Husqvarna Norden 901 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin ES 2024

This comparison between the Husqvarna Norden 901 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin took place during our 6-week winter getaway in Spain near Barcelona. It is important to note from the outset that this is not a direct comparison test. This is due to the fact that the Africa Twin is the 2024 model with the optional semi-active suspension and DCT, which are now available for the first time. Consequently, its price is significantly higher than that of the standard Norden 901. Ideally, the Norden Expedition would have been a more suitable contender, but unfortunately, due to logistical constraints, this was not possible. Nonetheless, the majority of our observations mainly revolve around the ergonomics, the engine, and the fundamental components of these two motorcycles. Therefore, many aspects can be directly applied to the Expedition.

From a technical perspective, the Enduro and Adventure 901 share many similarities. Both feature a twin-cylinder engine producing around 100 hp, 21-inch front wheels, long suspension travel, and modern lean angle-dependent assistance systems. They are also similar in size, catering to the same group of riders. Our colleague Frankee recently made the switch from the Honda Africa Twin to the Husqvarna Norden, highlighting the appeal of both bikes. While the technical specifications may be comparable, each bike has its own unique character on the road. Now, let's delve into the riding experience. For those interested in the specifics, here is a comparison of the technical data of the 2024 Husqvarna Norden 901 & Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2024.

The differences between the Norden and Africa Twin are evident in the ergonomics, despite similar seat heights. The Honda offers an adjustable saddle at 850 or 870 mm, while the Husqvarna sits at 854 or 874 mm. However, the Africa Twin has a narrower waist, making it easier to reach the ground with a shorter crotch arch. On the other hand, the footrests on the Honda are positioned far forward, often interfering with reaching the ground and maneuvering. The saddle's hollow can also be a challenge, causing your legs to bump into the footrests. With a weight of 242 kilograms, the Africa Twin can feel top-heavy and difficult to handle, especially with a heavy load or passenger. The 2024 update of the DCT system aims to improve maneuverability at slow speeds, with more precise throttle control. Overall, the changes are subtle, as the DCT was already advanced in the previous model.

When it comes to the Enduro, Husqvarna is in the spotlight. Co-tester & camera kid Schaaf, who is assisting me in this comparison, points out a crucial aspect. Husqvarna prides itself on crafting exceptionally stunning motorcycles, where design plays a key role. However, when the seat is in the lower position, there is a gap to the fairing that he would deem unattractive. This detail is significant, as the relatively wide crotch arch on the Norden means most riders will likely opt for the lower seat position. The seat is quite wide at the waist, so even at heights of 1.84 and 1.85 meters, we don't always find the most comfortable position. Interestingly, this is one of the rare touring enduro bikes where Schaaf actually prefers the lower seat position. The knee angle on the Husky is slightly sharper for a touring enduro, resulting in a slight forward tilt and more front wheel focus on the Norden. Schaaf feels more in command of the situation, as if sitting higher on the Norden and less embedded in the bike compared to the Africa Twin. Despite this, the Norden 901's center of gravity is lower, aiding the rider at low speeds. KTM-Husqvarna takes a different approach with the lowered tank, noticeable during maneuvers. The bike is easier to handle, more stable, and can be maneuvered with greater ease using physical strength. However, it's worth noting that while the handling is decent, it doesn't quite match up to the Africa Twin.

We had to cover some stretches of highway and main roads at touring speed to reach the beautiful off-road routes in the wilderness from the Barcelona area. Although not many kilometers in total, we managed to gather some interesting details about the long-distance capabilities of the Africa Twin and Norden. Cruise control is a must-have feature for touring, and both bikes come with it as standard. Another essential feature for me is heated grips, and there are differences between the two. The Africa Twin, even in its basic version, comes with heated grips, unlike the standard Norden 901, which does not. This gives the Africa Twin an advantage. Wind protection is also a crucial aspect. The Norden falls short in this comparison, especially for riders of our size. The wind is directed towards the rider's upper chest area, creating loud and turbulent air flow. Earplugs are a must on the Norden due to this issue. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, offers much better wind protection. Even with a large peak helmet, the wind is manageable on the Africa Twin compared to the Norden. However, there is some criticism regarding the windshield adjustment on the Africa Twin, as it requires both hands to operate, which can be inconvenient while riding. A simpler, one-handed operation would be more practical. Despite some wind brushing against the helmet at the highest position, the airflow is smooth and comfortable on the Africa Twin. Husqvarna has overlooked the importance of wind protection on the Norden, making it unsuitable for touring. The seating position on the Norden is also less favorable compared to the Africa Twin, which offers a more relaxed and upright posture. However, the seat on the Norden is exceptionally well-padded and comfortable, despite its width being a challenge for riders with shorter legs. Overall, the Norden's seat stands out for its comfort within the KTM Group's lineup.

