Honda Africa Twin Specs Leaked

[Squibb]

It's a bit early to draw conclusions.

Anyway I have heard this BS from sales people countless times. The fact is that, if you give a bike the big build up, then starve the market of availability, the bike seems like it's a 'must have ' machine. Let's give AT sales time to settle down - it's a big ask, taking on KTM at their own game. As others have said, Honda have 'form' - there was the Varadero, then the VFR1200 - huge build up, but missed the target. They forgot to leave enough room for fuel & BMW had moved the game forward ahead of them.

It will be interesting to understand the demographic & likely useage too - it seems strange to switch from a CB1000 to an AT for instance; suggests a Sundays Cafe Rider to me, rather than someone who loads up the bike with a pillion & luggage for a 3 week tour, in the manner I expect to be able to use the S10.

Still, each to their own, but let's take stock at the end of the season.

Ride Safe ....................... KEN

 

[Dogdaze]

I've sat on one, been offered a test ride too, but time dictated otherwise. I liked, alot. But tubed tyres and to a small degree the chain, was not enough, then add lack of cruise control and a few 'creature comforts' , I was put off, shame, as the ergos were brilliant.

 

[Ironhand]

Interesting. I'm seriously considering one. If Honda had offered the AT in 2012, I would own one. At the time, I looked at the KTM, but reliability concerns and a sparse dealer network around these parts kept me away. I was interested in the GSA as well, but well... In the end, the ST was the only sensible choice. I still love the bike, but a slightly more off-road capable Honda? Tough call.

 

[twinrider]

I bought one and really like it.

 

[Dogdaze]

I bought one and really like it.

::006::

 

[RIDEMYST]

Got to see both the African Twin and the Crosstourer (aka VFR1200X) at the Honda tent at Bike Week, both very nice bikes. Unfortunately Honda was not offering demo rides.



Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[twinrider]

::006::

 

[Dogdaze]

Looks like the DCT version? How do you like it, compared to the S10?

 

[Checkswrecks]

The AT sure is a pretty bike that has an inviting look.
Can't wait to ride one.

 

[twinrider]

Looks like the DCT version? How do you like it, compared to the S10?

The AT has exceeded my expectations in every way. Motor, DCT, suspension, handling, brakes, headlights.

When you see the AT it looks big, but when you sit on it somehow it shrinks to about the size of a 400cc bike. That combined with its low CoG and you feel like you can toss it around really easily. It never feels like a big heavy bike.

I rode both the manual and the DCT and went for the latter. The extra engine modes and the way it downshifts so quickly when you gas it really makes the engine punch above its weight compared to the manual. You could go just as fast on the MT but it'd be constant work rowing through the gears. The motor is super smooth and puts out decent torque and power. It also spins up very quickly and the throttle is light so it feels pretty effortless to ride quickly. Much lighter than the S10's throttle, which I always found tiring over long distances.

The DCT works great. Lots of modes to choose from depending on how relaxed/aggressive you want to ride and the way it senses you braking and downshifts at the same time to provide engine braking as well as good power coming out of corners is awesome. Manual is great for really aggressive corner carving as you can choose exactly when you want to shift rather than have the DCT brain decide and it shifts so quickly you can do it at any time even leaned over mid corner.

The suspension works amazingly well, soft enough to soak up all the bumps yet firm enough to keep handling precise even at very high speeds over twisty bumpy roads.

The brakes are very progressive and powerful. They aren't linked like the S10's so you do have to get used to applying the rear independently again.

I had my doubts about the led headlights given their size but they turned out to be the best I've had on any bike. The low beam lights up a very large area in front of the bike, and the high beam goes way out in the distance. Bike mag rated them better than the 12GS's led headlight, which is also very bright.

The handing is maybe the biggest surprise. I spent all day yesterday on twisty back roads and the AT railed through them like a sport bike. It's incredibly easy to ride very fast. I can go much faster on it than I could on my S10, despite the Yamaha having a much more powerful motor (flashed with a full aftermarket exhaust and power commander). The Yamaha feels/rides like a much larger, heavier bike in comparison.

I've only done a little gravel on it, but so far so good. Again, because it feels small and light, it's easy to control.

You can see where Honda cut corners to keep the cost down. The subframe is welded to the main frame. No option to remove the rear seat permanently, less bungee points, switch gear feels/looks cheaper. But the important stuff is much better imo. Handling, engine smoothness and response, etc. Traction control can be switched on the fly, rear abs can be cancelled. Ambient temp gauge is accurate ;->

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Great write up. Glad you are enjoying the bike. Does it feel like a bike which would be comfortable doing 8 hour days?

 

[twinrider]

Great write up. Glad you are enjoying the bike. Does it feel like a bike which would be comfortable doing 8 hour days?

Yes, it's in the same league as the S10 in the comfort stakes and some might find it more comfortable because the handlebars have less sweep and the ergonomics are more dirt bike-like. No plans to add risers or change the seat. The footpegs are also a little more forward.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Very interesting. My wife's S10 is probably getting replaced this year. Makes me curious if she'll be getting my 2015 S10, and I'll get...?

Thanks for your review.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

One more question, and this one is important.

Does it want to wheelie as much as the promo videos imply?

 

[Checkswrecks]

I'd be really interested if it had a shaft. I'm done with commuting and touring on chain driven bikes, which is what my Tenere mostly is for.

 

[Dogdaze]

Thanks for that real world write-up, maybe next time I should take it for a spin instead of just sitting on it........

 

[twinrider]

Very interesting. My wife's S10 is probably getting replaced this year. Makes me curious if she'll be getting my 2015 S10, and I'll get...?

Thanks for your review.

My pleasure, and hope you get a chance to try one. If you like riding off tarmac and aggressively in twisties, I think you'll prefer it.

 

[twinrider]

I'd be really interested if it had a shaft. I'm done with commuting and touring on chain driven bikes, which is what my Tenere mostly is for.

I'm adding a Scottoiler. That makes the chain almost maintenance free and very long lasting.

 

[EricV]

I'm adding a Scottoiler. That makes the chain almost maintenance free and very long lasting.

Nice choice, that's a good product. Do take the time to set it up just right in the beginning, it pays dividends later on. Almost maintenance free still means carrying a spare chain and sprockets here in the US and replacing the chain every ~20k or so, depending on use and conditions. When you do 8-12k mile trips, it's more of an issue than when you live on an island ~1000 miles long.

Thanks for the nice write up. Good info from the perspective of a Super Tenere owner/rider and appreciated. While I'll take a look when they are available here, it might be something more for the wife so we can ditch her F650GS2 finally, even if we have to live with the chain still.

 

[Dogdaze]

There's a guy over on Stromtrooper site that manages to get 35-50k miles from his chain and sprocket, all without ever cleaning, so chains have come a long way, just messy.....