KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

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Overview - KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both enduro motorcycles that offer powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features a V-twin engine with a bore of 103 mm and a stroke of 63 mm. It produces 125 HP of power and 109 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has an in-line twin engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 75.1 mm. It generates 95 HP of power and 98 Nm of torque. While both engines are capable, the KTM offers slightly higher power and torque.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions. They also have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arms with monoshocks for the rear suspension. However, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features WP suspension components, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 uses Showa suspension components.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has a steel frame. Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, with the KTM using Brembo brakes and the Honda using Nissin brakes.

Both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 also offers riding modes, allowing the rider to customize the performance of the motorcycle.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase of the KTM is 1560 mm, while the Honda has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm. The KTM has a dry weight of 205 kg and a kerb weight of 228 kg, while the Honda has a dry weight of 212 kg and a kerb weight of 232 kg. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, compared to the Honda's 18.8 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range. It also offers performance modes, the ability to switch off ABS, and adjustable traction control. The motorcycle has agile and safe handling, adjustable ergonomics, a height-adjustable windshield, and a relatively low weight. Additionally, it is comparatively priced lower than the Honda.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is known for its comfortable but not boring ride. It has a pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine, and its seat height is slightly lower than the KTM, making it suitable for riders with a height of 175 cm or above.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 may seem outdated in terms of aesthetics compared to the newer 1290 Super Adventures. Additionally, its suspension fork is not adjustable. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has suspension elements that work well off-road but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds. The traction control on the Honda is also considered annoying off-road, as it needs to be readjusted after every short break.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and advanced features such as riding modes, while the Honda provides a comfortable ride and a slightly lower seat height. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore103 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke63 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque109 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,050 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountPro-Link
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial
BrandBrandBremboBrandNissin

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)205 kgDry Weight (with ABS)212 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

The KTM 1090 Adventure is a huge step away from its predecessor, the 1050 Adventure, towards its bigger sisters. The electronics package with adjustable riding modes, traction control and ABS remains at the already high level, but the engine now has 125 hp, around a third (!) more than the 1050. Almost more importantly, it can now rev freely to over 10,000 rpm and thus offers a more usable rev band. You will hardly find a more balanced bike in the class of still reasonably priced large touring enduros.

Very powerful, cultivated engine with wide rev range

performance modes

ABS can be switched off

adjustable traction control

agile and safe handling

adjustable ergonomics

height-adjustable windshield

low weight

comparatively low price.

Optics seem outdated by the new 1290 Super Adventures

suspension fork not adjustable

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1090 Adventure vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 is about 5% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 there are less KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 91 days compared to 101 days for the KTM 1090 Adventure. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the KTM 1090 Adventure was published on 12/10/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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