We went to ADA on Saturday to test ride the New Adventure sports, I opted for the Manual and DCT models (Had never ridden an auto)
First off, journalists cant ride!!!
We were the first to ride on Saturday morning, the bikes had taken a serious beating on Friday with the journalists, broken plastics, scratched and cracked plastics, Dented exhaust pipes. Seriously, they dont seem to care much, its not their bikes

I have only ever ridden the 2018 Africa Twin (My other halfs)
I havent been a great fan of it, the front suspension nose dives and I always feel like I am going over the handle bars when I brake hard.
I was more interested in the Adventure sports, its bigger, has a bigger tank, has more presence, looks better too, its also a better comparison to my current GSA
The stock AT looks pretty, in red at least, I dont like the Black and red configuration, it just looks crap IMHO
The Adventure sports got my attention in many things, mostly the bells and whistles, yes I know that shit can cost you money when it breaks, but its still cool, they come standard with Apple Carplay (This is a little sucky, as I am not a sheep, I use Android phones)
Why do manufacturers think that the majority of the world revolves around Apple, here in SA I think by Far Android is market leader
But I am sure with a software update in the near future and Android Auto will be part of the package.
That screen (Touch screen) is absolutely awesome, clear, easy to read, doesnt get effected by sun shining on it. you can play with your ride settings choose from 4 riding mores and also have 2 extra user specific ride modes that you can customise to your own personal taste.. They do not come out with any form of crash bars as yet, thats not a plus for them, but I am sure they will sort that out soon.
It comes with Tubeless tyres, YES!!!
Then we got off to the ride, I started on the Manual, with a quick Shfiter.
Unfortunately the handlebars on my first bike werent set correctly, they were too far back, making for a kak ride, my elbows hanging behind my back and standing was very uncomfortable, I must have looked like the hunchback of notre dame.
I came back sore and not really feeling great about the bike, but I told the guys that they should sort that shit out as its going to influence people perceptions.
Power!!! Holy crap, its got lots of it, you open that throttle, WOW, it shunts, I was gobsmacked, 100cc's more and its chalk and cheese to the std 2018 Model. It move, quick response.
On the dirt it handles very well, sticking to the dirt and it feels super light. I felt more confident on the dirt on this than on my GSA, I do suspect it could be the 21" front though.
The screen which is adjustable it perfect, blacks all the wind and on long trips you will sit comfortably without being buffeted, its also adjustable up and down, so for taller guys you have no problem, no need for unsightly clip on aero trims
On my second ride I felt more comfortable, the DCT handle bars were set better, handlebars still felt slightly low when standing, I also felt that the foot pegs are a little high and maybe too far forward, it could still be due to an incorrect setup but when standing I felt very far forward over the front.
DCT is something else, its basically an auto, makes for easy riding, in some places I think I would prefer manual but in other scenarios I feel that the DCT makes things some much easier
Slow riging through trees and cattle paths I found that it must made things so much easier. And it doesnt really change your power delivery, even when cruising, if you twist that ear it will kick down a gear or 2 instantly and unleash massive power.
R250 for the Manual and R260 for the DCT its just about within the market range, add the extras like crash bars and quick shifter and youre going to be at the same price as a GSA
I loved it, its pretty, would I buy one, absolutely, if I had the cash, for now I can only dream.
I did notice that it doesnt nosedive like our AT, makes me wonder if there is something wrong with the suspension on ours, or the adventure sports has a much better front suspension