Adventure Motorcycle Maintenance, Honda Africa Twin

One of the most important things you can do when riding a ADV bike is be prepared. Prepare your bike for the backcountry before you throw a leg over. This video discusses some of the important things to check before your next ride.
13:45 Skips oil change
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Bike Add Ons:
Outback Motortek Crashbar system and skid plate - OutbackMotortek.com Ohlins Custom Front Forks - ohlinsusa.com
Ohlins Rear Shock
Akrapovic Exhaust - amzn.to/3aBjBPW
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Bark Buster Storm hand guards -
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20mm Bar risers
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Luggage: Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag
Giant Loop Pannier Pockets
Gant Loop Tilimook and Rouge dry bags
Giant Loop Round the World Panniers with quick release mounts
Riding Gear: Klim Krios Pro
Klim Badlands Jacket or Klim Carlsbad Jacket
Klim Badlands Pants or Klim Carlsbad Pants
Klim Inferno Fleece mid layer (Africa Twin edition)
Sidi Adventure Boots
Held Air N Dry Gortex Gloves (summer)
Alpine Star Tech Touring Gortex Gloves (winter)

[@larrypeplinski593]

Being a new AT owner, this is very helpful.

[@twinrideradv2473]

Thanks for these videos, I have a manual 2017 AT, and have been really enjoying your latest content, keep up the good work!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@479_adv]

Thanks for these videos that don't just show the fun stuff. Personally, I love maintenance days, so this is getting bookmarked for sure. I just upgraded to a 2016 AT - coming from KLR 650's and I love your videos. Definitely interested in seeing the chain tension tools in action!

[@aaronforeman1696]

I just wanted to say a huge thanks....I found this and all your other videos on the Africa Twin extremely informative and helpful. Cheers.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Aaron Foreman Thank you, glad I could help 👍🏻

[@Maritimer]

Hey Buddy, I'm loving these videos, it helps us newer riders a lot ! Keep them coming ! and also thanks for the subb !!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

That’s good to hear, and the main reason I do them is to help others thanks!

[@richardsprings1414]

Thank you for helping people like me and others I watch and look for all your videos

[@gustavolenis185]

Very practical video on AT maintenance. I own an AT 2019 but I’m not an skilled mechanic, however I think I can do some kind of simple maintenance by looking your videos. Many thanks¡

[@inex0rable]

Been really enjoying your videos from here in the UK for some time.... and it's always great stuff. That bike not being tied down on the lift above your head is making me pretty nervous though fella. Had me reaching out to the screen to catch it when it wobbled! Paused the video at 8:30 to write this... now got my beer to watch the rest... thanks for taking the time to record this stuff... helps us AT owners out a lot... internet is still pretty light on good content for it 👍

[@backcountryadvmoto]

inex0rable 😁 thanks so much. It’s actually pretty sturdy. But I probably should tie it down. Thanks for following along

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Excellent footage, awesome point to remind to check other components after the oil change i always do that myself as well. I watched the video because i started KZbin channel myself, once again awesome work really helpful for some new riders

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks 👍

[@JoseOrtega-xn4mj]

Dude I just purchased a used 2017 Honda Africa Twin and your video is the BEST! I don’t know nothing about maintenance 👨‍🔧 or even how to check for my own safety. I love how well detailed and simple you make it look. I hope you have more DIY videos & if you do you have a new subscriber. Thanks, best regards!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks! I have a few on the channel. I’ll get more out soon.

[@jdott8232]

Fantastic video. I can’t wait to watch all the other maintaince ones. Keep it up. Your channel is awesome

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Jdott thanks a lot! Welcome to the community

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Jdott thanks, hope they help

[@augustbrante8117]

Great job a bit dated but what a great reminder video before taking an adventure trip!!! Merry Chrismas! and Thanks!

[@rgrtitan]

Awesome video with helpful content. I’ll use this video as future reference!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for watching, glad it can help

[@adventuresoftheafricatwin8196]

Very well done and thorough video. Good to know as a fellow AT owner. Love this bike, super reliable. Just wish the damn air filters were easier to get to. However ive gotten really good at taking plastics off quickly and can do so by just loosening my crash bars.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Lol, I just did mine last night. I dread it every time. Plus I do them about every oil change so about twice the recommended interval, but yeah, I’m pretty much a pro at taking the plastics off lol

[@DubuqueDude]

Excellent instruction! Since I was in that far for spark plugs that were black I went ahead and did valve check. New subscriber and just finished my 16k inspection. Intakes were spot on thankfully so just a minor adjustment to cylinder 1 exhaust back to center. Cheers!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Good to here

[@hibob841]

Great video and completely agree. I have never seen the point of skipping the filter when doing an oil change, despite Honda's schedule. Even the "fancy" K&N filter is all of $16...that's half a tank of gas in my area. Why put clean oil through a dirty filter? Really good info about skipping the first valve check-I was about to make an appointment at the shop for this, but now comfortable skipping it. The bike runs great and I don't have any noisy valves or other symptoms that would indicate clearances out-of-spec. I'm comfortable doing most other maintenance, so this saves me a chunk of change/hassle! I have read that adjustments are pretty seldom needed on these engines even at higher mileage.

