Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 vs. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some distinct differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engines, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with a 1084cc in-line twin-cylinder engine that produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Triumph Tiger is powered by a 1160cc in-line three-cylinder engine that delivers 150 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque. While the Africa Twin offers a high-torque engine, the Tiger provides a silky yet powerful engine.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The Africa Twin's front suspension is provided by Showa and has a diameter of 45mm, while the Tiger's front suspension also comes from Showa but has a larger diameter of 49mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the suspension.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

When it comes to chassis, the Africa Twin has a steel double cradle frame with a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm. On the other hand, the Tiger features a steel tubular frame with a slightly steeper rake of 65.9 degrees and a trail of 120mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front. The Africa Twin's brake system is not specified further, while the Tiger's brake system is also not described in detail but is mentioned to be excellent.

Both motorcycles come with a range of advanced rider assistance systems. The Africa Twin offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Tiger, on the other hand, provides hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, collision warning, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, blind spot assist, and traction control.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, a wheelbase of 1575mm, and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The Tiger, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, a wheelbase of 1560mm, and a seat height that can also be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The Africa Twin weighs 250kg (with ABS), while the Tiger weighs slightly more at 255kg (with ABS). The Tiger also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters compared to the Africa Twin's 24.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights. The Tiger offers additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, a keyless system, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

To summarize, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. The Africa Twin excels in terms of its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and the wonderfully functioning DCT. It also offers good ergonomics and long-distance capability. On the other hand, the Tiger stands out with its silky yet powerful engine, semi-active chassis with a wide adjustment range, excellent brakes, and extensive equipment with many comfort features as standard. However, the Africa Twin has some weaknesses in terms of its not very clear and intuitive operating concept for the electronics and less robust handguards for off-road use. The Tiger, on the other hand, has limitations in terms of lean angle clearance, high-frequency vibrations at cruising speed, and slightly sluggish turn-in behavior with standard tires.