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

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023

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

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023, it boasts a powerful in-line engine with a displacement of 1084cc and an output of 102 HP. The engine is paired with a chain transmission and offers a torque of 105 Nm. The Africa Twin also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork from Showa at the front with 45mm diameter and a travel of 230mm, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1574mm and a seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight of the Africa Twin is 226kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km, providing a range of 383km.

The strengths of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 include its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning optional DCT. It also has a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. Additionally, it offers good wind protection with its windshield, making it suitable for off-road riding.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 does have some weaknesses. The operating concept of the electronics is not very clear and intuitive, and the handguards are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield also offers manageable protection, and the ergonomics are not ideal for standing riding.

Moving on to the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023, it also features a powerful V-type engine with a displacement of 1037cc and an output of 107 HP. The engine is paired with a chain transmission and offers a torque of 100 Nm. The V-Strom 1050 comes with ABS, ride by wire, and traction control as part of its advanced rider assistance systems. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork from Kayaba with 43mm diameter and a travel of 160mm, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 160mm. The frame is made of aluminum and has a twin tube design. The V-Strom 1050 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1555mm and a seat height of 855mm. The kerb weight of the V-Strom 1050 is slightly higher at 236kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The combined fuel consumption is 4.8 l/100km, providing a range of 416km.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023

The strengths of the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023 include its powerful motor, high-quality electronics package, and excellent ergonomics. It also comes with lavish standard equipment and offers intuitive operation of the electronics. The V-Strom 1050 provides long-distance comfort and excellent wind and weather protection. It also has good tire fitment and a successful retro look.

However, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023 does have a few weaknesses. The high weight of the motorcycle may be a concern for some riders. Additionally, the ABS cannot be switched off or deactivated at the rear.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a more sophisticated electronic package and a DCT option, while the V-Strom 1050 provides excellent ergonomics and a retro look. Riders should consider their preferences and priorities when choosing between these two models.

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

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 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 TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel220 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake64.7 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail109 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, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, 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 mmLength2,265 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth870 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,515 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,555 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height855 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)236 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange416 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions112 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.8 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 1050 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 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

lavish standard equipment

intuitive operation of the electronics

long-distance comfort

excellent wind and weather protection

good tyre fitment

successful retro look

High weight

ABS cannot be switched off or deactivated at the rear

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

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is about 6% higher. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 38. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 with 80 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 10 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 since model year 2020. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 9/23/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 104,400 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 1050 published on 1/30/2020.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050

Model year
Current average market prices

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