Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 vs. Husqvarna Norden 901 2022

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. The Honda Africa Twin is equipped with a 1084cc engine that produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 features an 889cc engine that delivers 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with a Showa upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension features a Showa monoshock with a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 features a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 220mm. The rear suspension is also equipped with a WP monoshock with a travel of 215mm. Both bikes offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the front and rear suspensions.

The chassis of the Honda Africa Twin is made of steel and features a double cradle frame, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. The rake and trail measurements are 62.5 degrees and 113mm for the Honda Africa Twin, and 64.2 degrees and 106.9mm for the Husqvarna Norden 901.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

In terms of braking, both bikes feature double disk brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Husqvarna Norden 901 also offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and traction control.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with an 18-inch diameter. The Honda Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1574mm, a seat height of 850mm (adjustable up to 870mm), and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 has a wheelbase of 1513mm, a seat height of 854mm (adjustable up to 874mm), and a fuel tank capacity of 19 liters.

In terms of equipment, both bikes are equipped with modern features. The Honda Africa Twin comes with Bluetooth, connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The Husqvarna Norden 901 offers connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Husqvarna Norden 901 2022

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It is also noted for its windshield, which is good for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 is praised for its great engine with high practicality, great engine response, linear rev range, lack of vibrations in the saddle, high-quality electronics package, high level of travel comfort, pleasantly tuned chassis, accessible yet exciting character, good wind and weather protection, and reliability even on long tours.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin is criticized for its not very clear and intuitive operating concept of the electronics, not very robust handguards for off-road use, windshield that offers manageable protection, and ergonomics that are not ideal for standing riding. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 is noted for its unpleasant heat development in the calf area at low speeds, unsteady engine running after a cold start, and low flywheel mass that causes the engine to die off.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers a sophisticated electronic package, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 provides a great engine, high-quality electronics, and a high level of travel comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.