KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of technical specifications and features.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc, producing 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has an inline twin engine with a displacement of 1084cc, producing 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. The KTM offers more power and torque, making it more suitable for aggressive off-road riding.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, but the KTM features a 48mm diameter fork compared to the 45mm diameter fork on the Honda. The KTM also offers a slightly shorter front suspension travel of 220mm compared to the Honda's 230mm. Both motorcycles have swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock, but the KTM has a rear suspension travel of 220mm, while the Honda has 220mm. The suspension on both motorcycles is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a steel frame. The KTM has a slightly steeper rake of 64.7 degrees compared to the Honda's 62.5 degrees, which may result in slightly more responsive handling.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, providing strong stopping power. They also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 also offers an anti-wheelie feature, which is not available on the KTM.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The KTM has a slightly wider rear tire width of 150mm compared to the Honda's 150mm. Both motorcycles have a similar wheelbase of around 1575-1577mm. The seat height on the KTM is slightly higher at 880mm compared to the Honda's 850mm. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the Honda's 18.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 also offers cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display. It also has an adjustable windscreen, which is not available on the Honda. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features a touch-screen color display, which is not available on the KTM.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a robust overall impression, high-quality chassis, and sporty components. It also has a powerful engine that is easy to control and offers practical riding aids. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and good ergonomics. It is also capable of long-distance riding and has a windshield that is suitable for off-roading.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 lacks individual features in the basic equipment and has fiddly controls. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear and handguards that are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield on the Honda also offers manageable protection.

Overall, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are capable and well-equipped enduro motorcycles, but they have some differences in terms of power, features, and handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore108 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio10.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDual ignitionIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel220 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountdirectShock mountPro-Link
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa
TravelTravel220 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake64.7 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail112.8 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Wave

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,577 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height880 mmSeat Height850 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

The Super Adventure R presented itself as a great adventure motorbike during the intensive test in the Pyrenees. It offered a great combination of long-distance comfort and off-road capability. You won't find this combination in this consistency on any other motorbike. Above all, the chassis is tough and presented itself from its best side in tough terrain. Of course, only very few riders will actually ride this monster properly - but in rough terrain, "having" has always been better than "needing".

Robust overall impression

high-quality and practical chassis

great seat for a lot of endurance in the saddle

sporty and high-quality components

powerful but easy-to-control engine

practical riding aids.

The high-priced motorbike lacks individual features in the basic equipment

fiddly controls

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 is about 17% higher. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 7. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R with 101 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R was published on 04/10/2016 and now has more than 36,400 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 23/09/2019.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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