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Lots of AT engines available soon - or not? Lots of AT engines available soon - or not?
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Old 16 Aug 2010
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Lots of AT engines available soon - or not?
ATs are notorious for wearing out the countershaft, or driveshaft, which costs a lot in time and trouble to fix. It's the power pulse, like that of a big single, which does in the splines. Plus Mr Honda-san made the sprockets a bit too hard.

I've worked out my own preventative solution (I hope) to worn c/shafts, but I think this endemic fault may soon, given the current kilometrage of many ATs, produce lots of second hand engines, but with a knackered c/shaft.

Against this engine windfall, I have heard that many UK Africa Twin engines are being shipped to the USA, to be used in some bonkers Honda Bros conversion. This is Disneyland gone mad.

If this is true, should we ask for a ban on export of our engines, in the same way that important works of art are export banned?

I know that AT owners are a dwindling band, as a look at any current HU European meet shows,(where have the previous ATs gone?) but we have a bike of the historical and practical importance of the old GSs, which defined this class.

I fear for the future......
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Old 16 Aug 2010
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It's not THAT common ! Just by idiots who run their chains too tight.. I've had 3 high mileage AT's and never had a problem..

Whilst the AT is a good bike, its past it now really !! They're only really travelled on by die hards now.

Don't get me wrong, it was great in it's day and I still have a place in my heart for them but there are just sooo many good bikes about today which are far lighter, quicker, economical, better handling, etc etc ! Did I mention lighter ??

Coming to think of it, the AT has shit brakes, shit suspension, crap fuel pump, over heating regulator, sticking choke plungers, rotting rims, rotting calipers and is a total bitch to work on (expecially the front cylinder)...

I think most Africa twins have been ridden to death now and ending up broken as spares on Ebay !

I low mileage clean AT goes for about £3000 these days. That's for a bike at least 8-17 years old. Considering you could by a nearly new Versys, Tenere, transalp for that kind of money, you would really HAVE to love them !!

AT's are actually becoming harder to sell. People are catching on that theres better bikes for your cash !


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Old 16 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
It's not THAT common ! Just by idiots who run their chains too tight.. I've had 3 high mileage AT's and never had a problem..
Oooh Touri/Ted, thats a passionate post! - a bodice ripper! Good man!

But please, please dont call HU AT riders idiots: I'm sure you don't mean that. They all know about this tight chain business, it's old hat, and I'm sorry, but you could be mistaken?

I explained the reason, but I welcome your other 'idea'. Yes, a too tight chain can knacker this area, but it will destroy the C/shaft bearing before the splines, tho' they will go too. But you probably knew that? Everyone who has an AT does!

You're so right about the reg/rect - you got that bit spot on. I've had loads of hassle there. It is as you say an old bike, though younger than many of the old GSs which continue to take many HUBBers RTW etc. Dont tell me that those bikes should be scrapped? No! I'm a little surprised that for a bike you insist is no good, that you bought three of them. Oh well!

I've never been one who liked consumerism and the hunger to buy the latest bike the magazines tell you to buy. I prefer to do things, like Frank Sinatra, My Way: "Regrets, I've had a few...." I'll tell you the truth, I fancy a diesel bike and a Honda 90. As well as my AT!

A well meant post from you, and I thank you for it

Good roads!

PS edited several times for clarity and length.
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Old 16 Aug 2010
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Yes, you're probably right ! "idiots" was perhaps a little harsh ! But not directed at hubbers in any way !

Stripped splines is by no means just an AT problem. Poorly fitting aftermarket sprockets, lose sprocken nuts/retainers etc can all cause it. It's not uncommon on super high milage bikes (which most AT's are now)

But really, I've never seen or heard of prematurely worn splines on AT's when the good sprockets have been used and a suitablly lose chain.

Yup, you're dead right... People should ride what THEY like. Not what a trumped up magazine tells them to.

Still though, all these old GS's go around the world fueled on passion, not mechanical superiroty ! Just ask Grant or Brighty about their old GS's ! Hardly seems worth the trouble to me but motorcycling to the masses is a passion too and the relationship a rider has with their bike is an important one ! lol
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Old 16 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Yes, you're probably right ! "idiots" was perhaps a little harsh ! But not directed at hubbers in any way !

Stripped splines is by no means just an AT problem. Poorly fitting aftermarket sprockets, lose sprocken nuts/retainers etc can all cause it. It's not uncommon on super high milage bikes (which most AT's are now)

But really, I've never seen or heard of prematurely worn splines on AT's when the good sprockets have been used and a suitablly lose chain.

Yup, you're dead right... People should ride what THEY like. Not what a trumped up magazine tells them to.

Still though, all these old GS's go around the world fueled on passion, not mechanical superiroty ! Just ask Grant or Brighty about their old GS's ! Hardly seems worth the trouble to me but motorcycling to the masses is a passion too and the relationship a rider has with their bike is an important one ! lol
Thanks Touri/Ted,

- glad to see you eventually agree. But come on, why did you buy 3 ATs when you believed they were trash? Whats your secret?

But I liked your emotional passion in your first post, when you dismissed the idea of bikes which were not sparkling new. Passion is a rare quality these days! Dont lose it Touri/Ted , and keep whatever individuality remains - forget the magazines! we all know it's tosh! Get on board!

PS I'm not at all keen on asking any 'heroes' you mention, none at all, anywhere, in any area of life (your heroes might be embarrassed at your words) who are just like me and ....well, you of course. I like what they do, (so much more than me,) but I do my own thing, as they do.

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Old 16 Aug 2010
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Don't worry, my bike choices are very very rarely nice, gleaming well running machines.

I've owned about 30-40 bikes in the last 10 years and the majority have been old bikes or with something needing fixing.

I love Africa Twins, but there has been alot of developments in the last 10 years which just lowers them in "MY" pecking list.

I don't class anyone as heros !! Well, maybe Spiderman.... And only caus im wearing Spiderman Xmas socks at the mo HAHAH !
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Old 16 Aug 2010
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I may be wrong...but I was told that the worn out put shaft was caused by useing after market front sprockets.

my AT as only ever had genuine sprockets supplied by Mr Honda,and there is no sign of any ware on the out put shaft at 44,000 miles.

I still think that the AT is one of the best all round bike's that I have had,and it does what I need better than other bike's I have tried over the years

Don't worry about part's...I have friend's riding bike's from the 1930's so our Africa twin's may well be going for a long time to come.

as for price...you can't pay enough for something this good looking


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