Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 are both excellent enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021, it offers a very comfortable seating position, making long rides more enjoyable. Its in-line four-cylinder engine is refined and provides a smooth power delivery. The bike also comes with a full electronics package, including ABS, ride-by-wire, and a quickshifter, enhancing the overall riding experience. The adjustable windshield allows the rider to customize the wind protection according to their preference. The electronically adjustable Showa suspension ensures a comfortable and controlled ride. The braking system is well-controlled, providing reliable stopping power. Additionally, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other motorcycles in its class.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 boasts a very good chassis, both in terms of mechanical and electronic components. It offers the option of a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), making it a superior touring bike with smooth gear changes. The bike comes equipped with high-quality and practical electronic ride aids such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The wind protection provided by the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is fundamentally good, ensuring a comfortable ride even at higher speeds. The overall impression of the bike is of high quality, and it features a flawless engine with great response and a linear torque curve. The handling is accessible and the ride is very pleasant, making it a versatile bike for various riding conditions.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

However, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 does have a weakness in that its windshield is not adjustable with one hand, which may be inconvenient for some riders. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has the weakness of having wind protection that is too good in hot weather, as even the lowest position of the windshield hardly lets any wind through. Additionally, some riders may find the operation of the numerous switches on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports complex, even after two days of testing. The seat of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports also seems a bit too soft after a long day of riding.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offer a range of impressive features and strengths. The Versys 1000 SE excels in its comfortable seating position, refined engine, and adjustable windshield, while the Africa Twin Adventure Sports shines with its superior chassis, DCT option, high-quality electronic ride aids, and versatile performance. However, it is important for riders to consider their own preferences and priorities when choosing between these two motorcycles.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

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 TypeGearshift
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, Cruise control, 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)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity24.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

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 Adventure Sports 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The Africa Twin is a true Enduro with tough handling qualities. It looks robust and is well equipped for almost any application. The engine is good, but won't blow adrenaline junkies away. The wind protection is great, but too good in summer. Components and attachments are of a high standard. The overall build quality is superior and the mobile phone integration is a great solution. Even after many test rides, the switches still seem illogical and confusing. In direct comparison, it somehow floats above things. It simply drives confidently and well, but cannot shine with spectacular values.

Very good chassis - both mechanical and electronic

DCT option makes it a superior touring bike

high quality and practical electronic ride aids

fundamentally good wind protection

high quality overall impression

flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve

accessible handling

very pleasant ride

wonderfully versatile bike.

Wind protection too good in the heat - even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly lets any wind through

operation via the numerous switches seems complex overall even after 2 days of testing

seat seems a bit too soft after a long day.

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE with 86 days compared to 116 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 14 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 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 Adventure Sports published on 9/23/2019.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Model year
Current average market prices

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