[MikeVTWIN]

Hi folks,

Ordered an Africa Twin last week after a lengthy test ride in typical Scottish weather .. rain, mud, spot of sunshine and a gusty breeze. Coupled with our potholed roads and a healthy dose of gravel on the corners I reckon its pretty much ideal round here.

I've had a lot of bikes over 40 odd years but recently found myself riding around locally on my TTR250 mostly while the sports bikes languished in the garage. So, this is a change of style for me and I am hoping to use it a lot for both running around and fairly long distance stuff (France/Spain). A little mild off road stuff too.

Only thing I am a wee bit nervous about is the reports of corrosion on the spokes (checked that out on here after hearing about the problem from a friend). Not sure it will lead me to cancel but any further thoughts would be welcome .. don't really want to be spending money on getting the wheels rebuilt .. but I do tend to ride bikes rather than clean them all the time!

Happy riding everyone,

Mike

 

[JasonWD]

*Waves at Mike*

Welcome to the gang! I'm also in that 'on order' phase; when are you expecting it?

I'm taking the spokes thing in my stride. In the end they are only spokes and I trust Honda will go some way to fixing it.

 

[MikeVTWIN]

Jason,

The bike should be here in about 3 weeks. It is a manual tricolour. My view on the spokes is similar to yours as everything else about the bike ticks the boxes for me.

I see you are in Canada .. had a great tour there last year with my brother-in-law. We did a huge loop up from Toronto and back through Ottawa. Met a guy on a Suzuki Vstrom 650 who was on his way back from Alaska! Really got me thinking about the possibilities .. hence the Africa Twin.

 

[Mike]

Hi Mike

I picked up my AT on 1st March, I've used it in all the salt and crap on the roads since then, I'm up to 1250 miles and my spokes come up like new - so I think it's possibly a sporadic problem maybe a poor batch ?
It's a cracking bike, my only issue is the Honda heated grips which work at about 40% of what they should, luckily the weathers started to warm up a bit !
I had a TTR 250 a few years ago - it was a great little green lanes bike and I had loads of fun on it, wish I never sold it.
Enjoy your bike when it comes.

All the best.

Mike

 

[acarrilho]

Hi Mike

I picked up my AT on 1st March, I've used it in all the salt and crap on the roads since then, I'm up to 1250 miles and my spokes come up like new - so I think it's possibly a sporadic problem maybe a poor batch ?

Mike,
what is the serial number of your bike?

 

[zippysworld]

Hi Mike, Its a great bike and as you say ideal for your conditions.
Ive had mine for a few weeks now and It does get used in all weathers.
Im sad to say I can see corrosion on my rear spokes, such a shame as it spoils a great bike.
Obviously I will be mentioning this to my dealer.

 

[Mike]

Hi

My frame number ( VIN Code ) is

JH2SD04B36K002209

My spokes are still cleaning up like new.

I had an XT 600e with spokes showing corrosion the same as in the photos, but I never had any issues with breakages, I'm sure it's not structural just appearance ( looks a bit **** on a new bike ! )

 

[MikeVTWIN]

Thanks for that Mike,

I spoke to my dealer today. He acknowledged the problem and that some (not all) customers had experienced corrosion. He tells me Honda "are addressing the problem". I have no reason to doubt him. Fingers crossed!

Meanwhile been looking at the Touratec website .........

Mike

 

[Tinpot]

I've had my Africa Twin two months and 1500 miles in all UK weather.

Spokes are corroding on rear and front slightly. sent photos to dealer and two new wheels are ordered.

I expect no problems with them but if there is then i'll get another set. It is only a cosmetic issue not structural, stainless steel should not corrode after any miles let alone 1000 miles.

I personally would not let something like that change your mind about buying a brilliant bike.

i personally would look at other websites before buying from Touratec unless you want their stuff. I have their tank bag by the way.

www.ruggedroads.co.uk for example.