Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

When comparing the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020, it is important to consider their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the technical specifications, both motorcycles have in-line engines, but the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE has a larger displacement of 1043cc compared to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT's 1084cc. The Kawasaki also has more power with 120 HP compared to the Honda's 102 HP. However, the Honda has slightly higher torque at 105 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 102 Nm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension with monoshock in the rear. However, the Honda has a longer travel distance for both the front and rear suspension, with 230mm and 220mm respectively, compared to the Kawasaki's 150mm and 152mm. This suggests that the Honda may offer better off-road capability.

The chassis of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is made of aluminum, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT has a steel frame. The Kawasaki has a slightly steeper rake at 63 degrees compared to the Honda's 62.5 degrees, but the Honda has a longer trail at 113mm compared to the Kawasaki's 106mm.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes in the front, but the Honda offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, offers ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches compared to the Kawasaki's 17 inches. The Honda also has a smaller rear tire width of 150mm compared to the Kawasaki's 180mm. The Honda has a longer wheelbase at 1575mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1520mm. The seat height of the Honda is slightly higher at 850mm compared to the Kawasaki's 840mm. The Honda is also lighter with a kerb weight of 236kg compared to the Kawasaki's 257kg. However, the Kawasaki has a larger fuel tank capacity at 21 liters compared to the Honda's 18.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights, but the Kawasaki also offers heated grips and cornering lights.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Moving on to the strengths and weaknesses, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 has a very comfortable seating position, thanks to its adjustable windshield and superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension. It also has a cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, a full electronics package, and a well-controlled braking system. Additionally, it has a distinctive look.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 offers a high-torque engine and sophisticated electronic driving aids. It has a wonderfully functioning DCT and a touch-screen color display. It also has good ergonomics and is capable of long-distance riding. The windshield of the Honda is perfect for off-roading.

However, the Kawasaki's windshield is not adjustable with one hand, which can be a drawback. The Honda's handguards are not very robust for off-road use, and the flood of switches on the left handlebar can be overwhelming. Additionally, the windshield of the Honda offers manageable protection.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers a comfortable seating position, a powerful engine, and a full electronics package. The Honda, on the other hand, offers a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a well-functioning DCT. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore77 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio10.1
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeDual-clutch
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel150 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial, Wave

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, QuickshifterAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth960 mm
HeightHeight1,530 mmHeight1,395 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)236 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentLED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 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

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

flood of switches on left handlebar

windshield offers manageable protection

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE with 86 days compared to 118 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 17 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT since model year 2020. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 25,500 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT published on 9/23/2019.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT

Model year
Current average market prices

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