it, despite its narrow width it looks a little portly. Don’t
we all do when we start getting on in age? And despite
a mechanical issue recently he describes the bike as
“satisfaction”.
“It does stand out,” he grins.
Not too long ago the “output countershaft needed
changing.”
“A complete engine strip down was needed,” he’s
going somewhere with this. “That turned into a full bike
rebuild.
“On a positive it did get a huge birthday overhaul,”
and by overhaul he means a total refresh and a little
modernisation.
“A few things were done,” Keith adds. “All new
suspension by Wilbers, fatbars added and Renthal rises.”
We noticed that it also has larger footpegs added for
comfort, oh, we also noticed a beaded seat … there’s
something a little taxi driver about this.
“Don’t start,” laughs Keith. “Have you ever ridden with
a beaded seat?”
The answer is a firm no, the keys are tossed over.
We make a short coffee ride, isn’t this what ‘adventure’
bikes do?
For a twenty-year-old bike this Africa Twin feels quite
modern without all the electronic devices. The steering
is light and responsive, at almost wants to turn in without
input, move your weight and it just wants to go where you
need it to go. That’s impressive.
Twist the throttle and the V-twin responds, more akin
to a prime mover without a load, it just wants to keep
going. It’s impressive.
What’s it like on the dirt? We didn’t get the chance to
try. Damn this Coronavirus lockdown! With a decent
set of tyres we’d bet it is rather good and wonder of Keith
would be precious about that paint job.
With over 130,000 kilometres on the clock, this bike
certainly isn’t low mileage but for twenty years old it
hasn’t been pushed too far either. These modern classics
are still fetching good money, so would Keith ever sell it?
“That’s be a big fat NO!” TRAVERSE
TRAVERSE 63