Africa Twin
- Thread starter tman
- Start date
Pterodactyl
New Member
Yet there still remains only one liter size or larger, dual sport bike with a shaft drive, a solid reliability record, large dealer network and priced under (much under in some cases) $15,000. I have no plans to ever own another chain drive bike.
While at first glance I did see the similarity, and I even like how the AT looks, I'd have to stop short of claiming the Honda is a close match in design.
In fact, I'll give credit to Honda for NOT duplicating any of the existing Big Pig ADV bikes. Under close scrutiny, it appears to me they very much presented their own recipe.
I'm amazed how each and every bike in this genre is very much unique. (Other than the strong DNA sharing between the GS & GSA)
A potential buyer of these bikes really does have the burden of deciding between considerable differentiation between the brands.
I think it's a good thing too!
There's stuff I like about each and every one of them. But it is far from a closed eyes eeniemeeniemineemoe point and buy choice.
(like say, all 5 colors of 450 motocrossers would be)
In fact, I'll give credit to Honda for NOT duplicating any of the existing Big Pig ADV bikes. Under close scrutiny, it appears to me they very much presented their own recipe.
I'm amazed how each and every bike in this genre is very much unique. (Other than the strong DNA sharing between the GS & GSA)
A potential buyer of these bikes really does have the burden of deciding between considerable differentiation between the brands.
I think it's a good thing too!
There's stuff I like about each and every one of them. But it is far from a closed eyes eeniemeeniemineemoe point and buy choice.
(like say, all 5 colors of 450 motocrossers would be)
1954
New Member
The comparable Honda to the S10 is the VFR1200X. Shaft drive 1200 (but 4cyl) most of the same features but you can't get cruise control. You can get a version with a DCT automatic though. The Africa Twin is available with the DCT as well but it too is not available with cruise control. And in my area, you just can not get one.There was a very limited amount of these bikes allotted to Ontario Honda dealers.My local dealer in Wingham Ontario was given 0.Dealer in London was given 2 that were sold in hours after they found out they were getting them. I really wanted cruise control, never had it on a bike before. That meant an S10 or comparable Triumph, chose the S10 because it has a better reliability reputation. All things being equal, I would have bought a honda because we do not have a local Yamaha dealer anymore, closest is 50 miles away .
The once I was on an AT I found it more like a Honda-ized KTM 950/990, maybe a bit more like a BMW 800GS, my brother's Triumph 800 without being so top-heavy, or a taller thinner VStrom. It was an all-around lighter thinner feel than the Tenere or BMW GS.
Dogdaze
Well-Known Member
That's like saying because the AT has two wheels it's copied the S10. Bit of a stretch? All adventure touring bikes will inevitably share some resemblance, because of the task set before them. Both bike have merit, and if the AT or even the Crosstourer had cruise control, that would have been my first choice, for all the differences of the S10.tman said:
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
speaking of dealer network.
Stopped in to attempt a chat with these guys, in Porto Jimenez, Costa Rica
https://flic.kr/p/R5F6Tj
Stopped in to attempt a chat with these guys, in Porto Jimenez, Costa Rica
https://flic.kr/p/R5F6Tj
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
Honda did their own thing. I'm glad it has no beak. For me it would come down to riding one. Still didn't get a chance, as they were in short supply up here.snakebitten said:
But talking to guys that I ride with, the concensus is:
similar power to a base tenere, not as good on road (bigger 21 inch rim) much much better off road.
I'm interested in the honda, but not drooling over it. Tubed tires need an outex conversion. It could use a touch more oomph on road (easily sorted by adding an arrow pipe without a cat) The suspension is basic. Honda did an odd ball thing with the front forks (45mm dia.) They are ok apparently, but for hard chargers, it would need a serious look in. Furter more, the AT, has jumped in price by $400 from 2016 to 2017. Honda plans to hike the price by another grand by 2018.
What's really interesting is the new KTM 1090. Proper suspension (48mm), good power (125hp) low weight. Not easy to work on (taking the tank off a 1190 is a royal PITA)
and reliability is a question., and they are fitted with tubed tires (again, Outex conversion) That said, they lowered the price to $15500 Canadian Pesos.
http://www.ktm.com/ca-en/travel/1090-adventure-r/
I'm waiting patiently for the T7. My rebuild blue beast should now be good for at least 110hp (2016 pistons, rings, ecu flash, full arrow 8) ) So it can easily keep me entertained till the T7 shows.