[@carni6319]

Great content, thanks for your service.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Much appreciated

[@BOZENIX]

Another great video thanks

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ahmedamara855]

thank you for the information

[@robertreed7318]

Yes do a video when you need to adjust your chain.

[@briankohlman4356]

Great video once again. I'd like to see how to use the chain tension tools and the air filter service as well.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Will do

[@baluchavan6625]

fantastic video

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thank you! 😃

[@texassledder]

Got the beer ready for Thursday!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Nice!

[@robells6759]

Hey, new subscriber here. I appreciate the straightforward content. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the AT vs the BMW 800 or other bikes you've had.

[@gerardovm207]

great video! please make the chain maintenance videos you were talking about. cheers, and safe riding!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Gerardo VM just recorded the chain maint. Video today. It will be out Monday 👍🏻

[@gerardovm207]

@@backcountryadvmoto yay! Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@jamesbrace3212]

I'm new to this ADV game & would love to see how to check & adjust my chain!👍

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Sounds good, I’ll do one soon.

[@ibidu1]

Im not an adv rider, but I am a ex motorcycle racer. Whatever your manufacturer suggests, I would add just a tad more slack from the max tolerance. The proper way to measure the slack is put the bike in 1st gear roll it backwards to tighten the top slack, and put all your weight on the seat. Now mid point on the bottom of the swingarm measure the chain, then lift up the bottom of the chain and take another measurement, the difference is your chains measurement. But like I said a tad more slack is better than too tight. Too tight and the chain will become a bump stop for your suspension and if you do a lot of offroading and need a lot of suspension travel all that pressure/heat will go to the chain and prematurely destroy it and the sprockets. For lube I like to use a chain wax monthly, as this stops rusting, and before every ride I drizzle oil throughout the chain and wipe it off with a rag.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

ibidu1 awesome write up! Thanks!

[@Dirtbeaver]

Love your videos, I have been following your videos for the last few years. How many miles do you have on the Africa twin now? I’m debating on getting one of these.

[@mamo4104]

Hello, thanks for all your great videos, just want to know where you got that "Honda CRF 1100 Service Manual" Thank you again.

[@drdebrillos8909]

Again, I thank you, Absolutely Invaluable Information especially for a fellow AT owner, to empower us with some excellent Intel, pre ride checks to keep us safer, and more confident to ride longer and further, exactly what I needed, I love my torque wrench, Quality Info my sir!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

My pleasure glad it can help

[@badgerjack9588]

Great video. Thank you. Where did you get the Ohlins forks and how much are they? Also I have a 2017 AT and I get oil on the rear left crank case breather tube, is this normal?

[@brianbailes1091]

Thanks for the great videos! To the point, and great scenery. Would you mind sharing where you sourced your factory manual? Do you prefer it over Haynes/Clymer?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I picked it up from a seller on eBay years ago. I haven’t compared it to any other manuals so I can’t really comment on that sorry.

[@jimwolf3747]

Do you know what dashes in the odometer mean and how to fix it? Love your videos.

[@ryanmoore686]

Mine at 16k had 1 exhaust valve that was a little tight, other then that the rest were perfect. I also do oem oil filter doing changes as its cheap, I also do oil analysis on mine, nice to know whats all happening as im very hard on mine.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Ryan Moore good info👍🏻

[@asirrus2]

Awesome video, thank you! BTW, the book calls for 10W30, not 10W40;)

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for that you are correct. I prefer the 10W 40 or even 50 for the hot slow speed stuff. Engine temps are usually higher in that kind of terrain.

[@mariocarrion7807]

Very good video. Where did you get the Camel Auxiliary tank shown on the rear of your bike?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

From camel-adv.com 👍🏻

[@OMGMOTO]

Man, great maintenance tips. I keep looking at that Africa twin, I might need one soon.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+OMG MOTO DO IT! They are a great bike especially for the cost compared to some of the others.

