Todd in Texas
Howdy from Tex,
I live in Texas and saw this bike in a magazine last Sept 2015. I knew at that time I wanted one to replace my Tried and True XR650R 2000 I bought new and installed many mods over the years.
The New African Twin arrived in June, after the announcement of the Factory closing and delaying shipment. The Color I picked was the Red White, however the Silver was what came in. It was take it or leave it time. So I test road it and hauled it home. I spent numerous hrs deciding on the Protection, Bags, and who offered the total package of add ons.
I went through my Dealer with my Discount and decided on Touratech. I could not be happier. Now I have completed the 600 mile service and took my modified bike to Colorado and road 600 miles off road on the trails up there. I was constantly comparing my new bike to the capabilities of my old Big Red Pig XR650R. The Suspension on the African Twin lacked the smoothness over hi speed rocket terrain I have / had with my XR. I call this Eye Blurr, from the feedback through the forks and handle bars. Tire Pressure, Compression Dampening, Pre Load, nothing removed this eye blurs. I jumped back on my Old Xr and road one handed through the same sections, and laughed just how good and smooth it can be! I said we have work to do!
Far as handling in larger bumps, the AT did pretty well. The front end seems soft, and will not track over the high speed 2-5 inch rocks like my old XR does. Now I done my XR suspension right after I bought it in 2000 and change fork oil ever two years.
I just bit the buillet and ordered the Extreme Front Fork Cartridges and Rear Extreme Shock from Touratech. I can't wait until I test out the new suspension. Here are picts of my bike today after i rode it this morning.
I have 1600 miles now and put the street tires back on after returning from Colorado back in August.
I love my new bike, once I get the eye blur out, suspension dialed in, I will have even more confidence riding off road.
After changing the tires twice, I have decided a center stand is a must! I have ordered the Honda center stand, Heated Hand Grips, Power Plug, and Tourtech Handles for the top of the Panniers.