What Now...

[ScaredyCat]

I've just got in after taking an Africa Twin out for 2.5 hours. I'm a little underwhelmed.


Got some repeatable vibration at 4.5k but only on the leftright hand side and especially noticeable with fingers resting on the top of the brake lever.

The suspension is great, streets ahead of the NC smoothing out crappy roads with no issues. Brakes to their job, feel is similar to the NC (although braking power etc obviously different). I happily did some progressive braking without a second thought. All felt natural a bit like a bigger, upscale NC. Stock exhaust has a nice note too. Seat height was good for me, on highest setting the balls of both feet on the ground. Didn't have my big boots on which add another inch or so, just summer boots.

Here's the thing, the Africa Twin has twice the horsepower of the NC and 30 more torques. It should feel like a rocket ship to me compared to the NC and it just did nothing for me. I know it's not a sports bike but I didn't expect to hit the rev limiter as much as I did either.

So what now? I can't be squishing up on a sports bike so, Tiger Sport? Tiger Explorer? Something totally unsuitable, CB1000R ? Z1000 ?

I has a sad now

edit: learn left from right
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[Polarbear]

Always a bit sad when something like that doesn't live up to expectations.

How rusty were the spokes?
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[M.C]

[ZX-7R]

How about a 1000cc Versys or V-Strom?.
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Current Bike - 2000 ZX-7R

[ScaredyCat]

[Beehive Bedlam]

I would keep the NC for the daily slog and buy a weekend warrior sports bike for pleasure.

Everyone needs two bikes unless you're a pussy'ole who only rides when the sun is shining.

[Hahadumball]

fireblade
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Fin: no matter how much I look at It I can't understand what was going through my head, all I remember is going about 80 and redlining it to stop it seizing.
360 Deg... Five 1/4 turns. :- Teflon-Mike 18 Jan 2015

[Rogerborg]

[stinkwheel]

Exciting power delivery is exactly what you don't want when halfway down a dirt road in sub-Saharan Africa. You want it smooth and predictable.

You are looking at the wrong bike.

Try a tiger 1150.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[arry]

Africa is an expensive bike so world is your oyster budget wise. Just go test ride crazy and book one every weekend with a different dealer.

[arry]

[M.C]

[P.addy]

[recman]

[Alex A]

All current Honda bikes have a dull power delivery, even the 'blade. It doesn't surprise me that the AT isn't especially thrilling. It's not built particularly well either (rusty spokes and frame welds).

Are you going off road? If not, MT-10.

[Itchy]

FJR1300?

They do off road stuff rather well.

Mild dirt track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYG0ZuWyqDw

Slightly bumpy dirt track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nErGh7N8xKU

Japanese mountains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWng5pEtgkg

I've got my eye on one. Once my tendon heals back up.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[duhawkz]

[Alpineandy]

Come over to the dark side ; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-MULTISTRADA-1000-DS-2003-Red-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Sports-Adventure-Tourer-/282143281147?hash=item41b10ccffb:g:RlgAAOSw0UdXuA24
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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

[nitrosurf]

[recman]

[el_oso]

[stonesie]

For a do everything bike the MT09 tracer is pretty good, I saw one yesterday with sorted suspension (cartridge forks and a nitron shock) and wondered for a moment if I should have done the same.... Nah, the MT-10 will do for me.

If you want a bike that's the polar opposite of the NC then the MT-10 is about it, thirsty, impractical, fast, noisy, great handling after a setup and loads of fun.

[nitrosurf]

[Polarbear]

To me, a KTM or a Multistrada is second bike equipment. Wouldn't trust either as day to day commuter transport.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Carvel]

RSV1000
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2002 Aprilia RSV1000R, Cbr600Fs, Mk1 B12, Vfr400 NC30...

Matt B: I can deal with crushed nuts to beat Ollie.