[@OMGMOTO]

@@backcountryadvmoto I learned do ride on a dirt bike, the good ole days. haha

[@DustinEvans1966]

Great video. For your longer trips. Do you take the torque wrench ? My current trip is 2 months. And I've never taken one. But it's something I have considered.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

You know, I’ve really thought about it but just never have. I’m considering buying a torque wrench adapter to save weight and space amzn.to/3bTM6J8 check this one out.

[@makomadsen1602]

I can promise you that the valve clearance jobb a huge work , evry bits and pies most benn removed in right way. and the asambly right order. I think is not neserery check the valve clerance ervry 16000 Miles og 24 000 KM.I have do this to times now and no adjumst needed. God Luck vanlve clerance work.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Mako Madsen hey thanks for the info. Definitely gonna put it off for a while

[@eddyennis9160]

I also have the OM engine guards. Do they get in the way of changing air filters? Also, have you had any problem with the fuel filter getting clogged up at the pump? I am hearing of problems with the ATAS tanks welds flaking of debris. I have the 2020 ATAS.

[@michsky46]

Great video man. Got a question. Your africa twin was burning the engine oil?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

No, it’s not burning oil.

[@mytube3662]

I like all the mods done to your bike, my question is if you’ve done anything with your seat?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I have a seat concepts comfort seat. For the price it’s a great seat. On really long trips I’ll through in a AirHawk just for a little extra

[@CaptainNelson230]

I just bought myself that same Harbor Freight lift. Do you feel it is fine and stable without a front wheel chock? I have an AT with a center stand, same as you.

[@roy7602]

Excuse the dumb question, but what does the "chain gude" from Acerbis exactly do, and why do you have it installed? It looks really cool, but I don't really know what it does, sadly. Also google doesnt really help me out either. Cheers!

[@erickschmidt3828]

Do you ever get around Thompson Falls and Plains Montana?

[@adventuresoftheafricatwin8196]

Curious how many miles you get out of the motoz tractinator adventure tire. Judging by your videos it looks like we ride the same kind of stuff, so I was just curious? I have the Motoz GPS tire now and love it and has great longevity the only downside to it is the center rib, especially in the steep loose dirt kind of stuff etc.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+adventuresoftheafricatwin I changed the last one at just over 6000k and probably could have got a few hundred more out of it. I’d say on average depending on the terrain and how much ✊🏼 I give it, I average about 5500 out of it give or take

[@gdugable]

Anyone have thoughts on the Haynes Repair Manual vs the Honda Service Manual? Utility of either over the other for amateurs?

[@bradrullman8587]

Love the vids! I think your American flag is hung wrong though. Stars always to top left.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

You are correct. I threw it up quick and didn’t notice I hung it backward until I put this video out and trust me I heard about it 😆. Worst part is I know better. Retired military and LE

[@MarkillerADV]

Hola, qué herramienta ocupas para quitar el filtro de aceite, cuál es la medida? Gracias

[@AaryanRajesh]

Guys, m from India and own a KTM 390 adventure. How good is it to use this Engine Oil Flush? Will it spoil the internal components of the bike or is it good to remove the remainings of old oil?

[@jimistalione16]

hi! you use steg pegz? been trying to find for my africa without success. Did it take modifications to install it? Thanks! ps: mine is 2019 model (dont know if it makes any difference but i saw on stegpegz website 2015-2017 model only)

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I bought mine from Rocky Mountain ATV. They might be different for your year model, but the only modification I did was change the rubber puck out with a small boat bumper instead of the thin rubber puck that comes with it. It was way more comfortable.

[@jimistalione16]

@@backcountryadvmoto thanks alot for the tips, i ll try it too!

[@victorkelley5097]

Similar to others I'd love to see some content from you on how to check and adjust the chain. My AT will be my first chain driven bike, so it's new to me!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Victor Kelley I’ll put one into soon. Thanks

[@Adv4MM]

I second that! I own a 2016 standard

[@user-ir9zk2ei4j]

What does dashes in the odometer mean? No mileage shows. Thanks

[@1991widowmaker]

Where can i get a hardcopy of the manual?

[@jamesbrace3212]

How many miles you got on your steed?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

About 20k. The first couple years of owning the bike I put nearly ALL dirt mikes on it because we were traveling in our RV full time and I treated it like a big dirt bike. The only real miles I put on it were on the trail and two and from because I carried the bike all over the country in my toyhauler.

[@stillwater7929]

Is that an Iron Maiden sticker? Just saying......doven, divin....etccc.....

[@ansomriding9542]

🤔✔️❤

[@davidlamb155]

What kind of crash are those?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

@outbackmotortek outbackmotortek.us/

[@michsky46]

Good english by the way 😂

[@clikerzbot]

To much talk can check sparkplugs 😂