Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

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Overview - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 vs KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some distinct differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018, it features a reliable in-line engine with a displacement of 998cc. It delivers 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque, providing sufficient power for both on-road and off-road adventures. The bike is equipped with an electric starter and a chain transmission. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear, both of which are provided by Showa. The chassis is made of steel, ensuring durability and stability. The braking system includes double disk brakes at the front, supplied by Nissin. The Africa Twin is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. It has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, with a width of 150mm. The wheelbase is 1575mm, and the seat height is 850mm. The dry weight of the bike is 212kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 features a V-type engine with a displacement of 1050cc. It produces a higher power output of 125 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque, making it a more sporty and powerful option. The bike also has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear, both of which are provided by WP. The chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum, ensuring strength and durability. The braking system includes double disk brakes at the front, supplied by Brembo. In addition to ABS and traction control, the KTM 1090 Adventure R also offers riding modes, allowing for more customization and adaptability to different terrains. It has the same tire dimensions as the Africa Twin, with a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, with a width of 150mm. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1580mm, and the seat height is higher at 890mm. The dry weight of the bike is 207kg, and the fuel tank capacity is larger at 23 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 is praised for its reliable engine, comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, good looks, and good brakes. It also offers an optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) for those who prefer automatic shifting. Additionally, it provides performance modes for more customization and adaptability.

On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 is known for its powerful and sporty engine, as well as its practical modes for on-road and off-road riding. These modes effectively regulate traction control and peak power, enhancing the bike's performance in different conditions. The KTM also offers a robust and off-road-compatible chassis, making it suitable for more adventurous rides. Furthermore, KTM provides a wide range of accessories and equipment options, allowing riders to customize their bikes according to their preferences.

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

However, both bikes have some weaknesses. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 lacks optimal wind protection and does not have cruise control. Additionally, the ABS on the front wheel cannot be switched off, which may limit the bike's performance in certain off-road situations. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 has a high seat height, making it less suitable for riders with a body height below 180cm. The engine response can be too sporty on long trips, and the bike may feel sluggish at low speeds.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 are both capable and powerful enduro motorcycles. The Africa Twin offers a reliable and comfortable riding experience, while the KTM provides a more sporty and customizable option. Riders should consider their preferences and specific needs to choose the bike that best suits their riding style and requirements.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 compared to KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018
KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore103 mm
StrokeStroke75.1 mmStroke63 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98 NmTorque109 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 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
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountdirect
BrandBrandShowaBrandWP
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial
BrandBrandNissinBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

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 diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,580 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height890 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)212 kgDry Weight (with ABS)207 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)232 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)230 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

The new Africa Twin has come exactly as fans expected: Well controllable, unagitated and a wonderful travelling companion. The fact that it also looks extremely good was a pleasant bonus. So there is no reason to fundamentally change the Africa Twin, what was good remains good on the new one - and much has been improved. Thanks to Ride by Wire, you can now also enjoy performance modes on the Africa Twin, and the traction control can be adjusted 7-fold (instead of 3-fold previously) and switched off. The optional DCT is still a big hit and a lot of fun, but it also costs a lot.

Reliable engine

comfortable seating position

well-tuned chassis

good looks

good brakes

optional DCT

performance modes

not quite optimal wind protection

no cruise control

ABS on front wheel cannot be switched off

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

That's exactly how a KTM should be. It feels sporty, but also offers a lot of comfort. Off-road, it was robust, reliable and fast. The chassis does everything, the braking as well. The electronic riding aids enable completely new sections for this weight class. If it weren't for the enormous seat height, it would be a terrific tip for many enduro riders.

Powerful sporty engine

practical modes for onroad and offroad which perfectly regulate traction control and peak power

robust and offroad-compatible chassis

huge choice of accessories and equipment from KTM.

Seat height is enormous. Body height 180cm is minimum

engine response a little too sporty on long trips

sluggish at low speeds.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin vs KTM 1090 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and a KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 10. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1090 Adventure R with 98 days compared to 99 days for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin and 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure R since model year 2017. The first review for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin was published on 5/12/2015 and now has more than 13,600 views. This compares to more than 44,400 views for the first review on KTM 1090 Adventure R published on 10/4/2016.

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1090 Adventure R

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Current average market prices

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