Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle category. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, starter, transmission, and suspension, there are notable differences in their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It delivers 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, providing high-torque performance. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a V2 engine with a displacement of 1037cc, producing 101 horsepower and 101 Nm of torque. While both engines offer similar power outputs, the Honda Africa Twin has a slightly higher displacement.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a larger front fork diameter of 45mm compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 43mm. The Honda Africa Twin also offers more travel in both the front and rear suspension, with 230mm and 220mm respectively, compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 160mm in both front and rear suspension.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

When it comes to chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Suzuki V-Strom features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The Suzuki V-Strom has a slightly steeper rake angle of 64.5 degrees compared to the Honda Africa Twin's 62.5 degrees. Both motorcycles have a trail measurement, with the Honda Africa Twin at 113mm and the Suzuki V-Strom at 109mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, only has ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 19 inches. Both motorcycles have the same rear tire width of 150mm, but the Honda Africa Twin has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 17 inches. The Honda Africa Twin also has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575mm compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 1555mm. Both motorcycles have the same seat height of 850mm. The Honda Africa Twin has a kerb weight of 226kg with ABS, while the Suzuki V-Strom weighs slightly more at 232kg with ABS. The Suzuki V-Strom has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters compared to the Honda Africa Twin's 18.8 liters.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT transmission, touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It is also noted for having a windshield that is perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom is praised for its V2 engine full of character, mature technology, stable handling, ABS curves, comfortable seating position, easy-to-read instruments, and is considered the perfect touring enduro for purists.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin is criticized for having a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, and a windshield that offers manageable protection. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, is considered to be not technologically up to date, with an electronics package that cannot keep up with the competition.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers a more powerful engine, advanced rider assistance systems, and a larger front tire diameter, while the Suzuki V-Strom provides a unique V2 engine character, stable handling, and a larger fuel tank capacity. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore100 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke66 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power101 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque101 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque4,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio11.3
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
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
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 degreeRake64.5 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, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, 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 mmLength2,280 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth930 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,470 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,555 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Even though Suzuki may not have put as much work into the development of the V-Strom as its competitors in touring enduros, the Suzuki can use this circumstance to its advantage. In a world with extensive electronics packages, it still looks very purist in the 2019 model year, with only the cornering ABS hinting at innovation. Many customers want a simple motorbike, and the V-Strom 1000 appeals to precisely this target group. Its lusty V2 exudes endless character and, thanks to years of testing, is a bulletproof companion. Combined with the potent chassis and relaxed seating position, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 gives you a sporty touring enduro that stands up to the digitalisation of motorbikes in today's world.

V2 full of character

mature technology

stable handling

ABS curves

comfortable seating position

easy-to-read instruments

the perfect touring enduro for purists.

Technically not up to date

electronics package cannot keep up with the competition

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Suzuki V-Strom 1000

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is about 35% higher. A Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 experiences a loss of 640 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 1,560 USD for a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019. 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 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with 106 days compared to 113 days for a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 40 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 since model year 2005. 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 6,300 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 1000 published on 7/23/2002.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

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