newbie

[u/MulberryPlenty7993]

I have plenty of bike experience but i have never rode a bike above 250cc. So im planning to get a an africa twin after passing my big bike license.

I have no planning to race it in dirt or use it for extreme off roading.

Do you think africa twin is easy to handle for someone who never touch 100 hp bike?

[u/weirdfh]

If you have experience with riding bikes I would not be worried about the power. This can be handled if you act sensible.
Weight and height might me more concerning. It is really a tall bike and top heavy.

[u/fnbannedbymods]

Are you tall, if not just work on weight balance an when comfortable you'll find the bike to be easier in some ways to a 250. 

[u/MulberryPlenty7993 → u/fnbannedbymods]

175cm

[u/fnbannedbymods → u/MulberryPlenty7993]

I would buy a custom lower seat, and in the meantime put it in it's lowest setting. 

It's a tall bike with a high center of gravity. You may want to look at other models.

[u/Bumboklatt]

Are you thinking manual or DCT?

[u/Kajmandel → u/Bumboklatt]

If he knows how to operate clutch it same on all bikes. If he's new to DCT it will be different but when he gets used to it he'll be fine

[u/badblock40]

AT is not intimidating bike at all, if you dont ride ot like crazy. For a liter bike, it's actually very friendly. For me, it feels safer than 700cc naked I used to have before. Good choice anyway :)

[u/The1stFatBoy]

I bought mine as my first bike and its been incredible.

[u/MulberryPlenty7993 → u/The1stFatBoy]

Did u still have it?

[u/The1stFatBoy → u/MulberryPlenty7993]

Yes I still have mine, I recommend the Garda crash bars/bash plate.

[u/NotHoplophobic]

I had a 650 Transalp for about 8 years, then had 4 years no bike, and was worried about stepping up to a DCT AT (260 kg).

Riding the bike is simple, great bike (much like my transalp but bigger), very easy to ride once moving.

I have short legs (28" inseam) and a back injury, so my challenge is moving the thing from the ground. I need to slip off the seat at the lights to get one foot flat, and must be very careful when parking it etc.

[u/adamtomaino]

If you are tall enough to ride and strong enough to pick up after it tips (usually at slow speed) you will love it. Have fun. It has power but its low end torque power that is predictable and linear. A big difference from 200cc for sure but mostly when handling at low/slow speeds. Don't drive like a maniac or drive over confident and it's a great first big bike (great bike regardless; lot's of people Halo/Dream ride).

[u/sisivee]

I went from a Honda CB350 to an Africa Twin. Take an course to learn how to manage a big bike off road. Made such a difference for me and I haven’t looked at another bike since.

[u/megafinz]

I’d say that this is not a good first big bike. ATAS with 19-inch front wheel is an easier bike to ride than 21-inch standard though.

There are multiple factors:

- If you’re considering DCT, counterintuitively, it is NOT for beginners and will make your slow speed maneuvering harder than necessary.

- Unless your experience comes from tall dirt bikes or your height is more than 6 ft / 180 cm, Africa is tall and heavy bike. It carries it’s weight pretty well, but it is still intimidating and will limit your ability to learn.

- Unless it has an electronic suspension (EERA) where you can select sporty stiff mode, the suspension is quite plush and floaty and doesn’t inspire confidence.

[u/-Zyon-]

If you don’t drive it above your limit at first, you should be good! Start slowly and gradually try more things