My Nearly New Honda Africa Twin
Discussion
Bit of background, I’ve been riding off road bikes for almost 40 years, mostly enduro bikes, and have owned Yamaha WRF Models and KTM EXC too.
For the last few years I’ve also owned a Montesa Cota, doing local clubman trials.
My last big road bike was an Aprillia Mille, but that was over 15 years ago now!
I have been craving an Adventure bike for some time and really hankered after a BMW GS 1250, i priced one up a few years back, even then it came to over £15K new, and nearly new were so close in price it wasn’t worth looking at second hand.
However that £15k headline figure was just too big a pill to swallow, so the rush of blood to the head went away.
For some reason I now keep having a punt on these Facebook competitions for bikes, came really close on the list a few times but I know I not that Lucky!
So I started looking at BMW GS models again, and with the anniversary model just out, used the online configuration tool, a few clicks and option packs, and there it is, £21K adventure bike.
I was blown away, even if I could afford one, if Mrs P found out that would be me divorced and thrown out damn sharp!
So I started looking a bit wider, and landed looking at KTM 790 adventure models, mostly because someone on here said they were doing deals on 790 models with the 890 coming out.
So I managed to find a new old stock 790 at my local dealers for £10k, so started working out how to buy it.
By the time i access to some funds, that bike had predictably been sold.
The dealer said they could do me a deal on a new 890, but it was still £12K territory, and again it put me off.
So full circle again, and I started looking at Africa Twin models.
Owned many Hondas in my lifetime, in fact my first ever new bike back in the 80,s was a Honda XL125S, nothing fancy but I loved that little bike as my first ever bike.
So started looking at new Honda Africa Twin 1100, and again a bewildering model range, 4 variants, going up again to £15k territory.
Still the model and features appealed, so most unlike me, I set myself a max budget of £10k, and told myself, absolutely no “ Project Scope creep” and started the search.
There are a lot of bikes for sale out there, but all seemed to have big miles for the two year old bikes.
I narrowed the model selection down to the 30th Anniversary Adventure Sport Model, and also looked for one with DCT, something that really appeals to me for more on road use than off road.
Thought I had found one that was perfect, only 900 miles, and. 2019 model, and priced at £9800 from a Honda dealer, but once again, it was sold within hours of the advert going live.
That dealer tried hard to sell me several other models, but none of them were the Adventure sport model, just the standard one.
So carried on looking and eventually found one that had just been advertised by the Honda dealer in Leicester.
Called and had a chat, went over the specs, told them I was a cash buyer, and we did a deal!
So I am now the proud owner of a 2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sport 30th Anniversary model, with just 260 miles on it.
So I reckon that’s as a good as nearly new can get, and the dealer is doing the first service for me, even though it’s not due to be done until 600 miles.
Dealer has told me about the recall on the tank due to particle ingress blocking the fuel filter, so it’s currently having that work done under warranty by the dealer.
So I don’t have the bike yet, but I expect to take delivery perhaps next week.
Seems there are a bit of Honda haters out there, not sure why, but I am happy with my new to me bike, and looking forward to having a good play and learning all about the DCT system too.
So look out for lots of pictures when I get it, and I’m sure I will be starting with lots of little upgrades too soon.
And like all the owners seem to post, I shall be using the ATAS acronym for all my posts too!
For the last few years I’ve also owned a Montesa Cota, doing local clubman trials.
My last big road bike was an Aprillia Mille, but that was over 15 years ago now!
I have been craving an Adventure bike for some time and really hankered after a BMW GS 1250, i priced one up a few years back, even then it came to over £15K new, and nearly new were so close in price it wasn’t worth looking at second hand.
However that £15k headline figure was just too big a pill to swallow, so the rush of blood to the head went away.
For some reason I now keep having a punt on these Facebook competitions for bikes, came really close on the list a few times but I know I not that Lucky!
So I started looking at BMW GS models again, and with the anniversary model just out, used the online configuration tool, a few clicks and option packs, and there it is, £21K adventure bike.
I was blown away, even if I could afford one, if Mrs P found out that would be me divorced and thrown out damn sharp!
So I started looking a bit wider, and landed looking at KTM 790 adventure models, mostly because someone on here said they were doing deals on 790 models with the 890 coming out.
So I managed to find a new old stock 790 at my local dealers for £10k, so started working out how to buy it.
By the time i access to some funds, that bike had predictably been sold.
The dealer said they could do me a deal on a new 890, but it was still £12K territory, and again it put me off.
