Author Topic: Africa Twin newbie (Read 3793 times)

dieseldawie · « **Reply #40 on:** March 13, 2018, 04:28:05 pm »

Quote from: Battlestar on March 13, 2018, 01:03:39 pm

Quote from: dieseldawie on March 13, 2018, 12:53:32 pm
Quote from: Battlestar on March 13, 2018, 09:12:03 am
Chaps just an observation. When pulling off in first gear and right at the end of the clutch release cycle i find the engine shudders a bit if I dont keep the revs high Say above 2500rpm? Is this just a characteristic of a big Vee Twin? There is no slippage or anything and gear changes through out are silky smooth.

I think thats the stepper clutch??
What is such a thing?

Definitely a shudder right at the end of the full release. Too little RPM and its there. Higher RPM smooths it out.

Sorry meant slipper clutch. Was just checking on youtube and see that later designs also allow for a slight slippage during take off as well as deceleration. I might misunderstand completely.mind??

Battlestar · « **Reply #41 on:** March 14, 2018, 05:34:18 pm »

Without getting overly complicated is there any reason not to use Castrol Activo in this bike?

Ian in Great Brak River · « **Reply #42 on:** March 14, 2018, 06:09:55 pm »

Quote from: Battlestar on March 14, 2018, 05:34:18 pm

Without getting overly complicated is there any reason not to use Castrol Activo in this bike?

I have used it in the AT and the S10.

Battlestar · « **Reply #43 on:** March 14, 2018, 06:21:35 pm »

Quote from: Ian in Great Brak River on March 14, 2018, 06:09:55 pm

Quote from: Battlestar on March 14, 2018, 05:34:18 pm
Without getting overly complicated is there any reason not to use Castrol Activo in this bike?

I have used it in the AT and the S10.

Thanks for the reply

Battlestar · « **Reply #44 on:** March 14, 2018, 06:23:10 pm »

Crash bars fitted. Quality

Boerbok · « **Reply #45 on:** March 15, 2018, 10:50:16 pm »

I went with Outback Motortek crash bars, bash plate and lugguage rack, Barkbusters and Pivotpegz. Also the SW Motech centerstand, because it can take that mini bashplate that protects the rear shock mounting and suspension linkage. I cannot believe how many small dings I can see on that little bashplate after just 5000km’s, and I just ride the occasional fast gravel road no log jumping.

Battlestar · « **Reply #46 on:** March 16, 2018, 08:10:01 am »

Quote from: Boerbok on March 15, 2018, 10:50:16 pm

I went with Outback Motortek crash bars, bash plate and lugguage rack, Barkbusters and Pivotpegz. Also the SW Motech centerstand, because it can take that mini bashplate that protects the rear shock mounting and suspension linkage. I cannot believe how many small dings I can see on that little bashplate after just 5000km’s, and I just ride the occasional fast gravel road no log jumping.

Yes i saw that little skid plate for the SW Motech unit. I will get something made up to fit the OEM stand when I get it. I agree that over time those components will get sandblasted proper.

Battlestar · « **Reply #47 on:** March 16, 2018, 08:13:36 am »

Whilst going through the bike and giving her a bit of a service (Oil etc etc) I decided that I may as well check the air filters. Getting to these is a right PITA!!!!!!! Anyway it should be easier the next time. The OEM filters were very dirty even after cleaning so I ordered a set of DNA washable filters. They should arrive with me today and then Ill fit them.

dieseldawie · « **Reply #48 on:** March 16, 2018, 09:40:35 am »

Quote from: Battlestar on March 16, 2018, 08:13:36 am

Whilst going through the bike and giving her a bit of a service (Oil etc etc) I decided that I may as well check the air filters. Getting to these is a right PITA!!!!!!! Anyway it should be easier the next time. The OEM filters were very dirty even after cleaning so I ordered a set of DNA washable filters. They should arrive with me today and then Ill fit them.

how often do you have to clean DNA? Just checked my OEM at 14,000km and not to bad. Will make the recommended 24:000km. Did plenty of dusty dirt roads as well.

Battlestar · « **Reply #49 on:** March 16, 2018, 10:25:07 am »

Quote from: dieseldawie on March 16, 2018, 09:40:35 am

Quote from: Battlestar on March 16, 2018, 08:13:36 am
Whilst going through the bike and giving her a bit of a service (Oil etc etc) I decided that I may as well check the air filters. Getting to these is a right PITA!!!!!!! Anyway it should be easier the next time. The OEM filters were very dirty even after cleaning so I ordered a set of DNA washable filters. They should arrive with me today and then Ill fit them.

how often do you have to clean DNA? Just checked my OEM at 14,000km and not to bad. Will make the recommended 24:000km. Did plenty of dusty dirt roads as well.

