Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, delivering 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. It has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1084 ccm. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 has a V-type engine with a bore of 100 mm and a stroke of 66 mm, producing 107 HP of power and 100 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission. Like the Honda, it has 2 cylinders, but its displacement is slightly lower at 1037 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a front suspension by Showa with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom has a front suspension by Kayaba with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 160 mm. The rear suspension travel is also different, with the Africa Twin offering 220 mm of travel and the V-Strom providing 160 mm. Both bikes have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the suspension.

In terms of chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Suzuki V-Strom has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The rake and trail measurements are also different, with the Africa Twin having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm, while the V-Strom has a rake of 64.7 degrees and a trail of 109 mm.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of brakes, both bikes 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, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, only offers ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the V-Strom has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. Both bikes have a rear tire width of 150 mm. The Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1575 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, a kerb weight (with ABS) of 250 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters. The V-Strom has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1555 mm, the same seat height of 850 mm, a slightly lighter kerb weight (with ABS) of 247 kg, and a smaller fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin stands out for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, windshield with a good adjustment range, and semi-active suspension that is close to perfection. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom excels in its powerful engine, wonderful ergonomics, good wind and weather protection, extensive accessories as standard, good initial tire equipment, long-distance capability, and successful retro look.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin is criticized for its operating concept of the electronics not being very clear and intuitive, as well as its handguards not being very robust for off-road use. The Suzuki V-Strom, on the other hand, has a high weight, ABS that cannot be switched off, and no quickshifter.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 are capable adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda offers a more advanced and feature-rich package, while the Suzuki provides a powerful and retro-styled option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.