KTM 890 Adventure R 2022 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

The KTM 890 Adventure R 2022 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 are both highly capable adventure motorcycles designed for off-road and long-distance riding.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, both bikes feature inline twin-cylinder engines with similar displacement. The KTM 890 Adventure R has a slightly smaller bore and stroke compared to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT. However, the KTM offers a higher power output of 105 HP compared to the Honda's 102 HP. The KTM also has a slightly lower torque of 100 Nm compared to the Honda's 105 Nm. Both bikes have electric start and chain drive transmissions.

When it comes to suspension, the KTM 890 Adventure R is equipped with a WP telescopic fork with 48mm diameter and 240mm travel, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT features a Showa telescopic fork with 45mm diameter and 230mm travel. Both bikes offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. In terms of rear suspension, both bikes have a swingarm with a monoshock, but the KTM has a slightly longer travel of 240mm compared to the Honda's 220mm.

KTM 890 Adventure R 2022

In terms of chassis, the KTM 890 Adventure R features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a steel double cradle frame. Both bikes have a similar rake angle, with the KTM at 63.7 degrees and the Honda at 62.5 degrees.

When it comes to braking, both bikes are equipped with dual disc brakes at the front. The KTM 890 Adventure R and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT both offer advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ABS for curves, ride-by-wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The KTM has a narrower rear tire width of 150mm compared to the Honda's 150mm. The KTM has a shorter wheelbase of 1528mm compared to the Honda's 1575mm. The seat height of the KTM is higher at 880mm compared to the Honda's 850mm. The Honda has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters compared to the KTM's 20 liters. The Honda also offers a longer range of 516km compared to the KTM's 444km. Both bikes have a combined fuel consumption of around 4.5-4.8 l/100km.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Adventure R offers a chassis capable of off-road riding, harmonious ergonomics, agile handling, a powerful engine, a complete electronic package, ABS for curves including off-road mode as standard, finely controllable brakes, and traction control based on lean angle. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT offers a high torque engine, sophisticated electronic riding aids, excellent DCT operation, a color touchscreen display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, a windshield with good adjustability, and near-perfect semi-active suspension.

As for weaknesses, the KTM 890 Adventure R has a hard seat, a challenging seat height for shorter riders, moderate wind and weather protection, and some useful features like the Quickshifter+ come at an additional cost. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a less clear and intuitive electronic system operation and less robust handguards for off-road use.

In conclusion, both the KTM 890 Adventure R 2022 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 are impressive adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the rider's preferences and priorities, whether it be power, handling, electronic features, or comfort.