Upshift Project: Honda Africa Twin

Upshift built up this Honda Africa Twin project bike with all the best parts. Special thanks to the following brands for their support of Upshift and this project.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports: bit.ly/2NWWiV4
Shinko Tires USA: www.shinkotireusa.com/
Yoshimura R&D: www.yoshimura-rd.com/
Trail Tech Voyager Pro: www.trailtech.net/
Outback Motortek: outbackmotortek.com/
Dubya USA: www.dubyausa.com/
Race Tech Suspension: racetech.com/
Kriega Bags: kriega.com/
Cyclops Adventure: www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/
Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/
Seat Concepts: seatconcepts.com/
Fasst Co: www.fasstco.com/
Akrapovic Exhaust: www.akrapovic.com/en
Fastway Performance: promotobillet.com/fastway
For more on the full project :: bit.ly/2qohw7L
Custom graphics kit available here :: bit.ly/2DGg6Ix
Upshift Online: The world’s fastest-growing Dualsport-Adventure bike magazine featuring stunning photography from Upshift's own Simon Cudby as well as engaging adventure bike stories from our global contributors. Here at Upshift, our goal is to go beyond the ordinary.
Upshift Magazine Is Free - We Just Ask That You Tell Your Riding Buddies About It!
----
Check our latest Issue of Upshift Magazine:
www.upshiftonline.com/upshift...
----
► Subscribe to our Channel Here / @upshift_online
----
Support the next issue by visiting our online store and grabbing some Upshift merchandise: www.upshiftonline.com/store/
----
Follow us online:
Homepage: www.upshiftonline.com/
Instagram: / upshift_online
Facebook: / upshiftonline
Tumblr: / upshiftonline
LinkedIn: / upshift_online
Twitter: / upshift_online
Pinterest: / pins
Google+: bit.ly/2u9v4o5

[@Outbackmotortek]

Epic job on this Africa Twin. Hats off!

[@usedtobe188]

Awesome review. I love the setup on the bike. It and the Super Trooper mustache are badass!

[@johna6968]

Wow that bike looks good

[@patrickm8877]

I like it. Awesome review. This is the first time I have seen anyone go all out on upgrades and improvements on the Africa Twin. One other thing I would have liked to see on it. Fork Gaiters.

[@brandonglanville2991]

Good suggestion Patrick. We will add them to the list for follow up testing.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Very interesting. I particularly like those Kriega bags.

[@modelb9332]

Gorgeous build - way more masculine looking.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you! We appreciate that. We really enjoyed that bike.

[@SiddharthChoudhary]

super build and great presentation! love it!!

[@brandonglanville2991]

Thank you very much! Appreciate the kind words.

[@markjacobs6294]

I love the Shinko combo. I use them on my Tiger 800 but get dirty looks from GS guys about them. Getting around 10,000 out of the front and 7000 out of a rear 50/50 riding. The same as any roadies I've used...and yes they handle in corners on pavement just fine.

[@brandonglanville2991]

We have been really happy with them too. There is an argument to be made that they are not heavy duty enough for the GS, especially loaded. But, for the "Medium Size" ADV bikes like the Africa Twin or a KTM 1090, they are great.

[@grego10r]

geting one this saturday same color cant wait

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

How is it?

[@grego10r]

love it

[@davepunjabi]

5.35 - That was skillful control.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you. Were still working on the setup of this bike while shooting the video so it was a bit of a work in progress. Thankfully he is a very talented rider.

[@Jaffa1951]

Some great riding there.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you!

[@drexelking8792]

Great review thanks for sharing

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for watching.

[@curtkautsch]

Wicked stash

[@scldma114]

Great job in general, but please, the story of better performance due to the Akra...

[@waderogers2328]

Real nice Kit out u guys done how did you find the rally seat concepts seat for long distance riding ? the stock oem seat sucks on these bikes

[@brandonglanville2991]

It's a big improvement.

[@benlukas6235]

Great Job on the 9:47 sec commercial.

[@brandonglanville2991]

Thanks Ben!

[@o0XFernX0o]

How easy are the cyclops lights to install? I want to get them on my Africa twin so I want to know if they are easy enough for me to install or if I need to take them to a shop

[@saadbouh7520]

it's my favorite vehicle

[@robfraley4210]

SO, Basically Other than the Engine and main Frame You CHANGED EVERYTHING on the bike... just brilliant...!! 🧐🤨😏🤓

[@brandonglanville2991]

Not quite... but a good portion of it was changed to fit our specific needs. As one does.

