Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 are both enduro motorcycles with similar features and capabilities. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Honda Africa Twin has a slightly smaller displacement of 1084cc compared to the Suzuki V-Strom's 1037cc engine. However, the Africa Twin has a higher engine power of 102 HP compared to the V-Strom's 107 HP. The Africa Twin also has a higher torque of 105 Nm compared to the V-Strom's 100 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the Africa Twin features a Showa upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the V-Strom has a Kayaba upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 160mm. The rear suspension is also a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 160mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

In terms of chassis, the Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the V-Strom has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The Africa Twin has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm, while the V-Strom has a rake of 64.7 degrees and a trail of 109mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, but the Africa Twin offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The V-Strom, on the other hand, only offers ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the V-Strom has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. Both motorcycles have a rear tire width of 150mm. The Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1575mm, a seat height of 850mm, and a kerb weight (with ABS) of 226kg. The V-Strom has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1555mm, the same seat height of 850mm, and a higher kerb weight (with ABS) of 247kg. The V-Strom also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters compared to the Africa Twin's 18.8 liters.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

In terms of strengths, the Africa Twin has a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the V-Strom has a powerful engine, wonderful ergonomics, good wind and weather protection, extensive accessories as standard, good initial tire equipment, long-distance capability, and a successful retro look.

In terms of weaknesses, the Africa Twin has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, and a windshield that offers manageable protection. The V-Strom, on the other hand, has a high weight, ABS that cannot be switched off, and no quickshifter.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore100 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke66 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power107 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque100 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio11.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel220 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake64.7 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,265 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth940 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,465 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,555 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)247 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

For me, the Africa Twin is a touring enduro as a touring enduro should be. This was already true of the predecessor model and did not change with the increase in displacement and power. Because the latter remained manageable at 102 hp, and Honda even managed to shed a few kilos compared to the CRF1000L. So it remained versatile, functioning just as well on the motorway as off-road. The chassis absorbs almost all bumps, the engine remains sovereign in every situation, ergonomics and seating comfort are exemplary. A motorbike for all days as well as for the big trip - wherever that may be.

High-torque engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Flood of buttons on left handlebar not very clear

handguards not very robust for off-road use

windshield offers manageable protection

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020

Even though the new V-Strom 1050 has moved up in price to a league in which it has to be compared more with the competition than before, it has remained true to itself despite the most modern safety features, or rather, it has remained an uncomplicated motorbike that is ready for the big journey. Its favourite terrain is the road, which, thanks to the good chassis, can also be bad and bumpy. Off-road passages are no problem either, but those who regularly seek rougher terrain will be less likely to end up with the Suzuki due to its mighty weight. On paved roads, however, the mass can be moved surprisingly quickly and effortlessly. The addictive engine, the successful retro design and the extreme suitability for touring make the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT a top motorbike for long journeys.

powerful engine

wonderful ergonomics

good wind and weather protection

extensive accessories as standard

good initial tyre equipment

long-distance capability

successful retro look

High weight

ABS cannot be switched off

no quickshifter

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is about 15% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2020 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with 106 days compared to 110 days for a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 12 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT since model year 2020. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 9/23/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 104,400 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT published on 1/30/2020.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT

Model year
Current average market prices

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