[scharfg]

Hi folks new to the site.

Sorry if this question is a repeat, I did a Google search but came up with nothing (strange I know). Point me in the right direction with links if possible.

Now that Honda Canada has released the pricing of the new AT (~$2K more than the Vee2), I'm now wondering/researching between the two bikes.

I thought the Honda was going to be more like $18K versus the $14K in Canada so it was never part of the equation, I was 100% set on the Vee2, but now.......?

My riding with be 80/20 twisty pavement versus foresty road type gravel. I have a CB500X for the knarlier dirt so this new bike will replace my current cruiser and sport tourer.

I know on paper the Vee2 seems to suit my needs better with the smaller front tire, a bit lighter, less $ etc. But I was trying to keep up with a buddy on his 990 in the paved twisties on my CB500X so I'm not sure the 19" versus 21" arguement on the pavement is such a noticeable difference for my ability level.

I do like that the Vee2 is less $ (I owned a '09 Wee as well), reliable, good support and seems to be a well thought out and performing bike, where as the AT is new out of the box this year and who knows how it is going to make out (but then its a Hnnda so I'm pretty confident in its abilities for a 1st year bike).

Anyways, was interested in your perspectives, thanks!

 

[JustPlainBill0]

At this point, only two members of the forum have yet ridden an Africa Twin - and only another half dozen or so have seen one in the flesh uh, plastic so you wont get much more than opinions here. Plus, reviews from the South Africa launch are tainted a little by the lust moto journalists feel for new models and good living and that lust has a way of fading the morning after. Wait for responsible sites/magazines to conduct full comparisons of the AT up against the VStrom, F800GS, Triumph Tiger, KTM 1050 Adventure, and other adventure bikes that seem competitive, in environments where they will be used. No hurry to decide, it looks like there wont be a supply of AT's coming to North America for a few months more.

 

[marsbeetle]

You can never go wrong with a V-Twin - love the engine characteristics and the linear torque curve you get through all gears. I will always have a soft spot for Ducati's but unfortunately I can only afford one motorcycle so I have to choose the one that is the most versatile and as close to the type of riding I enjoy. Since I don't like to be restricted to any particular riding style I have to go for the best all-rounder. For me that is the Africa Twin.

Having said that, if I look at the DL1000 in comparison to the AT I'd have to say the AT is more off-road biased and the DL1000 more on-road biased. Not by large margins mind you but enough to effect handling in certain situations. Both are very decent motorcycles.

You should probably make your decision based on the style of riding you are planning on doing before taking into account costs and other factors such as service and your nearest dealers etc. No point in spending a fortune on something you are not going to be 100% happy with when something that costs less would hit all the right spots. It's your decision either way and as already mentioned, take your time, consider all the factors.

My 2 cents.

 

[Nessuno]

responsible answers from the others have left not much else to say ahah, well welcome to the boards.

The storm troopers are top heavy from what I've read...

 

[ricecrispy]

From the lanesplitter review:

The Honda Africa Twin is the same weight, power, and price of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, another bike I love. It’s also about 1,000x better off road. The next off road adventure bikes, at least in terms of price, are the Triumph Tiger CX ($12,500), BMW 800 GSA ($13,695), Yamaha Super Tenere ($15,090), KTM 1190 Adventure R ($16,999), and BMW R 1200 GSA ($18,340).

 

[alba]

My riding with be 80/20 twisty pavement versus foresty road type gravel

I don't think twisty pavement is going to be the strong point of the AT. If the forest roads are likely to be nice gravel then I think the Suzuki would be the better choice (its cheaper and available now and probably better on road).
Of course, the issue with forest roads is you never quite know how rough it is going to get around the next bend...

 

[ricecrispy]

I don't think twisty pavement is going to be the strong point of the AT. If the forest roads are likely to be nice gravel then I think the Suzuki would be the better choice (its cheaper and available now and probably better on road).
Of course, the issue with forest roads is you never quite know how rough it is going to get around the next bend...

IMO, everything the reviews say indicate the AT will walk away from the Stormtroopers on pavement.

 

[robson]

v-strom 1000 anytime of the day (and night) for built quality and engine torque.

 

[FrogAT]

Hi folks new to the site.

Sorry if this question is a repeat, I did a Google search but came up with nothing (strange I know). Point me in the right direction with links if possible.


My riding with be 80/20 twisty pavement versus foresty road type gravel. I have a CB500X for the knarlier dirt so this new bike will replace my current cruiser and sport tourer.

I know on paper the Vee2 seems to suit my needs better with the smaller front tire, a bit lighter, less $ etc. But I was trying to keep up with a buddy on his 990 in the paved twisties on my CB500X so I'm not sure the 19" versus 21" arguement on the pavement is such a noticeable difference for my ability level.

Anyways, was interested in your perspectives, thanks!

I'm a lucky guy as I own both bikes.

The OP should go with the AT if he needs the extra ground clearance. That's the biggest advantage of the AT over the V2. The v2 suspension is surprisingly good in the rough. The switchable abs of the AT is also a nice advantage over v2 for gravel road riding.

About riding twisties and wheel size: the difference in handling is insignificant to me. However, I have a slight preference for the AT,maybe its because I always ridden bikes with 21-18 in wheels before.

