Africa Twin 2016 DCT

[caseye]

OK, KBérs, I'm seriously looking at one of these,ridden a lot of bikes these last couple of years, only the Scout and this have come close.
First up, does anyone have experience of this particular motorcycle, good, bad, the ugly.
It's done less than 10 K had 1 owner and rides awesome.
Opinions/arseholes, please.
Go!

[Laava]

Sounds to me like you have already made up your mind! Oh and if you are doing a trip up north, can I have a test ride too? Leaning that way myself now.
Recently met the co-ordinator of the Canterbury Ulysses in Geraldine, we were both on our ways back home and he rides a DCT and loves it. Him and his bro were doing the rough roads with it too!

[eldog]

good, bad, the ugly.
rides awesome.
Opinions/arseholes, please.
Go!

You got one of those covered
true, you do.
take your pick
c u

btw ask old guy he is sure to have ridden it.:rockon:

sounds like you already think it’s a good idea, why not give it a whirl.

[AllanB]

It's a Honda. It will go forever.

[johcar]

Very heavy to pick up off a back-country gravel road...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

[AllanB]

Very heavy to pick up off a back-country gravel road...


No different to the other big bore members of the adventure fraternity.

[BMWST?]

honestly i just cant see the advantages of an auto trans m bike.Changing gear and clutch operation is just so easy compared to a car.Perhaps the ONLY advantage i can see if you lived in a place where the motorways resembled car parks,not roads.

[Scubbo]

in super tight rutty stuff, anti-stall / auto low drive is a godsend but yeah horses for courses --- I like the challenge of keeping the bike going in such situations with manual clutch/gearing that's where the fun of traversing that terrain is. But can see the merits of being able to solely focus on the ride with less fatigue on the body

rekluse clutch in an old RM250 was a pretty fun experience trail riding

[Ginge09]

Track down the Adventure Rider Radio podcast. There’s a recent episode on clutches generally including a chat with a bloke that is ex-Honda engineer retired and rides a DCT Africa Twin. Has heaps of helpful pros and cons.

[george formby]

in super tight rutty stuff, anti-stall / auto low drive is a godsend but yeah horses for courses --- I like the challenge of keeping the bike going in such situations with manual clutch/gearing that's where the fun of traversing that terrain is. But can see the merits of being able to solely focus on the ride with less fatigue on the body

rekluse clutch in an old RM250 was a pretty fun experience trail riding

With DCT and Rekluse, what happens when you get the knickers in a twist on a steep hill, need to stall, and clutch the bike back down?

Er, I would try very hard to avoid this situation on a behemoth....... Just wondering.

[AllanB]

honestly i just cant see the advantages of an auto trans m bike.Changing gear and clutch operation is just so easy compared to a car.Perhaps the ONLY advantage i can see if you lived in a place where the motorways resembled car parks,not roads.

Hows a car any more difficult? You still use one hand and one foot, they are just reversed re clutch and gear changing. The reason cars are all going auto is the autos are now so bloody good that a manual gearbox is almost pointless.

[Ginge09]

With DCT and Rekluse, what happens when you get the knickers in a twist on a steep hill, need to stall, and clutch the bike back down?

On the DCT Africa Twins there's a park brake lever where the clutch normally is. It operates by cable onto the rear disk through a seperate set of calipers. Has to be this way because as soon as you stall the bike you lose hydraulic pressure and the clutch won't work.

So you don't clutch the bike back down. You park brake it down. Same same.

With a Rekluse clutch as soon as you stall the bike the Rekluse pack in the clutch stops spinning and bites. After that it's same as a normal clutch. You just feather it backwards.

One disadvantage of the DCT is that you can't bump start the bike. Without the engine running there is no hydraulic pressure and the clutch doesn't bite. It requires positive hydraulic pressure to disengage or engage. Default position is clutch engaged ( ie no drive).

DCT seems to require a bit of a re-think on how you ride, but the advantages are there.

[MarkH]

Go!

Get one!

I've just spend 23 days (over 5,000 km) on mine and it has been great!
I'm still sorting pics & vids from my phone, action camera and drone - but I've now got some stuff uploaded.


https://youtu.be/TUK16qi738M


https://youtu.be/S1Frb6ViYW4

No problem riding a bike like this on sealed roads, gravel or easy off-road. For anything really challenging you would be better off with a lighter bike rather than a large adventure bike.

