Honda Africa Twin: Supermoto Wheel Conversion Guide
So, you're thinking about slapping some supermoto wheels on your Honda Africa Twin, huh? Awesome! You're about to transform your adventurous, go-anywhere machine into a tarmac-shredding beast. But before you dive in headfirst, let's break down what's involved in converting your Africa Twin to supermoto status. We'll cover everything from wheel selection to tire choices, and even touch on the necessary modifications to ensure your bike handles like a dream. This transformation isn't just about aesthetics; it's about unlocking a whole new level of performance and fun. Supermoto conversions are all about maximizing agility and responsiveness on paved surfaces. With the right setup, your Africa Twin will feel like a completely different machine – think sharper turns, quicker acceleration, and a more engaging riding experience overall. Consider your riding style. Are you primarily interested in carving up canyons on the weekends, or do you want a supermoto setup that can still handle some light off-road duties? The answer to this question will heavily influence your choices when it comes to wheel size, tire selection, and suspension modifications. Remember, the goal is to create a balanced package that complements your riding preferences and the capabilities of your Africa Twin. Also, be realistic about your budget. A full supermoto conversion can range from relatively affordable to quite expensive, depending on the quality of the components you choose and the amount of professional work you require. Don't cut corners on critical items like wheels and brakes, as these will have a direct impact on your safety and performance. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can transform your Africa Twin into a supermoto machine that turns heads and delivers an unforgettable riding experience. It's time to get started and unlock the full potential of your bike!
Choosing the Right Supermoto Wheels for Your Africa Twin
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing supermoto wheels for your Africa Twin. This isn't just about picking something that looks cool (though that's definitely a factor!). It's about finding the right size, material, and construction to maximize performance and handling. The most common supermoto wheel size is a 17-inch diameter, both front and rear. This is a significant departure from the stock sizes on the Africa Twin, which are typically 21-inch front and 18-inch rear. The smaller diameter wheels offer several advantages, including quicker turning, improved acceleration, and a lower center of gravity. However, not all 17-inch wheels are created equal. You'll need to consider the width of the wheels to ensure proper tire fitment and optimal handling. A good starting point is a 3.5-inch wide front wheel and a 5.0-inch wide rear wheel. These widths will accommodate a wide range of supermoto tires and provide a good balance of grip and stability. When it comes to materials, you have a few options to choose from. Aluminum is the most common material for supermoto wheels, offering a good balance of strength, weight, and cost. Forged aluminum wheels are even stronger and lighter than cast aluminum wheels, but they also come with a higher price tag. Carbon fiber wheels are the ultimate in lightweight performance, but they are also the most expensive and may not be the best choice for aggressive street riding due to their susceptibility to damage. Before you make any decisions, be sure to do your research and read reviews from other Africa Twin owners who have made the supermoto conversion. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of different wheel options. And don't be afraid to ask questions! Reach out to online forums, local motorcycle shops, or even the wheel manufacturers themselves to get the information you need to make an informed decision. With the right supermoto wheels, your Africa Twin will be transformed into a corner-carving machine that's ready to take on any challenge. So, take your time, do your homework, and choose wisely!
Key Considerations for Supermoto Wheel Selection
When diving into supermoto wheel selection for your Africa Twin, you've got to keep a few crucial things in mind. It's not just about aesthetics, but also about performance and safety. First off, think about the wheel material. Aluminum is a popular choice because it strikes a good balance between weight, strength, and cost. You'll often see options for both cast and forged aluminum wheels. Forged wheels are generally lighter and stronger, but they'll also put a bigger dent in your wallet. Then there's carbon fiber – the holy grail of lightweight performance. These wheels are incredibly light, but they're also the most expensive and can be more fragile than aluminum, especially on rough roads. Next up, consider the wheel size. The typical supermoto setup uses 17-inch wheels both front and rear. This is a big change from the stock sizes on the Africa Twin, and it has a massive impact on handling. The smaller diameter wheels make the bike more agile and responsive, but you'll also need to think about tire selection to get the most out of your new setup. Tire clearance is another critical factor. Make sure the wheels you choose will fit your Africa Twin without any rubbing or interference. You may need to make some minor modifications to your bike, such as adjusting the chain or adding spacers, to ensure proper clearance. Also, don't forget about the hubs. The hubs are the center of the wheel that attach to the bike's axles. Make sure the hubs are compatible with your Africa Twin and are strong enough to handle the stresses of supermoto riding. You may also want to consider upgrading to aftermarket hubs for improved performance and durability. Finally, think about the overall cost. Supermoto wheels can be a significant investment, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices from different vendors. And remember, it's often better to spend a little more on quality wheels that will last than to save money on cheap wheels that could fail.