When it comes to Enduro riding, the focus shifts to the engines, as the two twins, despite their similar design and key data, exhibit different characteristics.

There are few downsides to the Enduro. The Husqvarna emits a bit of warm air to the sides, noticeable even at 18 degrees in the Spanish spring. This indicates that the engine is already quite warm. This was not observed with the Africa Twin. The 1100cc engine of the Honda is not as smooth as the Husqvarna. It emphasizes the lower end of the rev range more. There are vibrations when accelerating, pleasant vibrations that many Africa Twin riders appreciate, and the engine accelerates smoothly from under 2000 rpm. However, the vibrations still remind you that there is a powerful twin-cylinder engine beneath you. It accelerates strongly from low revs. The Africa Twin has a longer gear ratio than the Norden, which is beneficial for relaxed touring. At just over 3,000 rpm, we reach 100 km/h. 130 km/h is easily reached at around 3,500 rpm. However, this longer gear ratio is a slight disadvantage for dynamic riding. Everything mentioned so far also applies to a standard Africa Twin without DCT and semi-active suspension. Now, onto the two unique features of the Africa Twin. The DCT dual-clutch transmission is a fantastic comfort feature, especially for touring. Simply twist the throttle, release it like on a scooter, and the system does the rest. It's comfortable, saves energy, and allows for smooth cruising in traffic or through corners. The quickshifter and gearbox make cruising effortless, especially because the engine runs smoothly at very low revs.

There is a significant difference in the suspension of the Enduro. The optional semi-active suspension for the Enduro independently adjusts the damping and can be switched to different riding modes with the touch of a button or adjust the preload for varying load conditions. Even in the "Hard" setting, which is also linked to the Tour mode, it remains comfortable yet stable at higher speeds. It can be quickly adjusted at the touch of a button, providing a wide range of suspension settings. The Enduro's suspension responds finely in every mode, never feeling stiff, unlike the Husqvarna. It should be noted that the Norden Expedition would have been a better fit for this comparison, with its high-quality WP suspension offering sporty and stable performance. The standard Norden, on the other hand, has suspension elements that are not very responsive. While the ride on the standard Norden is tolerable thanks to its long suspension travel, the response is not particularly pleasant, especially at lower speeds where the front wheel tends to hop over bumps. Despite being able to optimize the fully adjustable suspension for maximum comfort, it cannot fully compensate for the lack of responsiveness in cheaper components. The WP suspension of the Enduro, however, provides enough comfort for most riders, with the ability to adjust the rebound and compression damping to improve ride quality.

