you have to do this little crash course on what all the buttons mean and some help to understand how the settings work. At this point trying to take in all the info I started to stress that it is a little too much tech and computers, but we will not show any fear.

Next, I had to climb on. There were 2 seat settings to adjust the height of the seat. In the “Normal Setting” it is similar to the height of a F800GS and in “Lower Setting” it is similar to a F650GS. Of course being last in line when length was distributed, I am easier on the lower setting.

So to put the bike in 1^st, you have to push a button, how weird did this feel, not having a clutch in your left hand made me very uncomfortable on this expensive, big bike. We put the bike into drive and turn the throttle and off we went. There were 3 different traction control settings, not really exploring the bike on the open road, there was not much differences. BUT it did feel awesome. The power does not immediately turn into speed and being on this Drive option, the gears took longer to change. It felt like a cruiser and at 160km/h it just felt great. The front suspension was a little bit soft, but I could manage it.

Back on gravel, I felt a little bit unsafe but I think if you get used to just twisting the throttle it would be just as good. The bike has a very low gravity point and to make a slow or fast turn it does it with ease.  There were 3 Sport options for Gavel and then a GRAVEL button. In Sport Mode the bike helps you on the gravel, sort of doing the thinking for you. While driving it uses things like engine speed, wheel speed, and throttle position to “know” if you’re going up or down a hill. If your wheel speed is increasing, but the throttle isn’t opening, the bike assumes you’re going down a hill, shifting the gears accordingly. It even recognised the change of gravel from loose stones to powdery sand. Not sure if I liked it, but again if you get used to it you might love it. The Gravel button allows you to choose in which gear you want to be and with the quick shift buttons the playing can continue at your pace in the gear that you choose to play in. The bike is light and sometimes you forget that you are on a 1000cc engine.

I also took the manual AT for a turn and it was a little more fun for me because it felt easier to compare my 800gs to the AT. The 800gs throttle is more responsive but it has its advantages and disadvantages. My assumption on why the guys complain the AT does not have enough power is that it simply does not respond to the throttle as quickly, it rather gives a steady release of power. With the manual I was more at ease to play because I felt the bike won’t surprise me with a sudden reaction to the gravel. I did a small jump and it had more control then my 800 but it could be the softer suspension.

I think the DCT will be a game changer, especially for the Newbies. You will be able to ride the DCT off-road and not have to worry about too much because the bike will assist in every aspect, you just turn the throttle.

MY Conclusion: Riding the bike, you do feel it compares with the F800GS (my bike of choice). Is it perfect? No, but would not mind getting one. Do I know which version (DCT or manual) I would buy? No, I’m still trying to figure that out. Would I sell my F800GS for a AT…? DEFINITLY NOT.