Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It has an engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is chain-driven. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1084 ccm. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 has a V-type engine with a bore of 100 mm and a stroke of 66 mm. It has an engine power of 107 HP and a torque of 100 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is also chain-driven. Similar to the Honda, it has 2 cylinders but has a smaller displacement of 1037 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Honda uses Showa suspension with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a Showa monoshock, offering a travel of 220 mm and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the Suzuki uses Kayaba suspension with a smaller diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 170 mm at the front. The suspension can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a Kayaba monoshock, offering a travel of 169 mm and adjustable preload and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Honda features a steel frame with a double cradle design. It has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm. The Suzuki, on the other hand, features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. It also has a rake of 62.5 degrees but a larger trail of 126 mm.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front. The Honda offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki also offers ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, and traction control.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm. However, the Honda has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches compared to the Suzuki's 17 inches. The Honda has a wheelbase of 1575 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. It has a kerb weight of 238 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters, offering a range of 506 km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km. On the other hand, the Suzuki has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1595 mm and a higher seat height of 880 mm. It has a higher kerb weight of 252 kg and a smaller fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, offering a range of 384 km. The combined fuel consumption is 5.2 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, both bikes feature LED headlights and TFT displays. The Honda also offers Bluetooth connectivity, while the Suzuki does not mention this feature.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 is praised for its very good chassis, both mechanical and electronic. The DCT option makes it a superior touring bike, and it has high-quality and practical electronic ride aids. The wind protection is fundamentally good, and the overall impression is of high quality. The engine is flawless with great response and a linear torque curve. The handling is accessible and the ride is very pleasant, making it a wonderfully versatile bike.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023

On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 is praised for its powerful motor and high-quality electronics package. The ergonomics are excellent, and it has a very good gravel mode and off-road ABS. The operation of the electronics is intuitive, and it offers long-distance comfort. The retro look of the bike is also mentioned as a strength.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 is criticized for its wind protection being too good in the heat, as even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly lets any wind through. The operation of the numerous switches seems complex overall, even after 2 days of testing. The seat also seems a bit too soft after a long day.

On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2023 is criticized for its high weight and the suspension travel could be greater.

Overall, both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.