Honda Africa Twin impressions
Aug 7, 2018 12:12:31 GMT -5
jokerrelentless, tommyguns, and 1 more like this
Post by LOBO on Aug 7, 2018 12:12:31 GMT -5
Hey amigos!
Being an old fan of the old Africa Twin 650, and reading about the way this iconic Honda went on to win a bunch of Paris-Dakar races, I was super stoked to ride the newer version of the bike. I've been reading all that came to my hands about this bike since its re-introduction in 2016, and even going to the NYC motorcycle shows just to see the updates, and talk with the Honda reps about the motorcycle. I knew it was just a matter of time before I'll jump on one for a long distance ride. So I did...
After an extensive test riding through thirteen European countries, here are my impressions on the Honda Africa Twin.
The Good:
1. Center of gravity is low. The bike feels really grounded and solid. I push the bike clocking 173kmph in the highway to Zacopane in Poland, with absolutely no vibrations and no rattles or funky sounds. Acceleration is smooth and even.
2. The bike has a slim design, that makes the 1000cc machine feels as maneuverable as medium size ADV bikes like the F800GS
3. Seat was comfortable for the long ride.
4. The windshield did an outstanding job deflecting air off my head and body, and yet is absolutely not intrusive to the riders line of vision.
The Bad:
1. The Control panel is not TFT, feels small and cluttered with info. The design is deficient.
2. Stock comes with no heated grips, no center stand, and still no cruise control.
3. Every time you turn off the bike it resets to the highest level of track control, which is annoying. Since I found out I like and felt comfortable at the level one. Would be nice if it would remember the last setting.
4. The tank design (plastics) are not as ergonomic as other ADV bikes, it feels unnatural and a bit awkward when you squeeze the bike with your thighs and knees.
But overall I must confess I fell in love with the Africa Twin. I felt secure and higher highway speeds, and had tons of fun throwing it around in the twisties. I'm seriously considering adding an Africa Twin to my garage.
... keep playing that lotto
Being an old fan of the old Africa Twin 650, and reading about the way this iconic Honda went on to win a bunch of Paris-Dakar races, I was super stoked to ride the newer version of the bike. I've been reading all that came to my hands about this bike since its re-introduction in 2016, and even going to the NYC motorcycle shows just to see the updates, and talk with the Honda reps about the motorcycle. I knew it was just a matter of time before I'll jump on one for a long distance ride. So I did...
After an extensive test riding through thirteen European countries, here are my impressions on the Honda Africa Twin.
The Good:
1. Center of gravity is low. The bike feels really grounded and solid. I push the bike clocking 173kmph in the highway to Zacopane in Poland, with absolutely no vibrations and no rattles or funky sounds. Acceleration is smooth and even.
2. The bike has a slim design, that makes the 1000cc machine feels as maneuverable as medium size ADV bikes like the F800GS
3. Seat was comfortable for the long ride.
4. The windshield did an outstanding job deflecting air off my head and body, and yet is absolutely not intrusive to the riders line of vision.
The Bad:
1. The Control panel is not TFT, feels small and cluttered with info. The design is deficient.
2. Stock comes with no heated grips, no center stand, and still no cruise control.
3. Every time you turn off the bike it resets to the highest level of track control, which is annoying. Since I found out I like and felt comfortable at the level one. Would be nice if it would remember the last setting.
4. The tank design (plastics) are not as ergonomic as other ADV bikes, it feels unnatural and a bit awkward when you squeeze the bike with your thighs and knees.
But overall I must confess I fell in love with the Africa Twin. I felt secure and higher highway speeds, and had tons of fun throwing it around in the twisties. I'm seriously considering adding an Africa Twin to my garage.
... keep playing that lotto
. As for the Harley...if you see me riding that thing, i'd expect you to throw rocks at me. Or bullets. 