Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. Ducati DesertX 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs Ducati DesertX 2022

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are both enduro motorcycles with similar features and specifications. However, they have some distinct differences that set them apart.

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It delivers 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. The Ducati DesertX 2022, on the other hand, has a V-type engine with a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm. It offers a slightly higher power output of 110 HP but a lower torque of 92 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is equipped with Showa suspension components, including a 45 mm diameter front fork and a monoshock rear shock absorber. It offers a front travel of 230 mm and a rear travel of 220 mm. The Ducati DesertX 2022, on the other hand, features Kayaba suspension components, including a slightly larger 46 mm diameter front fork. It also offers the same front and rear travel as the Africa Twin.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a double cradle frame, while the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a tubular frame. The Africa Twin has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm, while the DesertX has a slightly steeper rake of 62.4 degrees and a longer trail of 122 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Ducati DesertX 2022 offers similar rider assistance systems, including riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. They also have the same rear tire width of 150 mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a wheelbase of 1575 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. It weighs 226 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The Ducati DesertX 2022, on the other hand, has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1608 mm and a higher seat height of 875 mm. It weighs slightly less at 223 kg (with ABS) but has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights. The Ducati DesertX 2022 offers additional features such as connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display.

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT transmission, touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is praised for its great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well-thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is criticized for its flood of buttons on the left handlebar, which may not be very clear, and its handguards, which are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield also offers manageable protection. The Ducati DesertX 2022, on the other hand, is noted for its smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, slightly delayed suspension response compared to the fork, very high and non-adjustable seat height, and lack of space and handholds for a pillion passenger.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to Ducati DesertX 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Ducati DesertX 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore94 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power110 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio13.3
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement937 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter46 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
TravelTravel220 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.4 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail122 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

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 diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,608 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)223 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-HeadlightsEquipmentConnectivity, Heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 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 (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Flood of buttons on left handlebar not very clear

handguards not very robust for off-road use

windshield offers manageable protection

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.

great chassis with fully adjustable suspension

sophisticated driving modes

powerful engine

powerful brake

well thought-out detail solutions

extensive standard equipment

Smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range

Suspension response slightly behind that of the fork

Very high, non-adjustable seat height

Little space and no handholds for pillion passenger

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Ducati DesertX

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a Ducati DesertX 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati DesertX 2022 is about 17% higher. A Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 experiences a loss of 650 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 70 GBP for a Ducati DesertX 2022. Compared to Ducati DesertX 2022 there are more Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a Ducati DesertX with 102 days compared to 106 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX since model year 2022. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 71,700 views for the first review on Ducati DesertX published on 09/12/2021.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

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