KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles, but they have some notable differences.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301cc, producing 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has an in-line 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc, delivering 95 HP of power and 98 Nm of torque. The KTM has a more powerful engine, providing better acceleration and top speed.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, but the KTM uses WP forks with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm, while the Honda uses Showa forks with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 252mm. The KTM offers better suspension adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, which provides a good balance between strength and weight. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a steel frame, which is known for its durability and stability.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, but the KTM uses Brembo brakes, while the Honda uses Nissin brakes. Both bikes offer good braking performance, but the Brembo brakes on the KTM are known for their excellent stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a more comprehensive package. It features suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 also has ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, but lacks suspension adjustability and cruise control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560mm, and the seat height ranges from 849mm to 869mm. The KTM weighs 243kg with ABS and has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. On the other hand, the Honda has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1580mm, and the seat height ranges from 900mm to 920mm. The Honda also weighs 243kg with ABS but has a slightly larger fuel tank capacity of 24.2 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have LED headlights, but the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 also features cornering lights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 does not have these additional features.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a very sporty and powerful V2 engine, accessible handling despite its weight, a comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package with a large 7-inch display. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a powerful and unagitated engine, a comfortable chassis, a comfortable seating position, great looks, good brakes, a large fuel tank, and performance modes, with the option of a DCT.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, an opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has less than optimal wind protection, no cruise control, a high saddle that can be difficult for smaller riders to climb, and ABS on the front wheel that cannot be switched off.

Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is a more powerful and technologically advanced motorcycle, offering better performance and a more comprehensive electronics package. However, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has its strengths in terms of comfort, looks, and a larger fuel tank. The choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.