Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin (2017)

2017DEC15: After many years of multiple bikes in the garage, I have gutted the garage and settled onto one bike--the Honda Africa Twin. This occurred in early August, 2017. During the first four months, my AT has been to KY, VA, NC, SC, and of course many places in TN. With the exception of about 25 miles, all have been pavement miles and the OEM street tires. 

So, now that the winter temperature are moving in, the AT has been sitting more than the Concours 14 would during these days. Why? Probably time available to ride which is now different (temporarily), but also maybe wind protection and heated grips. Really, though my riding gear is good, heated grips are here awaiting installation, and there is some nice engine heat flowing on the upper legs, but it could be more that the days are shorter and I am having to re-ride the same roads to get into the hilly areas that are about two hours east of here.

For the winter riding in my area, the street tires will remain fitted. In the mean time some 60/40 Shinkos are in the garage and will be fitted as close to a departure for areas out west. Have never used Shinko tires, but figure I would try these once. 

So, about the bike. I like it! Engine power/torque is more than adequate. Gearing is fine for pavement, but too tall for out west. Having ridden many nice roads in the Appalachian mountains and the Cumberland plateau, and of course the Tail of the Dragon, I have to say the bike works well. From the start, I was not confident in the skinny front tire, but the rubber compound is soft and sticks well. 

The OEM handguards are not robust enough for tip-over impacts with the ground, so Bark Busters have been added. Also, since I like having trail spares, the OEM levers were moved to the E12 saddlebags for standby duty. Some blue anodized short levers from an eBay seller in China have been mounted. These are sturdy levers and more economical to use. I had an orange set on the 690R and they survived four tip-overs. 

During the 2018 adventure, Givi quick release panniers rack and the new Wolfman Rocky Mountain bags were added. This adventure took me to the North Rim Grand Canyon (Crazy Jug and Toroweap) and some North Rim camping at Jacobs Lake for several days. Then, it was up to Kodachrome in Utah for a few days of riding in that area. Colorado was roamed as well.