Rode an Africa Twin today

[Dogdaze]

On the subject of tubed tires, I haven't looked around, but I wonder what is available in a front tubeless 21 inch tire? Do any other adv type bikes with 21 inch tires have tubeless?

I could be wrong here, but you just run TL tyres but with an innertube, at least that's what they run on 800GS's

 

[Chuck B]

I could be wrong here, but you just run TL tyres but with an innertube, at least that's what they run on 800GS's

I think what he meant to say, "what is available in a tubeless rim..."

 

[OldRider]

I think you're asking if the tire makers make the 21" in tubless, the answer is yes, they all do.

 

[greg the pole]

Well, the first impression, after jumping on it from the S10, is the narrow seat and the narrow gas tank. Pegs are more forward and bit higher than on S10. It's quite strange ant first. The seating position feels cramped compared to my bike. Let's not forget that I have shorter dog bones and custom seat (+4cm), l enduro bars and pivot rox. I was hoping to have my leg completely stretched out when reaching for the ground, but instead I feel almost like on a street bike.
Definitely something I would need to address.
Hate the tube tires. What they where thinking.
When you fire it up, you have to appreciate the sound from the stock can. Waaay beter then S10, even with the Akra. Engine noise is also more pleasant to the ear. It's a brand new bike though.
Once on the move first thing you notice is the perfect fueling and the quick revving nature of this parallel twin. To be honest, it feels faster then my S10, at least in this test I did in the city with moderate traffic. Of the line is definitely more snappier. Suspension wise, it feels closer to my exc then the Tenere. Under hard braking it dives just like an Enduro or DS bike, thanks to the long travel suspension. I'm use to it, so I don't mind.
Brakes are just fine. Not to sensitive and powerful enough. Shifter and the clutch are spot on, but I would prefer a Brembo or Magura hydraulic unit. Dashboard it's not my cup of tea, but I definitely need a longer ride to really say anything more clever about it.
What I do like is on the fly TC settings. I think it's 1,2,3 & Off. 3 is similar to our 2, and it's action is also Yamaha smooth.
Abs off button is a plus too.

I was at the Albanian Rally this June, as a support for a friend of mine who raced for the first time in big bikes class. The was a brand new Africa Twin ridden by Italian Ugo Filosa. The bike was almost completely stock. This guy arrived first in class, second overall with meters behind another Italian guy on rally replica 450 bike. Amazing. As for the bike, in this 5 days he had no technical issues at all, except one slow speed crash when he damaged one foot peg.

I could see my self on one of these, but the price here makes no sense at all. When you pay for the center stand, it's only 1800$ shy of 1190R and 400$ more then the S10 with Travel kit, and the travel kit includes panniers, led fog lamps, skid plate, touring screen, etc.

In My book, there's no comparison between the two, as a whole package. Offroad abilities are probably far off, but I'm holding myself pretty good against my buddies with 950/990's , so I suppose I will wait a bit longer to find the right replacement for the mighty S10.
Maybe the new baby Tenere...Who knows.

thanks Cosmic. I have not had a ride yet, but will wait at least a year until the baby t shows, and the demand vs supply comes in line.
right now in NA the demand is huge, and supply low.
Our prices are different here in Canada (all prices are out the door i.e. all in/included)
AT manual (red) $15800, base black would be $200 less
ST non ES based on MSRP $18100
1190R $20000

 

[greg the pole]

On the subject of tubed tires, I haven't looked around, but I wonder what is available in a front tubeless 21 inch tire? Do any other adv type bikes with 21 inch tires have tubeless?

KTM 1190 (19/17" rims)/1190R (21/18" rims) Tenere (19/17" rims), and the big Triumph (19/17"), GS 1200 WC (19/17" rims), both Vstroms (19/17" rims) the big honda v4 are a tubless rim

KTM 690 ADV, Triumph XC (21/17") GS F800 (21/18), Honda AT (21/18") run tubes

You could convert any of the above bikes to a tubless rim, with kits like these:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KTM-690-ENDURO-R-Spoke-Wheel-Tubeless-Kit-OUTEX-/291399469230?hash=item43d8c308ae:g:dYAAAOxykMpTJ6D5

or risk running a tubliss set up (as long as its 21 or 18" as they don't make other sizes) on the road, which it's not meant for. Tubliss is great for off road, as long as it's installed correctly it will hold air for ages, and gives you the ability to run at zero tire pressure, and your tire bead staying on

 

[fredz43]

I think you're asking if the tire makers make the 21" in tubless, the answer is yes, they all do.