[@hsjin0523]

amazing video! Very Nice! I bought this one yesterday!(Africa twin adventure sports) Have a good day!! We are friend!!!

[@jaypuck6912]

(5:35) Even after the suspension work, it looks like you are bottoming that thing out pretty hard, no? How much was that suspension work? The stock suspension is the one thing keeping me from seriously considering the AT.

[@sachinwadhwani4810]

Thw stickers are amazing! But anything for the red AT?

[@brandonglanville2991]

Not yet. It's something we would like to do but simply have not had the time.

[@o0XFernX0o]

Did you guys get the skene dimmer for the pegusus lights?

[@strongjb]

What rack are you guys using to hold the Kriega mounting plate??

[@brandonglanville2991]

We installed the Givi side frame. www.giviusa.com/my-motorcycle/honda/crf1000l-16/plr1144-rapid-release-sideframes-detail

[@kostas-wd4gw]

Beauty!! Just excellent! The windshield is stoke right of the factory or aftermarket?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Kon/nos Tsintarakis The windshield is Touratech. Available on their website.

[@kostas-wd4gw]

UPSHIFT ONLINE thanks for the info.ride safe!

[@brandonglanville2991]

It is the Medium Ryan P

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I sent your video and shopping list to my wife, she blacklisted me on email account LOL....

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We may not be good at much, but we know how to piss wives off.

[@numberxx7]

Was there anything done to "beef up" the alt due to the extra lights? great vid. btw..

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

No. The Cyclops lights are LED and incredibly low draw. Plenty of power to run them.

[@maoleivac]

Hello excellent video, amazing how the bike stayed. I wanted to ask if you can attach the brand of clothing you used, even the glasses would appreciate! Regards.

[@brandonglanville2991]

He is wearing Troy Lee Designs gear and helmet, Alpinestars boots and Dragon sunglasses.

[@maoleivac]

Brandon Granville. Thanks a Lot!!! 👍

[@saadbouh7520]

I like it

[@brandonglanville2991]

Thank you!

[@davidball6851]

Brilliant product. I'm in the process of purchasing a new Africa Twin and wanted to install these crash bars on it. However you seem to be out of stock and probably not in stock until February. How could this happen?

[@brandonglanville2991]

Hi David, Not sure about the details behind your comment. Outback Motortek is who we worked with on the crash bars and skid plate for this build. I know it has been a month since your comment, not ideal on our part. However, it looks like the setup we are running is available in the US here: usshop.outbackmotortek.com/product/africa-twin-1000-ultimate-protection-combo/ - Please let us know if you are still having a hard time finding this product and we will be happy to help you. [e-mail]. Ask for Brandon in reference to Outback Motortek.

[@davidball6851]

Brandon Glanville thanks for your reply. I managed to get around the problem in a round about way. Being in Australia the dealer here has not got stock until a couple more weeks. Thanks for the advice. Your setup looks fantastic.

[@brandonglanville2991]

Thank you David. Appreciate the kind words and support. Glad you were able to get the problem solved. Outback is a really small, family business which is a big reason we are such big fans. Just real people building a business around their passion. We can appreciate that and want to support it. I didn't think about availability in Australia. Always feel free to reach out if at the previous email address if we can help get you in touch with a brand or answer questions on our content.

[@riendetout8812]

Good stuff, thanks! Just wish I could have heard more of the motorcycle and less music.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Is this the QVC channel?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Did you see any Tupperware or cosmetics?

[@zamboana]

I actually like this video, but Alex has a point. You say you "used all the best parts", but where's the evidence that these are the best parts? There's no pro/con comparison of the parts you used versus others that serve the same function. Why did you choose Shinko 804/805 versus, say... TKC80's ? The fact that you don't do this makes it easy to suspect that you chose the parts you did based on certain manufacturer's willingness to contribute money and/or free stuff rather purely on the merits.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Valid point. In large part the parts we chose are based on the relationships we have and the equipment we choose to use. Nobody paid to be in this video. And there are certain things we simply can't say in a video. When we say the best parts, it should have been made more clear that we chose the best parts for us and the riding we do. We shy away from actually declaring a best anything because what works well for us may not work well for someone else. We can do a better job explaining certain things though.

[@pshreekumar]

Those skid plates (4:02) - don't they block air and come in the way of engine cooling? Usually they have holes punched in for the purpose. This one does not. Thank you. Cheers!

