First time riding the Africa Twin. I feel like a hero.

"Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!!" (eurylokhos) 09/10/2020 at 18:47 • Filed to: None

9

31

Picked up the 2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sports today. I’ve wanted one of these for years, and I wanted to get one of the pre 2020 models because I didn’t want the new electronics. So when I saw that Honda had a big rebate and .9 financing for 60mo, I decided to pull the trigger even though this is not the time that I would ideally like to put out the money.

My son and I. He insisted that I wear the Africa Twin shirt I’ve had for a year or so.

The deal that the (kinda) local dealer had couldn’t be passed up. $10999 + doc and setup for $11.8k out the door. Normal price is $15099 plus fees for $16k OTD. I think this silver color scheme isn’t the most popular, because they had 6 of these, and probably 5 of the standard AT in the blue scheme. They also have some DCT models for people who swing that way, but I wanted simplicity and the old school 6 speed. Put down half as a down payment and will pay the rest off in the next 6 months or so.

0 miles!

Got it home on the trailer, it had 0 miles. I’ve never bought something out of the crate before. It’s quite the feeling.

The mighty tree pulling the AT

Got it home and took it for a quick ride. I used to sell bikes in college, so in the late 90s I rode most things out there. This is a totally new experience. I’d read that it’s like a big dirt bike, and that’s accurate. It feels like a larger XR650L except with way more power except extremely comfortable with some wind management. Above 50 or so the windshield is terrible for me, it just buffets unless I duck down, so I’ll have to make a change to get the blast to either hit a bit higher or lower so my head is in clean air. I did 24mi, it was 85deg and I didn’t really feel any heat coming at me. I did a mix of back twisty roads in the 35mph range and a bit of highway at 65.

It’s really an interesting feel. For street bikes I’ve always owned sport bikes, this couldn’t be farther from that, it takes a good push to get it to lean in, but is very stable in the corners. Bumps are just soaked up without drama, it is a really comfortable bike. I really love how it feels. I’ve never ridden a bike that has all these settings, and never anything that shows me what gear I’m in. It’s kinda cool.

Where it sits now

So that’s day 1 of Africa Twin Adventure Sports ownership. I guess I need to map out my route around the globe now.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 19:25

1

Yesssssss, another Honda m an!

I believe  the windshield is adjustable which might help if it isn’t already raised for you.

OhCrikeyTheRozzers > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 19:27

1

Interested to hear your impressions as you get more miles in; I’m a huge fan of Honda products and was always intrigued by the Africa Twin.  Can’t imagine ever getting rid of my Tiger 800 XC but don’t doubt the AT is a phenomenal bike.  Cheers!

slipperysallylikespenguins > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 19:59

1

A fuel gauge and gear indicator are life changers

Sovande > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 20:10

1

At 6'4, this looks like one of the few bikes I would actually feel comfortable on. Enjoy! It sure looks fun! 

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Sovande 09/10/2020 at 20:13

1

It’s definitely not for short people. I’m just a hair under 6'1", and I can’t flat foot it on both sides with the seat in the low position. I can be flat on one side and on the ball of my foot on the other. It’s pretty comfy, like a dirtbike except with a wide soft seat.

Sovande > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 20:15

2

If I wasn't terrified of motorcycles, I'd take a look. I'll have to live vicariously through your adventures, so make sure to keep them coming! 

jminer > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 20:29

1

Awesome!

A couple years ago I bought it’s baby brother the CB500x and had those same feelings, first time I ever b ought anything new and it was amazing.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 21:00

2

There’sa solution for your buffeting issues:

https://www.swegotech.com/Forkshield-Africa-Twin-CRF1000L-stop-ADV-helmet-vibrations.html

It was the first mod I did on mine. The buffeting would start giving me headaches within half an hour sometimes, but now I can ride all day with no problems there.

Decay and I picked up our Africa Twins last year on a similar deal, under 10k but not adventure sports. Like you said, too good a deal to pass up.

Congrats!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > OhCrikeyTheRozzers 09/10/2020 at 21:04

0

I’ve got 9k on mine in a year. Really fantastic bike. Better off-road than a tiger, but not quite as good on road. I bought mine after riding a tiger, but couldn't get as good a deal on a tiger either.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/10/2020 at 21:23

0

I’ve heard about that. You didn’t make any other windshield changes? I’m surprised that alone would make that big of a difference. I just placed an order. Thanks. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/10/2020 at 21:39

1

No other changes. Granted, I’m 5'11", but even when I get up out of the seat a little there’s no buffeting. It honestly surprised me too, I did not actually think it would fix everything and was actively researching every aftermarket windshield option. 9k miles later, still running that fork shield and factory windshield.

These bikes are so damn good. The seat was honestly the only thing letting me down. I put a Sargent on it, which was an immediate, massive improvement.

