2018 Honda Africa Twin Review

[@BikingChap]

Hi Guys, would really appreciate your feedback on the review format I'm using here. Too long, too short? Would you prefer some on road footage or the return of the model history and owners manual extracts etc? All feedback, good and bad, very much appreciated! Thanks folks :)

[@grgrider8642]

Getting mine end of the month. Cant wait! I think i will be more than happy with 60mpg coming from a litre sports bike which i was getting roughly 30mpg or so.

[@BikingChap]

Oh wow, sure, you'll see a big difference and I found it a blast to ride and fast enough to be fun on the crowded roads in the south east. I'm sure you'll love it!

[@MrRodwatson]

I bought a 2017 a couple years ago at 23K, now just passed the 50k level and it's been almost 100% great. I mean that.....apart from a one time mystery electrical issue during a rain storm (tightened the battery cables and it's never happened again......but 🤔🤨), I am extremely satisfied with this machine. Suspension...🤔...sure, I want to increase the spring rate...I'm 220LBS, but I've ridden dirt bikes through out my youth, so I know how to stand up 😊. Recommend....👍👍 I think you did a really good review here. thank you. -Rod

[@BikingChap]

Thanks Rod, I really appreciate the feedback. I think they've really matured in to a great bike and these early ones certainly hide their mileage very well indeed, great bikes imho.

[@jameshanna8762]

Check and see if the front shocks have been replaced/repaired. The seals were notorious for leaking after about a year or two.

[@BikingChap]

Hi James, I rented the bike to enable me to do the review so can't check but seem to remember them mentioning that they'd been done.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Lucky with the gearbox, had a 2020 ATAS from new and 1st to second crunched like crazy. Honda would not even consider looking at it.

[@BikingChap]

@MagicAyrtonforever Wow, that's disappointing to hear, both with regard to the gearbox and lack of customer service. Did you sell it pretty quickly?

[@austen.5756]

My 2017 DCT has done 23k miles and rides and looks near new. I even off road it with mitas e10 dakar tyres. Can't fault it.

[@BikingChap]

@@austen.5756 I can imagine, I have to say I was impressed especially after the press comments that finish wasn't great. I thought it was excellent.

[@John-zb2kw]

Thank you for the prompt reply. I appreciate your unbiased approach. About me, I own a 2019 Africa Twin (Standard). I purchased her brand new from a dealer in 2021. I am particularly concerned about the quality of the switchgear and the ignition switch. I don’t seem to have problems with any of the aforementioned components, however, I intend on taking a proactive approach. Currently, I’m in the information gathering phase. My primary focal point is my ignition switch as I have heard that internal corrosion is an eventuality. I’m exploring the possibility of using a spray on electrical cleaner followed by a lubricant. I’m hoping that periodically spraying a generous amount of both into the keyhole will do the trick. Regarding the switch gear. I’m thinking that I can open both the left and right handlebar units up and perform the same electrical cleaning and lubrication but from the inside. I’m hoping that doing so yearly as part of regular maintenance will do the trick. I’m curious about your thoughts.

[@BikingChap]

Thanks for reaching out. I know the switch gear, especially on the left side, can have issues where replacement was required but without researching I'm not sure what the reason for failure was. With regard to the ignition switch, firstly they're a lot cheaper to replace but better still you can invariably take them apart and restore / clean them. I had to do this on a previous Honda project and I bought some plastic grease, some contact cleaner / lubricant (Servisol Super 10), and some 'brasso' to clean the contacts. It took a little while to pull apart and put back together and I needed a 'security' screwdriver, but it's still faultless years later. Hope this helps :)

[@John-zb2kw]

Very comprehensive review. Not sure if I missed it, but do you actually own this bike?

[@BikingChap]

Hi John, no this is one i hired for the review. Unlike most reviewers who have deals with dealers / manufacturers to get access to the latest bikes I rent the bikes i review (apart from the odd one I've owned for many years like the NC) This way you can be sure my take is completely straight and not influenced by a need to keep the dealers / manufacturers happy.

[@thelonewolf666]

the lcd is a dealbreaker

[@BikingChap]

I have to say I'm not a fan of LCD screens generally and certainly not the reverse ones that Honda used for a long time.

[@666dualsport]

too heavy--- you dont need 1000cc bike

[@BikingChap]

True but i found the height more of a day to day issue than the weight, it's little more than the NC750X DCT iirc.