[@brandonglanville2991]

No issues with overheating in our experience even in Mexico in 100F + heat at slow speeds offroad. Enough air moves around the engine.

[@bstadele]

GREAT VIDEO , LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH THE BIKE , WHAT SIZE OF FLEX HANDLEBAR DID YOU INSTALL ? AND HOW COME SINCE YOU CHANGE RIM YOU DID'T USE TUBULESS OPTION

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We went with the 15° Adventure Bar and has about the same height as stock. In regards to Tubless, we've had better luck running Bridgestone ultra heavy duty tubes that are about 4mm thick.

[@MrKdr500]

to disable traction control you just hold the button for 2 seconds....no need to hit it twice then hold.

[@Ralphlac]

Do those pegs help with the issue of the Africa's right bracket from snapping off?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

No, the problem is with the mount itself and these pegs do not address that. There are some aftermarket options for that though.

[@Ben47471]

Great job on the build, does anybody have a clue what the cost would be? wondering if it would be better in the end to buy a slightly used one (seen some for $9k - $10k with only a few miles) and spend some money on upgrades or buy the new Adventure model?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

A slightly used one can be a great way to go. Avoid a good chunk of depreciation right up front.

[@arturnowak1190]

Which one used flexx handlebars?

[@sgtunix]

For those Flexx bars, what angle did you go for.. 15º or 19º ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

That was a really long time ago now and we do not recall. We likely went with the straighter option.

[@sgtunix]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE cool, thank you. Thinking about a 15 degree (more straight than standard 19 degree) for my R1200GS Rallye

[@bigred8438]

That colour scheme is not available on bikes in my country (australia) we can only get blue, red and white of charcoal.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Hopefully, that will change. It's such a good colorway.

[@jjustj]

Still tubed wheels and tires?

[@brandonglanville2991]

Yes, we worked with Dubya USA to build a set of traditional spoked Excel rims and Talon hubs with HD stainless spokes. There is certainly an argument for tubeless... as well as tubed. Tubes have their advantages when riding in romote, offroad areas.

[@jjustj]

Brandon Glanville i respect your opinion but would rather plug and go than spend the time and energy in the field... thanks for your answer. When its hot, raining, cold ,or wet i like to stay rolling if possible.Did i mention if the lights fading? CHEERS and thanks again for making the video I know what's involved.

[@brandonglanville2991]

Absolutely! All valid points... there is a lot to be said for that scenario. However, we are often riding in a lot of sharp rocks and slicing a sidewall or causing damage that simply can't be repaired is a possibility. Here is a link to a video at the KTM Rider Rally in Colorado with Mike Lafferty: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4CvqJ14osp7nKc **We would have put a camera on ourselves, but we aren't as much fun to watch as Mike. That being said, we appreciate you watching as well as the positive interaction and debate.

[@jaypuck6912]

A million "likes" to what Brandon said. I think changing a tube is becoming a lost skill and people are getting lazy. You can patch a sidewall and ride on a new tube. You can't patch a sidewall and ride without one. If you are riding in the good stuff in Colorado, you are riding on sharp rock. They call them the Rocky Mountains for a reason. Tin Cup Pass is my favorite ride when I want to do something difficult, and it's ALL ROCK. Lots and lots of rock. 12 miles of rock -- one way.

[@madrih1]

Which company that wind screen ?

[@brandonglanville2991]

We bought the windscreen from Touratech USA.

[@murraydupley9330]

was the front fender lifted? and how?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It was lifted a touch using a kit by Roxspeed - roxspeedfx.com/products/front-fender-riser-kit-for-honda-africa-twin-crf1000l

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Here is a list of all the parts we used on this project and links to the manufacturer: bit.ly/2BZ1Iwt

[@malikknows3510]

Thanks indeed! This is much appreciated!!

[@jblue1299]

How is this bike on the pavement? Or is it mostly an off-road bike ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It's fantastic. It's very comfortable clicking off miles on pavement but it can break off on to any dirt road or OHV area and be very capable and fun. If you ride only pavement miles, we would recommend leaving it closer to stock.

[@rocnktm]

Great review, great motorcycle! Honda, why does the XDV 700 Scoter have tubless rims and the African Twin does not! Come on! I want to buy an African Twin with cruise control and tubeless rims and you will sweep the adventure market! HONDA RULES!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Surely the cost is a huge factor for Honda as they plan these models. Fortunately for us as consumers, having bikes not come from the factory with everything keeps the aftermarket strong so we all have more choices. Like variations of cruise control etc. As for tubless wheels on the AT, we prefer tubes believe it or not. But we ride offroad more than most.

