Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles. However, they have some differences in terms of specifications and features.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 features an inline twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 comes with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc. It delivers a higher power output of 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric start and chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 is equipped with a Showa telescopic inverted fork with a diameter of 45mm at the front and a Showa monoshock at the rear. It offers a travel of 230mm at the front and 220mm at the rear. The suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM Super Adventure S 2021 features a WP telescopic inverted fork with a diameter of 48mm at the front and a WP monoshock at the rear. It offers a travel of 200mm at the front and rear. The suspension is also adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a steel frame with a double-cradle design and a rake angle of 62.5 degrees. The KTM Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design and a rake angle of 65.3 degrees.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Both bikes come with dual-disc front brakes, but the KTM Super Adventure S 2021 has a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches compared to the 21 inches on the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022. The rear tire width is also wider on the KTM, measuring 170mm compared to the 150mm on the Honda.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer advanced features such as ABS, riding modes, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie control. The KTM Super Adventure S 2021 also offers electronically adjustable suspension, while the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers Bluetooth connectivity and an LED headlight.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a longer wheelbase of 1575mm compared to the 1560mm on the KTM Super Adventure S 2021. The seat height is slightly higher on the Honda, measuring 850mm compared to 849mm on the KTM. The Honda also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters compared to the 23 liters on the KTM. Both bikes have similar ranges, with the Honda offering 506km and the KTM offering 416km. The Honda also has a lower combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100km compared to the 5.7 l/100km on the KTM.

In terms of equipment, both bikes offer LED headlights and TFT screens. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 also offers Bluetooth connectivity, while the KTM Super Adventure S 2021 offers curve lights and an adjustable windshield.

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a very good chassis, both mechanically and electronically, and the option of a DCT transmission makes it a superior touring motorcycle. It also offers practical and high-quality electronic rider aids, good wind protection, and an overall impression of high quality. The engine delivers excellent response and a linear torque curve, and the bike is easy to handle and provides a very enjoyable ride. It is also wonderfully versatile.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

On the other hand, the KTM Super Adventure S 2021 has a very sporty and refined V-twin powertrain, despite its high weight. It offers an extremely accessible riding behavior, a comfortable riding position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a complete electronic package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has excessive wind protection in hot conditions, making it difficult to feel the wind even with the windshield in the lowest position. The operation of the numerous switches can also feel complex, even after spending two days testing the bike. The seat may also feel too soft after a long day of riding.

On the other hand, the KTM Super Adventure S 2021 has somewhat slow cornering behavior and opaque packaging and pricing policies. The instrument panels and switches also do not seem to be of great quality.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are excellent adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda offers a versatile and high-quality package with a smooth and responsive engine, while the KTM offers a sportier and more refined powertrain with excellent riding dynamics. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.