Greetings From A Newbie

[stargazer]

Hello to all i am going to get a Africa Twin for my self to do a bit of touring all over as i have been medicaly retired i am not 50 yet.
Now heres the crack is there any duff Africa Twin models to look out for.
Is there a Africa Twin model that stands heads above the other ones.
I ask all this as due to a long and interesting motor bike love affair i have found that there are some C**P models out there.
Any help would be of use as this will be my first Africa and i dont realy like the transalp as much

kindest regards
Terry

[BobA]

Welcome Terry

You'll be pleased to know there is no such thing as a bad Africa Twin.

The earliest AT was the 650cc which you will see referred to on here as an RD03.

That was closely followed by the 750cc RD04, but both these early bikes are similar.

The later models are the RD07 variants, which although quite different in as much as a different frame, electronics, carbs etc, still looks pretty much the same. The later bikes are more refined for the raod, and the earlier ones more raw for off-road some people claim.

There are some things to watch out for, and this forum is your best friend there. Search on topics such as "output shaft" "chain tension" "fuel pump" "Rec/reg" "wheel bearings" etc.

Overall they're rock solid, and I'm sure you wont regret buying one, just make sure you have a good look over the bike, and spend as much as possible for the best bike available.


Good Luck



Bob

[Hagrid]

Hello to all i am going to get a Africa Twin for my self to do a bit of touring all over as i have been medicaly retired i am not 50 yet

Hello Stardude....

I think after much debate on the Forum and taking everything BobA has to say into consideration, it not the Model as such to look out for. It's the colour... Black ones are easily the best, and fastest...

Welcome

[The Mountie]

How spooky. I was medically retired 3 years ago with a heart problem whilst under 50 and I've got an AT which I have to say is brilliant. I saw the comment about black being best (and fastest) but I think you'll find my bike (pictures of which can be viewed in the members gallery albums) is the most attractive one on here. It's old and a bit crumpled round the edges but still has obvious class (a bit like Janice Dickensen)! Ah, dear old Castrol!

[Chad]

hi stargazer welcome aboard dude dont listen to fletch he knows you have to have a hint of pink to be the fastest bob has coverd all the info you need

[AIRWOLF]

Hi stargazer, just look for the best condition one you can afford, the engine is low stressed so gives good service and relaxed touring, but it will pck its feet up if required.

[Hagrid]

hi stargazer welcome aboard dude dont listen to fletch he knows you have to have a hint of pink to be the fastest

Really worried about you dude and this Pink! You'll be buying an Alp next!

[stargazer]

Well hello at least you lot seem a friendly bunch i cant wait to get the bike had to sell my other bikes as i couldnt ride them due to them both being built with a rigid frames chopped i mean.
i have prolapsed discs in my spine along with arthritis in my spine as well thats the reason for my retirement.
dr says it could be due to riding rigid bikes from 1977-2007 .
I now know the world is not flat far from it so tried to forget about bikes but thats like not breathing so i now have the hots for a africa twin.
I see from the replys that i am not alone in being retired before 50 were abouts in this green and pleasent land is every one based i am in sunny essex
regards to all
terry

[african twin]

Welcome Terry - and, of course, good luck in finding your @

Essex, hey......... me to, and so are quite a few others!! We're a pretty stong bunch in Essex, you'll have to meet 'Goliath' amongst others, although our cred may have slipped a tad with the intro of a somewhat less than manly pink, yes PINK, honestly, a PINK @ - to be straddled by a very large alpha male - Chad - I did say that it's a very NICE pink, didn't I

I'm up in Braintree, whereabouts are you??

[BobA]

Errrrrr we try not to make too much noise about the Essex contingent. They're all a bit soft really, prone to following their leader in his silk one-piece jumpsuit, matching sneakers, and penelope pitstop crash helmet...ALL IN A RATHER FETCHING PINK I MIGHT ADD!!!

Just ignore them and they usually go away



Bob