Tire Selection for Optimal Supermoto Performance
Alright, you've got your supermoto wheels picked out, now let's talk tires. This is where the rubber meets the road (literally!), and the right tire choice can make or break your supermoto experience. Supermoto tires are designed to provide maximum grip and traction on paved surfaces. They typically have a softer compound and a more aggressive tread pattern than street tires, allowing you to lean further and accelerate harder. When choosing supermoto tires for your Africa Twin, consider the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're primarily interested in track days and aggressive street riding, you'll want to choose a tire with a very soft compound and a minimal tread pattern. These tires will provide the most grip, but they will also wear out faster. If you're planning on doing some commuting or touring on your supermoto, you'll want to choose a tire with a slightly harder compound and a more durable tread pattern. These tires will last longer, but they won't provide quite as much grip as the softer compound tires. Tire size is another important consideration. The most common supermoto tire sizes for 17-inch wheels are 120/70-17 for the front and 150/60-17 or 160/60-17 for the rear. However, you'll need to make sure that the tires you choose will fit your wheels and your bike without any rubbing or interference. Also, pay attention to the tire pressure. Supermoto tires typically require lower tire pressures than street tires, which can improve grip and handling. Consult the tire manufacturer's recommendations for the optimal tire pressure for your specific tires and riding conditions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tire pressures to find what works best for you. And remember, tire pressure can change depending on the temperature, so it's important to check your tire pressure regularly. With the right supermoto tires, your Africa Twin will be transformed into a corner-carving machine that's ready to take on any challenge. So, take your time, do your homework, and choose wisely!
Key Considerations for Tire Selection
Let's drill down on the tire selection process, shall we? Slapping just any tire on those supermoto wheels won't cut it. We need to think strategically. First and foremost, compound is king. Softer compounds offer insane grip, which is what you want when you're railing through corners. But, and this is a big but, they wear out fast. Think track days and weekend warriors. If you're planning on doing some serious commuting or longer rides, a harder compound will be your friend. You'll sacrifice a bit of grip, but you'll get way more mileage out of them. Next, consider the tread pattern. Supermoto tires typically have minimal tread, designed to maximize contact with the pavement. The less tread, the more grip, but also the less effective they'll be in wet conditions. If you live in a rainy area, you might want to consider a tire with a slightly more aggressive tread pattern to improve wet weather performance. Tire size is also crucial. You'll want to choose tires that are compatible with your wheels and your bike's suspension. Consult the wheel manufacturer's recommendations for the optimal tire sizes for your wheels. You may also need to make some adjustments to your suspension to accommodate the new tires. Tire pressure is another important factor. Supermoto tires typically require lower tire pressures than street tires, which can improve grip and handling. Consult the tire manufacturer's recommendations for the optimal tire pressure for your specific tires and riding conditions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tire pressures to find what works best for you. And remember, tire pressure can change depending on the temperature, so it's important to check your tire pressure regularly. Finally, think about your budget. Supermoto tires can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices from different vendors. And remember, it's often better to spend a little more on quality tires that will last than to save money on cheap tires that could fail.