So full circle again, and I started looking at Africa Twin models.
Owned many Hondas in my lifetime, in fact my first ever new bike back in the 80,s was a Honda XL125S, nothing fancy but I loved that little bike as my first ever bike.
So started looking at new Honda Africa Twin 1100, and again a bewildering model range, 4 variants, going up again to £15k territory.
Still the model and features appealed, so most unlike me, I set myself a max budget of £10k, and told myself, absolutely no “ Project Scope creep” and started the search.
There are a lot of bikes for sale out there, but all seemed to have big miles for the two year old bikes.
I narrowed the model selection down to the 30th Anniversary Adventure Sport Model, and also looked for one with DCT, something that really appeals to me for more on road use than off road.
Thought I had found one that was perfect, only 900 miles, and. 2019 model, and priced at £9800 from a Honda dealer, but once again, it was sold within hours of the advert going live.
That dealer tried hard to sell me several other models, but none of them were the Adventure sport model, just the standard one.
So carried on looking and eventually found one that had just been advertised by the Honda dealer in Leicester.
Called and had a chat, went over the specs, told them I was a cash buyer, and we did a deal!
So I am now the proud owner of a 2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sport 30th Anniversary model, with just 260 miles on it.
So I reckon that’s as a good as nearly new can get, and the dealer is doing the first service for me, even though it’s not due to be done until 600 miles.
Dealer has told me about the recall on the tank due to particle ingress blocking the fuel filter, so it’s currently having that work done under warranty by the dealer.
So I don’t have the bike yet, but I expect to take delivery perhaps next week.
Seems there are a bit of Honda haters out there, not sure why, but I am happy with my new to me bike, and looking forward to having a good play and learning all about the DCT system too.
So look out for lots of pictures when I get it, and I’m sure I will be starting with lots of little upgrades too soon.
And like all the owners seem to post, I shall be using the ATAS acronym for all my posts too!
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks for the feedback!Yes I’ve been doing a lot of research on the owner forums and studying all the YouTube videos too.
As you say D setting seems to be pretty much Dull mode, so I can see me using it mostly in a sport mode and flicking the left buttons when needed!
Got to say it’s amazing the tech you hey on bikes these days, I will be interested to see how the G button and gravel mode works off road too!
Should really be quite a big and exciting adventure I feel!
Chicken Chaser said:
I really like the look of the AT but then there seems to have been a mixed bag of reviews when everyone bought the entire UK stock on here a few years ago. They're probably ideal for the kind of riding I'd be doing, although might not opt for DCT.
I think that’s the same for me, a bike has to took right for me to want to make it mine, and this just looks so right I knew I just had to have one.I just love the White, Blue and red scheme, it’s ultra modern in lots of ways, but nice styling cues back to the original Africa Twin of 30 years ago.
I think Honda have got that aspect nailed, and I love the fact that the logo on the tank is in the shape of the African Continent too.
Yep the whole DCT debate really seems to divide opinions, but I love tech and this appeals to me so I think that will be a great new learning curve for me!
jjones said:
Snap (although an 18)
It also is the DCT which I love. Booked in for the tank fuel filter recall also.
Couple of cheap mods you might want to consider are:
Fender extender (stops a lot of crap splashing onto the front frame)
Kriega fork seal covers
Also a centre stand is handy, i got an after market one was around £120 and pretty easy to fit (if you have a ratchet strap).
Cheers Bud,It also is the DCT which I love. Booked in for the tank fuel filter recall also.
Couple of cheap mods you might want to consider are:
Fender extender (stops a lot of crap splashing onto the front frame)
Kriega fork seal covers
Also a centre stand is handy, i got an after market one was around £120 and pretty easy to fit (if you have a ratchet strap).
Edited by jjones on Friday 19th February 11:55
Yes I think a center stand is a must!
Obvious question but what are the fork seal covers for?
Presumably an extra level of dust egress protection over and above the standard fork seals?
And yes I did think about that fender extender too!
Another update, dealer just let me know the fuel tank recall work is completed.
And they have also confirmed delivery for next week too!
I’m actually more excited than when my last Caterham was delivered!
Now next question who is the best for insurance?
I’ve used the MCN bike compare thing, and Bennett’s came out cheapest, but I know they are not the best.
I’ve used Carol Nash on my bikes in the past, but they are a lot more money.
So question , is it worth it , or do other people have another recommendation?
Thanks guys!
And they have also confirmed delivery for next week too!
