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Any Old Guys (Over 50) Riding the Africa Twin?

96886 Views 378 Replies 266 Participants Last post by  wags
I'm over 60 and used to ride Enduros in my teens and 20s so when a road worthy dirt bike the size of the Africa Twin, after researching the possible alternatives (KTM, BMW, Ducatti, Triumph, Yamaha, etc.), it stimulated my desire to get back in the saddle again. It's a different world with issues like no insured medical coverage for motorcyclists with my insurance company (in my state?) and a lack of bikes on the road but a plethora of automobiles. Finally I hopped on a section I-24 for three exits and while crossing the Ohio river at 75 mph was blown about a bit then was blown passed by a Harley bagger and a much smaller Suzuki dual sport. Am I just getting Old? I enjoy the twisties through the woods and the dirt roads, small stream crossings and logging roads even with the stock 90/10s but I'm sure this might be more fun with say a set of Shinko 804/805 combo. I have Nelson Rigg panniers, 15 liter rolls and a 30L Tail Bag but haven't used anything but the panniers for shopping and extra weather gear. Also I have a Oxford First Tank Bag that I don't recommend. The plan is to do some camping, if time permits? I am relatively short (5'8") with a mid life gut and find that wrong footing like stopping beside an unexpected pothole (patched) is enough to cause a critical shift in the bikes gravity (I fell) and subsequent embarrassment. So feel free to share yours!
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I'm 66, and I have a red 2017 AT DCT. I ride mostly on roads, with an occasional off road trip, nothing really hard, just dirt roads. I'm only 5'10'' so after a few scares I ordered the low seat and it helped me a lot. The seat is a little hard, but not a killer, I can live with it. I think the Africa Twin is a very good and reliable bike. I also have a couple of BMWs, a S1000XR and a R1200RS. The AT has less electronic gadgetry, but I don't see it as a big disadvantage, in fact is the one I prefer for a long trip because the ride is more relaxed. Enjoy your ATs!! It is a great bike!
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