I honestly was concerned when buying this bike regarding the suspension being on the soft side. I’m 6’7”, and a nimble 250lbs. After reading so much about the front end being non adjustable and soft every time I braked I was thinking about it in comparison to other bikes. Then I took her off road and literally fell in love. She has handled some pretty rocky roads in the Ozarks at varying speeds as well as some stream crossings all while inspiring confidence. Admittedly I have only done daytrips without luggage or a passenger but I love everything about this little dirtbike.
CRF1000L Suspension Too Soft?
Having read everything I could about the new AT, I did come across an amateur review by a guy who said that he didn't like the new AT because he thought the suspension was too soft both for offroad and onroad riding. Can anyone who has ridden the CRF1000L chime in about whether they thought the front and/or rear suspension was too soft? Did you encounter the shocks bottoming out over rough terrain? Did you notice any excessive front end dive? Were the shocks too soft to be sporty in the twisties? I see that Touratech is offering a new rear shock for the AT. Is that because the rear shock is not adequate under heavy loads or hard off-roading? I'm trying to figure out which adventure bike to get and the cost of having to upgrade the suspension on a new bike figures heavily into my decision.Thanks so much!
41 - 50 of 50 Posts
The main reason I signed up for the Adrica Twin yesterday was the suspension. Our roads here are terrible. I wanted a long travel suspension that would absorb the imperfections of the road. I even demoed a Vstrom 1000 2015 and was disappointed with the suspension, it didnt have the travel I was looking for. 9" of travel is a lot of suspension to play with. Suspensions will rarely be perfect for everyone out of the box, but having spent thousands on upgrades for my previous bikes, I can say these suspensions are really nice. If you want a sporty ride you will be disappointed, but if you're looking for comfort and something that can take you anywhere, this definitely fits the bill. If you feel the front dives too much, there's some cheap spring upgrades that will mitigate that, but using a bit of rear brake also helps keep the bike level.
I sold my AT to buy a Scrambler 1200 XE thinking it was finally the bike I had been waiting for all these years (without being able to demo it). Turns out the Africa Twin offers a ride that is so much more comfortable, that....I'm planning to sell the XE to buy a 2019 Africa Twin.
Did the 10k inspection and service on the forks after I had the Kashima coated all looking good, Dave has changed the rebound settings as I was looking for a lot more action on that front, my buddy had his Hard Anodised 30k Km ago and his were toast they needed to get redone. So it looks like the Kashima coating and running the bottom fork pinch bolts at a low spec (12nm and not22nm) seems to be working as a fix for the tube wear.
Attachments
-
91.2 KB Views: 319
Did the 10k inspection and service on the forks after I had the Kashima coated all looking good, Dave has changed the rebound settings as I was looking for a lot more action on that front, my buddy had his Hard Anodised 30k Km ago and his were toast they needed to get redone. So it looks like the Kashima coating and running the bottom fork pinch bolts at a low spec (12nm and not22nm) seems to be working as a fix for the tube wear.
That allows the axle to rotate instead of tubes to flex?
I believe he means the bottom triple clamp bolts. Less deformation to the outer tubes at the tight spot.That allows the axle to rotate instead of tubes to flex?
I just got a 2016 with the touratech suspension upgrade. The bike is way better at what I need. I am 6'2'' and now must simply change my preload on the rear when I add passenger or baggage.Having read everything I could about the new AT, I did come across an amateur review by a guy who said that he didn't like the new AT because he thought the suspension was too soft both for offroad and onroad riding. Can anyone who has ridden the CRF1000L chime in about whether they thought the front and/or rear suspension was too soft? Did you encounter the shocks bottoming out over rough terrain? Did you notice any excessive front end dive? Were the shocks too soft to be sporty in the twisties? I see that Touratech is offering a new rear shock for the AT. Is that because the rear shock is not adequate under heavy loads or hard off-roading? I'm trying to figure out which adventure bike to get and the cost of having to upgrade the suspension on a new bike figures heavily into my decision.Thanks so much!
The bike handles fantastic very well planted at all times love the extra help with a large load on.
My SAG adjustment can be good now with much more load. I am running the Conti tire.
That is very good to learn @OTBACKEZRIDER.
Welcome to the Forum, and feel free to introduce yourself at the New Member Introductions area of the Forum.
Welcome to the Forum, and feel free to introduce yourself at the New Member Introductions area of the Forum.
You are a beast tamer. Good info ty. Got mine used with the touratech springs 2 up with gear just add a few turns on preload. I am 6' 2'' 240 lbs now can add more gear when hauling to the camp area then back off 2 settings and perfect.t I love everything about this little dirtbike.
realize old post but I’m a big guy at 107 kg, Hyperpro front and rear work well.
41 - 50 of 50 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Honda Africa Twin Forum
A forum community dedicated to Honda Africa Twin motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about troubleshooting, maintenance, performance, modifications, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
