KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and performance.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 is equipped with a V2 engine that delivers 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 features an in-line engine with 95 HP of power and 98 Nm of torque. The KTM has a larger displacement of 1301ccm compared to the Honda's 998ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with monoshock at the rear. However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 has a front suspension with a larger diameter of 48mm compared to the Honda's 45mm. The KTM also offers a slightly higher travel of 200mm for both the front and rear suspension.

When it comes to brakes, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 features double disk brakes with Brembo brand, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has double disk brakes with Nissin brand. Both motorcycles offer good braking performance.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 has a more comprehensive package. It offers suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, radar cruise control, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018, on the other hand, offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The KTM has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1560mm compared to the Honda's 1580mm. The seat height of the KTM is 849mm, which can be adjusted up to 869mm, while the Honda has a seat height of 900mm, adjustable up to 920mm. The KTM weighs 243kg, the same as the Honda. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of over 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 offers connectivity, a keyless system, cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018, on the other hand, offers LED headlights.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 stands out for its very sporty V2 power plant, extremely playful handling despite its high weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, adaptive cruise control, and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018, on the other hand, is praised for its powerful and unagitated engine, comfortable chassis, comfortable seating position, superb looks, good brakes, large fuel tank, performance modes, and optional DCT.

As for weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 has a gearshift assistant and other features that come at an extra cost, an idiosyncratic look, and a stiff seat bench. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has less optimal wind protection, no cruise control, a high saddle that can be difficult to climb for smaller riders, and ABS on the front wheel that cannot be switched off.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 offer impressive features and performance. The KTM stands out for its sporty nature and advanced electronics, while the Honda offers a comfortable ride and optional DCT. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore108 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
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 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel252 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountPro-Link
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa
TravelTravel200 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Radar cruise control, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,580 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height900 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to869 mmSeat Height up to920 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity24.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentConnectivity, Keyless System, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is anything but old-fashioned. The Euro5 engine continues to shine incredibly with its 160 hp and the awesome torque of 138 Newton metres. The refined electronics ensure an even smoother ride, which, thanks to the wonderfully agile handling, results in a lot of fun when cornering. But the new SASi also has a lot to offer comfort freaks and all those who value the touring qualities of this type of motorbike. A nice, standard feature is the adaptive cruise control ACC, which independently keeps the distance to the vehicle in front - and works really well. In any case, the Quickshifter+ or the all-inclusive TechPack is recommended - at this basic price, the 1300 euro surcharge is not that much of a burden.

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely playful handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

adaptive cruise control ACC

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display

Gearshift assistant and other features at extra cost

idiosyncratic look

stiff seat bench

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

For many, the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is the true Africa Twin, which, with a larger tank, longer suspension travel and higher windshield, takes the long journey even more seriously than the normal Africa Twin already does. The chassis works like a litter, the seating position allows hundreds of kilometres at a stretch - according to Honda 525 on one tank of fuel. However, the agility and manoeuvrability of the normal Africa Twin suffer. With the more attractive appearance of the Adventure Sports, Honda has hit the bull's-eye again: there is currently no more beautiful adventure bike.

powerful, unagitated engine

comfortable chassis

comfortable seating position

superb looks

good brakes

large fuel tank

performance modes

optional DCT

Not quite optimal wind protection

no cruise control

high saddle difficult to climb for smaller riders

ABS on front wheel cannot be switched off

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 121. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 58 days compared to 112 days for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 14 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports since model year 2018. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 10/12/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 91,900 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports published on 11/6/2017.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Model year
Current average market prices

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