So, you're thinking about slapping some supermoto wheels on your Honda Africa Twin? That's awesome! Turning this adventure beast into a supermoto machine can seriously amp up the fun factor, especially on paved roads. But before you jump in, let's break down what's involved, what to consider, and how to make it happen. We'll cover everything from wheel sizes and tire choices to modifications and potential issues. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to decide if this conversion is right for you and how to get the best results. Let's dive into transforming your Africa Twin into a supermoto weapon, enhancing its agility and on-road performance. This conversion not only boosts handling but also gives your bike a unique and aggressive look, setting it apart from the adventure crowd. Imagine carving corners with the precision of a supermoto while still retaining the rugged charm of the Africa Twin. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision and execute a successful conversion. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to modifications, understanding the nuances of this project is crucial for achieving optimal performance and safety. So, let's get started and explore how to unleash the supermoto potential of your Honda Africa Twin. This project is all about maximizing the enjoyment you get from your motorcycle, transforming it into a thrilling and versatile machine.

Why Supermoto Your Africa Twin?

Let's be real, the stock Africa Twin is amazing off-road, but it can feel a bit sluggish on tarmac. Supermoto wheels change the whole game. By reducing the wheel diameter and switching to stickier tires, you're massively improving handling and cornering grip. Suddenly, those twisty roads become an absolute blast. Plus, let's not forget the cool factor. An Africa Twin supermoto just looks badass. Supermoto conversions enhance agility and responsiveness, making the bike feel lighter and more nimble. The difference in handling is immediately noticeable, transforming mundane commutes into engaging rides. The lower center of gravity further contributes to improved stability and control, especially at higher speeds. Additionally, the enhanced braking performance provided by supermoto setups increases safety and confidence on the road. This conversion allows riders to exploit the full potential of their Africa Twin on paved surfaces, unlocking a new level of excitement and enjoyment. The aesthetic appeal of a supermoto-converted Africa Twin is undeniable, drawing attention and sparking conversations wherever you go. It's a unique blend of adventure and performance, showcasing the versatility of this iconic motorcycle. Ultimately, supermoto-ing your Africa Twin is about personalizing your ride and tailoring it to your specific riding preferences and style. It's a bold statement that reflects a passion for performance and a desire to stand out from the crowd. So, if you're looking to inject some adrenaline into your road riding experience, a supermoto conversion might be the perfect solution for your Africa Twin.

Choosing the Right Wheels and Tires

Wheel Size: The most common supermoto wheel size is 17 inches both front and rear. This opens up a huge range of tire options.

Tire Choice: Supermoto tires are designed for maximum grip on asphalt. Look for tires with a soft compound and minimal tread for the best performance. Brands like Dunlop, Michelin, and Pirelli are popular choices. Don't skimp on tires; they're the most important part of the conversion.

Hubs and Spokes: You'll need to either buy a complete supermoto wheelset or build your own. If you're building your own, make sure the hubs are compatible with your Africa Twin's axles and brake rotors. Stainless steel spokes are a good choice for durability.

When selecting wheels, consider both the material and construction. Forged aluminum wheels are lighter and stronger than cast wheels, enhancing handling and acceleration. However, they come at a higher cost. Ensure the wheels are properly certified and tested to withstand the stresses of supermoto riding. Tire selection is critical for maximizing the benefits of the supermoto conversion. Soft compound tires provide exceptional grip but wear out faster, while harder compounds offer longer life but less traction. Choose a tire that matches your riding style and the types of roads you typically ride on. Also, pay attention to the tire's load and speed ratings to ensure they are suitable for your Africa Twin. When building your own wheelset, selecting high-quality hubs and spokes is essential for reliability and performance. Opt for reputable brands known for their durability and precision engineering. Proper spoke tension is crucial for wheel strength and longevity, so consider having them professionally installed and trued. By carefully considering these factors, you can assemble a supermoto wheel and tire setup that transforms your Africa Twin into a high-performance road machine.

