Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Africa Twin rear shock absorver Africa Twin rear shock absorver
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Posts: 39
Africa Twin rear shock absorver
Hi,

I´m riding South America next year with my wife on a Africa Twin. Because of the total weight of two passengers and luggage I am concerned about the performance of the standard rear shock absorver. Anybody as had bad experiences with it? Fitting a OHLINS rear shock is most advisable?

waiting for a reply!

Nuno Leotte (Portugal)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2005
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 520
Hi Nuno
Take a look on previous topics:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000076.html
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000290.html
Try to use for more the search function on this HUBB, very usefully
Hope to see you around here
Regards
Javier….
www.dakarmotos.com

__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Posts: 39
Hi Javier,

I have read about that topic on HUBB, but I could not find a convincing answer. Some people say that the stock shock is good enough and some others say it is better to fit a OHLINS shock. What is your personal opinion ?

Yes I hope to meet you next year by summer time, I will leave Porto Alegre (south of brasil) towards south by November 2006.

Hasta luego!
Nuno Leotte
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 114
Hi,
I really do not recommend you to go two persons on one bike. I rode trough south america and I was really happy that I wass alone on the bike (Also AT). You can ride much better and also will have a lot less problems when riding alone. Not to mention the few bagage you can take with you for your self as well as the replacement parts.

But in case you still go, install K&N air filter, which you can wash or just blow out by pressured air. The dirt roads (means dust) really fill the filter.

Have a nice trip
Burnout1
__________________
www.moto-adventure.ch - just THE page about touring Europe and South america by bike!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
Hi Nuno

In total contadictin to burnout 1, we´re riding 2 up on an AT and have been for 2 years. We´re now in Peru and loving it. We haven´t seen a paved road since somewhere in Ecuador (1100 miles ago). You´d be amazed at where you can go 2 up. You may be a little slower than others but why rush in such a fantastic place as S America. Having said that we recently rode the same 210 mile dirt road with two othrs on their own bikes (AT and Transalp) and they never got past us although we stopped for photos frequently. Go 2 up and enjoy.

However, in answer to your question, YES I would recomend going with an Ohlins shock. We found the standard shock too soft and it bottomed out. You don´t need that here! The Ohlins is a good shock for both the bike and the pillion. Some people have had problems with them as can happen with any shock potentially but I would recommend it.

Hope all works out and you have a fantastic time. You will!!

CHris
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Posts: 39
Thanks to all that replied to my question!

Burnout1, I think that travelling solo on a bike is for sure more comfortable rather then 2 up. But travelling solo is not an option because I want to take my wife with me on this journey. I have a lot of experience travelling 2 up so I am used to it.

Chris Smith, yes I also think it is wise to install a OHLINS rear shock. They are the best in the market.

How is your AT going, any major mechanical failures?

Enjoy the ride!!

Nuno&Tatiana


Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2005
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 520
Hi Nuno
Sorry for the late answer, but we are moving our shop and we was very busy the last weeks and still now.
Like you and Chris answer to Burnout1 I’m agree too, we always ride 2up on the AT, now from some few years a go my wife ride her own bike and I enjoy more the dirt roads.
For me the original shock is very good and enough to travel two up, give more preload and enjoy, my At is the old one (RD04) and for me is better than the new ones (RD07) which doesn’t has the hydraulic regulation control. The aftermarket shocks can come whit the preload remoto control and only that I can make me feel jealous. My next winter project is to modify whit a preload control from a Bmw F650 (same bottle diameter).
The O’hlins is expensive and some people told me is not better than other like Tecnoflex, White Power, and more.
About how AT going, no major mechanical failures, like always fuel pump and electric regulator some times, mine two times the pump and one the reg one whit more than 100.000 kms.
Ok, CU here the next summer.
But I can recommend you to send the bike here, not to Brazil (less paperwork problems)
Hasta Luego
Javier & Sandra
www.dakarmotos.com
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Posts: 39
Hey Javier,

Maybe I will do something in between...just install a OHLINS spring on the stock rear shock, that might do it !!

I had trouble with my fuel pump in Marroco, the bike stopped twice on the road. But after that I installed a Vaccum Pump by MIKUNI from AFRICAN QUEENS. Now its just running perfect. Never had trouble with the electric regulator, what are the symptoms? And the solution?

Apparently it is more trouble to fly the bike from Portugal to Brasil, rather than Buenos Aires. So I am thinking about changing the plan. If I want to start my journey from B.A can I count with your support to prepare the departure?

Which is the the best month to be in Ushuaia? November to February?

Hasta luego
Nuno&Tatiana
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
Hola

I am in Chile now with my girlfriend, two up on a AT (RD07a). We are using the standard shock, standard front spings. I intended to fit a stiffer spring to my shock, but my dealer would not recomend it. Oversprung and under damped in the return, potensionally dangerous. The waiting time for an new shock, was to long for me. But we are curently happy with the stock shock. But if you can afford it, a new custom buildt shock for the load is the way to go i think. With stiffer springs in front also.

But we are hoplessly overloaded... estimated 25 kg over max payload (450 kg). We have two bags on the crash bars, to put some weight up front. And I must say it handels suprisingly well. I only notice the weight in first gear hairpins bend with lose gravel and bumps and sand.

You dont say witch model you have, but on my previos '93 RD07 with adjustabel compresion i thought the shock was way better. On RD04 you can do an rebuild of the shock and fit and stiffer spring.

Hasta luego
Frode & Karen Marie

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
as one might infer from the name of this lovely, lardy not-really-for-off-road bike with a piss-poor shock if used off-road, how about finding a way to fit an old fashioned pair of shocks alongside an Ohlins? ie make it an Africa Twin-shock?

its not very helpful to those of you who love the bike, I know, but it might work and save the endless complaints about AT rear shocks
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top