For a long trip, it makes a decent pack mule:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UffZm83-kJ5wPQMhHMJPqxbD6BZI1Gl1tT3BXC0j1jTUt82HytMG63VlZ3 KgjaB6IbrKAuGMJtqRV9bSySvE-pshDNfoI_BcXQhmr5G4bZISbI2BGJFsc5KOqwoDNt7-7Bbcv2FzvTraRj4gK2Yc0sDiAzxNNREkZ7qQJqBr0lLPQJqAWe bb8ZKZzdzL4pEFT5psXya9niF9b3xI9E0G58_iCaRQibJEvvYd HXDI-0P65wiknIBGbSPdk_0fLuW_M_S4bPq5U5vDv1f3WEEhW3fuvCs lcFZo7gSb6m09j8-1-Z4s3rBQtnrrz52aHGfS97rVWPwmizLOqhafOeRvEOZG7kKibLZ 9dqFqW3Y7bNngkipZFzO-rQnuhkVM_vawtEfR3ClGqKlwzwoHY_QyH0ovYf_rMMInskZr4R 9r3_B63VklUSj7Zbh91tjbJB6EGM49SiPwwzxlNqaqEAFeg1UX Msi2__NtCfEB72yIxm1X5TwGS8PCTlCj52GoeIgqmQib03WfcA sXJvpMOWSGd4r-PPoQdksaG7JxMlZ8Zkn3Bik6RBxHTuK1xD3AVzlTXejTOSkvlA NuJvveFW3kaKuogSYiNv8qhk1LnU99JM53mPoF-IJOnOYFHisIj1vm8LFoJH2TWNUR0vDsSOldeo1oCPerbt0=w10 00-h750-no

Which is really useful if you are on a camping trip for over 3 weeks!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ByDL4tUaiDNbSbuVUcW9rCWR61xlLbEA7wr1pebQmHgb0ib38s h5MeuIxlROZRnXT_z7uiXSj9HBbLhTyKR8fbMHj8cUGYGGSiGu XCJYTJ_WLdUzfxHqQ3iFW4UgfSZH6hO59uGhxXmfVFahH3BHN9 iBAJVzssQJgKbde9KU1Z4-cTI6n56S5eQ6LIes6vhrd1Pldcmwx37P_2B1dUThB9N8cCAUGM Bq3K50RpxHUsmxvREi3Schc5YjWDDPnjqHY2VZz7DMJbUwUIc4 trXVDC6IZ35I5KAoFxgK-qdEvQODhrDOb6HYP2Rpp9HN7FtwhTvh2RFNCNya5hWP6u1IScI LgR5nO_l2ek-5hhCny_c8RJixSWCQNu0XZ7oM36cpBEzhMu4UNzyaWvWSaW40x MAoRWIgZfD8_cdoeww5wu7GXmpcyR7Ga96CtlC-8d1Fqye0Q3N9oVUWJLfPyS8r0gFbDo6bzT4O1yotFSk0GFgcz-RpYPelldsWhedDigOKaiDqu_rmaw51BtastLmAomQsWhpp7gSN PWr1Xgv-jnBsxKa_zYCIsg74UTMwCW3qaOux5Xqb2xgar6I1NJBZ4iJlxP rLVMvRnPiV-K516qu95_kAGn3u5nyxv0288h_bRFLAMjVk_vxJkd17M3Nm3Jn nAWFoaBo=w1000-h750-no

I'm primarily using mine as an adventure tourer for travelling NZ, going wherever I like whether the roads are sealed or gravel. I think the bike is really fantastic in this role, I prefer it to my previous bikes (Honda ST1300 & DR650) as it performs better on the road than the DR650 did and a LOT better on gravel than the ST1300. I have swapped to tyres more suited to varied terrain as the factory tyres being 90/10 (road/off-road) were not all that confidence inspiring on the gravel.

If you did manage to drop the bike then it is a LOT easier to pick up with another person helping. It weighs a good 100kg more than my DR650 did, partly being a heavier bike and partly because I'm loading it up more. It is way more powerful at open road speeds though, making overtaking much easier.

[AllanB]

WTF's with your tent! I'd be buying a proper one ;)

[Murray]

OK, KBérs, I'm seriously looking at one of these,ridden a lot of bikes these last couple of years, only the Scout and this have come close.
First up, does anyone have experience of this particular motorcycle, good, bad, the ugly.
It's done less than 10 K had 1 owner and rides awesome.
Opinions/arseholes, please.
Go!

Whats wrong with an old yammie?

[husaberg]

Get one!

