Honda Africa twin Questions
Discussion
Been looking and quite fancy one of these. Went to my local bike shop today and looking about I do like the Africa Twin.
So questions, Anyone have one? any issues? Any accessories worth buying with the bike. I was going new.
I want a bike that will sit along my current bike as I am hoping to do some more touring over the next few years.
I want comfy, good range, Reliability. Having Honda's in the past I found them to be very good.
I have universal soft luggage that I prefer than Panniers and a top box.
Any advice on the Twin.
The other Alternatives I was only looking at was the HD Pan American or BMW 1250RS. But these may be out.
So questions, Anyone have one? any issues? Any accessories worth buying with the bike. I was going new.
I want a bike that will sit along my current bike as I am hoping to do some more touring over the next few years.
I want comfy, good range, Reliability. Having Honda's in the past I found them to be very good.
I have universal soft luggage that I prefer than Panniers and a top box.
Any advice on the Twin.
The other Alternatives I was only looking at was the HD Pan American or BMW 1250RS. But these may be out.
Had a 2018 Adventure Sport DCT that i bought at 2 years old. I put 12,000 miles on it before selling it.
Pros
DCT Gearbox I really liked
Comfortable, decent position for me
Tank range
Cons
Frame welds - shocking, splatter & rust a right mess
Frame paint, flaking off at the front and underneath, big flakes as well.
Wheels - corrosion on the anodising - all over, corroded spokes
Moisture in the clocks on a regular basis
Seat was showing signs of being about to burst on the main seam
Not enough power - felt it could do with another ~30 bhp
Heated grips were not that hot
Would try to find a year old example and see if any of those issues are present on the newer models before committing to a new one.
Pros
DCT Gearbox I really liked
Comfortable, decent position for me
Tank range
Cons
Frame welds - shocking, splatter & rust a right mess
Frame paint, flaking off at the front and underneath, big flakes as well.
Wheels - corrosion on the anodising - all over, corroded spokes
Moisture in the clocks on a regular basis
Seat was showing signs of being about to burst on the main seam
Not enough power - felt it could do with another ~30 bhp
Heated grips were not that hot
Would try to find a year old example and see if any of those issues are present on the newer models before committing to a new one.
As JJones said, I've heard a few stories of iffy quality in the twins. Lovely things to ride, such a shame that they didn't put the effort into making a decent machine. And quite unlike the usual Japanese manufacturing standards.
Try the BMW instead. Feels a smidge heavier but the quality is right up there.
Try the BMW instead. Feels a smidge heavier but the quality is right up there.
As others have said, the Africa Twins have some quality issues to them; wheel corrosion is the main one I've noticed from the couple of Mugabes that hang around the work bike park. The few times I've ridden one they have been a blast as they are very easy to jump onto and feel comfortable with, but I don't know if I'd want one due to the corrosion issues that seem to crop up often. Have you thought about the Yamaha Tenere 700? Fairly similiar to the Africa Twin but cheaper, built to a higher quality, and powered by the rather fun MT07 engine.
With regards to the HD Pan America - its a capable bike but I'd struggle to recommend it when something like the BMW R1250GS comes in cheaper and does the job better. The HD-PA is good, but you really need the 'Pan America Special Edition' rather than the base model to match its competitors. The controls are a little clunky; for example its very easy to hit the horn when you're trying to indicate - then there are a few bits where corners/costs have clearly been cut some of the plastics aren't as robust as they should be, the screen seems really flimsy and wobbles insanely, and the headlight on the base model is typical stock HD tealight candle! (the special edition gets a decent LED daymaker though - seems a bit of a silly saving to me!) I would struggle to recommend the Pan America against its competitors - bottom line is that others do it better for cheaper.
With regards to the HD Pan America - its a capable bike but I'd struggle to recommend it when something like the BMW R1250GS comes in cheaper and does the job better. The HD-PA is good, but you really need the 'Pan America Special Edition' rather than the base model to match its competitors. The controls are a little clunky; for example its very easy to hit the horn when you're trying to indicate - then there are a few bits where corners/costs have clearly been cut some of the plastics aren't as robust as they should be, the screen seems really flimsy and wobbles insanely, and the headlight on the base model is typical stock HD tealight candle! (the special edition gets a decent LED daymaker though - seems a bit of a silly saving to me!) I would struggle to recommend the Pan America against its competitors - bottom line is that others do it better for cheaper.
