childhood dreams: PUSHING the old AFRICA TWIN! [RAW Onboard]

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Why a childhood dream you might ask? Well, I wanted to become a biker ever since I was a small kid. Whenever we were out travelling with our family van my head was glued to its windows. Because I was fascinated by all those bikers passing us. Back then already it was clear to me that I need to become a biker myself one day. So all of that happened during the 90's. And some of the bikes I saw back then somehow managed to become stuck inside my head. The old Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin being one of them.
So how did it feel to ride it? Totally awesome of course. I don't expect anything else from a trusty Honda which was built in the 90's by the way ;) I just love how those big dual sports feel between my legs. Apparently it doesn't matter if it's one from 1996 or a proper high tech weapon like the GS Adventure I recently rode.
Although compared to its modern relatives the old Africa Twin makes it's raison d'être a lot more obvious: it was made for long distances, for seeking those paths less travelled. For going off the road. While the modern travel enduros make quick road riding easy for me it was the opposite on the old AT. I couldn't really sense anything while riding. It's way too spongy to get any decent feedback for someone with my (not so big) level of experience. I didn't dare taking it lower or faster than the video shows. Otherwise I would have lost my 'I got everything under control' impression. But for this kind of riding like shown even the old Africa Twin works well enough. Just demands slightly more cojones.
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Google-Maps: my test track located in the western outskirts of Vienna needs to remain a secret, sorry.
bike: 1996 Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin
tires: Michelin Anakee 2
exhaust: stock
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edit: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Color Correction: Filmconvert
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DISCLAIMER: I totally manipulated the bike's speedometer cable so the speedometer would show my actual speed multiplied by 3.

[megaidiot]

This is a maintenance tutorial, how to clean carbs without removing them! :D

[danielcimpeanu]

By far one of the best on-board on-road rides of an AT I have seen.. many thanks!

[dessasin]

Being born in 1996, I started riding a motorcycle for the first time about a year ago. Like everyone else, I hit the road with a small scooter. Now, I'm riding a cheap 125cc bike, but lately, I've been thinking about upgrading to a higher cc motorcycle. The Hero Xpulse 200 seemed like the most logical option for me, but recently, I had the chance to stand next to a 1996 XRV 750. And in that moment, I realized that getting along with something around my own age would be much easier than with a brand-new teenager. And that's how I stumbled upon your video. Greetings from Turkiye 🇹🇷

[XesariX]

As an owner of a similar Africa Twin for +10 years, and having ridden many other bikes, I still feel the old girls gives me the widest smile when I go on twisty roads and lean it around. As you say, there is something about doing that with a bike that wasn’t built for it but still does it so well. Keep up the great work.

[bandostyle]

I have the same bike by ten years now and I can tell you that your riding level is really high!

[TortureTestMagazine]

Your videos get my heart pounding like I'm actually riding. I get nervous in the corners like I'm actually riding. I love it!!!

[Aside_official]

Ladys and gentlemen, this right here is the argument for starting on a smaller bike. Everybody saying "you grow out of a 300cc/500cc so quickly and will have to buy a new one" is true on one hand, but if you stick to your small bike and master it, you will become a brilliant rider like this dude right here rocking an 20 years old African Twin through the corners "fast-ish" :D
This will most likely take you a lot longer on a bigger starter bike.

Schaaf you are one of the most skillful riders I know and I really love your content. On Insta and Youtube likewise. (Y)

[MrKiddoMoto]

Awesome!!! 😍 The classic Africa Twin was also one of my many childhood dream bikes, so it's great to see you riding it, and enjoying it that much... Obviously the bikers of the 90s had at least as much fun as we have, proving that power and electronics don't really matter as long as there are 2 wheels and an engine 😉

[WillOwnY]

Dude. Heavenly riding. Keep the vids coming. Love watching them. Good job on the edit as always.

[motomoshpit]

If you wouldn't have said what you were riding I never would have guessed Africa Twin by how you handled it! Amazing to see someone ride that bike like it was a Super Sport ! I somehow think you could push the limits of a ride-on lawn mower and make it fun to watch!

[danndank]

Awesome, as always. Nice riding sir. I bet you cleaned up those spark plugs alright. The old lady felt young again!

[gokulkrishm]

It's been 4 years and still my favourite RAW!! ♥️♥️

[sench]

Africa Twin: Schaaf approves.
How about a sticker that says "Schaaf approves". :D

[josemariomerced]

Africa twin RDO7 is a well balance adventure bike, long suspension travel, gear ratio are intended for uphill & downhill run, river crossing is quite easy to negotiate, most of all the cornering and banking is superb .

[frenk]

I've watched this video so many times, i just simply love the Honda African twin.

[nicholasbonando]

A legendary bike!I have one rd07 and my father has the new Africa Adventure.The new one performs better overall, but the oldest smells like sand, epic travels, adventures.She's the true queen of the deserts!

[Slaty]

Mal wieder echt Top gefahren!
Bist du eigentlich schon mal eine Suzuki SV 650 Kante, also ab BJ. 2003 gefahren? Besonders mit einem ordentlichen Fahrwerk wäre so eine Maschine glaube ich fast Ideal für dich. Also mir taugt sie auf jeden Fall sehr :D

[k.ommander]

Holy shit dude great riding. I own an old 88’ Tuareg ETX. These old paris dakar bikes are such a huge blast. Keep making these videos 🔥🔥🔥

[geriger]

Dude, I was checking out the oldschool dakar twins, and somehow a Tenere got my attention. Decided to buy one in a few years. I just watched your video and some others about this wonderful bike and I want one right now. Love you bro.

[indianscout]

I pick up my 2002 RD07 in 4 days time to join it's stablemate '83 XL 600r. Can't wait!! Hopefully will never have to sell either.