Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 vs Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 have similar specifications. They both have a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of around 1000cc, electric starters, and chain transmissions. However, there are some differences in their specific technical specifications. The Honda Africa Twin has a bore of 92mm and a stroke of 81.5mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom has a bore of 100mm and a stroke of 66mm. The Honda Africa Twin produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, while the Suzuki V-Strom produces 107 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Honda Africa Twin is equipped with Showa suspension components, including a 45mm diameter front fork with 230mm of travel and a rear monoshock with 220mm of travel. The suspension on the Honda Africa Twin is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom is equipped with Kayaba suspension components, including a 43mm diameter front fork with 170mm of travel and a rear monoshock with 169mm of travel. The suspension on the Suzuki V-Strom is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound, but lacks adjustment for compression at the rear.

In terms of chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Suzuki V-Strom has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. Both motorcycles have a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of around 120mm.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front, but the Honda Africa Twin does not specify the type of brakes, while the Suzuki V-Strom has double disc brakes with ABS. The Honda Africa Twin is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, is equipped with ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the Suzuki V-Strom has a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Honda Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1575mm, a seat height of 850mm, a kerb weight of 236kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The Suzuki V-Strom has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1595mm, a higher seat height of 880mm, a higher kerb weight of 252kg, and a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles are equipped with LED headlights. However, the Suzuki V-Strom also has a TFT display, which provides additional information and functionality compared to the Honda Africa Twin.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and windshield perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom is praised for its powerful motor, high-quality electronics package, excellent ergonomics, very good gravel mode, off-road ABS, intuitive operation of the electronics, long-distance comfort, and successful retro look.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin is criticized for having handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, a flood of switches on the left handlebar, and a windshield that offers manageable protection. The Suzuki V-Strom is criticized for its high weight and suspension travel that could be greater.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin excels in terms of its engine performance, electronic aids, and off-road capabilities, while the Suzuki V-Strom stands out with its powerful motor, high-quality electronics, and retro design. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore100 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke66 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power107 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque100 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeDual-clutchTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel170 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
TravelTravel220 mmTravel169 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail126 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 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 diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,390 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth960 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,505 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,595 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height880 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)236 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)252 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-HeadlightsEquipmentLED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

For me, the Africa Twin is a touring enduro as a touring enduro should be. This was already true of the predecessor model and did not change with the increase in displacement and power. Because the latter remained manageable at 102 hp, and Honda even managed to shed a few kilos compared to the CRF1000L. So it remained versatile, functioning just as well on the motorway as off-road. The chassis absorbs almost all bumps, the engine remains sovereign in every situation, ergonomics and seating comfort are exemplary. A motorbike for all days as well as for the big trip - wherever that may be.

High-torque engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

flood of switches on left handlebar

windshield offers manageable protection

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

With the revision and expansion of the 1050 models, Suzuki now has the right big V-Strom for everyone. Those who know from the outset that they will stay almost exclusively on the road will find the standard model a reliable travel companion or even a buddy for all days; those who want to limit themselves less in their choice of routes and also want to ride regularly on unpaved terrain will now find the DE a good choice. The main argument, however, remains this engine, which with its 107 hp and above all its rich torque leaves hardly anything to be desired.

powerful motor

high-quality electronics package

excellent ergonomics

very good gravel mode

off-road ABS

intuitive operation of the electronics

long-distance comfort

Successful retro look

high weight

Suspension travel could be greater

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT vs Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 and a Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 is about 4% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 4 compared to 107. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE with 95 days compared to 118 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 17 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT and 13 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE since model year 2023. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 23,300 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE published on 05/09/2022.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

Model year
Current average market prices

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