I had a 1100, one of the first in the country registered to private customers.
Had nothing but gremlins for the first year, but they were eventually sorted with recalls and warranty repairs. Really tarnished the whole thing for me for that first year. Especially after the 4th breakdown.
ACF’d it within an inch of its life and it still corroded. Brake unions, abs rings and the panel fixing bolts were the worst, even though I gave everything extra care. Sold it after year two. Glad to see the back of it in the end as I just could not gel with the 21 inch front wheel. Wheels on the one I had were perfect. A good coating of ACF and never saw a spec of corrosion. Not even around the spokes or nipples. Huge improvement over the previous models that ran the inner tubes.
If they ever did a version with a 19 inch front wheel, I’d have another and ensure it never saw road salt.
Had nothing but gremlins for the first year, but they were eventually sorted with recalls and warranty repairs. Really tarnished the whole thing for me for that first year. Especially after the 4th breakdown.
ACF’d it within an inch of its life and it still corroded. Brake unions, abs rings and the panel fixing bolts were the worst, even though I gave everything extra care. Sold it after year two. Glad to see the back of it in the end as I just could not gel with the 21 inch front wheel. Wheels on the one I had were perfect. A good coating of ACF and never saw a spec of corrosion. Not even around the spokes or nipples. Huge improvement over the previous models that ran the inner tubes.
If they ever did a version with a 19 inch front wheel, I’d have another and ensure it never saw road salt.
The wheels will corrode from the inside out.
The welds will corrode.
The frame paint will chip, and then you’ll get corrosion.
You’ll get a sore arse from the seat.
You’ll find there is no feedback from the large front wheel.
It’ll feel slow.
Heated grips are useless
You’ll get a headache from the buffeting or spend £££ to not sort it.
Better options out there.
The welds will corrode.
The frame paint will chip, and then you’ll get corrosion.
You’ll get a sore arse from the seat.
You’ll find there is no feedback from the large front wheel.
It’ll feel slow.
Heated grips are useless
You’ll get a headache from the buffeting or spend £££ to not sort it.
Better options out there.
I had an AT Anniversary DCT for 2 years. I'd ACF'd mine from new and kept an eye on frame for chips/flaking/corrosion and it seemed to hold up fine in the time I had it, though the spokes nipples did corrode and Honda dealers wouldn't consider these as warranty items. For me the DCT was a bit hit /miss. On the open road it was great but at low speed awkward maneuvering it was sometimes a liability if you needed to control the clutch take-up with the rear brake (lower gearing may have helped) & it felt that Honda should have fitted a bar mounted rear brake (scooter style) to make (very) low speed stuff easier. It did feel underpowered as others have said and the factory fit dunlops were very slippy at decent lean angles .
RemaL said:
Been looking and quite fancy one of these. Went to my local bike shop today and looking about I do like the Africa Twin.
So questions, Anyone have one? any issues? Any accessories worth buying with the bike. I was going new.
I want a bike that will sit along my current bike as I am hoping to do some more touring over the next few years.
I want comfy, good range, Reliability. Having Honda's in the past I found them to be very good.
I have universal soft luggage that I prefer than Panniers and a top box.
Any advice on the Twin.
The other Alternatives I was only looking at was the HD Pan American or BMW 1250RS. But these may be out.
I can give you some first hand rather than what people have heard So questions, Anyone have one? any issues? Any accessories worth buying with the bike. I was going new.
I want a bike that will sit along my current bike as I am hoping to do some more touring over the next few years.
I want comfy, good range, Reliability. Having Honda's in the past I found them to be very good.
I have universal soft luggage that I prefer than Panniers and a top box.
Any advice on the Twin.
The other Alternatives I was only looking at was the HD Pan American or BMW 1250RS. But these may be out.
65,000 miles on mine now - 2017 DCT model.
Most of the wheels that corroded were replaced under recall. I am actually running the ‘corroding wheels from the inside out’ with mitts eo7 plus tyres and they are fine. There is no corrosion inside, the issues were with the spokes and even then mine had minimal corrosion, some around the nipples that’s it.
Bike lives outside under a tree and is used all the time, off-road and has done multiple euro trips. The lack of feel from the front wheel is because it has a 21” tyre for better off-road use, i have had mine down in the alps dragging a knee being childish and there is plenty of feel on the road. It is also great off road.