"Faster Gregor, faster!", Schaaf cheers me on via our Cardo communication devices as we speed through the challenging trails of the Winkelwerk. However, the constant scraping sounds on both sides remind me that pushing the limits further might not be possible, at least not at this angle. This is a drawback of the Africa Twin when aiming for a faster pace. The limited lean angle clearance, caused by the low footpegs, becomes apparent even with the addition of the narrow, optional rally footrests. In contrast, the Husqvarna Norden 901, with its elevated footpegs, offers seemingly boundless lean angle clearance. The Husqvarna also provides a more nimble feel due to its front-wheel-oriented riding position. While it remains a touring enduro, don't expect a miraculous improvement in front-end feedback. Nevertheless, it feels more dynamic compared to the Africa Twin. The sense of improved front wheel control instills confidence and mitigates the slightly less responsive suspension. Despite the less-than-ideal response, the suspension elements offer commendable stability, even in their softest setting. During corner entry, the suspension compresses under braking, a behavior minimized by the Honda's semi-active suspension system adjusting the damping. However, this changes significantly when the suspension stiffens up again. In this configuration, the chassis remains unshakeable. Unlike conventional suspension setups that require finding a delicate balance, the Honda's suspension can adapt to a wider range of conditions at the push of a button. The choice of tires on the test bikes also influences stability. The Norden 901 comes equipped with Pirelli Rally Scorpion STR tires as standard. At high lean angles, these tires tend to lose grip once they reach a certain temperature. In the Husqvarna's Street mode, high-speed riding is achievable, but at extreme lean angles, the traction control system intervenes to prevent excessive power delivery, based on the tire's capabilities at that moment. Despite this, the Husqvarna's handling when entering corners is remarkably agile for a 21-inch motorcycle. It responds effortlessly to steering inputs throughout the cornering process. On the other hand, the Africa Twin demands more effort from the rider due to its leaned-back riding position, not necessarily because of the more road-oriented Metzeler Karoo Street tires. Thanks to the confidence-inspiring semi-active suspension, Schaaf and I feel no hesitation in attacking the corners with vigor. This is especially reassuring since the lean angle limits the acceleration potential anyway.

Given the similar performance data, we conducted traction measurements as well. In 3rd gear, the Norden 901 accelerates noticeably faster from 50 to 100 km/h. This is partly due to its lighter weight of just over 220 kg and its smoother power delivery. The power delivery of the 890 engine is very consistent, providing strong pull from low to high revs and maintaining reserves at the top end. On the Africa Twin, there is a torque dip after the initial push from very low revs, and the combination of the long gear ratio and DCT often leads to hitting this dip. While you can manually intervene by downshifting using the handlebar button, the DCT's sport modes, or the optional foot shift lever, the Honda's engine lacks the lively feel of the Husqvarna's unit. Instead, you appreciate the steady pressure, deep sound, and vibrations between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm; it may not feel fast, but it certainly feels potent. Nonetheless, the Africa Twin could benefit from a shorter gear ratio to enhance agility. It's no surprise that Poky had his private Africa Twin's gear ratio shortened. Ultimately, personal preference determines which engine you prefer. However, braking performance is not subjective. The Africa Twin simply boasts superior brakes. They are more precise and modulable, although not overly aggressive. In contrast, the Husqvarna's brakes feel more binary, either on or off, especially with the rear brake. It can decelerate sharply, but the modulation is challenging, feeling like it's either full force or ABS engagement. While the Husqvarna benefits from its lighter weight in terms of braking power, the Africa Twin's brakes offer better control.

When it comes to riding in loose terrain, the ergonomics play a crucial role on an Enduro. The positioning of the footrests and handlebars is key for maintaining control and stability. On the Africa Twin, the upright stance allows for a relaxed ride on wide dirt roads, with minimal pressure on the handlebars. However, when the terrain gets more challenging, the Husqvarna Norden offers a more aggressive riding position, making it easier to maneuver precisely through obstacles. The Africa Twin, with its long wheelbase of 1575 mm, provides high stability and control, especially on level ground. On the other hand, the Norden's shorter wheelbase of 1513 mm and low center of gravity make it more agile and easier to lift the front wheel over obstacles. When tackling steep inclines, the Africa Twin's limited space between the handlebars and footrests can make it difficult to shift weight forward, leading to potential loss of control. In contrast, the Norden offers ample space for weight distribution, allowing for a more controlled and stable ascent. Overall, each Enduro has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to different riding styles and terrains.