Under normal riding conditions they say every 24000km so same duration as replacing the OEM

Battlestar · « **Reply #50 on:** March 22, 2018, 11:22:56 am »

So now that i have a few miles under the belt and getting to learn about the machine I have 3 observations if you could help me with to say if normal or not.

1: There is a rattle noise in the engine when accelerating only when cold/first started. As soon as the engine gets to operating temperature (3 bars) it disappears completely and is not there at any stage when idling.
2: How much oil should collect in the breather that sits a bit further back than the units located in the fairing on the left and right? I emptied it out a few days back and more than tea spoon full came out. The oil was also clean and not black/dirty looking. Possible overfill? The bike has done 9400km and is just under 2 years old
3: The Ambient temp gauge appears to be on the high side by about 3 deg C?

Mpandla · « **Reply #51 on:** March 22, 2018, 12:29:20 pm »

Quote from: Battlestar on March 22, 2018, 11:22:56 am

So now that i have a few miles under the belt and getting to learn about the machine I have 3 observations if you could help me with to say if normal or not.

1: There is a rattle noise in the engine when accelerating only when cold/first started. As soon as the engine gets to operating temperature (3 bars) it disappears completely and is not there at any stage when idling.
2: How much oil should collect in the breather that sits a bit further back than the units located in the fairing on the left and right? I emptied it out a few days back and more than tea spoon full came out. The oil was also clean and not black/dirty looking. Possible overfill? The bike has done 9400km and is just under 2 years old
3: The Ambient temp gauge appears to be on the high side by about 3 deg C?

1. Nope, mine makes no rattling noises like that. Only time it makes a light rattle is when warm, idling with the clutch out
2. Normal I am told. Drain that oil regularly
3. Which temp are you talking about? Engine/water temp or the outside temp on the dash?

Battlestar · « **Reply #52 on:** March 22, 2018, 12:52:26 pm »

Quote from: Mpandla on March 22, 2018, 12:29:20 pm

Quote from: Battlestar on March 22, 2018, 11:22:56 am
So now that i have a few miles under the belt and getting to learn about the machine I have 3 observations if you could help me with to say if normal or not.

1: There is a rattle noise in the engine when accelerating only when cold/first started. As soon as the engine gets to operating temperature (3 bars) it disappears completely and is not there at any stage when idling.
2: How much oil should collect in the breather that sits a bit further back than the units located in the fairing on the left and right? I emptied it out a few days back and more than tea spoon full came out. The oil was also clean and not black/dirty looking. Possible overfill? The bike has done 9400km and is just under 2 years old
3: The Ambient temp gauge appears to be on the high side by about 3 deg C?

1. Nope, mine makes no rattling noises like that. Only time it makes a light rattle is when warm, idling with the clutch out
2. Normal I am told. Drain that oil regularly
3. Which temp are you talking about? Engine/water temp or the outside temp on the dash?

Ambient ie outside air temp.

Mpandla · « **Reply #53 on:** March 22, 2018, 01:06:39 pm »

Mm never really compared it so cant say if mine is out or not

Battlestar · « **Reply #54 on:** March 22, 2018, 02:13:31 pm »

I need to be around another one when its starts up in the morning to confirm my Item 1. Like i said its only during the initial start and maybe first 500 or so meters. This engine gets to operating temp fairly rapidly.

Battlestar · « **Reply #55 on:** April 20, 2018, 06:52:41 pm »

Honda OEM centre stand fitted today. Quality

DavidMorrisXp · « **Reply #56 on:** April 20, 2018, 07:15:58 pm »

I also went OEM on the stand, flaps a bit when landing after a speed bump

Ian in Great Brak River · « **Reply #57 on:** April 21, 2018, 01:45:58 am »

Quote from: meurig on April 20, 2018, 07:15:58 pm

I also went OEM on the stand, flaps a bit when landing after a speed bump

Make sure you have both springs attached, it will not do so with both springs.

Battlestar · « **Reply #58 on:** April 21, 2018, 03:05:12 pm »

Am I the only one that seems to think the OEM Dunlop tyres are super kak? On tar the rear break locks up with skiding tyres at just over what I would call moderate breaking. I have had a few big ds bikes without abs fitted with Michelin,Bridgestone etc with out rears locking up. Even cornering not overly hard they just feel like they going to let go at any moment.

dieseldawie · « **Reply #59 on:** April 23, 2018, 08:27:30 am »

Quote from: Battlestar on April 21, 2018, 03:05:12 pm

Am I the only one that seems to think the OEM Dunlop tyres are super kak? On tar the rear break locks up with skiding tyres at just over what I would call moderate breaking. I have had a few big ds bikes without abs fitted with Michelin,Bridgestone etc with out rears locking up. Even cornering not overly hard they just feel like they going to let go at any moment.

Took mine off after 1000km and 3 snake bite punctures. Gave the front tyre away. No one wants the rear one