They do have some frame corrosion issues apparently, the forums were buzzing with people who had small paint chips and tiny bits of surface rust and its exploded into a ‘OMG THEY ROT’, but i clean and grease mine in the winter and have hammerited the frame up under the front headlight as that is where it gets it the worst, apart from that it is fine. Funnily enough the worst corrosion on the bike is the givi rack and the constands after market center stand. My friend has the same model bike and has zero corrosion issues.
DCT is silky once you find the right setting which is S2 for me. Plugs are a very expensive service item but i did mine at 16k miles and have not done them since.
I think they are brilliant bits of kit and thinner than their competitors which makes London traffic a breeze. On the road i would put it on Avons, they ride lovely.
Edited by supercommuter on Tuesday 21st March 17:50
jjones said:
Had a 2018 Adventure Sport DCT that i bought at 2 years old. I put 12,000 miles on it before selling it.
Pros
DCT Gearbox I really liked
Comfortable, decent position for me
Tank range
Cons
Frame welds - shocking, splatter & rust a right mess
Frame paint, flaking off at the front and underneath, big flakes as well.
Wheels - corrosion on the anodising - all over, corroded spokes
Moisture in the clocks on a regular basis
Seat was showing signs of being about to burst on the main seam
Not enough power - felt it could do with another ~30 bhp
Heated grips were not that hot
Would try to find a year old example and see if any of those issues are present on the newer models before committing to a new one.
Exactly the same pro's & con's I had with me 2018 Adventure Sports apart from mine was a manual - I had the LCD screen swapped twice as it always leaked/had moisture when I washed the bike & my seat split & was replaced under warranty.Pros
DCT Gearbox I really liked
Comfortable, decent position for me
Tank range
Cons
Frame welds - shocking, splatter & rust a right mess
Frame paint, flaking off at the front and underneath, big flakes as well.
Wheels - corrosion on the anodising - all over, corroded spokes
Moisture in the clocks on a regular basis
Seat was showing signs of being about to burst on the main seam
Not enough power - felt it could do with another ~30 bhp
Heated grips were not that hot
Would try to find a year old example and see if any of those issues are present on the newer models before committing to a new one.
I fitted a Rapid Bike evo which livened it up a bit but still lacked a bit of power
Expensive servicing by dealers (to maintain the warranty) was £1000 for the valve service, £600 by an indy
ACF'd the bike all the time, still went rusty
Honda dealers were an issue in themselves, put me off buying a new bike again especially a Honda.
Edited by Sea Demon on Wednesday 22 March 11:42
I had one from 2016-2019. Great bike. Highlight for me was DCT, s
t at low speed (esp. off road), but great everywhere else.
Off road was brilliant except for DCT issues above, but get a clutch, or maybe a lighter bike, if this is your thing. Crashbar mounting points were very poor so protector was limited but decent "barkbusters" or similar would take the first impact anyway. 21" I never really enjoyed on the road but made sense off road.
Spokes corroded, warranty replacements never did. Frame showed corrosion under bash plate, but in fairness it could have been poor cleaning on my part. Some corrosion to bolts etc but nothing terminal. I did use it in mud, but also used ACF-50 regularly.
On the road, she was a big girl for less than 100bhp so I never rode two up. Brakes dived under braking but still very competent. All day riding was piss easy. Range was acceptable. Great weather protection. Amazing headlights. Engine was very linear and contrary to some reviews I felt had some character.
A great, "go anywhere", bike. I really loved the looks as well.
Obviously not an issue on a used bike but Honda servicing was prohibitively expensive. I'd never ever buy a new bike from them again.
ETA: Oh and no issues, absolutely rock solid bike even when abused. Just bear in mind if your battery goes flat with a DCT you can't bump it.
t at low speed (esp. off road), but great everywhere else.Off road was brilliant except for DCT issues above, but get a clutch, or maybe a lighter bike, if this is your thing. Crashbar mounting points were very poor so protector was limited but decent "barkbusters" or similar would take the first impact anyway. 21" I never really enjoyed on the road but made sense off road.
Spokes corroded, warranty replacements never did. Frame showed corrosion under bash plate, but in fairness it could have been poor cleaning on my part. Some corrosion to bolts etc but nothing terminal. I did use it in mud, but also used ACF-50 regularly.
