Have to agree, not smart of Honda to mount that HUGE top box hung way out the back like that. Just about any sub frame is going to crack or bend when off road with that configuration. Add weight, not a good outcome.
Best to move your load forward onto pillion area, or better yet, keep heavy stuff in side panniers. Basic RTW bike loading 101.
Many travelers overload their top box ... most boxes are only rated to carry 10 or 12 lbs. max.
Now, if you head down some bad wash board, whoops or hit big pot holes, the mounting hardware, subframe are bound to fail in time (short time!).
Most experienced travelers know all this as top box mounts and pannier racks have been a major issue for MC travelers since the 70's. (Ask Grant, owner of HU!)
Hard top boxes and hard side panniers do not mix well with super rough conditions. Off road? Go to soft panniers, travel light. The new Africa Twin is a fine travel bike in many ways, but it's not a Dakar bike or a pure dirt bike. Used in more moderate off road conditions (is set up correctly) it will be fantastic. Less complex and more reliable long term than either
BMW GS or Big KTM. Decent comfort on road, simple servicing, packs up well. A winner IMO.
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