I've just spend 23 days (over 5,000 km) on mine and it has been great!
I'm still sorting pics & vids from my phone, action camera and drone - but I've now got some stuff uploaded.


https://youtu.be/TUK16qi738M

r.
Wheres that first video looks West Coast?
Springs? Murch? Mackley?

[BMWST?]

Hows a car any more difficult? You still use one hand and one foot, they are just reversed re clutch and gear changing. The reason cars are all going auto is the autos are now so bloody good that a manual gearbox is almost pointless.
are you serious.?The process of changing ear in a car is miles more time consumingand difficult in that you have to lift your foot say 150 mm push the clutch down,move a lever sometimes in a dogleg movemt,then release said clutcy hr 150 mm or so.On a bike you dont HAVE to use the clutch and even if you do its a squeeze of the fingers nas flick of the toe.I dont care how good autos are i would still rather have a manual any day.This after not having an auot evr until the last 4 yrs or so when there was no manual option at all.BUT even with my last two vehicles being modern autos i would still have a manual.

[nzspokes]

Most bikes have some issues, AT has a couple of big ones.

Spokes corrode and fail, but worse is the anodising wears off the inside of the fork legs. Forks seem and expensive fix.

[BMWST?]

Get one!

I've just spend 23 days (over 5,000 km) on mine and it has been great!
.
is yours the DCT model?

[AllanB]

are you serious.?.

Yes, other than a pointless comparison, you describe the difference between having a short or long fart.

[Laava]

Not long after they were released, a couple of british enduro riders did a review in Africa and rode all three models extensively. One of the guys on writing about the dct said that, contrary to what he was expecting, the bike was especially awesome off road. I have been hunting for the article but endless sidetracking etc...you know how it goes

[MarkH]

Wheres that first video looks West Coast?
Springs? Murch? Mackley?

Between Glenorchy & Paradise. There were a couple of MUCH trickier sections along the way which I unfortunately didn't record.


is yours the DCT model?

It's a 2017 DCT bought brand new (the first brand new motor vehicle in my life) at the start of March last year.
Absolutely no problems with the bike so far.
I very much prefer the DCT than the manual, it is excellent to use in practise and you do have very good control of the gear changes, a lot better than the traditional automatic transmissions that most people are familiar with.

[MarkH]

WTF's with your tent! I'd be buying a proper one ;)

My set up is fairly similar to using a tent, except that I sleep comfortably. I'm still warm and dry, just like inside a good tent.

Here's what it looks like set up for overnight rain:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XlQwCPjMawxp5MPvPjVp1oSx6eOSIwi7wDNimQ2ZuvRTzQLi90 STjhMKLiFoRJtmDr0zJNQWeI8bnVXpzQic0YA1AwqP0sVs-7XKzk4yB_Bagjjz24Lf3j1C1y0FIbiU-RJ3tWX8yGX73Y2KriFUAv_0A4XnYPVuwSqthzYH8OtTnYmv8S2 vV9MNPFJbmej2ewDPV3aYgEkCN9lPa71W2SZiUdcQvPhzweXzB oG45WblIaQ5QRp7rUnDprzfo4w0RvbUNmmeIDcii6-90VZ8Q-1yRVxPzCzdG95_eDLy_e95CWdM6u0yz4K61uwUHrhaYqIq4P9c DoHa2btaQ75IWE6KSaYK-bbzF7q0ASyl67aU8KocnWevW7YLPrJViZBiarktkJLrCV8ZKM4 bCwsMMmeOOM9sLlQawKJeWUg0fZuwlSBs9aRNP6rUhEw5Rbwbx neB3O-pUl06B6DaU6907rMM-jWe5SGdjb6kvjo-RUz7cdBcwLtFBzi_ovp8Woup1ZEzRSy4gtpbaXTeucfz2sWXay 0CVclHax4bCXlLmFuzoI-jm9TWcpfT4cHmh3KbZ0wo54dQ8MWQgCbpPJ66tnNzuY6PVuJLO ZWkuLkryewwrCZAU0je9im2KUno-IeUnreIPvghYFBIkqLQjLgo3GWjH4Iffqg=w1000-h750-no

Everything under the tarp was dry and I packed it all up before taking the tarp down. The tarp also sheds water better than the typical tent material. I can't see myself ever returning to using a traditional tent, especially for a 23 day trip like the one I just returned from.