I’m actually more excited than when my last Caterham was delivered!
Now next question who is the best for insurance?
I’ve used the MCN bike compare thing, and Bennett’s came out cheapest, but I know they are not the best.
I’ve used Carol Nash on my bikes in the past, but they are a lot more money.
So question , is it worth it , or do other people have another recommendation?
Thanks guys!
Neal H said:
Re Insurance. I just run a compare the market search each year and see who’s cheapest. Premiums vary enormously and different companies are competitive on different types of bikes (Adventure, Sports, Naked etc). No idea who is good when making a claim though, as fortunately I’ve never had to make one!
Cheers Bud!That’s pretty much what I have done already!
It was just the wild difference in the prices from the cheapest at £220 to over £1K on some others.
And as we all know the true strength of any insurance company is when it comes time to claim !
Neal H said:
I wonder with Adventure bikes, whether there’s any clauses about off road use - a bit like no track days with cars?
Yeah that’s a good point, on my Montesa trials bike we had a special policy that covered us for competing in ACU trials, not for damage though of course, because we bash them all the time! 
I got an update From my dealer yesterday, to say that the warranty work had been done on the tank and that it’s ready.
So it’s going to be delivered on Tuesday now, which is great, but soda law says that I’m going to be out working all day in Oxford, so will have to wait until I get home on the evening.
Still great to look forward too!
So it’s going to be delivered on Tuesday now, which is great, but soda law says that I’m going to be out working all day in Oxford, so will have to wait until I get home on the evening.
Still great to look forward too!
Lancerevo said:
Don’t hate the dct straight away. Give it a fair chance. Far 2 many settings I found. When you get used to it, it’s great fun. Fell off mine though and nearly died. My fault not the bikes in any way. I had 2018 dct in black. Was lovely bike. I would probably not go for a dct again though.
I’m actually really looking forward to it!I do enjoy a challenge with new tech, and love dual clutch transmissions, with my Porsche Targa 4s with its PDK, and my M3 E93 with DCT, both excellent, but a bit bewildering to start with!
Once you get used to them though you wondered why you ever bothered with a manual with a clutch.
So I’m hoping this Will be the same, and will be fun to go on a learning journey for me!
jjones said:
Excellent!
Looks like our Drone survey job in Oxford for Tuesday is postponed now due to strong wind gusts, so hope to be home to receive it tomorrow!I would say I will be so excited i might not sleep tonight but I’ve been crawling a 1 Million square foot roof today with my fall arrest harness on all day, so I’m actually knackered!
Will probably be asleep by 9 tonight!
Rosscow said:
That looks lovely! Really like the anodised gold engine casing. Enjoy!
Yes I must admit I hadn’t seen that colour before now, it really pops in the daylight.It reminds me of Land Rover Nara Bronze and that’s not a bad thing I love that colour.
The vibrancy of the blues and red is ace too, and I’m actually surprised to find out the white is pearlescent, like the white I had on my White Caterham R500, again a special colour that I adore!
So first ride of my Africa Twin Adventure Sport today.
Just a quick ride to a local job in Warwick for a site inspection for our drone work.
The wind was the biggest issue as it turned out, as I went through the back lanes from home through some of my favourite and well known roads around Lapworth areas, at Times on exposed field areas my bike was pushed way off the vertical even on straight roads by the really strong gusting crosswinds.
But what a first ride, I was blown away!
As an experienced rider of a wide range of all sorts of bikes I was a little apprehensive of the DCT system I must admit.
My concern was the lack of clutch lever, and the fact should I ever need to , I could always reach for the clutch lever.
Which of course you can’t do on a DCT bike, it’s simply not there.
My next concern was low speed manoeuvring and handling, again no clutch to feather.
And my final worry was the frankly bewildering range of selectable options on the modes for riding.
So I’m pleased to report I was worried without a need to be.
The DCT is simply fantastic , it’s almost telepathic in the way it works.
On advice on the owners forum, I first pulled away in D so full auto mode.
As described it’s commonly called Dull or Desperate mode, it changes up so fast you are in 6th ( top gear) before you get to 30mph.
So next up was sport mode, and my god what a difference!
It changes gear so intelligently, it’s almost beyond belief.
Fast twisted road section, roll into the corner with a bit of trail braking and it slots down one gear, brake a bit more, and it’ does the same with a nice blip of the throttle.
It’s that good I started laughing to myself in my helmet, as you think to yourself, right 60 zone to 40, set of bends, we are in 4th, I was about to say, brake then 3rd, more brake then 2nd , but the bike had already worked it out and done it!
