Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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Overview - Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. They have similar engine types, with the V-Strom having a V-twin engine and the Africa Twin having an inline-twin engine. The V-Strom has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in slightly higher engine power and torque compared to the Africa Twin. The V-Strom produces 107 HP of power and 100 Nm of torque, while the Africa Twin produces 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions. They also have similar suspension setups, with upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with monoshock absorbers at the rear. The V-Strom uses Kayaba suspension components, while the Africa Twin uses Showa components. The Africa Twin has slightly longer suspension travel, with 230 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear, compared to 170 mm and 169 mm respectively for the V-Strom.

In terms of chassis, the V-Strom has an aluminum twin-tube frame, while the Africa Twin has a steel double cradle frame. Both motorcycles have a similar rake angle of 62.5 degrees, but the Africa Twin has a shorter trail of 113 mm compared to 126 mm for the V-Strom.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing excellent stopping power. They also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The V-Strom also includes additional features like hill start assist, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, and LED headlights. The Africa Twin has anti-wheelie control as an additional feature.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the V-Strom has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1595 mm compared to 1575 mm for the Africa Twin. The V-Strom also has a higher seat height of 880 mm compared to 850 mm for the Africa Twin. However, the V-Strom is heavier, with a kerb weight of 252 kg compared to 226 kg for the Africa Twin. Both motorcycles have similar fuel tank capacities, with the V-Strom having a 20-liter tank and the Africa Twin having an 18.8-liter tank.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights. The V-Strom also features a TFT display, while the Africa Twin has a touch-screen color display.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

In terms of strengths, the V-Strom offers a powerful engine, a simple but high-quality electronics package, good ergonomics, and a reasonable price. It also has a great gravel mode and off-road ABS, making it suitable for adventure riding. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, offers a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning DCT option. It also has good ergonomics and is capable of long-distance riding.

In terms of weaknesses, the V-Strom appears large and somewhat unwieldy when maneuvering, and it has above-average weight. The suspension travel could also be greater. The Africa Twin has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, and its handguards are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield on the Africa Twin offers manageable protection.

Overall, both the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are capable and well-equipped enduro motorcycles. The choice between them will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, electronics, ergonomics, and off-road capability.

Technical Specifications Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore100 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke66 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power107 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque100 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio10.1
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
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,037 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandKayabaBrandShowa
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel170 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountPro-Link
BrandBrandKayabaBrandShowa
TravelTravel169 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail126 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, 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 diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,390 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth960 mm
HeightHeight1,505 mmHeight1,395 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,595 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height880 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)252 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 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

very good gravel mode

off-road ABS

intuitive operation of the electronics

long-distance comfort

Successful retro look

high weight

Suspension travel could be greater

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 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is about 3% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 there are more Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 107 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE with 95 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2023 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE was published on 9/5/2022 and now has more than 23,300 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 9/23/2019.

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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