[nzspokes]

Oh and if the switch gear gets gummy it freaks out.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[nzspokes]

Found the link i was looking for, scary. Multiple cases.

https://www.africatwinforum.com/forum/393-africa-twin-trail-tales-ride-reports/4617-warning-dct-riders-do-not-ride-if-you-have-sticky-left-switchgear.html

[MarkH]

Found the link i was looking for, scary. Multiple cases.

https://www.africatwinforum.com/forum/393-africa-twin-trail-tales-ride-reports/4617-warning-dct-riders-do-not-ride-if-you-have-sticky-left-switchgear.html

Say what? You do realise that there are only 2 cases in total in that thread don't you?
My level of concern is too low to even register.

[nzspokes]

Say what? You do realise that there are only 2 cases in total in that thread don't you?
My level of concern is too low to even register.

In 2 pages 4 cases are mentioned. Not read the full thing but that along with the fork and spoke issues were enough to stop me buying one.

[MarkH]

In 2 pages 4 cases are mentioned.

I read the entire thing - 2 cases.

Re-read the first 2 pages - 2 cases. There is a mention of a nothing event (revs rose while the bike held a gear despite moderate throttle, I wonder how moderate that throttle was - regardless, it wasn't a scary incident and the person that posted it wasn't worried about it). There was also mention of a similar sort of incident on a different model of bike.

Feel free to provide post numbers for more than 2 cases of scary incidents that could be enough to put off buyers.

[nzspokes]

I read the entire thing - 2 cases.

Re-read the first 2 pages - 2 cases. There is a mention of a nothing event (revs rose while the bike held a gear despite moderate throttle, I wonder how moderate that throttle was - regardless, it wasn't a scary incident and the person that posted it wasn't worried about it). There was also mention of a similar sort of incident on a different model of bike.

Feel free to provide post numbers for more than 2 cases of scary incidents that could be enough to put off buyers.

Post 1, 10, 203, 209. And Ive not read the whole lot.

Dont forget, https://advrider.com/f/threads/africa-twin-premature-front-fork-failure-current-owners-and-prospective-new-owners-must-read.1253181/ , https://africatwin.org/forum/threads/front-fork-anodising-wear-problems.1228/

Or, https://www.africatwinforum.com/forum/113-honda-crf1000l-africa-twin-general-discussion-forum/31034-rusting-spokes.html

Ive got no skin in this game but Im not willing to own a bike that has the potential to cause harm like this has. Im not buying one.

[MarkH]

Post 1, 10, 203, 209. And Ive not read the whole lot.

OK, now my count is up to 4 - thanks for the additional detail.
I'm not counting post 10 though, because that isn't about the Africa Twin - that is a different model of motorcycle. But there is one that you missed so it is indeed 4 bikes in total.
But 4 is still a small number, there are so many more on that forum alone that have never had an issue, some with quite a high amount of riding on their DCT.

[nzspokes]

OK, now my count is up to 4 - thanks for the additional detail.
I'm not counting post 10 though, because that isn't about the Africa Twin - that is a different model of motorcycle. But there is one that you missed so it is indeed 4 bikes in total.
But 4 is still a small number, there are so many more on that forum alone that have never had an issue, some with quite a high amount of riding on their DCT.

Thats 4 that have been reported on one thread. Who knows how many there has been.

All bikes have faults one way or the other. My Prillia is known for valve seat recession and guide wear that can kill the motor, Bandit can blow reg/rec etc.

But none of them can fuck off down the road without rider input. 1 case of that is too much.

[Scubbo]

interesting read about the switch gear, is it possible to lock out the switch gear and leave it in auto-only mode? should you bash it in the middle of no-where could you get the bike home? -- ehh im not in the market anyway, would probably get the manual version just cause its cheaper :weird:

[BMWST?]

Yes, other than a pointless comparison, you describe the difference between having a short or long fart.
you stick to your short farts then and i will have my manual transmissions

[AllanB]

you stick to your short farts then and i will have my manual transmissions

I have no preference either way in a car - mine is Auto, wives manual, sons manual, daughters auto. All fine cars for their purpose.


Here's some irony - all the top end (and increasing middle range) bikes are being fitted with quick shifters - essentially making them the same as a tiptronic styled car auto. Mrs B had one of them in her Golf (unreliable vehicle that one) after playing with it for kicks it spent 99% of it's time in auto mode.

I read recently that the CB750 Honda of decades back that came out with a auto (a sales failure) is now collectible due to it's rarity. Maybe the DCT African Twin will end up that way....