Build quality is pretty much equal. The v2 offers lots for the money. For serious forest roads, it lacks ground clearance and wirie wheels.

For highways, V2 wins hands down powerwise. However, I find the AT seat more comfy and can ride it all day long.

Accessing air filters is a pain on both!

AT has better rear break for sure. Front breaks are equal.

Wind protection: its a tie. I am 5,7.

The AT feels much lighter overall.

Turning radius is MUCH better on the AT.

 

[LumirB46]

How are you finding the wind protection comparing these two bikes? I had an opportunity to test ride the AT and I was thrilled about the handling, engine and suspension, however the wind exposure was pretty bad. I will be test riding the 2018 VStrom 1000 next week. I do not go off road, only very occasionally some hard packed forestry roads. However, the secondary and tertiary paved roads here in new Brunswick are in pathetic shape with lots of potholes and badly repaired pavement. I wonder how the Vstrom suspension would handle roads like this...? Could you elaborate on suspensions of these two bikes on bumpy pavement?

 

[davidji]

How are you finding the wind protection comparing these two bikes? I had an opportunity to test ride the AT and I was thrilled about the handling, engine and suspension, however the wind exposure was pretty bad.

I found the buffeting on my AT annoying until I added the Swegotech Forkshield. Wind protection is fine now. YMMV of course.

I thought the Vee2 wind protection was fine out of the box. Is 2018 a minor or major Vstrom 1k update?

 

[LumirB46]

I thought the Vee2 wind protection was fine out of the box. Is 2018 a minor or major Vstrom 1k update?

I will find out on 27th about the DL1000, I think the update is just minor, compared to the new 650. I use to own the very first 2002 DL1000 and I remember I experimented with windshield.

 

[LumirB46]

So I test rode the two new VStroms, the 650 and the 1000 today. We did 45 kms with each bike, same loop, combination of hwy, city and secondary roads, no off road (luckily). I had both bikes up to 140 km/h on the hwy and recorded fuel consumption of 3.7 l/100kms on 650 and 5.0 l/100 kms on 1000, quite a difference.
First, comparing the two. I did not find as much difference between the 650 and the 1000. Sure, the 1000 engine has more umpf and pull in all gears, but I found the 650 pretty entertaining as well. It just gets little bit longer to wind up to higher RPMs on 650, but you still get there pretty quick.
The suspensions were quite a disappointment on both bikes. I was purposely riding over all the bumps on the road that I could find and it was pretty harsh. The 1000 was a little bit better at its factory setting then 650, and the 1000 might be further improved by tuning the suspension setting, but I doubt I could even reach the performance/comfort of my RT’s suspension.
As for the wind protection, the 1000 is better for wind around my head, but for the rest of the body they are almost equal. Seating position is comfortable and similar on both bikes.
If I was going to chose one of the two, which I am not, for my 90/10 riding, I would go for the 1000.

Now comparing to the Africa Twin. I test rode this bike 2 weeks ago, so I might idealize it a bit, but my impression from AT is much better in all aspects. You sit in the bike, not on the bikes like with VStroms, and you feel much more in control.
Engine has about the same power as the DL1000, but AT is more smooth and refined even in low RPMs in high gears. While the AT has a beautiful exhaust sound, the 1000 has this annoying whine, not sure where is it coming from.
As for suspension, there is no comparison, you go over bumps on AT but you do not feel it. The DL1000 has just a firm/standard street bike suspension, you do not want to hit with it a bump or pothole. People might argue about better handling of VStroms at hwy speeds, but I had the AT up at 140 km/h and felt quite comfortable and secure. BTW, I ride the speed limit on the pavement, no more racing at my age.
As for the wind/weather protection, the AT is definitely better for the legs and lower torso, the DL1000 might be a bit better for the upper torso and shoulders. But, there are windshield options for AT as well…

So to wrap it up, no Vstrom for me, will be looking for the best deal on the Africa Twin. It looks like there are some 2016 discounted models and it might be the way to go.

 

[Djairouks]

You've come to the same conclusion as I did, even if I'm 35 and do attack quite a lot on roads, the DL suspensions are just not that good to me and after almost 4 months on the AT, I can say the 21 inch didn't appeal at first, but now I realize how it helps so much to maneuver the bike at very low speads and it's just very stable on higways as well.
Though the spec sheets say otherwhise, I honestly didnt find the AT to be less powerfull, I think it's the best punch/manageability compromise overall.


I now laugh at people stating you can't ride hard unless you have 17"/17" or that it's better for highways !


I was happy I loved the Honda more, because honestly the Suzuki aesthetics still are lacking, as well as the overall motorcycle finish !


I got a 2016 edition with travel pack, and with the discounts, in the end I didn't pay the travel pack, so you should be able to get a good deal I'm sure.


Have pleasure on your future rides !

 

[ricketyclik]

I was all set on a 2016 DL650. I'd ridden one for a week in NZ and found it a very good all-rounder. I test rode an AT, and found the 21" front wheel vague in twisties. I also found the riding position disconcertingly high (I'm 5' 10", 31" inseam).

While still in the market my friend let me ride his Tiger 800 for an hour or so, and I got used to the 21" and tall ride pretty fast, which led me back to the AT.

So glad.