1954
New Member
Another new bike that I saw the other day is the Aprilia Capanord 1200. I did not consider it because I did not know it existed. Has cruise, comes in 2 models with lots of electronic features. I still think I would have bought the S10 because I think the Aprilia is overpriced for a chain drive bike.
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
The cappo has nice electronic suspension (the live type, same as the ducati). But the motor is their old V2 not the V4, it's thirsty, and the dealer network very limited.1954 said:
Oh, and heavier than the tenere ???
1954 said:
The Capo is an alternative to the FJR. With the chain and Aprilia ownership issues I'd rather have the FJR.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=16002.msg247551#msg247551
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
They do make the off road Aprilia with 19/17 hoops. It's sort of tenere territory. But yeah, chain? I'd rather have shaft on a big bike.Checkswrecks said:
http://www.aprilia-canada.ca/motorcycles/caponord-1200-abs-rally.html
Not sure if it even comes with a centerstand, which is damn near a must.
That said, I did do a couple of nice 3k km trips on my FJ09, and the chain never bothered me. Quick lube every 600km, and it was good to go. I do carry a socket and ghetto breaker bar in case I need to adjust it.
I can live with a chain. After all, dang near 50 years of riding and 95% of my bikes came with one.
They'll never be a deal-breaker on an otherwise desired machine.
However, I have this bike with shaft drive and another with a belt. I definitely enjoy the less worry of them both.
Still, for 1-up multi-week ADV trips, I'm intrigued by the DCT equipped AT. But straight off the show room floor it'd be a $long ways from matching up to my Tenere.
It's just so well sorted for me at this point.
They'll never be a deal-breaker on an otherwise desired machine.
However, I have this bike with shaft drive and another with a belt. I definitely enjoy the less worry of them both.
Still, for 1-up multi-week ADV trips, I'm intrigued by the DCT equipped AT. But straight off the show room floor it'd be a $long ways from matching up to my Tenere.
It's just so well sorted for me at this point.
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
A few guys here that lean more towards hard core off road don't like the DCT.snakebitten said:
Personally I wouldn't give up a clutch.
Was assuming a rekluse like experience? Seems cool. Pretty nice engineering by Honda.
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
yes and no. The rekluse still gives you the ability to use your clutch to wheelie over logs etc..but you can basically leave the clutch out, and the bike stays in gear. Twist and go, when you want it with the advantage of a clutch. Honda is twist and go.snakebitten said:
I have an S10 and an AT. My plan was to purchase the AT, then sell my S10. Then I saw what used S10s were selling for and decided I didn't want to give it away so I'd just keep it as a spare. I'm glad I did. The S10 is a great bike and I prefer it for paved, long distance riding. It also has better wind protection so it's better for Winter riding, and the extra 200ccs definitely make a difference in power.
However, the AT feels 150 lbs lighter than the S10 which makes it more enjoyable on gravel and dirt roads, and light trail use (I'm not crazy enough to take a 500+ lb bike on single track, that's what my WR250R is for). The DCT is absolutely incredible. It basically feels like a formula 1 transmission in the twisties. Don't knock it till you've tried it, it's fantastic, and it probably represents the future of motorcycles IMO (It's THAT good).
However, the AT feels 150 lbs lighter than the S10 which makes it more enjoyable on gravel and dirt roads, and light trail use (I'm not crazy enough to take a 500+ lb bike on single track, that's what my WR250R is for). The DCT is absolutely incredible. It basically feels like a formula 1 transmission in the twisties. Don't knock it till you've tried it, it's fantastic, and it probably represents the future of motorcycles IMO (It's THAT good).
Nice to hear an honest comparison from someone who actual has both bikes.
That's good enough for me.
And yea, if I was to grab one, it'd be difficult to pass on one of its most amazing features.
That's good enough for me.
And yea, if I was to grab one, it'd be difficult to pass on one of its most amazing features.
R
RonH
Guest
Is the dual clutch as awesome as an automatic transmission in a new truck, VS a manual? Of course you can't buy a manual in a truck anymore because the public was to stupid and lazy and insisted on automatic. Lazy dipfricks ruined trucks, now we can ruin motorcycles? Hope not. I won't buy one, won't consider buying one ever and don't care how fabulous they are to those that appreciate lazy.