New Honda Africa Twin

[88millimeter]

If they'd done this in '10-'11 things may have gone differently. Shaft drive though...
Did you see the left hand guard? What's up with that?

Lol, wow good eye. I agree it would be hard going back to a chain from a shaft drive but a friend with an f800gs said his chain lasts longer when he doesnt lubricate it a lot because lube attracts dirt and grime which wears out the chain quicker. Maybe i'll just copy his less lube is more approach. But i truly believe this bike will fit my needs so well that i could live with no shaft drive.

 

[tomatocity]

If they'd done this in '10-'11 things may have gone differently. Shaft drive though...
Did you see the left hand guard? What's up with that?

They stole it off of a Tenere

 

[Donk]

To each his own. They always look good in the Press release. One things for sure, it may be a 1000 but Honda will price it as a loaded 1200. Last Honda that I enjoyed owning was a mid '80s V-Twin Ascot. That was a good bike. It was even shaft drive! I've had a few other Hondas since and none have really impressed me. I'm pretty happy with my Yamahas, no need to change. New and different doesn't always equal better. ::022::

 

[RED CAT]

Adventure Rider has 60 pages of New Africa Twin stuff if anyone is interested. I'll certainly have a look when they come out.

 

[2112]

I couldn't go back to chain drive for my main bike, OK for a toy, but no use for touring. Just my two penneth worth but as a former Africa Twin owner I think they've left it too late, this bike should have been out in 2010...

 

[limey]

I'm definitely intrested in the Africa twin I just find the S10 is getting heavier as I get older.

 

[Tyke]

It's a Honda ! That means it'll be Spendy, delicate , very complicated and a Royal PITA to work on AND after 2yrs of production, Honda will cease building it , then you'll be stuck with a worthless "Albatross" that no one will want.
Yamaha has a statistically proven track record as the most reliable, trouble free ,best built motorcycles in the world.
I'll stick with my S10 !

Hats off to that ::008::

 

[Scoobynut]

It's a Honda ! That means it'll be Spendy, delicate , very complicated and a Royal PITA to work on AND after 2yrs of production, Honda will cease building it , then you'll be stuck with a worthless "Albatross" that no one will want.
Yamaha has a statistically proven track record as the most reliable, trouble free ,best built motorcycles in the world.
I'll stick with my S10 !

Delicate? Royal PITA to work on? Those aren't things Honda is normally associated with. Maybe you have Red confused with Orange (KTM).

 

[frez]

Later model VFRs were definitely a pain to work on to the extent many didn't bother with valve adjustments.

 

[rem]

............. I just find the S10 is getting heavier as I get older.

So am I. What's your point ??? ::012:: ::014:: ::025:: ::015::

 

[limey]

So am I. What's your point ??? ::012:: ::014:: ::025:: ::015::

Had to pick her up twice on the weekend...bloody sand, all within 10 mins

 

[greg the pole]

Adventure Rider has 60 pages of New Africa Twin stuff if anyone is interested. I'll certainly have a look when they come out.

with a bunch of bickering back and forth...
Give us specs, a price, then everyone can form their own opinion.
After all.. they are like assholes, everyone's got one.

 

[trikepilot]

I believe that potential lies in the eyes of the beholder.

For those that want their Tenere to be an "aggressive FJR" that will primarily chew up touring miles and rarely go offroad - the the new AfricaTwin is likely less appealing.

Yet, for those that treat their Tenere like TBDBITW - the new AfricaTwin is somewhat tantalizing. The 200cc's we lose are rather worthless given our chosen application. The significant weight loss (if Honda hits its purported target) is a huge bonus. I love my Tenere and I flog her pretty hard offroad as my preference. I would gladly give up some of the power I never use to get something a bit more directed to my intended use.

The bottom line is that a dual sport bike is compromise no matter how you slice it. I am of the opinion that the AfricaTwin could be a "better" compromise for those than want a dirt bike that can also chew up paved and smooth gravel miles in comfort AND improve dirt handling.

Of course, any of this is pure speculation that will only be resolved by swinging a leg over the new bike and seeing firsthand what she feels like. I am not ashamed nor does it betray my love for my Tenere to admit that I will give it a try.

 

[snakebitten]

Well said, my TBDBITW brother!

 

[Donk]

So am I. What's your point ??? ::012:: ::014:: ::025:: ::015::

GOOD ONE! ::015::