Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023 are both popular enduro motorcycles, but they have several differences in terms of specifications, strengths, and weaknesses.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It delivers a powerful engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 645cc. It has a lower engine power of 71 HP and a torque of 62 Nm. In terms of performance, the Honda Africa Twin offers more power and torque, making it suitable for more demanding off-road riding.

The suspension systems of both motorcycles differ as well. The Honda Africa Twin has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm at the front. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, has a telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 150mm at the front. The rear suspension is also a swing arm with a monoshock, but it has a smaller travel of 159mm. The Honda Africa Twin's suspension offers more travel, allowing for better off-road performance and comfort.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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 frames provide stability and durability, but the Honda Africa Twin's steel frame may offer more rigidity and strength.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. However, the Honda Africa Twin offers more advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, only has ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1574mm and a seat height ranging from 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 226kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1560mm and a lower seat height ranging from 815mm to 855mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 216kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The Suzuki V-Strom offers a longer range with a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 l/100km compared to the Honda Africa Twin's 4.9 l/100km.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin stands out with its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT transmission, touch-screen color display, and good ergonomics. It is also known for its long-distance capability and a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom is praised for its simplicity, proven technology, and good price/performance ratio.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The Honda Africa Twin's operating concept of the electronics may not be very clear and intuitive, and its handguards may not be very robust for off-road use. The windshield also offers only manageable protection, and the ergonomics may not be ideal for standing riding. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, has a design and equipment that are considered a bit outdated, and it has very limited off-road capability.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023 are both capable enduro motorcycles, but they have notable differences in terms of engine power, suspension, chassis, rider assistance systems, dimensions, and strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers more power, advanced electronics, and better off-road performance, while the Suzuki V-Strom provides simplicity, proven technology, and a good price/performance ratio.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore81 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke62.6 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power71 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,800 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque62 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,300 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio11.2
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
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement645 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel220 mmTravel159 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake64.2 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail110 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston

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, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 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 mmLength2,275 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth910 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,484 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height815 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to855 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)216 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange476 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions100 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.2 l/100km

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023

The V-Strom 650 XT may be getting on a bit, but it's still a good bike. Especially if you don't need a colour display and don't intend to leave the paved road. The 650 is an easy motorbike to ride and is hardly ever out of its depth. What's more, this model has already proven itself a zillion times over, which underlines its durability and longevity.

Simple, uncomplicated bike

proven technology

good price/performance ratio

Design and equipment are a bit outdated

very limited off-road capability

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is about 57% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2023 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 73. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with 106 days compared to 189 days for a Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 11 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT since model year 2015. 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 45,700 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT published on 09/04/2015.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT

Model year
Current average market prices

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