Advice about coping with an Africa Twin

[wilfwalk]

Hi everyone,

I need advice about whether I could realistically consider buying an Africa Twin. My concern is that I'm short (1,72m) and light (66 Kg) and 62 years old. Up to now I've owned several bikes, none bigger or heavier than a 250 (Honda Tornado) and CRF230F's. My initial feeling is that its not a good idea, I don't want to end up a cripple at my age !

I'm sure that while its upright I'll enjoy the bike, but what about on gravel / wet dirt roads, etc. ? I would like to do a lot / most my riding on gravel / dirt roads.

Your practical experiences will be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Casting from Turd]

From what I have heard, is that the new AT feels like a 650 for the balance and light feeling.
I went from a 650 XRL to a 1200 GSA and I must say it feels lighter on gravel and handles better.

just my 2 bob's worth

[DavidMorrisXp]

On the lowest seat setting it is about 850mm but with it being narrower than my experience with GS's I can put both feet flat.

I am 1.78 and have about a 30" inseam

[Koet]

I love my AT.  It handles very well (I'm no riding god) while riding.  But it's not light when lying on it's side.  In my experience the 1200GS picks up easier as it can pivot a bit on it's pig pods. 

[Bikerboer1973]

From what I have heard, is that the new AT feels like a 650 for the balance and light feeling.
I went from a 650 XRL to a 1200 GSA and I must say it feels lighter on gravel and handles better.

just my 2 bob's worth

Verraaier! 

[Ri]

A slender gentleman of about 75, a friend who previously rode DR650s, switched to the Africa Twin recently. He says it is exceptionally well-balanced and handles like a smaller bike. Apparently with the lower seat option, even I (1.63m) should be able to ride it comfortably.

[dieseldawie]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

[Casting from Turd]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

Brave brave man you are, Squire 

[wilfwalk]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

Brave brave man you are, Squire 

VERY brave indeed ! Ha Haaa.

[wilfwalk]

Thanks to you all for your inputs, much appreciated !! Decisions, decisions !!. Will try arrange a decent test ride to help me decide, might opt for the smaller 250L if the AT seems too much to handle.
Thanks again.

[DavidMorrisXp]

Thanks to you all for your inputs, much appreciated !! Decisions, decisions !!. Will try arrange a decent test ride to help me decide, might opt for the smaller 250L if the AT seems too much to handle.
Thanks again.

Don't forget to confirm the lower seat setting, as there are two

[Scalpel]

The standard seat has a low and normal setting. Then you get an optional extra at Honda for a low seat. This seat makes the AT quite rideable for shorter people. I am 1.76 and I ride the AT on the standard seat height. When the riding gets really technical I will consider the lower option of the standard configuration.

https://www.motosport.com/honda-genuine-accessories-africa-twin-low-seat

[Crossed-up]

Buy it if you want it.

Just remember that small bikes are so much less effort and much cheaper when they fall over.

The AT would be brilliant on the longer rides and a bit of a pain going to the cafe.

[eberhard]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

She's a keeper!

[Grunder]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

She's a keeper!

I concur 

[dieseldawie]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

Brave brave man you are, Squire 

True that. You know the mother

[Oubones]

My Girlfriend rides my AT with no trouble on lowest seat setting with me as pillion drinking a beer.
She is shorter than you but probably heavier as well 

Brave brave man you are, Squire 

True that. You know the mother

I know both mother and daughter and they are both
I should know after my incident at the last kzn bash.

[Hardy de Kock]

Buy it if you want it.

Just remember that small bikes are so much less effort and much cheaper when they fall over.

The AT would be brilliant on the longer rides and a bit of a pain going to the cafe.

You fall over a lot when going to the cafe?

[Dux]

Just buy the AT and be done with , it is one of the best balanced bikes I have ridden , the seat isn't high at all and what weight it does have it hides very well [quote

author=Crossed-up link=topic=220312.msg3991895#msg3991895 date=1517400196]

The AT would be brilliant on the longer rides and a bit of a pain going to the cafe.
[/quote]

John , the DCT is a blast for shooting down to the cafe , it is like a scooter on steroids , just put it into gear and open/close the throttle 

[Crossed-up]

Buy it if you want it.

Just remember that small bikes are so much less effort and much cheaper when they fall over.

The AT would be brilliant on the longer rides and a bit of a pain going to the cafe.

You fall over a lot when going to the cafe?

Don't you just know it!    No, I enjoy fairly technical slow stuff, where falls, scratches and bumps are the norm.


I've seen you, Hardy. You make that AT look like a 125, so it's unfair to project your easy handling of a quarter ton bike onto someone of a little more than half your weight.

And Dux, you know what I mean. It's much easier to move a little dirtbike in and out the yard, to bump onto the pavement and slip through narrow gaps etc.  You can knock panel pins in with a four-pounder, but it's just easier with a little upholstery hammer. 

I've ridden the DCT and it's a truly great bike. I'd buy one like a shot if I needed one. But right now my little bike is all I need.