Posts
1601
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Corona, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
10/10/2017 11:13am
Just wondering if any of you slackers have taken the plunge and bought an adventure bike. If so, what have you done to it as far as aftermarket stuff? It's a pretty tempting money pit. I'm hoping to get some bar-dragging berm shots on the 500 lb beast, once I get it dialed in.
It is certainly a way to burn through a bunch of cash, but it's glorious fun. One of my riding bud's just picked up a 2017 Africa Twin and we have done a couple of rides around here.
Last Friday we did what's called a "Loop of the Lake" around the Great Salt Lake. It was 272 total miles, and a 100 of dirt. He has a 690 KTM, and wanted a twin to be able to keep up on the highway stretches. He picked his up with 450 miles, and the Altrider catalog already thrown at it. He is very pleased with the bike so far, and planning to take it to Baja in November.
Took mine to Baja last Spring, with him on his 690. The big bikes struggle in the sand with 80/20 tires, however, with knobs they do fairly well.
The Shop
Laguna Diablo dry lake, south of Baja 3 on the way to San Felipe. 600 lbs, 105 hp Good Times!
Check out this video of me riding high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
https://youtu.be/-awVn8MuBbk
I have found that guys from a street background talk about how lightweight and capable it feels... I am from Moto, I pretty much think the opposite... It is ridiculously heavy for hard off-road or track use... And while it has loads of power, it is geared to the moon, which makes the gears much wider, and I mean Much wider, than what we r used to.... And that is something I am still not used to...
I use mine mostly for highway use and for riding around on gravel roads.... To me that is what it seems best at....
Have had this type of streetbike (ADV) for years, previously had sportbikes, and everything under the sun really (aside from cruisers- I will never be that old)
If you are tall, once you get used to the generous ergos of ADV bikes, there is no going back. Even if you never ride off road- they are made to fit larger humans, rather than made for tiny jockeys , as sportbikes are these days
Checks all the boxes for me.
I wanted something that could cruise two up at socal highway speeds.
My wife and I like to run up to Big Bear for breakfast.
Ride to work when weather is nice, forty miles each way.
Handles fire roads really well.
Thrifty gas mileage.
Although it is the lightest in its segment it still weighs 500 pounds.
Not fun to pickup by yourself.
Mods
Went to heavier springs and re-valved shock.
I weigh 185 with gear.
Mitos Eo7 tires
Seat Concepts rally seat (the stocker has a weird shape that makes you slide forward to the tank).
Taller Honda windscreen.
Future mods
Hard ano the fork sliders (the stock coating started to wear in less than 5K miles. Honda says normal wear so you will need to address that on your own)
Or I may swap the forks for KYB sss.
You will love it. you can even get a big tail bag so you can fit all of your Bernie Sanders and Sierra club stickers
Pit Row
https://youtu.be/j7SagqfximY
Me personally, I added an 04 KTM 950 back to the stable after having one many years ago. Still has carbs, no electronic gadgets, and maybe not the best fit and finish compared to newer 1190/1090s, but it hauls 85+mph down the road, including a 75 mile round trip twice a week to work, and still scoots along in two track dirt roads.
- Crash bars, maybe touratec or similar
- Raise front fender
- Tires...not sure which kind, I'm open to suggestions.
- 12v phone charger
- Centerstand
- Taller wind screen
- Giant Loop tank and saddlebags
- Suspension done
I'd like to get some of the cool stuff these guys have for it
Post a reply to: Anyone else have an Africa Twin?