It's clear Honda's Africa Twin still seems deficient in a few areas despite updates, but at present has a distinct advantage to most of the competition in the "BIG" and possibly middle weight ADV bike category. Sales are, and will continue strong ... for now. No discounts of any note yet on Africa Twins here in bike rich San Francisco Bay Area.

But ... as we know KTM, Yamaha and BMW all have new models on the way. Within a year we should see Yamaha's new Tenere' T7 and KTM's 790 Adventure and Duke. Add BMW's new 850 in the mix too.

One thing I would hope Honda address in the Africa Twin is it's lack of horsepower. To match competition, IMO they need to squeeze maybe 10 to 15 more HP out of that flaccid 1000cc parallel twin.

IMO, a Tubeless option should be a must on the AT. NO ONE wants to screw around with TUBES these days. I loath them on my trusty DR650.

I would still always carry a tube (for variety of reasons) but nice to be able to insert a simple plug into puncture and be back on the road in 15 minutes vs. 1 hour pulling wheel off to swap out Tube.

On Li-Ion batteries:
Like lots of old geezers on here I've been suspicious of these batteries. Now that I have one in my new KTM 690 Duke, must say I'm getting to trust the Li-Ion battery in that bike. (PO put it in the bike on day one)

Also been READING a lot about the Science behind this technology and learning how they really work and about their CARE and FEEDING ... which many get WRONG.

Most common mistake punters make is OVER charging their Li-Ion battery using conventional or even so called SMART charger ... yes, they can ruin a Li-Ion batt if left on too long. (OK for short time)

In addition, most resist the idea (it IS counterintuitive) that you have to "waste" battery power by turning on lights or other accessories in order to "warm up" the Li-ion battery which quickly gets it up to 100% power output ... even in below freezing conditions. IT WORKS!

Most Li-ion batts have more CCA to equivalent Lead Acid batt and can sit for a LONG LONG time and not go dead or discharge. They also RECHARGE in record time vs. typical lead acid battery.

If your bike's Alternator does not put out a lot of Watts ... and you run a lot of accessories like heated clothing, grips, Aux lighting, GPS, communication, then you can run down your Li-Ion just like a conventional Lead Acid battery.

The good news is a Li-Ion will recharge back up in less time than a Lead Acid battery ... and mostly all that is required is RIDING the bike with some accessories turned OFF.

For me, I now carry a tiny Anti-Gravity Li-ion jumper battery. Works a treat. Or, carry a small charger to hook up at Hotel at day's end. Good news? Your Li-Ion will be recharged to 100% in an hour .. or less!