Honda Africa Twin: Supermoto Wheel Conversion Guide

So, you're thinking about slapping some supermoto wheels on your Honda Africa Twin? Awesome! You've come to the right place. This guide will dive deep into everything you need to know to transform your adventure bike into a supermoto machine. We're talking about enhanced agility, improved cornering, and a whole lot of fun on the pavement. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this conversion can seriously amplify your riding experience.

Why Supermoto Your Africa Twin?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's address the burning question: why even consider supermoto wheels for your Africa Twin? The Africa Twin is a fantastic adventure bike, no doubt, excelling on both paved and unpaved roads. However, its stock setup is optimized for versatility rather than outright performance on the tarmac. This is where supermoto wheels come in.

Improved Handling: Supermoto wheels are typically smaller and wider than the stock wheels, which translates to quicker steering and enhanced agility. The reduced rotating mass makes the bike feel more responsive, allowing you to flick it through corners with ease. This is especially noticeable on twisty roads and tight urban environments. The change in geometry paired with stickier tires transforms the handling characteristics, making it feel like a completely different bike. Think of it as trading your hiking boots for running shoes – you'll feel much more nimble and connected to the road.

Enhanced Grip: Supermoto wheels are designed to accommodate wider, stickier tires. These tires offer significantly more grip than the tires typically found on adventure bikes, giving you greater confidence in corners and under braking. The increased contact patch provides better traction, allowing you to push the bike harder and lean further into turns. This is a game-changer for riders who enjoy carving canyons or hitting up track days. You’ll find yourself exploring new limits of grip and control you never thought possible on your Africa Twin.

Aggressive Aesthetics: Let's be honest, supermoto bikes look cool! The combination of smaller wheels, beefy tires, and often vibrant color schemes gives them a distinct and aggressive appearance. Adding supermoto wheels to your Africa Twin will undoubtedly turn heads and set you apart from the crowd. The visual transformation is striking, giving your bike a more purposeful and sporty stance. It’s a statement that you’re not just about tackling off-road trails but also about dominating the asphalt.

Choosing the Right Supermoto Wheels

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of supermoto wheels. Now, the next step is selecting the right set for your Africa Twin. This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation, so let's break down the key considerations.

Wheel Size: The most common supermoto wheel sizes are 17 inches front and rear. This is the sweet spot for tire selection and handling characteristics. While other sizes exist, sticking with 17s will give you the widest range of tire options and the most predictable handling. Ensure the wheels you choose are compatible with the Africa Twin's axle size and brake rotor bolt pattern. Some kits come with adapters, but it's always best to confirm compatibility before making a purchase. Consider the width of the wheels as well – wider wheels can accommodate wider tires, but you need to ensure they won't rub against the swingarm or forks.

Material: Supermoto wheels are typically made from either aluminum or forged aluminum. Aluminum wheels are more affordable and offer a good balance of strength and weight. Forged aluminum wheels are lighter and stronger but come with a higher price tag. If you're serious about performance and track days, forged wheels are worth the investment. They reduce unsprung weight, which improves suspension performance and handling. However, for street riding, aluminum wheels will suffice. Consider the riding you'll be doing and your budget when making your decision.

Hubs: The hubs are the heart of the wheel, so choose wisely. Look for hubs made from high-quality aluminum with sealed bearings. Reputable brands often use CNC-machined hubs for greater precision and durability. Ensure the hubs are compatible with your Africa Twin's ABS system if you have one. Some aftermarket hubs may require modifications to work with the ABS sensors. The quality of the hubs will directly impact the wheel's longevity and performance, so don't skimp on this component.

Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands that have a proven track record in the supermoto world. Brands like Warp 9, Excel, and SM Pro Wheels are known for their quality and performance. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from other riders can help you make an informed decision. A well-known brand is more likely to offer better customer support and replacement parts should you need them.

Necessary Modifications and Considerations

Switching to supermoto wheels isn't just about swapping out the rims. There are a few other crucial modifications and considerations to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Tires: This is where the magic happens. Supermoto tires are designed for maximum grip on asphalt. They typically have a soft compound and a low tread pattern for optimal performance. Popular choices include Dunlop Q3+, Michelin Pilot Power series, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso series. Choose a tire size that is appropriate for your wheel width and riding style. Experiment with different tire pressures to find the sweet spot for grip and handling. Remember, supermoto tires wear out faster than adventure bike tires due to their softer compound, so be prepared to replace them more frequently.

