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RTW on an AFRICA TWIN??? RTW on an AFRICA TWIN???
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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



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  #1  
Old 29 Aug 2010
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RTW on an AFRICA TWIN???
i am planning to do a RTW and my choice of ride is an africa twin 93 to 96. i haven't purchased yet a motorcycle, mainly because i would like to be very sure before i do any spending.
i would like to solicit advices on the pros and cons about this machine and or what would be a more suitable ride for such a demanding trip such as this one.
taking note of carnet de passage and complicated computerized electronics failing in the middle of nowhere.
thank you guys in advance for any advice on what motorcycle and route to take and why. i am from milan, italy.
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  #2  
Old 2 Sep 2010
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I have never owned or travelled on an Africa twin but have met many who have and they have all been very happy with that model.

I am not sure if there is anything in particular to look out for but a friend of mine had to replace the rear wheel rim because of corrosion. Also make sure that the shock absorber is new or as new condition.

To the best of my knowledge there is no particular problem with the electrics, of course you might have problems but you can get this with any make or model, it would be a good idea to check all connectors and terminals as part of your pre trip service.

Using an older bike like this will make the carnet cheaper, do not be put off by age, I took a 25 year old R80G/S which had done 200,000 km across Africa with no problems, it is a question of good preparation and servicing.
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  #3  
Old 3 Sep 2010
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Honda AT
Well, the Honda AT is definitely a very reliabel bike. One problem you might experience is with the CDI unit.

I only own the little brother, the Honda TransAlp, model 1992, made in Japan with 400ccm and I am very pleased with it. Good gas milage, easy maintenance, and so on.

If you want to know more about the AT, check out this site: www.africatwin.de : Portal

Lots of useful information, however, in German only.
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Old 3 Sep 2010
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I´ve owned several Africa Twins, although the last one was a decade ago. Some models have a known issue with the fuel pump expiring, but generally they are tough, and well suited for long-distance travel.

Why I dont have one anymore is because there are better options for my use these days, like the Vstrom. I just don´t get it, why Honda dropped the AT, as it could be just as great, or even better. But now others have more or less caught up or passed it. Also it seems that the asking prices for an AT often are quite high nowadays, considering what its technical specs really are (at least in my country this is so, I really dont know about other markets so well).

So, while the AT is still fully capable, and many people do big trips with them, even the newest ones are now gaining age, which means the necessity of a total rebuild before setting off on a RTW-trip will be higher than on a new bike. Not saying you shouldnt go for the AT, just saying that there are other very good options to consider, too.
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  #5  
Old 3 Sep 2010
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Hi If I can offer any help

I had a Africa Twin 20 year's ago,then I was lured to A german brand in 2002
Then thankfully I found a well looked after Africa Twin a few years back.

They are far better off road then you would think for the size of the bike.

The last year you could buy a new one was back in 2003.

Problem's tend to be wheel rim's....Regulators... some have fuel pump problems, and soft rear shock,and if the bike as not been well looked after the brakes may need looking at.

Most AT's have now had all these thing's sorted out.


If you set off on a road trip.
Carry a regulator, and if it's not had a new fuel pump take one just incase.

I had the rear shock on my AT fully rebulit with a stronger spring and it was only £150.
Regulator about £70, so you can see it's not expensive to sort these things out.

However....if the At's wheel rim's are shot,then it can be expensive. I found a new set of wheel's for my bike but they cost £500. So if your looking to buy a Africa Twin make sure the wheels are OK.

I also must say that the bike does not have a problem two up touring , and can also manage off road 2 up very well.

I just wish Honda still made them

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Old 3 Sep 2010
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I can't help but ask, what do you want to be 'very sure' of exactly ?
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  #7  
Old 9 Sep 2010
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I have a 2002 AT . have done thousands Km offroad two up and never had any problems with the mechanic.Exept with the regulator...
Ihave change the rear shock and the fork springs. If you give good maintenance the AT never stops. I think the most important is to have time for choosing a good one.
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