Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Africa Twin Honda Africa Twin
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: London
Posts: 5
Honda Africa Twin
Does anyone know how long these go on for? I would love to take mine on a big RTW but have already done 30k km on it, and would probably put two or three times that on the clock. Is this pushing it?
Also would like to learn how it works! Any ideas what the best way of doing this is?
Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Nov 2009
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
take it!
my last one had 110,000 miles on it and was still going strong until some p***k stole it! i have one now with 34,000 miles and would not hesitate in taking her on a RTW (when i win lottery). 30k km is not alot to one of these. i always carry rectifier and fuel pump whilst travelling as these are about the only thing that goes wrong! hope this helps, good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: London
Posts: 5
Thats great to know, thanks.

Sorry to hear one of yours got half inched!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Mines on 42,000 Miles and still purrs like new.

I did a full engine rebuild on one with 55,000 miles on for a pre-adventure prep and nothing even looked worn.

The rings and bore were well within spec.

I changed my fuel pump for a vacuum pump off a light plane(easy), and the fuel pump problem is over for life.

Reg/rect is a known issue too but Iv had 3 AT's and its never blown.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 30
Hi Henry,

Don´t worry imho 30k km is nothing for n AT...rode my 1st for 110k km and -being an idiot traded it for a KTM. No I am back on a beautiful AT with now 30k km on it .

When are u going to leave for ur RTW?

Bjoern
__________________
GET OUT THERE and EXPLORE
Safe journey! bon voyage! Gute Reise! buen viaje! Счастливого пути!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: London
Posts: 5
Thanks to all for the piece of mind! Now will feel very confident setting out on the big trip - unfortunately still plenty more to save. But at least I don't need a new bike!

Cheers,
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Nov 2009
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Honda AT
Henry,

NO worries, I guess. Even though I am only riding the "little brother" (Honda TA) with now almost 50.000 ks - those 2 bikes are almost indestructable.

2 years ago I met a guy during my Hokkaido touring (75 years old, native Chinese, who has lived in Japan since the end of WWII), who was riding an AT with close to 180.000 kilometers on the clock. He told me that he never had any problems, just the regular maintenance, that was it.

So, yup, go for it as soon as time and $$$$ permit!!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2009
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
one more go for it...
started our trip with 50k miles already done 20k more and it is going strong.. just bring a new fuel pump (or change it anyway), rec/reg (get electrex one) and make sure you dont run your chain too tight ( you will kill your out put shaft splines).

see you on the road


Cheers from the Ghana border!
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Nov 2009
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinhancock750 View Post
my last one had 110,000 miles on it and was still going strong until some p***k stole it! i have one now with 34,000 miles and would not hesitate in taking her on a RTW (when i win lottery). 30k km is not a lot to one of these. i always carry rectifier and fuel pump whilst travelling as these are about the only thing that goes wrong! hope this helps, good luck.
I agree with Kevin here - I have two ATs, one at 110,000 miles, still going beautifully. Just came back from Northern Spain on it this evening, and I'm frozen. (Not the fault of the bike!). The other AT at 75,000 miles, the same. Kevin's comments on the rectifier and fuel pump are spot on.

Get that bike. But CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES. This means removing a plastic cover. There's a recent post on this here on HU.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Nov 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
Mines done 80.000 kms and I would leave tomorrow for a RTW trip !! just did 8k to Jordan with only a broken rack, my fault, overloaded and dropped the bike – welded for €1… and the front calipers died… had them totally rebuilt in Turkey for €40

Shipped it from Cyprus to London – didn’t even disconnect the battery, just turned off the fuel.. it started first time … the guys at the shipping agent couldn’t believe it..

All excellent advice listed above…

Cheers
M
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Nov 2009
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xander View Post
one more go for it...
started our trip with 50k miles already done 20k more and it is going strong.. just bring a new fuel pump (or change it anyway), rec/reg (get electrex one) and make sure you dont run your chain too tight ( you will kill your out put shaft splines).

see you on the road


Cheers from the Ghana border!
Hey Xander! great trip...my very best wishes to you for a safe and terrific journey!!!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 23
same as above, I ride my second AT.
beside pump and rectifier, wheels and steering ball bearing are typical fault you can simply prevent by installing better ones.
Voltmeter is very usefull to check rectifier work
I regretted my BMW r80 for long, but in reality I admit the AT is much better
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: perth,aussie
Posts: 90
AT in oz
hi i shipped my 2000 AT out to perth oz 2 months ago from the uk and its just clicked over to 31000 mile.had 9000 on the clock when i got it and apart from a knackered battery which was probably the original ive not had a prob!i did change the fuel pump and reg/rec and chucked a pair of wavy discs on and im off across the nullabore in a few weeks and working my way round oz then plan to ride back to old blighty.with regular oil, filter changes and the odd set of plugs i reckon shell get me there too .
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 49
My first AT an RD04 had about 55,000 miles up when I sold it cos it's a pain to service when doing a high weekly mileage.

My second, an RD07 owned from new, was still running nicely at 130,000 miles when I sold it to get a lower mileage bike. That one had a new camchain at 70k as a precaution.

My current AT (RD07 also) is showing 91,000 miles at the moment. It's still on the original (quiet) camchain, although I have had the output shaft bearing replaced at 50k when it broke up, previous owner ran the chain too tight I reckon.

Carry a spare regulator (a few minutes to change if required), fit a contactless fuel pump, keep the chain at the right tension and you're set for high mileage reliability.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: perth,aussie
Posts: 90
chain tension?
just wondering how slack you AT riders are running your chains?when my bike is parked with no luggage,if i lift the chain it just touches the swing arm.i weigh about 80kg and luggage about 25/30.ive done an putput shaft bearing on a previous AT after some guy on a cbr told me the chain was too loose and i over tightened it.im always paronid about it now.
cheers
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crate For Honda Africa Twin in Bangkok take2dsky West and South Asia 4 26 Apr 2008 06:21

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 17:20.

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