Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is an enduro motorcycle with an in-line engine. It has a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 75.1 mm, producing an engine power of 95 HP and a torque of 98 Nm. The bike has an electric starter and a chain transmission. It has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 998 ccm.

The front suspension of the Africa Twin is an upside-down telescopic fork from Showa, with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock, also from Showa, with the same adjustable features. The frame of the bike is made of steel. The front brakes are double disk brakes from Nissin. The bike is equipped with ABS and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the front tire diameter is 21 inches, while the rear tire width is 150 mm and the diameter is 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1575 mm and the seat height is 850 mm, adjustable up to 870 mm. The dry weight of the bike with ABS is 212 kg, and the kerb weight with ABS is 232 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 is also an enduro motorcycle with a V engine type. It has a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, producing an engine power of 160 HP and a torque of 140 Nm. The bike has an electric starter and a chain transmission. It has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1301 ccm.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The front suspension of the Super Adventure S is an upside-down telescopic fork from WP, with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock, also from WP, with the same adjustable features. The frame of the bike is made of chromium-molybdenum. The front brakes are double disk brakes from Brembo. The bike is equipped with ABS, suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the front tire diameter is 19 inches, while the rear tire width is 170 mm and the diameter is 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560 mm and the seat height is 860 mm, adjustable up to 875 mm. The dry weight of the bike with ABS is 215 kg, and the kerb weight with ABS is 238 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 23 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is known for its comfortable yet exciting ride. The engine is pleasant and perfectly dimensioned, providing a great balance of power. The seat height is slightly lower than the KTM, making it more suitable for riders with a height of 175 cm or above.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a powerful engine and precise handling. The traction control system adds a fun factor to the ride, and the bike comes with cornering ABS as standard. The TFT display is easy to read and huge, and the bike also features a quickshifter, LED headlights with cornering lights, and off-road capability.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has suspension elements that are too comfortably tuned at high speeds, which may not be ideal for aggressive off-road riding. The traction control system can be annoying off-road, as it needs to be readjusted after every short break.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a high price compared to the Honda Africa Twin. The height adjustment of the windshield is power-consuming, which may be a drawback for some riders.

Overall, both bikes have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 offers a comfortable and exciting ride, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 provides a powerful and precise riding experience. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.