[Scubbo]

....
Here's some irony - all the top end (and increasing middle range) bikes are being fitted with quick shifters - essentially making them the same as a tiptronic styled car auto....

not really, mechanically very different but yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee all petrol bikes will be rarities in decades :P if we are even allowed to use them on public roads

[nerrrd]

I read recently that the CB750 Honda of decades back that came out with a auto (a sales failure) is now collectible due to it's rarity. Maybe the DCT African Twin will end up that way....

Bear in mind the NC bikes have been available with DCT transmissions since 2012, no major issues I can remember reading about and seem to be loved by their owners, they even pop up here as used imports occasionally.

[caseye]

Shes in da Shed!
Cheers all, I've enjoyed reading your thoughts and opinions.
Haven't got a bad word to say about her, so far, loves the highway and does everything so smoothly, reading to do for the next day or 2 before attempting any major changes.
New screen, new 56 Litre Givi top box, full tank of gas, good sales and service a throuoghly deserved shout out to Matthew and Richard at Botony Honda.
Nonda rider, who'da thought it!:niceone:

[Laava]

Noice. Gis a go?

[caseye]

Hold on young fella, let me give you a hand UP!
Well, I bought it!
On a regular SATNR (LOOK IT UP! South Auckland Thursday Night Rideers) Ride last night, I did about 140 K's (OK, it was 141) ended up at da Muddy in Mercer (too dear that place, us bikers are poor you know)
So a bit of a ride report, first ride of any consequence that is.
Once I was shown (imagine my chargin, when shown how to mount a big ol traily type bike) Step right up, left foot on left peg, raise body upwards, swing crooked leg over and whalla! yer on board. Drop into most comfortable seat eva, put footsies on the ground, yep at a shrinking 174 (used to be 178) CM's even I can get both feet on the ground aboard this beast of a bike.
So, we're on board, turn key, wait for diagnstics and electronics to do their thing, push down on what is also the Kill Switch, and hey presto she starts.
Do usual checks, lights on, helmet done up! ( quite important), gloves on, side stand up, Auto or Manual Selected, this time it was Auto, (OK, for the uniniated) The Honda Africa twin in DCT (Dual Clutch transmission) can be ridden using the left hand up and down toggles/paddles.
Or after selecting Manual or Auto on the r/h side,auto this time aye,by simply twisting the throttle and beginning to move off.
Once on the move you can also select Drive, or Sport in Auto mode, Sport significantly increaes the hold time on each gear and makes the Twin a very responsive Big Bird.(Just coined her name) Condor! Sport also has 3 distinct levels of hold or rev range increments.
Alrighty, so we've begun to ride this beast, she pulls away from as little as 40 K's per hour without hesitation (once shes got a bit warmed up), from 1st to 6th doesn't take that long and once up there if you need to , you can use the left side paddles to go up or down, the amazing thing is, you don't often have to! approaching potential slowing spots, she changes very nicely and smoothly down until your speed and the gears match.
The Twin has Traction Control and there are three levels of it, another button I want to get to know, she also has a big button with G on it, apparfently when you ride onto a gravel/dirt/metal road, you hit this button and all inputs and responses (throttle, brake , etc) sharpen the hell up, cool aye.
There is yet another button by the Big G, it's ABS and again if on metal you can literally turn off the rear ABS function, it and the front usually operate as a cohesive unit, to stop idjits from going over the bars, but when you turn it off on metal it allows your balls to grow and lets you throw the rear end in backwards like a proper dirt rider!
Enough of the technicalities, theres lots more of them, but for now, the Glen Murray, Naike road is a good test of any bike, corners, cambers, drop offs, a few straights ( don't need too many of these ) but most of all some challening series of corners at varying angles of attack and altitude, make for some fun riding without being overly rapid.
I was, as always TEC on our rides, so was following a bunch of good old boys (OK,Eldoggy isn't that old! But OLDGUY, IS! and as for Leathel, well) and I had absolutely no trouble keeping station with my lads, in any corner at any speed (no,,not warp nine Cap'n), that big front wheel, just turns you in nice and solid on those Conti's and well, the rear goes where I tell it, comfort level is out of this world on road, long legs and plenty of settings for both shock and rebound mean you should hardly ever feel a real bump on a sealed road. Which I can attest too after last night.
Gear changes??? wha? , no don't need em, this machine almost knows when you're going to change up or down, it's uncanny, I know this isn't yet a leaqrning box, but you'd swear after just half an hour or so of riding it that , IT knows your gear requirements better than you do.
Did I miss not changing gears, in a word NO.
Watching the road ahead, keeping within sight of the lads and enjoying the ride really does become So Much easier.
Riding position is far better than on the ol Bandy (Don't be fooled, I already miss her, but this machine, is on another level) no sore back just under the right shoulder balde from leaning and hunching, no more pins and needles in the throttle hand, looking straight ahead without having to Hold yer head up, the bigger screen (Botany added a smoked slightly bigger screen to this bike for me) and it stopped all the wind buffetting I did experience on the first ride, made such a difference it was astounding just how much better the whole ride experience became.
LED Lights! Oh, but first, on all the time indicators,side/riding lights, front and rear, wow, you are seen from afar, no question. The headlight/s, I had thought I'd put some bloody Big powerful LED spot on the engine bars up fornt, don't need too!
The exiting LED headlight/s are amazing, plenty of side light when turning, you can actually see into the corner,they go that far out, they also go along way out front, even on low, not getting spots now, perhaps just 2 small LEDs, to give a distinct 3 light appearance from front on. This makes a motorcycle look like something much bulkier and gives other road users a bit more to acknowledge.
Going to be out as much as I can for the foreseeable future, ride on you ugly mofudders.
:drinknsin:drinknsin