Brakes: Upgrading your brakes is highly recommended when switching to supermoto wheels. The increased grip and cornering speeds will put more stress on your braking system. Consider upgrading to larger rotors, radial-mount calipers, and a high-performance master cylinder. Steel-braided brake lines are also a worthwhile investment, as they provide a more consistent brake feel. A good braking system will give you the confidence to push the bike harder and stop safely when needed. Don't underestimate the importance of braking – it's just as crucial as having good tires.

Suspension: Your Africa Twin's suspension is set up for adventure riding, which is different from supermoto riding. Stiffening up the suspension will improve handling and reduce dive under braking. Consider increasing the spring rates and adjusting the damping settings. If you're serious about supermoto, you might even want to consider re-valving the forks and shock. A properly set up suspension will keep the bike planted and prevent it from wallowing in corners. It's a critical element in achieving optimal supermoto performance.

Gearing: Supermoto riding typically involves more acceleration and less high-speed cruising than adventure riding. Changing your gearing can improve acceleration and make the bike more responsive. Consider adding a few teeth to the rear sprocket or reducing the size of the front sprocket. This will give you more low-end grunt and make the bike feel more lively. Experiment with different gearing ratios to find what works best for your riding style and the types of roads you ride on.

Fender Modifications: The smaller supermoto wheel may create an unsightly gap between the tire and the front fender. You may want to consider lowering the fender or replacing it with a supermoto-specific fender. This will improve the aesthetics and prevent debris from getting kicked up into your face. Some riders also choose to remove the rear fender altogether for a more aggressive look. Fender modifications are largely cosmetic, but they can make a big difference in the overall appearance of the bike.

Step-by-Step Conversion Guide

Alright, let's get to it! Here's a general step-by-step guide for converting your Honda Africa Twin to supermoto wheels. Keep in mind that this is a simplified overview, and you should always consult your bike's service manual and seek professional assistance if you're not comfortable performing the work yourself.

1. Gather Your Tools and Parts: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts. This includes the supermoto wheels, tires, brake upgrades (if applicable), suspension components (if applicable), and any other modifications you plan to make.
2. Remove the Stock Wheels: Start by safely lifting the bike and removing the stock wheels. Refer to your bike's service manual for the proper procedure.
3. Install the Supermoto Wheels: Mount the supermoto wheels onto the bike, ensuring they are properly aligned and torqued to the correct specifications.
4. Install Tires: Mount and balance your chosen supermoto tires onto the new wheels.
5. Upgrade Brakes (If Applicable): Install any brake upgrades you've chosen, such as larger rotors, radial-mount calipers, and steel-braided brake lines.
6. Adjust Suspension (If Applicable): Adjust your suspension settings to suit supermoto riding. This may involve increasing spring rates and adjusting damping settings.
7. Modify Fenders (If Desired): Make any desired fender modifications.
8. Check and Adjust: Double-check all your work and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure all bolts are properly torqued and that nothing is rubbing or interfering with the wheels or suspension.
9. Test Ride: Take the bike for a test ride in a controlled environment to ensure everything is working properly. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the new setup.

Safety First!

Safety is paramount! Before you hit the streets or track, double-check all your work and ensure everything is properly installed and torqued. Start with a slow test ride to get a feel for the new handling characteristics. Be aware that the bike will handle differently than it did with the stock wheels and tires. Gradually increase your speed and lean angle as you become more comfortable. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.

Final Thoughts

Converting your Honda Africa Twin to supermoto wheels can be a game-changer, transforming it into a nimble and exhilarating machine on the pavement. With the right parts, modifications, and a bit of mechanical know-how, you can unlock a whole new level of fun and performance. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start building your ultimate Africa Twin supermoto! Just remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the ride! This conversion really takes the Africa Twin to a whole new level, and you will have a blast riding it. Have fun and be safe out there, guys!