More detail on the new Africa Twin

[Gremlin]

I do like the AT and also the 1050 but its 19inch front wheel was getting me down....until I realized nearly all the competition including the 1190 adv as well as zee fuer of all adventure bikes, the BMW GSA all have 19inch fronts and 17inch rears. So I don't think its going to limit me much at all especially in 99% of the terrain I will be riding it in.

Tyre size is probably a good indicator for separating the bikes. Older 1200GS/GSA have 19/17 combos, same as Vstrom and a few others (list escapes me). New BMW has it's own sizes and tyres are the most expensive. Also wider, so potentially not as off road suitable. I think the KTM 1190 has 19/17 and the 1190R has 21/18. The AT has 21/18 from memory and tubed (not tubeless). The tube was actually quite off putting. Don't know if I could do the whole road side patching. Sticking a turd in seems a lot more appealing.

The thing is, that tyre size dictates what you can run. The PR4 Trail only goes to 19/17, nothing for 21/18 (Anakee 3 I think will be the most road biased you'll get). You'll get more aggressive tyres available for the 21/18, so for me at least, that's how I weigh up some of the options. A TKC80 (or other option) is definitely the most I'll need for adv riding, and I've used a couple of sets of PR4 because it's a great road performer and also has low rolling resistance giving me good fuel consumption when I'm doing a lot of sealed road riding.

[Night Falcon]

tyre size dictates what you can run.

There are options but they are more limited as you point out. Shenko have a radial 705 adventure tire that comes in a 19/17 combo that has some good reviews for a cheap tire. TKC80's are about the worst tire I've ever run for tire life and in 19 or 17inch they are mega expensive. Mitas E07 is a good tire and comes in 19 & 17inch.

At the end of the day if the tire is maybe less aggressive than you would prefer then I tend to ride slower and, as I don't want to ever take a 200+kg bike into mud (again ) less aggressive isn't such a big deal.

Big bikes can be a lot of fun, the 990 lc8 motor is awesome, you just gotta know what your getting yourself into. I didn't fully appreciate that last time round, experience has its benefits

Here's a good thread for 50/50 tire availability 50/50 DS Tire Guide

[Racing Dave]

TKC80's are about the worst tire I've ever run for tire life and in 19 or 17inch they are mega expensive. Mitas E07 is a good tire and comes in 19 & 17inch.

You're damn right there. On my first DB1K (Northern route) I had a set of new TKC80s fitted to my GSA, and by the end of the ride (+ by road, at gentle speed, to Nelson and back from Christchurch) the rear wouldn't have passed a WoF - stuffed at well under 2000km. The front lasted quite a bit better, as you'd expect.

[Night Falcon]

Took the AT for a spin on Wednesday (shout out to Ericson Honda). Apart from almost getting bushwacked by a Nissan Primera fleeing the cops after a home invasion (latter totaled up the Napier Taupo), it was an enjoyable ride.
Coming from a 530 it felt a bit like whale rider but the bike was way comfortable and easy to ride like they say. Power delivery was very linea and smooth. The bike set-up was all wrong for me so that was distracting. With my Arai XD4 on the buffeting from the screen was also annoying.

Conclusion....great bike but didn't quite do it for me....too much time on smaller bikes I expect so not the AT's fault. Maybe a well setup DR is all I need

[Bass]

Maybe a well setup DR is all I need

Have I got a deal for you!!!!

[vegeman]

Took the AT for a spin on Wednesday (shout out to Ericson Honda). Apart from almost getting bushwacked by a Nissan Primera fleeing the cops after a home invasion (latter totaled up the Napier Taupo), it was an enjoyable ride.
Coming from a 530 it felt a bit like whale rider but the bike was way comfortable and easy to ride like they say. Power delivery was very linea and smooth. The bike set-up was all wrong for me so that was distracting. With my Arai XD4 on the buffeting from the screen was also annoying.

Conclusion....great bike but didn't quite do it for me....too much time on smaller bikes I expect so not the AT's fault. Maybe a well setup DR is all I need

my view as well, nice...but just that, nice. So Marty, why the hell aren't you just getting the 690 again...you know it's the right one, you went lighter with the 530 and the AT are big and lets face it...boring, the 690 is the goldilocks solution, not too heavy, not too light...

[Night Falcon]

my view as well, nice...but just that, nice. So Marty, why the hell aren't you just getting the 690 again...you know it's the right one, you went lighter with the 530 and the AT are big and lets face it...boring, the 690 is the goldilocks solution, not too heavy, not too light...

thinking looooooooooooooooong and hard about it.

[Muzz67]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1087192328.htm

[Night Falcon]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1087192328.htm

less than 6 months ownership, maybe he wants the DCT or ABS?

[R650R]

Since having the DR after a life of sportsbikes only I've enjoyed the relaxed upright riding position and the extra ground clearance to be able to park anywhere even if it is a slightly remuera 4WD aspect.
Even most of us 'adventure riders' prob spend 90% of our miles on tarmac. Unless you live out in the whops its a long way to any true 'adventure' riding these days.
I want comfort, extra horsepower and ability to plow though dumb stuff when required, and a bike that's comfortable for big miles. But I don't ant a lot of the other bikes in the crusier/ sport tourer category that are even heavier than the AT or too road biased.
I am tempted by a 690 still.....

[cynna]

Even most of us 'adventure riders' prob spend 90% of our miles on tarmac. Unless you live out in the whops its a long way to any true 'adventure' riding these days.
.

another northislander i assume

[Night Falcon]

690 is a good choice as long as your prepared to spend the cash to make it a comfortable distance bike. There are loads of aftermarket options for them now which is great but it gets pretty expensive. If your not wanting hardcore off road the bigger bikes start to make a lot of sense.......I'm liking the 1050 again

[Woodman]

690 is a good choice as long as your prepared to spend the cash to make it a comfortable distance bike. There are loads of aftermarket options for them now which is great but it gets pretty expensive. If your not wanting hardcore off road the bigger bikes start to make a lot of sense.......I'm liking the 1050 again

Also, after a days exploring and you are miles from home you can sit in your armchair and just soak up the miles riding home. Except for the fuel bill the old GS is great for the long range missions.

[R650R]

another northislander i assume

Yes. At least an hours tarmac in any direction before decent off road stuff. Some stuff closer but too many farm/lifestyle block driveways and CCTV cameras to have too much fun...

[R650R]

690 is a good choice as long as your prepared to spend the cash to make it a comfortable distance bike. There are loads of aftermarket options for them now which is great but it gets pretty expensive. If your not wanting hardcore off road the bigger bikes start to make a lot of sense.......I'm liking the 1050 again

I was google "window' shopping and OMFG at the prices for Tanks....