Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the Ducati DesertX 2022, it boasts a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc and a power output of 110 HP. This powerful engine provides excellent acceleration and top speed capabilities. The DesertX also features a chain transmission and an electric starter for convenience.

In terms of suspension, the DesertX is equipped with a Kayaba upside-down telescopic fork at the front with a 46mm diameter and 230mm of travel. The rear suspension consists of a Kayaba monoshock with 220mm of travel. Both the front and rear suspensions offer compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience.

The DesertX has a steel tubular frame, providing strength and stability. It has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm, contributing to its off-road capabilities. The braking system includes double disc brakes at the front for reliable stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the DesertX is equipped with riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, a shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie features. These systems enhance the overall riding experience and safety.

Ducati DesertX 2022

The DesertX features a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The front tire width is not specified, but the rear tire width is 150mm. The wheelbase is 1608mm, providing stability and maneuverability. The seat height is quite high at 875mm, which may not be suitable for shorter riders. The kerb weight of the DesertX is 223kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

Additional equipment on the DesertX includes connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. These features enhance comfort, visibility, and connectivity while riding.

Moving on to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020, it features an in-line twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc and a power output of 102 HP. The engine delivers strong performance and is paired with a chain transmission and an electric starter.

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has a Showa upside-down telescopic fork at the front with a 45mm diameter and 230mm of travel. The rear suspension consists of a Showa monoshock with 220mm of travel. Like the DesertX, the Africa Twin offers compression, preload, and rebound adjustment for the front and rear suspensions.

The motorcycle has a steel double cradle frame, providing durability and stability. It has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm. The braking system includes double disc brakes at the front for reliable stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Africa Twin is equipped with ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie features. These systems enhance safety and performance.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The Africa Twin features a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter, with a rear tire width of 150mm. The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the DesertX at 1575mm, and the seat height is lower at 850mm, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders. The kerb weight of the Africa Twin is higher at 248kg, which may affect maneuverability for some riders. It has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters, allowing for longer rides without refueling.

In terms of equipment, the Africa Twin features LED headlights for improved visibility.

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 offers a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 boasts a powerful engine, a wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and almost "too good" wind protection.

However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has some weaknesses, including a slightly rough engine performance in the lower rev range, a suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has a confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, a higher weight, and a higher price.

In conclusion, both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific needs and preferences to determine which motorcycle suits them best.