Necessary Modifications

Okay, so slapping on the wheels is just the beginning, right? Here's what else you need to think about:

• Brakes: The stock brakes might be okay, but upgrading to larger rotors and better calipers will significantly improve stopping power. Consider a radial master cylinder for better feel.
• Suspension: The Africa Twin's suspension is designed for off-road. You'll want to stiffen it up and reduce the travel for better on-road handling. This might involve new springs, re-valving, or even a completely new suspension setup.
• Gearing: With smaller wheels, your gearing will be off. You'll likely want to gear it down to maintain good acceleration. Experiment with different sprocket sizes to find what works best for you.
• Fender: The stock front fender will probably look goofy with the smaller wheel. A supermoto-style fender will clean up the look.

Upgrading the brakes is paramount for safety and performance when converting to supermoto wheels. Larger rotors provide more surface area for heat dissipation, reducing brake fade during hard use. High-performance calipers offer increased clamping force, improving stopping power and control. A radial master cylinder enhances brake feel and modulation, allowing for more precise braking inputs. Suspension modifications are essential for optimizing handling and stability with the supermoto setup. Stiffer springs reduce body roll and improve responsiveness, while re-valving the dampers allows for better control over compression and rebound. Reducing suspension travel lowers the center of gravity, further enhancing handling and cornering performance. Adjusting the gearing is necessary to compensate for the smaller wheel diameter and maintain optimal acceleration. Lower gearing improves low-end torque and makes the bike more responsive in urban environments. Experimenting with different sprocket sizes is crucial for finding the perfect balance between acceleration and top speed. A supermoto-style front fender not only enhances the aesthetics of the bike but also provides better clearance for the smaller wheel. It also helps to protect the radiator and engine from debris. By addressing these modifications, you can ensure that your Africa Twin performs optimally and safely with the supermoto conversion.

Potential Issues and Considerations

• ABS: Changing wheel sizes can sometimes mess with the ABS system. You might need to recalibrate it or even disable it. Do your research!
• Speedometer: Your speedometer will likely be inaccurate after the conversion. You can use a speedo healer to correct it.
• Cost: This isn't a cheap project. Wheels, tires, brakes, suspension – it all adds up. Set a budget and stick to it.
• Legality: Check your local laws regarding wheel size and modifications. You don't want to get a ticket.

The ABS system relies on wheel speed sensors to detect wheel lockup and prevent skidding. Changing the wheel size alters the wheel speed, which can trigger false ABS activations or disable the system altogether. Recalibrating the ABS system may be necessary to ensure it functions correctly with the new wheel size. In some cases, disabling the ABS may be the only option, but this should be done with caution and only by experienced riders. The speedometer uses wheel speed to calculate the bike's speed. Changing the wheel size affects the accuracy of the speedometer, resulting in incorrect readings. A speedo healer is an electronic device that corrects the speedometer reading by adjusting the signal from the wheel speed sensor. This ensures that the speedometer displays accurate speed information. The cost of a supermoto conversion can vary depending on the quality of the components used and the extent of the modifications. High-performance wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension can significantly increase the overall cost. Setting a budget and prioritizing the most important upgrades can help to keep the project within a reasonable range. Local laws regarding wheel size and modifications vary from place to place. It's important to research and understand the regulations in your area before undertaking the conversion. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on wheel size, tire type, or other modifications that could affect the legality of the bike. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or other penalties. By addressing these potential issues and considerations, you can ensure that your supermoto conversion is safe, legal, and enjoyable.

Is It Worth It?

So, is supermoto-ing your Africa Twin worth the time, money, and effort? That depends on you. If you primarily ride on the street and crave improved handling and a unique look, then absolutely. If you're mostly off-road, then probably not. Think about your riding style and priorities. Ultimately, it’s about making your bike your own and enjoying the ride!

The decision to convert your Africa Twin to supermoto wheels hinges on your individual riding preferences and priorities. If you spend most of your time on paved roads and prioritize agility, responsiveness, and a distinctive appearance, then the conversion is likely to be a worthwhile investment. The enhanced handling and cornering performance will transform your riding experience, making every journey more engaging and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you primarily ride off-road and value the Africa Twin's stock capabilities for tackling challenging terrain, then the supermoto conversion may not be the best choice. The smaller wheels and street-oriented tires will compromise the bike's off-road performance and reduce its versatility. Consider how you use your Africa Twin most of the time and whether the benefits of the supermoto conversion outweigh the potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the goal is to create a motorcycle that perfectly suits your riding style and enhances your enjoyment of the open road. By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether to embark on this exciting transformation. Remember, it's all about making your bike a reflection of your own unique style and passion for riding.