A Honda happened on my way to Triumph

[inditx]

So, when I last wrote I was making a deal on a Triumph 1200XC Scrambler.
Well, to outfit the bike the way I needed it required my 2 Guzzi’s in trade, which I would have done and a significant to me chunk of change!
The problem is, unless you find the showcase version and even then it lacks “proper luggage”, it is several pesos more.
So, a windshield, hand guards, centerstand, proper luggage which requires down swept exhaust imho and a rear rack was just too much extra to justify.
What to do, what to do. I really like the Scrambler but somewhere my Guzzi character, ok cheapness, kicked in and I had to say no.
What the heck you say? Yep, me too.
Anyway, I found a new 2017 Honda Africa Twin that will require 1 of my Guzzi’s in trade and a lot less cash out of pocket. It came with pretty much everything except the center stand and they’re adding a touring windshield on top of the stock one.
2 weeks and I pick it up. 
Pics will follow 
inditx
p.s. Don’t laugh but I went with the DCT to boot!    Let the games/comments begin....

[oldbike54]

 Sounds like you're shiftless

 Dusty

[cookiemech]

I'm not laughing . . . I think you'll be very happy with the Africa Twin! Were I in that position, it would have been my choice too (easily).

[usedtobefast]

Smart choice.  I'd much rather have a DCT Africa Twin than the Triumph Scrambler.  Well, except, I'd rather have 19/17 wheels vs. 21/18.

And you will not have to take the Honda back to the dealer for bizzaro issues and have it out of commission for many weeks each year.   

[inditx]

Sounds like you're shiftless

 Dusty

I like it, hah!
And I’m fickle too I guess.

[inditx]

Thanks cookiemech and usedtobefast.
I too would have like the 19/17 wheel combo but we’ll see how I do on the stock sizes.

[JJ]

Excellent choice!  You will not go wrong with this Africa Twin!!

[twowheeladdict]

I test rode the Africa twin back to back with a KTM Adventure and KTM Super Adventure. My thoughts were that I could live with the Honda day in and day out, but there was no excitement there after riding the KTMs.

I’m still leaning towards the V85TT if I end up with an adventure touring bike.

[LesP]

p.s. Don’t laugh but I went with the DCT to boot!    Let the games/comments begin....

If you haven't ridden a DCT before just remember to forget everything about manual shift transmissions.
On road will be much better with your higher open road speed limits, they hammer from 4000 rpm up and settle down nicely around 140 kmh (80+ mph)
You might need to fit a fork tunnel insert plate (depending on the screen) to stop helmet buffeting.

Check the wheel spokes for corrosion.

[LesP]

The centre/center stand is (or was) a free fitment on the DCT AT here in Australia. (Added at cost on the other models)

[inditx]

I test rode the Africa twin back to back with a KTM Adventure and KTM Super Adventure. My thoughts were that I could live with the Honda day in and day out, but there was no excitement there after riding the KTMs.

I’m still leaning towards the V85TT if I end up with an adventure touring bike.

I’m not sure the V85 will do it for you then after your KTM’s. My experience was the V85 was lacking when I rode it before the Triumph.
I am slowing down in my 60’s so there’s that too.

[inditx]

Thanks JJ and LesP I’ll look at those items.

[bobrebos]

Congratulations on the new bike purchase.   

[inditx]

Thanks bobrebos!

[twowheeladdict]

I’m not sure the V85 will do it for you then after your KTM’s. My experience was the V85 was lacking when I rode it before the Triumph.
I am slowing down in my 60’s so there’s that too.

I own a 12 HP Van Van, 25 HP Himalayan, and a 50 HP V7III.  I think the V85 would do it for me. 

I have finally realized that no matter how much power a bike has, 99 percent of the time I never use more than 50 HP. 

With bikes over 50 HP I rarely get into the RPMs above 50 HP.  With the bikes below 50 HP, I am running near redline before each shift until I reach my desired speed. 

The KTMs were like riding a thoroughbred race horse.  Very exciting, but wouldn't want to do it all day long.  Those big KTMs roast your chestnuts with that rear cylinder tucked under the seat/tank area. 

[DesertPilot]

Congrats on the new bike!  Those excellent AT's were also on my list when I gave up my... Triumph?  Great minds think alike 

[inditx]

I own a 12 HP Van Van, 25 HP Himalayan, and a 50 HP V7III.  I think the V85 would do it for me. 

I have finally realized that no matter how much power a bike has, 99 percent of the time I never use more than 50 HP. 