[leathel]

You could not hide the fact you liked the bike.... you were beaming Caseye. Nice bike, and yes those lights stand out :D

If you need a hand with bag frames give me a call

[caseye]

Motuoapa Holiday Park, naturally at Motuoapa Bay Lake Taupo, what a brilliant place.
Made a booking here on Friday night,, meeting up with a mate on his newly acquired Bandit , coming back up from Christchurch, problem was on Saturday morning when I got his txt to say, "Bandy back at the shop, in ChCh, flying home, sorry"), first thought was, bugger cancel booking. To find it was non refundable, look out for this with booking.com.
Well, wifey and I thought about this, for about 2 seconds, went anyway!
Glad we did, Pizza on the deck outside our own boat shed, nice wine and one or 2 beers to go, what a way to spend an afternoon, coupled with a nice walk around what I believe is the only free standing marina on Lake Taupo, besides what is in Taupo itself. Setting sun between the island out front and the foothills of 3 big bloody mountains a little further south of us.
Meet a good bugger called John, na fair dinkim, he was bloody great for an Ozzie, knew his way around one of our whole plate barbies.
Got talking to a young POMME who was here because his kids (four of em, all been to NZ) said he should, been here 6 days, going to apply for residency before he heads home, these 2 completely different characters were both bloody good sorts and genuinely can't believe what surrounds us and how we seemingly take it all for granted.
Anyhow, back to the Twin, threw a full tank of gas at her, couldn't make her take more than 5 litres of juice, this mean't our Thursday night ride had averaged 4.6 K's per 100 K's, OK, thats what the trippy comp thing said, checked it again yesterday, when we gassed up in Turangi after having travelled over 330K's to get there and both bikes (Twin and M50 Boulé) had 4 + litres left in the tank still. (Twin has a stated capacity of 18.8 litres, 2019 ones have 24, Dont Knead it!)
I used mostly D, but on occassion changed to S for a bit of a laugh, well, did I laugh, in S mode this normally placid Africa Twin, becomes a bloody monster ( a still miserely , monster) what eats K's like they was lollies, emits nect to no carbon emmissions and still performs like a scalded cat!
The further I ride this machine, the more becomes apparent.
She's been out 4 times now, different roads, different types of road, conditions and riding groups/ styles, so far the average is 4.8litres per 100 K's no matter the setting, terrain or speed travelled at. By the way, anyone who thinks these machines can't get up and boggie, seriously need to get a life, switch it, or simply manually change down a cog and I kid you not, it's hold on for launch time!
Yes, placid around town riding does mean you gotta use da paddles from time tom time to get you honking a bit faster, they're not a learning ECU, you gotta tell it what you want, but once you get the hang of it all, it's effortless, seriously, no thought required, if you know what gear you should be in, it's likely to already be there,if it's not, use the F,ing paddles. You can you know, whatever mode you are in the paddeles work, in D or S once you've overridden the box, it stays in the selected gear for a bit then chages back to auto,D/S mode, this also requires no real thought.
Slowed to check on a couple fo stopped bikes on the way back today, both times the look on their faces when they realised I wasn't changing gears, using a clutch or a gear lever was priceless.
Also stopped for a classic race bred 4 wheeler car, beautiful British Racing Green, two occupants, husband and wife I presumed (British you know) their radiator had packed a sad half was up the last hill before the flats heading into Taupo from south, they'd already called the AA, I hope their Mota was OK, still they were both surprised to see a motorcyclist who had turned back to go to them, stop and ask the question and happy, made my day too, I wasn't broke down an they were Ok.
Found some road works with a bit of metal here and there, rode into it and through it, just checking aye, yes she does feel stable and well footed in the loose stuff, wifey was giving that shit a real wide berth, she and the Boule, don't like that stuff.
Big bumps and rough stuff, don't faze this machine, long legs and good suspenders mean she soaks em all up, big ones still make their presence felt, but it's felt, not shaken to the core.
We've had 2 glorious days of riding weather, wifey's got some serious saddle time and is far better for it and I'm getting to know my new motorcycle very well thank you very much.
She does give me 350K's before the yellow warning light comes on( The last of 5 bars disappears and the yellow light comes up on the dash, Matt reckons from here you've still got at least another 50-60 K's ,I belive him , cheers Matt, spot on matey.
Even out ran the Boule, she coughed as we were going down the dip before heading up the rise into the Bombays BP. Got her there, but hell, even she'd just done Turangi, Rotorua, Te Poi (Lunch here, all you hariy arsed bikers better stop there aye, great food, good company and biker welcoming patrons), Matamata, Morrinsville, Dorkland, for the Twin 356 K's to the bombays BP from Turangi, with still about 3-4 Litres in the tank, the most venerable and reliable (usually) boulé got 331 ( She hadn't gorn back into Turangi for supplies like me an da Twin) and had a road side coughing fit before beinig pointed up hill ad receiving the last cup full, that got her to the BP.
Messagre, Go out and buy em all!, Africa twins I mean.
Comfortable, ride forever, smooth, Oh so, smooth, greaqt legs , all day and plenty when you want it,plus, if you get the urge you can simply turn up that metal road.
Big box (Givi Maxxia 56, it treally does hold 2 full size helmets), back pack if required, still working on rack system for the soft luggage, but once done I will be able to carry enough gear, a tent and spares for Africa, scuse the pun.
Home for about 6 hours now, both bikes gased up, washed, blow dried, polished and put to bed, ready for Tuesday night with the good ol Assassins (South Auckland Street Skills, guys and girls, some of whom, are coming out of retirement for this nights ride). Then on to Thursday night for another go with the South Auckland Thursday Night Riders (SATNR) guys and girls, a long time group that hovers on the verge of extinction occassionally but always bounces back with additions most months, we boast about 6-10 regulars these days, so feel free, not too fast, not too slow, lead and TEC'd by good buggers who give a damn and the nights always a bit of fun.
So far this 2016 Africa Twin is living up to her legendary name, honest, hard working, reliable and sooooo mch fun when you want it.
The best part, shes mine.
Da Dragon (me mom) is back on my bike, the plate, is back on my bike, I'm back on my bike and loving it.:innocent:
A few bits required to make her betterer, hand guard extensions, centre stand, probably new racks, that will take hard luggage, or let me throw the softies over, a matter of keeping pipe side off pipe and other side out of spokes.