Also highly recommend, if you're a tank bag person, Mosko Nomad.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/10/2020 at 21:50

1

Thanks. I can’t wait to get it on the bike. The buffeting is ridiculous. 

sn4cktimes > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 01:23

1

My Husky’s digital screen is like the stone age compared to that. It shows me speed, ODO,  signal light, high beam, a clock and will do a lap time. That is IT. Not even a fuel gauge. 

atfsgeoff > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 01:43

1

Fantastic deal you got there, the big ADV bikes are great for putting big miles on. Just be careful taking her off road, it won’t be easy picking her up after a drop!

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > sn4cktimes 09/11/2020 at 04:46

0

Sounds exactly  like my KTM. Makes sense, they’re the same company nowadays. 

bob and john > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 09:14

3

the 2019 adveture sports ONLY came in that silver. so they have a lot of inventory on that model....

EDIT: i currently sell bikes, and the AT, esp the 2019 AS, ranks up there as one of my fav bikes. fucking tall though. I’m 5'11" with a 32inch inseam, and I struggle to flat foot it

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 10:36

1

sooooo jelly

benjrblant > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/11/2020 at 13:12

0

oh! I’m glad to hear you’re 5'11". I’m 5'10" and have really been oogling an africa twin but was concerned about the height and size.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > benjrblant 09/11/2020 at 13:17

0

You’d be fine! I’m able to use it with the seat in the standard height position, but prefer low. I can flat foot in low on a level street, so I don’t feel like I’ll lose it on uneven off-road surfaces. The adventure sports version would almost certainly be too tall for you though.

Ooh! I ordered a mountain bike rack for the Africa Twin! Bikes on bikes on bikes!

benjrblant > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/11/2020 at 13:29

0

MTB rack on the Africa Twin? Dreamy! Post some pics when it’s up!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > benjrblant 09/11/2020 at 13:48

0

I know right!? Absolutely I will. No idea when it will show up though, production has slowed due to covid of course.

How are you liking your bike? Had it for about a year now, right? The revel...?

sn4cktimes > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 14:05

0

Yeah, my Husky is just a rebranded 350EXC-F

Spyder Eye > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 14:19

1

*** IMPORTANT NOTE*** Be sure to check this thread, there is common problem with all 2018-2019 ATAS gas tanks. This is something you need check in the first 1000 miles of ownership.

https://www.africatwinforum.com/threads/2018-2020-africa-twin-adventure-sports-atas-fueling-tank-issues-merged.35737/post-331668

goneWhere > Sovande 09/11/2020 at 15:24

0

The AT:AS is the only bike at my local Japanese bike dealship that felt naturally comfortable to me. I want to try out the T700 as well. My KLR requires lowering pegs and handlebar risers

6'4", 35" inseem.

Decay buys too many beaters > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 17:15

1

Congrats! I’m about a a year into owning my 2017 and it has been fantastic.

Equalsword > benjrblant 09/11/2020 at 18:44

1

I’m 5’9 and just got a  a 2020 Africa twin. Definitely have to respect the power of the bike and cannot flat foot at all but the bike is still manageable. After 1000 miles on it after 2 weeks it’s the best bike I’ve ever had

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Spyder Eye 09/11/2020 at 18:53

0

I’m familiar. I’ve been lurking on the AT forums for years now. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/11/2020 at 19:30

0

damnit. one of these days I’m gonna get my BMW F650 put back together from the 2nd carm removal (for float adjustment, since like and idiot I didn’t do that when I rebuilt the carbs initially...).

In my copious free time...

after I fix the barn(s)

and bale 3rd cut

and fix the tedder

and replace the tire on the mower

and...

...

benjrblant > Equalsword 09/11/2020 at 22:38

0

Rad! Thanks!

Bob > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 09/13/2020 at 11:59

1

I pic ked my identical ATAS from Nault’s about two weeks ago. Completed the 600 mile service yesterday (9/12). I r eally love the bike so far. New exhaust arrives this week.

The consensus online seems to be that running 87 octane fuel is preferred. I learned this after expressing some concern about minor fueling issues. I’ll try it next tank.

If yours was also missing the document bag (and included 5mm allen) and the toolkit like mine a call to American Honda should remedy that. I don’t understand the confusion on the dealership end. Those items are supposed to be with the bike upon delivery.

Enot your bike. I'll keep an eye out for you on the roads of New England. 

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Bob 09/13/2020 at 12:58

0

Nice! I’m at 170mi now. Spent a couple hours on trails around Strafford yesterday. I grew up there and used to ride my dirt bikes on them. It’s a really great off road machine, feels like a dirt bike, seems to get smaller when up on the pegs in the woods. I’ll be tire shopping this week, the mud I got into was tough.