Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

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Overview - Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020, it boasts a powerful V-twin engine with a displacement of 1037cc and an output of 107 HP. This provides the rider with ample power for both on and off-road adventures. The engine is paired with a chain transmission and an electric starter for easy and reliable starting.

In terms of suspension, the V-Strom 1050 XT features an Upside-Down telescopic fork at the front, branded by Kayaba, with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. At the rear, it has a swing arm suspension with a monoshock that is also adjustable for preload and rebound. This allows for a customizable and comfortable ride in various terrains.

The frame of the V-Strom 1050 XT is made of aluminum, which provides a good balance of strength and lightweight construction. This contributes to the overall agility and maneuverability of the motorcycle.

For braking, the V-Strom 1050 XT is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. It also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, enhancing safety and control while riding.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

In terms of dimensions and weights, the V-Strom 1050 XT has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1555mm, and the seat height is 850mm. With a kerb weight of 247kg (with ABS), it is slightly heavier compared to the Honda Africa Twin. The fuel tank capacity is 20 liters, allowing for longer rides without frequent refueling.

Moving on to the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017, it features an in-line twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc and an output of 95 HP. The engine is also paired with a chain transmission and an electric starter.

The Africa Twin has an Upside-Down telescopic fork at the front, branded by Showa, with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock that is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. This provides a comfortable ride, although some riders find the suspension too comfortable at high speeds.

The frame of the Africa Twin is made of steel, which provides durability and strength.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

For braking, it is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, offering reliable stopping power. It also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control for enhanced safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1575mm, and the seat height is 850mm. With a kerb weight of 232kg (with ABS), it is slightly lighter compared to the V-Strom 1050 XT. The fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters, slightly smaller than the V-Strom.

In terms of strengths, the V-Strom 1050 XT offers a powerful engine, excellent ergonomics, good wind and weather protection, extensive accessories as standard, and a successful retro look. On the other hand, the Africa Twin is praised for its comfortable and perfectly dimensioned engine, and its slightly lower seat height compared to the V-Strom.

In terms of weaknesses, the V-Strom 1050 XT has a high weight, the ABS cannot be switched off, and it lacks a quickshifter. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, has suspension elements that are too comfortably tuned at high speeds, and the traction control can be annoying off-road as it needs to be readjusted after every short break.

Overall, both motorcycles have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore100 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke66 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power107 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque100 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
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 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandKayabaBrandShowa
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

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

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 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
LengthLength2,265 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth940 mmWidth875 mm
HeightHeight1,465 mmHeight1,475 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,555 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)247 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Even though the new V-Strom 1050 has moved up in price to a league in which it has to be compared more with the competition than before, it has remained true to itself despite the most modern safety features, or rather, it has remained an uncomplicated motorbike that is ready for the big journey. Its favourite terrain is the road, which, thanks to the good chassis, can also be bad and bumpy. Off-road passages are no problem either, but those who regularly seek rougher terrain will be less likely to end up with the Suzuki due to its mighty weight. On paved roads, however, the mass can be moved surprisingly quickly and effortlessly. The addictive engine, the successful retro design and the extreme suitability for touring make the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT a top motorbike for long journeys.

powerful engine

wonderful ergonomics

good wind and weather protection

extensive accessories as standard

good initial tyre equipment

long-distance capability

successful retro look

High weight

ABS cannot be switched off

no quickshifter

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 is about 13% higher. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 13. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 91 days compared to 110 days for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT was published on 1/30/2020 and now has more than 104,400 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 5/12/2015.

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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