Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is equipped with a V-twin engine that delivers 150 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque. This powerful engine provides a sporty and exhilarating riding experience. The bike features a chain transmission and has a displacement of 1252 ccm. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The frame of the Pan America 1250 Special is made of aluminum, which provides a good balance of strength and weight.

In terms of braking, the Pan America 1250 Special is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, branded by Brembo. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. These features enhance the safety and performance of the bike.

The dimensions and weights of the Pan America 1250 Special include a 19-inch front tire diameter, a 170 mm rear tire width, and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase measures 1585 mm, and the seat height is set at 850 mm. The dry weight of the bike, with ABS, is 242 kg, while the kerb weight is slightly higher at 258 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 21.2 liters.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 is powered by an in-line twin-cylinder engine that delivers 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque. The engine is known for its reliability and provides a smooth and consistent power delivery. The bike also features a chain transmission and has a displacement of 998 ccm. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. Similar to the Pan America 1250 Special, the suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

The frame of the Africa Twin 2018 is made of steel, which provides durability and stability. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, branded by Nissin. In terms of rider assistance systems, the Africa Twin 2018 comes with ABS and traction control, which enhance the safety and control of the bike.

The dimensions and weights of the Africa Twin 2018 include a 21-inch front tire diameter, a 150 mm rear tire width, and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase measures 1575 mm, and the seat height is set at 850 mm. The dry weight of the bike, with ABS, is 212 kg, while the kerb weight is slightly higher at 232 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

In terms of strengths, the Pan America 1250 Special offers a sporty powerplant, comfortable seating position, good pillion suitability, extensive electronics, an original HD pannier system, wind protection, cornering ABS, cornering TC, optional seat lowering when stationary, and good off-road characteristics. On the other hand, the Africa Twin 2018 boasts a reliable engine, comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, good looks, good brakes, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) for smoother gear shifting.

However, the Pan America 1250 Special has a couple of weaknesses, including engine heat in city mode and the unavailability of a quickshifter. The Africa Twin 2018 also has some weaknesses, such as not quite optimal wind protection, the absence of cruise control, and the inability to switch off ABS on the front wheel.

Overall, both the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 are capable and versatile enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and requirements to determine which bike would best suit their needs.