[BMWST?]

sounds good i am seriously considering one too,350 k range is enough for me the new one will almost match the old r100gspd!I will try one this weekend!

[caseye]

sounds good i am seriously considering one too,350 k range is enough for me the new one will almost match the old r100gspd!I will try one this weekend!

Out again tonight with some of the old hands from SASS, the Wednesday Night assasins, Na South Auckland Street Skills group, great time had by all, Twin had lots new bums on her seat tonight, some surpirses when thery could actually touch tera firma with both feet.
Go on, really give it a go, I reckon you'll buy it.
:innocent::innocent:

[george formby]

Are we going to see any shenanigans? :sweatdrop

This, and the rest of their AT inclusive videos are worth a watch. Enjoy the new steed.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8vnvehwBAuc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Yokomama]

Shit man, my old 250 spada returns similar fuel figures!!

[caseye]

Shit man, my old 250 spada returns similar fuel figures!!

Ya whipper snappa ewe, this thing is returning these figures on road at cruising speeds your spada could never achieve over vast distances, ie: Turangi-Rotorua-Dorkland and still didn't run outa go go juice, wifeys Boulevard did, at 331 K's just shy of the Bombay BP, got her there on last cup full I reckon.

[caseye]

ANy one else out there gorn and bought one bmw? you!
Bet you're having a ball if you did.
OK< so any other Africa Twin Riders out there looking for an overnighter this Friday/Saturday, got itchy spare gear finger, must ride!
:eek::eek:

[BMWST?]