I’m literally mind blown.
My god me and this bike are going to have some fun together I can tell you!
Just a quick ride to a local job in Warwick for a site inspection for our drone work.
The wind was the biggest issue as it turned out, as I went through the back lanes from home through some of my favourite and well known roads around Lapworth areas, at Times on exposed field areas my bike was pushed way off the vertical even on straight roads by the really strong gusting crosswinds.
But what a first ride, I was blown away!
As an experienced rider of a wide range of all sorts of bikes I was a little apprehensive of the DCT system I must admit.
My concern was the lack of clutch lever, and the fact should I ever need to , I could always reach for the clutch lever.
Which of course you can’t do on a DCT bike, it’s simply not there.
My next concern was low speed manoeuvring and handling, again no clutch to feather.
And my final worry was the frankly bewildering range of selectable options on the modes for riding.
So I’m pleased to report I was worried without a need to be.
The DCT is simply fantastic , it’s almost telepathic in the way it works.
On advice on the owners forum, I first pulled away in D so full auto mode.
As described it’s commonly called Dull or Desperate mode, it changes up so fast you are in 6th ( top gear) before you get to 30mph.
So next up was sport mode, and my god what a difference!
It changes gear so intelligently, it’s almost beyond belief.
Fast twisted road section, roll into the corner with a bit of trail braking and it slots down one gear, brake a bit more, and it’ does the same with a nice blip of the throttle.
It’s that good I started laughing to myself in my helmet, as you think to yourself, right 60 zone to 40, set of bends, we are in 4th, I was about to say, brake then 3rd, more brake then 2nd , but the bike had already worked it out and done it!
I’m literally mind blown.
My god me and this bike are going to have some fun together I can tell you!
Richtea1970 said:
Nice bike!
I had a NC750 with the DCT box. I found it excellent, in sport mode 90% of the time and as I used it mostly for commuting was much better than clutch in/out all the time in traffic.
It really is a great system and has been around for a while now so all the problems have been ironed out. Surprised more manufacturers haven't developed their own systems.
I’ve been speaking to lots of new owners of all the Honda DCT systems all the way up to the big old girl Gold Wing owners, they all love it and would never go back to a manual bike now.I had a NC750 with the DCT box. I found it excellent, in sport mode 90% of the time and as I used it mostly for commuting was much better than clutch in/out all the time in traffic.
It really is a great system and has been around for a while now so all the problems have been ironed out. Surprised more manufacturers haven't developed their own systems.
I think what surprised me was the way you can ride it at slow speed almost stalling speed.
A couple of times on my trip home today I had to slow right down to a stop due to traffic, one was a young lady in a BMW with L plates on, she was obviously unsure what to do, so I was patient and decided to bumble along until she was happy to proceed.
She was trying to pass a cyclist but didn’t have the confidence to pull out oats them, as there was cars coming in the opposite direction.
Must have taken several minutes, I was at perhaps 1-3mph behind her all the way, my ATAS had come down the box to first, I was gently dabbing the rear brake, no clutch remember, but Carried on, feet up on the pegs, bike under perfect control and not once did I put my feet down, but felt under control, I was amazed!
FNG said:
Great buy OP, wish I'd got one TBH.
I was a bit bothered about the wheel and spoke corrosion on these gold rims, which was putting me off the tricolour scheme - which I reckon is the clincher that makes this bike look so much better than its competitors.
Sounds like the DCT is just the job for you. I need to have a go on one, just not buy one in a rush of blood to the head straight afterwards
I used to be like that, and worry about all the issues owners seem to find, but then said , nope stuff it , I love the look of it, and it’s a heart over head purchase, so I want it, I said I’m having it! I was a bit bothered about the wheel and spoke corrosion on these gold rims, which was putting me off the tricolour scheme - which I reckon is the clincher that makes this bike look so much better than its competitors.
Sounds like the DCT is just the job for you. I need to have a go on one, just not buy one in a rush of blood to the head straight afterwards
That’s where I am now!
And happy as a pig in Pooh!
FNG said:
Only reason I’m not on the same page as you is that I can’t afford to be 
I was the same to be fair, I’m usually always guilty of project scope creep with my toy purchases , but this time i was sensible and stuck to my limit!And as far as the triple colour scheme, to me it’s just perfect, there is beauty in the detail, and I love that.
But watch out for some personalised bits added to it soon, so I can make it more like my bike!
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