Staying true to the Japanese safety philosophy, the electronics of the Africa Twin are tuned more conservatively, with even the highest level of traction control being too cautious for loose surfaces. However, there is no hesitation in activating the traction control, as the powerful engine of the Honda allows for precise control. The Africa Twin climbs slopes like a tractor and can easily kick out the rear end when desired. The agile Norden, on the other hand, tends to break loose more quickly, which can be overwhelming for less experienced off-road riders in challenging terrain. This is where the exceptional electronics shine, especially the optional Explorer package with its 9-stage adjustable traction control. It tames the Husqvarna and regulates it so finely that even novice riders can execute clean drifts with the right settings. The only downside of the Norden is that the throttle response and ABS are not integrated into the riding modes, leading to unnecessary menu navigation on mixed terrain rides. Unfortunately, the Norden 901 lacks a favorite switch found on some KTM Adventure models.

When it comes to braking, the knowledge gained from road riding remains the same. The Enduro scores with better modulation of the rear brake. What's more, the lever on the north side is positioned quite low for upright riding and is therefore more difficult to reach. Our findings were actually confirmed once again. The suspension of the Enduro offers plenty of travel and stability and is perhaps even better performing than the suspension elements of the Honda when set up by a professional for off-road use. However, you have to decide on a setting and this can only be adjusted slowly and laboriously by hand. On the Honda, all you have to do is press a button when leaving the asphalt road and the just-sporty suspension becomes soft and soaks up all the bumps. Even when I force the Enduro over large bumps, I can't get it to bounce. At least for us average off-road riders, the semi-active suspension can do a good job in loose terrain. On the Husqvarna, we are looking for the perfect compromise. Too soft and the bike doesn't rebound quickly enough after compression and can't absorb the next bump. Too hard, and the Enduro literally peppers over hill and dale. At least you have plenty of room on it to compensate for movements of the bike with your body. Setting up the suspension perfectly is a science in itself and can be done by a professional. For everyone else, however, the semi-active suspension of the Enduro is recommended, as it softens the compromise between sporty and comfortable and can therefore offer better performance in a wide variety of riding situations.

When it comes to tackling rugged terrain with the Norden or Africa Twin, accessories are a must. Husqvarna, in line with the off-road legacy of the KTM Group, offers a wide range of options for Enduro enthusiasts. For instance, there are two types of tubular rims available, along with sturdy handguards featuring aluminum bars. In the case of the Africa Twin, Honda's original accessories fall short. The lack of tubular tires can pose a problem, especially on rocky surfaces where rim edges may get damaged. Additionally, these rims are not deburred, making it unsuitable for tube installation. Opting for tubular tires eliminates this issue, highlighting the need for tubular rims on an off-road bike. Honda's offering of wider plastic handguards for better wind protection falls short of providing heavy-duty protection needed for challenging terrains.

The price tag clearly indicates that this comparison is not quite equal. The standard Norden 901 is priced at €16,999 in Austria. Adding the Explorer mode, essential for off-road adventures, costs an additional €240, bringing the total to just over €17,000. On the other hand, the Honda Africa Twin with DCT and semi-active suspension comes in at €19,490. Equipped with a WP Explore chassis, 240 mm suspension travel, standard heated grips, heated rider's seat, main stand, touring windshield, soft luggage with carrier, reinforced engine protection, and Explorer electronics package, the Norden Expedition offers a much more comprehensive equipment package compared to the Africa Twin. The Norden Expedition is priced at €18,899 in Austria, which is still approximately €600 less than the Africa Twin DCT ES. Moving to the standard models, the 2024 Africa Twin is priced at €16,790, making it €200 cheaper than the Norden 901. Additionally, Honda charges an extra €1,400 for the semi-active suspension.

At the end of this extensive test report, it becomes clear that both engines have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the desired riding style. The Husqvarna Norden 901 can be described as a playful, nimble, and enjoyable enduro bike that always delivers performance, but also requires active riding. On the other hand, the Africa Twin exudes more confidence, sophistication, and relaxation. For touring enduro enthusiasts, the Husqvarna is ideal for the adventurous rider, while the Africa Twin is better suited for long-distance off-road journeys and nature lovers. When considering the significant price difference, what does the Norden lack? Precise braking, effective wind protection, and most importantly, the semi-active chassis with excellent responsiveness and a wide range of adjustability. In contrast, the Husqvarna provides greater maneuverability in rough terrain and a more lively and agile performance in all scenarios.