On the road, she was a big girl for less than 100bhp so I never rode two up. Brakes dived under braking but still very competent. All day riding was piss easy. Range was acceptable. Great weather protection. Amazing headlights. Engine was very linear and contrary to some reviews I felt had some character.
A great, "go anywhere", bike. I really loved the looks as well.
Obviously not an issue on a used bike but Honda servicing was prohibitively expensive. I'd never ever buy a new bike from them again.
ETA: Oh and no issues, absolutely rock solid bike even when abused. Just bear in mind if your battery goes flat with a DCT you can't bump it.
Edited by Prof Prolapse on Wednesday 22 March 13:25
Cheers all for the replies
A few things. I'm not a Fan on the KTM adventure bikes. AS fort the GS way to common for me. Great bike but not for me.
Lack of fun with lower power my other bikes a Tuned H2 so if I want fun I have that
It was Yummy Fan who did the commenting to London from Brizzle.
Having had my heart set on either the HD or 1250RS I have been put off by the Huge amount of issues I have found.
I have ridden A Road Glide across the US so happy with chunky controls but seems it has major issues.
I know the more I look into a bike the more people will expense good and bad.
AS for Triumphs a good mate had the 800 adventure and did about 184,000 miles in 5 or 6 years. His feedback was great bike but the Tracer 9 is as good and cheaper for servicing etc..
Plus the new Tracer for me looks horrid.
I feel a test ride of the Honda, BMW and HD is needed and see what suits me best.
I look after my bikes, they are garaged. pampered but get used.
Edit to add I would only get the manual.
A few things. I'm not a Fan on the KTM adventure bikes. AS fort the GS way to common for me. Great bike but not for me.
Lack of fun with lower power my other bikes a Tuned H2 so if I want fun I have that
It was Yummy Fan who did the commenting to London from Brizzle.
Having had my heart set on either the HD or 1250RS I have been put off by the Huge amount of issues I have found.
I have ridden A Road Glide across the US so happy with chunky controls but seems it has major issues.
I know the more I look into a bike the more people will expense good and bad.
AS for Triumphs a good mate had the 800 adventure and did about 184,000 miles in 5 or 6 years. His feedback was great bike but the Tracer 9 is as good and cheaper for servicing etc..
Plus the new Tracer for me looks horrid.
I feel a test ride of the Honda, BMW and HD is needed and see what suits me best.
I look after my bikes, they are garaged. pampered but get used.
Edit to add I would only get the manual.
I think you need to try a 1290 Super Adventure S in rally mode 
Properly good road bikes. That said, the R1250RS is massively underrated - a bit 'steady away', but a super comfy bit of kit, and very capable. The 23 model gets a few minor tweaks (cornering ABS and TC as standard).
The 1100 Africa Twin is surprisingly characterful mind you - they ride well, I've ridden them off-road as a novice and found it really friendly… until you have to pick it up.
Properly good road bikes. That said, the R1250RS is massively underrated - a bit 'steady away', but a super comfy bit of kit, and very capable. The 23 model gets a few minor tweaks (cornering ABS and TC as standard).The 1100 Africa Twin is surprisingly characterful mind you - they ride well, I've ridden them off-road as a novice and found it really friendly… until you have to pick it up.
Speed addicted said:
How about the Triumph tiger 900 or 1200?
The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
I was always wanting the new AT.The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
Then I started to take interest in the Triumph Tiger 1200.
It just seems a better all round bike, maybe not the same reliability as teh AT, but the TT1200 is very good
Register1 said:
Speed addicted said:
How about the Triumph tiger 900 or 1200?
The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
I was always wanting the new AT.The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
Then I started to take interest in the Triumph Tiger 1200.
It just seems a better all round bike, maybe not the same reliability as teh AT, but the TT1200 is very good
If I was changing tomorrow for something similar id probably buy the new 1200, but not before testing the 900.
Speed addicted said:
Register1 said:
Speed addicted said:
How about the Triumph tiger 900 or 1200?
The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
I was always wanting the new AT.The 900 has similar specs to the Africa twin and does well in reviews.
1200 has more power and also seems to review well.
Then I started to take interest in the Triumph Tiger 1200.
It just seems a better all round bike, maybe not the same reliability as teh AT, but the TT1200 is very good
If I was changing tomorrow for something similar id probably buy the new 1200, but not before testing the 900.
Not that its bad milage. but still.
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