We addressed a couple of niggles on our long-term Africa Twin test bike: less-than-stellar brakes (remedied with a set of DP Brakes pads) and a low handlebar (made more comfortable with a Helibars riser). To help schlep our stuff, we also added a Givi Tanklock tank bag. Photo by Kevin Wing.
In the year or so that we?ve had it, we?ve asked a lot of our Africa Twin: commuting, off-the-bike camping, ADV shootouts, grocery-getting, long distance touring and schlepping our photographer and all his gear on numerous photo shoots?often incorporating off-road riding (including our ?Pint-Sized Adventure? test). It takes everything we throw at it in stride and asks for more. It even survived an encounter with a rather large dog that had gotten loose and ran headlong into the big front wheel, knocking the bike and me to the ground at about 15 mph. Damage was cosmetic only?a scuffed up fairing and hand guard?and the dog was fine too. Read our first Long-Term Review on the Africa Twin here.
While it was back at Honda HQ getting new plastic, after enjoying several thousand, mostly street miles on them, we had the highly effective but worn-out Continental TKC80 knobbies replaced with the stock Dunlop Trailmax 90/10 tires, slightly improving gas mileage (we?re averaging 40-50 mpg) and making for a quieter, smoother ride. Once back in the Rider garage, we also added a Helibars Tour Performance bar riser ($129) for easier stand-up riding off-road and more relaxed ergos when seated. The Tour P...