Great responses from all view points.
For what I've done on mine and as a guy who has ridden many of the newer and older bikes of this class I can honestly say the pros and cons weigh in the Africa Twins favour (or I'd have used another bike). It's great off road but just a bit lacking in power sometimes. It's more than capeable and very, very tough.
Some mods have been needed to bring the stock AT out of its shell. I've always run a newer rear monoshock with stiffer spring and progressive fork springs in the front. The fuel pumps last a lot longer than 40K if you maintain the contacts but I have changed mine for a facet. Also the only other non stock part is the mosfet regulator, not that my original failed. Choke plungers work fine if maintained. There's not a single bike on the market you can buy and forget about and all need tinkering with to avoid problems, and nearly all can be avoided if attentive.
It's true the Africa Twin does seem expensive at times but when your in the middle of nowhere with a broken motorcycle, awkward to repair, packed with electronics, with time not on your side, you'll wish you had a solid, simpler, more basic, easy to repair bike with a wealth of information surrounding it.
I'm not just waving the flag for the Africa twin because
if it's got two wheels I love it. But, when I go long haul I also need a bike I trust and know.
Rob
www.hondaafricatwin.com
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