Why do you like the Africa Twin

[DaveS]

I want to produce an article for prospective AT purchasers that tries to put in to words why we like our AT's so much.
So I'd like your one liners, paragraphs, and stories that put in to words why you like your AT so much.
In fact lets have the downers as well to make it a rounded article.

[ogri wannabe]

The @ is not a bike that does one thing supremely well, but it is a bike that does most things reasonably OK.
The @ is a bike that, because it isn't perfect, suits the individual( just look at all the stuff you can get as extras/upgrades)
The @ is a bike, that because of it's reliability( fuel pump excepted) can become that rarest of friends.
It is for these reasons I LOVE my @.

[samih]

I like the commanding driving position "above everybody else" and think it is a very relaxing bike to ride. The handling is also surefooted and the bike feels very solid when you go fast on roads with less than perfect surface. I even like the weight of it and the feeling when you drop it down from the main stand.

I think the engine note is great with a slip-on can and like all twins it feels like a proper machine with all those vibes. I think it has just a right amount of power too so that passing by other traffiic is done with minimum fuss while at the same time you're not breaking the ton every time when you open it up.

I don't like the corrosion on the frame and all those fragile pieces of ABS plastic that appear to fall off with tiniest of contact with other objects (keep that Araldite handy). The brakes could be a bit beefier too although fine the way I ride it. Maintenance is also a bit off-putting, although nothing ever seems to go wrong (apart from that fuel pump and charging system).

[jvaughan]

Dispite having a License for over 18 months and messing around with various DT125's , scooters, the @Twin was my first big bike purchase.

I have always loved the look of the big twin, the twin lights, the big over pronounced sump gaurd. Also, being close to 18stone, and 6 foot, I sound that fully blown sports bikes left me crippled after 20 minutes or so in the seat.
For me, a bike has to look right. I love the sleek looks of a Sports Bike, or Supersports, but the @Twin has a certain character.
Its a Honda which means it should last for ever.
It will loose you your license, but it wont attract attention around town
The riding position is very commanding. (when riding you are at eye level with car and van drivers, so being seen is easier).
They look extremely good naked or with a full set of panniers/top box
If you are brave enough to take them off road, they will get to places most other vehicles cannot (I take my 03 across Salisbury Plain quite regularly)
They look functional, the trip computer looks the part too. Yes the Varadero has a more powerful engine, but it doesnt (in my oppinion) look capable off the black stuff. The Transalp also (in my mind) lacked the power to haul my fat arse.. the @Twin does it with ease.
With a modified screen, the protection from the elements is very very good.

[paultheold]

Its a pig to work on.

The Gears only last 24.000 Miles

Build quality is poor

Dealers are crap

Its Slow

Parts cost more than a divorce

Its my first brand new bike

You don't need a Baby Grow to ride one

It has a good view over traffic / hedges

Looks good with luggage

Not run of the mill

A V twin

I like the *******