Africa twin - Page 6

philthymike · March 28th, 2018, 07:31 AM

Technically the little mini-bike can go anywhere - provided I have enough traction under my feet to pick it up and carry it.

Hyp Noob · March 28th, 2018, 05:11 PM

I still haven't ridden the Africa Twin, but a friend bought one ... and after just 2 months and 4K miles he sold it off ... cheap. Why?

He test rode a new KTM 1090 and bought it on the spot. We recently did a 4 day ride and I was lucky enough to spend about 20 minutes riding the 1090 on some nice roads. It was too tall for me (35" seat height!!) I managed it ... barely.

Once I got on and go going ... WOW! Very nice in every regard! Great power, light yet stable handling, fantastic brakes. Pretty comfy for a KTM!
Owner Peter has since taken it to Baja and says it was magic off road. "like riding
a 650 thumper with triple the power".

Unlike the Tube Tire Africa Twin, the KTM uses some proprietary tubeless system
which I haven't heard much about yet. I'm betting Honda will have to go tubeless or offer as an option. Tubes are absurd for such a bike.

N4teTheGreat · March 29th, 2018, 08:29 AM

I was really interested in the Africa Twin as I've had a few Hondas and I appreciate their reliability. I think the main downside for me is the weight as I really enjoy light bikes.

gatdammit · March 30th, 2018, 10:57 PM

It's a big bike, like a Multi or GS. All tank and dash shooting up from your crotch. A Dakar-style bike I guess has to be, between suspension travel, protection, fuel volume, large diameter tires, etc. They all kinda get that heavy-beaked, stork look that I don't particularly care for but would ride if that was my mission.

appliance821 · March 31st, 2018, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatdammit

It's a big bike, like a Multi or GS. All tank and dash shooting up from your crotch. A Dakar-style bike I guess has to be, between suspension travel, protection, fuel volume, large diameter tires, etc. They all kinda get that heavy-beaked, stork look that I don't particularly care for but would ride if that was my mission.

The AT doesn't have a beak. Though it is in a similar weight class (lighter though), the AT isn't as bulky as the other big ADVs, and is more dirt oriented.

Hyp Noob · April 2nd, 2018, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appliance821

The AT doesn't have a beak. Though it is in a similar weight class (lighter though), the AT isn't as bulky as the other big ADVs, and is more dirt oriented.

Compared to the "BIG" ADV bikes, the Africa Twin feels a lot smaller when sitting on it. The R1200GS, KTM 1290, Multi 1200, Tenere' 1200 and Capo Nord ALL feel substantially larger, wider and heavier than the Honda.

Only the KTM 1090 compares, both in actual weight and in feel (perception). The 1090 is about same weight as Africa Twin and, according to buddy Peter ... is FAR better riding off road.

I believe him.

Which would I take RTW? Honda thank you.

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March 28th, 2018, 07:31 AM	#51
philthymike Senior Member Joined: May 2017 From: Philadelphia USA Posts: 261 I Ride: 2013 Hyperstrada, 2007 LS650	Technically the little mini-bike can go anywhere - provided I have enough traction under my feet to pick it up and carry it.

March 28th, 2018, 05:11 PM	#52
Hyp Noob Senior Member Joined: Apr 2017 From: California Posts: 244 I Ride: '13 Hyperstrada, '06 DR650, 2017 KTM 690 Duke	I still haven't ridden the Africa Twin, but a friend bought one ... and after just 2 months and 4K miles he sold it off ... cheap. Why? He test rode a new KTM 1090 and bought it on the spot. We recently did a 4 day ride and I was lucky enough to spend about 20 minutes riding the 1090 on some nice roads. It was too tall for me (35" seat height!!) I managed it ... barely. Once I got on and go going ... WOW! Very nice in every regard! Great power, light yet stable handling, fantastic brakes. Pretty comfy for a KTM! Owner Peter has since taken it to Baja and says it was magic off road. "like riding a 650 thumper with triple the power". Unlike the Tube Tire Africa Twin, the KTM uses some proprietary tubeless system which I haven't heard much about yet. I'm betting Honda will have to go tubeless or offer as an option. Tubes are absurd for such a bike.

March 29th, 2018, 08:29 AM	#53
N4teTheGreat Senior Member Joined: Oct 2016 From: San Francisco Posts: 312 I Ride: 2015 Hypermotard, 2018 Hypermotard SP	I was really interested in the Africa Twin as I've had a few Hondas and I appreciate their reliability. I think the main downside for me is the weight as I really enjoy light bikes.

March 30th, 2018, 10:57 PM	#54
gatdammit Senior Member Joined: Mar 2013 From: Naples, IT Posts: 2,156 I Ride: 2013 White Strada	It's a big bike, like a Multi or GS. All tank and dash shooting up from your crotch. A Dakar-style bike I guess has to be, between suspension travel, protection, fuel volume, large diameter tires, etc. They all kinda get that heavy-beaked, stork look that I don't particularly care for but would ride if that was my mission.