ANy one else out there gorn and bought one bmw? you!
Bet you're having a ball if you did.
OK< so any other Africa Twin Riders out there looking for an overnighter this Friday/Saturday, got itchy spare gear finger, must ride!
:eek::eek:
not yet Caseye i have some kind of hearing issue which makes riding a motorcycle very unpleasant ,i just cannot bear the wind noise

[caseye]

not yet Caseye i have some kind of hearing issue which makes riding a motorcycle very unpleasant ,i just cannot bear the wind noise

Go see them thar ears noses and froat specialists, get it sorted mate, cant have that.:weep:

[caseye]

Well it's December (Near Enough), time flies when you're having fun.
Clocked up over 11,000 K's since acquiring the Africa Twin.
Out both days for the last 3 weekends in a row, funnily enough, last run was with the Auckland Ulysses guys and girls, out of 10 bikes 6 were Adventure Trailles.
Yes we did find a metal road, good fun and very stable, back roads to Tahuna, back, back roads (some I'd never heard of) around the back of Morrinsville and Tahuna, in the foothills overlooking the plains, awesome ride ladies and gents, good company, fine eatery (Mondiale Blue Berry Cafe, go there, it's amazing.'
The Twin performed faultlessly, gassed up when I got home, 345 k's still had 3 or more litres i the 18 litre tank, no bloody sore Arse, no fatigued wrist/back etc.
Ordered and awaiting two twin LED No5 Look alike eyebrow fog lights, for the front bars , so I can achieve a 3 light triangle, something I've noted you really don't miss when approaching them.
Considering a main stand, but have put the seat on it's lowest setting and discovered that I am almost 100% touch downable with both feet at once, still a bit hairy on a sloping berm or when standing on metal, but acceptable.
Just dagged her out of the shed, washed her, blow dried her and am considering going to take teh AK tag somewhere else this afternoon.
Can't not ride on a dya like this.
The K's hacve flown by, not riding during the week, or for work, so over 11,000K's in this time is not a bad effort,no worries, a service must be looming, talking to the boys at Botany about that soon.
Still smiling!:pinch::gob:;)

[Scubbo]

sounds like such a winner mate, thats awesome, i'm sorta tempted by the new model too hmmmm !

[caseye]

sounds like such a winner mate, thats awesome, i'm sorta tempted by the new model too hmmmm !

If things go the right way this weekend my 2016 will be on a certain dealers floor an a nice shiny newer (2018) one will be 15000K's lighter, with all the bits, sitting on my driveway lad.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[FLUB]

Good to see that you aren't wasting your money on an Indian. If you really want tassels I'll buy you some of those that fit on the end of bicycle handlebars. I can also give you a playing card to put in your spokes [emoji12]

[caseye]

Good to see that you aren't wasting your money on an Indian. If you really want tassels I'll buy you some of those that fit on the end of bicycle handlebars. I can also give you a playing card to put in your spokes [emoji12]

Luv ewe too mate!:eek:
Na, hopefully going newer in same vein!

[caseye]

Yeah, Na!
:killingme
The Incoming and the incumbant!
Next week, yeahhhhh!

[eldog]

,OMG is that what I think it is :laugh:

one for her, one for him

[caseye]

OMG is that what I think it is :laugh:

closer look on Thursday me ol mate.
:lol::lol::lol::2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[SaferRides]

Looks like someone ticked all of the boxes on the options list!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[caseye]

Looks like someone ticked all of the boxes on the options list!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Missing the headlight protectors thats all.
DUNN it! in da shed.:rolleyes::bleh::bleh::bleh:

[leathel]

Did you try the other tailbox for helmet fitting? That was your old box wasn't it?

https://i.postimg.cc/NfCh8Kts/20200220-195532.jpg (https://postimg.cc/2VWXr83M)

[caseye]

Did you try the other tailbox for helmet fitting? That was your old box wasn't it?

https://i.postimg.cc/NfCh8Kts/20200220-195532.jpg (https://postimg.cc/2VWXr83M)

Eye Did!It was a small windlwless building and looked like shiet.
The ol Givi 56 litre takes both of our Helmets and now that I have two large apartments strapped to the rear of the NEW 2018 just 10K's on it, not 25 as per thr old one.
She rides great and having all thr extra's is brilliant.
:lol::lol::lol:
The 2016 is now for sale at Botany Nonda, under the careful eye of Mr Richard..A great bike, could'nt go wrong buying it.
Nonda forever..
:lol::lol: