KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with a V2 engine that delivers 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. It has a displacement of 1301 ccm and features a chain transmission. The bike's suspension system includes an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 200 mm in the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm in the rear. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular design. The bike has a rake of 65.3 degrees and is equipped with double disk brakes in the front. It also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560 mm and the seat height ranges from 849 mm to 869 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 243 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. Additional equipment includes cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 is equipped with an in-line engine that delivers 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. It has a displacement of 1084 ccm and features a chain transmission. The bike's suspension system includes an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm in the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm in the rear. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The bike has a rake of 62.5 degrees and is equipped with double disk brakes in the front. It also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1575 mm and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 248 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters. Additional equipment includes LED headlights.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is known for its very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 is praised for its powerful engine, wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and almost "too good" wind protection.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 does have some weaknesses. Its turn-in behavior in bends is somewhat sluggish, and some may find the package design and pricing policy to be opaque. Additionally, the dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality. Similarly, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has its weaknesses, including a confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, its weight, and the price, even if it may be justified.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific requirements when choosing between the two.