With bikes over 50 HP I rarely get into the RPMs above 50 HP.  With the bikes below 50 HP, I am running near redline before each shift until I reach my desired speed. 

The KTMs were like riding a thoroughbred race horse.  Very exciting, but wouldn't want to do it all day long.  Those big KTMs roast your chestnuts with that rear cylinder tucked under the seat/tank area.

That makes sense, thanks for the clarification.
Roasted chestnuts are not good.
The Triumph roasted my right thigh and bowed out my pillions right leg as well.
inditx

[inditx]

Congrats on the new bike!  Those excellent AT's were also on my list when I gave up my... Triumph?  Great minds think alike 

Thanks DesertPilot.
inditx

[Cage Free]

Smart choice.  I'd much rather have a DCT Africa Twin than the Triumph Scrambler.  Well, except, I'd rather have 19/17 wheels vs. 21/18.

And you will not have to take the Honda back to the dealer for bizzaro issues and have it out of commission for many weeks each year.   

Im thinking just the opposite, AT has tubed tires and DCT is a no go for me. My friends DCT AT has had multiple weird stalling issues since new and that haven't been completely resolved. The scary part for him is its been mostly when taking off from stoplight, he hits the throttle and it just dies, cars almost rear ended him multiple times because of this.

[tommy2cyl]

My neighbor who is 6'3", 72 yrs young,  bought an AT DCT after riding manual motorcycles his whole life.  He loved the bike but wasn't sure he would keep it long term because of the DCT.  That was last year.  Now, with a year under his belt he is fully sorted and loves the DCT.  So, give yourself some time with the DCT.  The bike has performed flawlessly for him by the way.

[inditx]

Im thinking just the opposite, AT has tubed tires and DCT is a no go for me. My friends DCT AT has had multiple weird stalling issues since new and that haven't been completely resolved. The scary part for him is its been mostly when taking off from stoplight, he hits the throttle and it just dies, cars almost rear ended him multiple times because of this.

Yeah I would have preferred tubeless tires too but even the V85 has them so.....
I don’t think there’s been any recall or service bulletin on this issue but I’ll keep an eye out.
What year does he have?
Thanks,
inditx

[inditx]

My neighbor who is 6'3", 72 yrs young,  bought an AT DCT after riding manual motorcycles his whole life.  He loved the bike but wasn't sure he would keep it long term because of the DCT.  That was last year.  Now, with a year under his belt he is fully sorted and loves the DCT.  So, give yourself some time with the DCT.  The bike has performed flawlessly for him by the way.

Thanks, good advice all the way round.
inditx

[tommy2cyl]

We also converted his rear tire to tubeless with the Outex kit.  Been 3 months and holds air perfectly.  Haven't done the front yet.  I confess I was considering this for my V 85 and he wanted to try it on his AT, so I thought why not practice on his bike.  He was game.  I still am pondering the Alpine wheels.  Probably have to agonize on that decision at least part way through the winter.

[inditx]

Huh never heard of the outex kit, will check into that.
Let us know if he does both with good results.
Yeah wheels would be nice but not in the budget.
inditx

[inditx]

Bend a rim off road (tubeless) and you better have a tube packed to get you home.

I moved the Eldorado to the garage (from the living room) so it is closer to the road.
When I got it I was surprised how small it was, that was confirmed when I parked the AT beside it and the Eldorado all but disappeared.
242 kgs of bigness, long, wide and tall.

Good point!
Yeah probably the last big/tall bike I’ll buy.
inditx

[rjamesohio]

I was always and still am enticed by the African Twin.

Can't wait to see pics and get your thoughts on it.

What Guzzi did you give up for it?

Ron

[inditx]

Hey Ron,
I’m trading in my V9 Roamer.
I’ll get pics and do a quick write up after I’ve had a chance to ride her a bit.
Anxious......
inditx aka Jack
p.s. I put my 03 Ev and trailer up for sale in the swap meet as well. Thinning down.

[Cage Free]

Yeah I would have preferred tubeless tires too but even the V85 has them so.....
I don’t think there’s been any recall or service bulletin on this issue but I’ll keep an eye out.
What year does he have?
Thanks,
inditx

His is a 17.

[inditx]

Thanks cage free.
Vin checked, no open recalls or service bulletins.
Dealer thought that issue was sorted but I’ll still keep an eye out.
C’mon next Friday! 
inditx

[Huzo]

I have no knowlege or experience of DCT.
What is it and how does it work in practice ?