You are correct, Sir! Thank you for the info that all tire manufacturers make 21 inch tubless tires. And Greg says the 1190R comes with a 21 inch tubless. rim. So, in that case, the AT could be supplied with tubless rims front and back (21 and 18) and there would still be many choices of tires to fit their sizes. I thought that they may have gone with tube type rims because of lack of a selection of 21 inch tubless tires, but evidently not.

 

[cosmic]

thanks Cosmic. I have not had a ride yet, but will wait at least a year until the baby t shows, and the demand vs supply comes in line.
right now in NA the demand is huge, and supply low.
Our prices are different here in Canada (all prices are out the door i.e. all in/included)
AT manual (red) $15800, base black would be $200 less
ST non ES based on MSRP $18100
1190R $20000

Unbelievable... forse that sort of money, I would not think twice.
AT price in Croatia is 22400CAD.

 

[greg the pole]

Unbelievable... forse that sort of money, I would not think twice.
AT price in Croatia is 22400CAD.

that's utter insanity.
We're spoiled in NA. I recently bought a brand new FJ09 (MT Tracer) for $11 OTD. Bargain.

 

[twinrider]

KTM 1190 (19/17" rims)/1190R (21/18" rims) Tenere (19/17" rims), and the big Triumph (19/17"), GS 1200 WC (19/17" rims), both Vstroms (19/17" rims) the big honda v4 are a tubless rim

KTM 690 ADV, Triumph XC (21/17") GS F800 (21/18), Honda AT (21/18") run tubes

You could convert any of the above bikes to a tubless rim, with kits like these:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/KTM-690-ENDURO-R-Spoke-Wheel-Tubeless-Kit-OUTEX-/291399469230?hash=item43d8c308ae:g:dYAAAOxykMpTJ6D5

or risk running a tubliss set up (as long as its 21 or 18" as they don't make other sizes) on the road, which it's not meant for. Tubliss is great for off road, as long as it's installed correctly it will hold air for ages, and gives you the ability to run at zero tire pressure, and your tire bead staying on

About 7000 km on my Outex conversion, working great.

 

[Brick]

that's utter insanity.
We're spoiled in NA. I recently bought a brand new FJ09 (MT Tracer) for $11 OTD. Bargain.

The Yamaha dealer in Hickory, NC has a 2015 brand new FJ09 with a sign on it---- "OTD price $9,999.00". That was as of last Friday... I only assume it's still there.


Let's Ride!
Brick

 

[Stridey]

Rode an AFRICA TWIN today at my dealer whilst waiting for my OEM heated grips to be installed.
The AT was a used with 1700 miles bad was the CCT version. First time on an "auto" bike but impressed by the easy way to ride. Would be good in traffic too to give the left hand a rest. Good Points. Sound brill in stock exhaust. Engine very quiet mechanically compared to S10. 21" front wheel seems to steer easily. Goes well in sport mode with the CCT giving it a very linear progress. Minus points. Seat a bit low for me. Maybe on low setting? Instrument LCD screen has a lot of info on it and detail is quite small. Chain drive.
Overview.
A good modern bike and shows can be done so let's hope Yamaha step up to the game with a replacement for the S10.


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[twinrider]

Rode an AFRICA TWIN today at my dealer whilst waiting for my OEM heated grips to be installed.
The AT was a used with 1700 miles bad was the CCT version. First time on an "auto" bike but impressed by the easy way to ride. Would be good in traffic too to give the left hand a rest. Good Points. Sound brill in stock exhaust. Engine very quiet mechanically compared to S10. 21" front wheel seems to steer easily. Goes well in sport mode with the CCT giving it a very linear progress. Minus points. Seat a bit low for me. Maybe on low setting? Instrument LCD screen has a lot of info on it and detail is quite small. Chain drive.
Overview.
A good modern bike and shows can be done so let's hope Yamaha step up to the game with a replacement for the S10.


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The seat must have been on the low setting as it has me on my tip toes and seems good for people up to about 6'4".

The chain drive is a lot more responsive over bumps than the S10's shaft and the lighter weight is appreciated, good and bad points for both.