[@Kermodieguy]

Link for the handle bars please.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

The brand is Fasst Co which is linked in the description. Here is a link to the Flexx bars: www.fasstco.com/products/flexx-handlebar

[@sdosser8895]

If Freddy Mercury from Queen could do a review.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Hahahaha... thank you for watching. Freddy appreciates it.

[@josharaujo9589]

Would be great if you could show the prices of components on screen when mentioning them

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We understand the interest in that, but prices change quite often and our video would be wrong in no time.

[@trondt916]

This is not an Africa Twin review, this is a commercial.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Ahhhhh... there you are. I thought you looked familiar. You should just block Upshift and not bother with our content. You clearly don't like what we do or find any value in it.

[@xlthumper]

Where does it say review in the description?

[@lorencing]

Nice video, nice bike, nice custom parts ... but Akrapovič in pronounced like reading A-kra-paw-veech like it is written ... with the emphasis on "kra" ;) ... he comes from my parts of the world so I'm a bit nitpicky.

[@alpap1980]

Africa Twin or KTM 1090 Adventure R?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Both are great. If you are doing more long distance and pavement we prefer the Africa Twin. The KTM is still comfortable on the pavement but it shines in the dirt.

[@djoy38]

Is this manual or DCT?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Sorry for the late response. This is a DCT model.

[@gl4989]

Where I live it's the same price as a ktm 1290 super adventure R. Idk which one to buy

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

The 1290 is a 160 horsepower beast. The AT is definitely less aggressive. It's also going to be cheaper to own. But the 1290 is a lot more motorcycle for the money if they both cost the same.

[@gmerola2652]

How much the front suspension ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Everyone's tune costs a different amount. Recommend you call Race Tech and get a quote. www.racetech.com/

[@nellaad]

So how much more cheese was dropped on this bike atop the cost of it from the showroom?

[@chrisredfield3240]

I would guess another £5-6k

[@kloppskalli]

nice but too much money. i expected honda to deliver it like that out of the factory. Where i live the stock DCT version costs 19000 Euro already.. :-)) Lets see what KTM comes up with (790ADV).

[@bobbyhayden3650]

30’000$ ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Definitely not. And a lot of items there aren't necessary per se, they are just nice to have if you are looking for offroad capability.

[@Deontjie]

Dump the electronic shit, and please Honda, make a basic KTM 990 beater. If you can.

[@MotoPumps]

The exhaust is pronounced Ah -Crop-Ah-Vitch. www.akrapovic.com/#!/company

[@NeonLuvBar]

Ah-Crap-Oh-Vitch kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaHIq3-rpa55fbM

[@kloppskalli]

no dude, its a KRA po vitsh 😁

[@bradysmith3400]

Isn’t it pronounced “ick” arcropro “”ick”

[@theaxeman4429]

Stop saying Akrapovik man!!! It’s pronounced: Akrapovich!!!!

[@peterswanson3446]

Yeah, if i remember correctly... it's, 'Ah-crop-a-vich'...like I just planted 'a crop of bitches' lol

[@theaxeman4429]

And your suspension is bouncing like a yo-yo!!! It’s not keeping your wheels on the ground at all over those bumps!! ???!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

You are correct. We were straight out of the box and the bike was fully loaded. He was 4 gear wide open through those whoops. We had it setup much better the next day but we weren't shooting.

[@czondag]

In other words, you wanted to build a KTM 1090R 😂

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Nope, we have one of those too. This is a very different bike.

[@Kurkess]

You talk about the cool sound of the Akrapovic but muck up the entire riding video with music so you can't really enjoy the exhaust sound????

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Sorry we screwed it up Jakob.

[@Me-yh4uc]

Crap! Bags suck. Pegs suck. Bars suck. Obvious you’re just advertising for them. CRAP!!!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Who pissed in your Cheerios? Of course we are promoting those products... that's what we do as a motorcycle media company. But make no mistake about it, we chose those products because we use them and believe in them. Our opinion is not for sale. And just so you know, you don't have to buy any of those products.

[@ulihanel4048]

Snakeoil sales guy do actually sit o it. Every Honda test pilot is way ahead of you guys. Where did you find all the crap...

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

I'm sorry... but what are you saying here?