Suspension Adjustments for Supermoto Conversion
Okay, so you've got your wheels and tires sorted, but don't think you're done just yet! Getting the suspension dialed in is absolutely crucial for a proper supermoto conversion on your Africa Twin. The stock suspension is designed for off-road adventures, not carving up canyons. So, you'll need to make some adjustments to optimize it for the new wheels and tires. The first thing you'll want to do is lower the ride height. This will lower the center of gravity and improve handling. You can do this by adjusting the suspension preload or by installing shorter springs. Lowering the ride height will also reduce the amount of suspension travel, which is desirable for supermoto riding. Next, you'll want to increase the spring rates. Supermoto riding puts a lot of stress on the suspension, so you'll need stiffer springs to prevent the suspension from bottoming out. You can do this by installing aftermarket springs or by having your stock springs re-valved. You'll also want to adjust the damping settings. Damping controls the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds. Increasing the damping will improve handling and prevent the suspension from wallowing or oscillating. You can adjust the damping settings by turning the adjustment knobs on your forks and shock. If you're not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, it's best to take your bike to a qualified suspension tuner. They can help you dial in the suspension for your specific riding style and the characteristics of your new wheels and tires. Also, consider the weight distribution. Supermoto riding tends to shift the weight forward, so you may need to adjust the suspension to compensate for this. You can do this by adjusting the fork height or by installing a different shock linkage. Finally, don't forget about the tires. The tires play a critical role in the suspension's performance, so you'll need to adjust the suspension to match the tires. You can do this by experimenting with different tire pressures and by adjusting the damping settings. With the right suspension adjustments, your Africa Twin will be transformed into a supermoto machine that's ready to take on any challenge. So, take your time, do your homework, and get your suspension dialed in!
Fine-Tuning Your Ride
Now, let's dive into fine-tuning your ride. This is where you go from having a decent supermoto conversion to a truly exceptional one. Don't underestimate the power of small adjustments! Start with your fork height. Sliding the forks up or down in the triple clamps can dramatically affect the bike's handling. Sliding them up will make the bike turn in quicker, but it can also make it more unstable at high speeds. Sliding them down will slow down the steering, but it can improve stability. Experiment with different fork heights to find what works best for you. Next, play with your damping settings. Damping controls the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds. Too much damping can make the ride harsh, while too little damping can make the suspension feel wallowy. Experiment with different damping settings to find the sweet spot. You can adjust the damping settings by turning the adjustment knobs on your forks and shock. Also, consider your riding position. Supermoto riding requires a more aggressive riding position than off-road riding. You'll want to move your body forward and lean into the turns. You may also want to raise your handlebars to improve control. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. The best way to fine-tune your ride is to experiment with different settings and techniques. Take your bike out for a spin and try different things. Pay attention to how the bike feels and make adjustments accordingly. And remember, what works for one rider may not work for another. So, don't be afraid to try something different. With a little bit of experimentation, you can fine-tune your ride and create a supermoto machine that's perfectly suited to your riding style.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Supermoto Converted Africa Twin
Alright, guys, you've done it! You've successfully transformed your Honda Africa Twin into a supermoto weapon. Now, the real fun begins. Get out there and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Remember, this conversion is all about maximizing the fun factor on paved surfaces. You've traded some of your off-road prowess for a significant boost in agility, responsiveness, and cornering ability. So, embrace the change and explore the limits of your new supermoto machine. But also remember that safety is paramount. Take it easy at first and gradually build up your confidence as you get used to the new handling characteristics of your bike. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. And always ride within your limits. Also, keep an eye on your tires. Supermoto tires wear out faster than street tires, so it's important to check them regularly and replace them when they're worn. Pay attention to the tire pressure and adjust it as needed to maintain optimal grip and handling. Finally, don't forget to maintain your bike. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your supermoto in top condition. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels regularly. Inspect the brakes, chain, and suspension for wear and tear. And have your bike serviced by a qualified mechanic as needed. With proper care and maintenance, your supermoto converted Africa Twin will provide you with years of riding enjoyment. So, get out there and have some fun! Just remember to be safe, responsible, and respectful of other riders and drivers.
