Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 have in-line engines. However, the Versys has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 120 HP compared to the Africa Twin's 95 HP. The Versys also has a higher torque of 102 Nm compared to the Africa Twin's 98 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension on both bikes also has adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings.

In terms of chassis, the Versys 1000 2016 has an aluminum frame, while the Africa Twin 2016 has a steel frame. This could potentially affect the weight and handling of the motorcycles.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. However, the Versys does not specify the type of brakes, while the Africa Twin does not specify the diameter of the disks.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Versys has a smaller front tire diameter of 17 inches compared to the Africa Twin's 21 inches. The rear tire width on the Versys is also wider at 180 mm compared to the Africa Twin's 150 mm. The Africa Twin has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches compared to the Versys' 17 inches. The wheelbase on the Versys is shorter at 1520 mm compared to the Africa Twin's 1575 mm. The seat height on the Versys is slightly lower at 840 mm compared to the Africa Twin's 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS on the Versys is higher at 250 kg compared to the Africa Twin's 232 kg. The Versys also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters compared to the Africa Twin's 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

In terms of strengths, the Versys 1000 2016 has a sporty look, comfortable seating position, powerful and cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, adjustable windshield, stable chassis, well-controlled braking system, clever range of accessories, and a comparatively low price. On the other hand, the Africa Twin 2016 is extremely good and pleasant to drive, with a nicely revving engine, great handling, and works very well off-road. It is also very suitable for traveling and features a unique DCT dual-clutch transmission.

In terms of weaknesses, the Versys 1000 2016 has a windshield that can only be adjusted when stationary, and the gear indicator costs extra. The Africa Twin 2016, on the other hand, has an unspectacular engine.

Overall, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 have their own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and riding styles.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore77 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,240 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth895 mmWidth875 mm
HeightHeight1,400 mmHeight1,475 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)250 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is not a completely new model - even if it looks like one from the design point of view. The look has been cleverly adapted to the current aggressive Kawasaki line with two pointed headlights and many edges at the front. Technically, on the other hand, it has been cautiously upgraded - but quite sensibly. Two additional horsepower boost the output to 120 hp, which is excellent to ride thanks to the wonderful in-line four-cylinder characteristics. The chassis corresponds to the sporty demands of a Kawasaki, but the ergonomics and comfortable seating position allow for long journeys - just like a big enduro. With useful accessories such as a pannier set, top case, heated grips and additional headlights, the Versys 1000 becomes a serious long-distance tourer - the comparatively low base price makes these gimmicks quite affordable.

Sporty look

comfortable seating position

powerful and cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

adjustable windshield

stable chassis

well-controlled braking system

clever range of accessories

comparatively low price.

Windshield only adjustable when stationary

gear indicator costs extra

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The legend is back, Honda claimed wholeheartedly - but the mission has succeeded to the highest degree, the Africa Twin with the rather bulky name CRF1000L Africa Twin is a very agile and excellently rideable enduro that works well on all surfaces. This also applies to gravel and single trails, where easy handling is of course very important. With 95 hp, it is a proud 65 hp short of the Elite, but you don't need more for such balanced handling. In one respect, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is completely unrivalled - it can be ordered with a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

extremely good and pleasant to drive

engine revs up nicely

great handling

works very well off-road

very suitable for travelling

unique DCT dual-clutch transmission

the engine is unspectacular

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 is about 4% higher. A Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 experiences a loss of 1,100 GBP in one year and 940 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 GBP and 1,740 GBP for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 50 days compared to 88 days for the Kawasaki Versys 1000. Since model year 2012 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 was published on 07/11/2011 and now has more than 8,400 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH