2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin - Coolness Factor = 78.8%

[Hanson]

The Super Tenere is also shaft drive.

Some of the big "adventure" bikes have a shaft drive but these tend to be road oriented. The Africa Twin has a strong dirt focus for such a large motorcycle. I think it will be competitive with offerings from KTM depending on the price point. For those in this market niche, or for those who pretend to be in this market niche, the new AT should offer the advantages of Honda reliability, maintenance, and dealer network. Think KTM performance without KTM operating expenses.

I, being somewhat round of shape and lacking the rugged good looks of the outdoor masculine ideal, I would look like a poser on this bike even if covered in thick mud.

Safe Travels,
Richard

[ceemes]

I, being somewhat round of shape and lacking the rugged good looks of the outdoor masculine ideal, I would look like a poser on this bike even if covered in thick mud.

Safe Travels,
Richard

Sooooo, in other words, you are a fellow member of the club?

[blues2cruise]

I'd like to try one.

Question...Are all adventure/off road/ dual sport bikes chain driven?

........ A shaft is great (BMW has the BMW R1200GS) but adds considerable weight which isn't great for off-roading. Personally, I'd want a shafty if I was going really off the beaten path for ultimate reliability and to not have to worry about finding a chain that fits if the existing chain gets an issue.

Other shaft driven adventure tourers include the Moto Guzzi Stelvio and the Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200.

Thanks.

[Grey Thumper]

I, being somewhat round of shape and lacking the rugged good looks of the outdoor masculine ideal, I would look like a poser on this bike even if covered in thick mud.

Safe Travels,
Richard

Sooooo, in other words, you are a fellow member of the club?

I'm in that club. I always say, I'm not fat. I'm storing energy for an emergency.

[faded sun]

I loved the TransAlp and this is almost as good looking. (for an enduro)

maybe not awesome, but a solid cool.

[totalmotorcycle]

I voted: Cool

I really like the dual sport category, it's sort of the "practical dirt bike", like the UJM, that it does everything well, but nothing stellar. I'm a little worried about the 500lb+ weight of it for going off-road but the 1000cc engine will be great for on-road use. And the 5gal tank is a good size, but I'd ideally like to see a 6gal+ for long distance riding. Some options that are neat but make me go "hmmm" are: Wire wheels are very interesting as usually they ADD un-sprung weight and the chain drive. These options make me think it's built more for a road/tourer than off-road, but it's two options I do like.

Why the "horrible wrong turn" phrase? Any insider news or alarm bells the rest of us aren't aware of?

No, just a flavor text to get people interested in discussing it.

[Grey Thumper]

Some options that are neat but make me go "hmmm" are: Wire wheels are very interesting as usually they ADD un-sprung weight and the chain drive. These options make me think it's built more for a road/tourer than off-road, but it's two options I do like.

Spokes are more reliable (and repairable) off road. I'm curious though if the Honda's rims are tubeless. Open-class BMW and KTM adventurebikes have spoked rims that can be used tubeless.

[totalmotorcycle]

Some options that are neat but make me go "hmmm" are: Wire wheels are very interesting as usually they ADD un-sprung weight and the chain drive. These options make me think it's built more for a road/tourer than off-road, but it's two options I do like.

Spokes are more reliable (and repairable) off road. I'm curious though if the Honda's rims are tubeless. Open-class BMW and KTM adventurebikes have spoked rims that can be used tubeless.

Good point, although I'm not sure many riders know how to change spokes in a rim and the tire (I've had about 6 spokes changed out on my 1978 Suzuki GS500E and watching the mechanic do it, I'm not sure I can install+lace them that well). I guess considering a mag rim would be "less reliable" vs spokes, but fixing spokes would be a real PITA, I think I'd go with a mag rim still, but that's just me.

Good question about if they are tubeless or not. If it run a tube, that would be a little easier to change a tire I would think.

Mike

[High_Side]

I can't believe that I missed this! I like the bike and after trying a lot of "real"adventure riding on my Multistrada (230km of gravel on Sat alone), I need something much more dirt oriented but still able to tour effectively on pavement too. This bike looks pretty great. The wheels are the correct size and the spokes will be much more durable bouncing off of rocks. Ducati is also proving to be miserable pr!cks to deal with and as much as I like the Multi, the things that go with it are wearing thin. The Honda will likely be very Honda-like and a lot more durable. I'll need to see how the initial reports are but this could be my next bike.