Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 vs. Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road adventures. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, transmission, and suspension, there are also notable differences in their specifications and equipment.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line, 2-cylinder engine. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a slightly larger displacement at 998cc compared to the Husqvarna Norden's 889cc. In terms of power, the Husqvarna Norden has a slight advantage with 105 HP compared to the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports' 95 HP. The torque is also slightly higher on the Norden at 100 Nm compared to the Africa Twin's 98 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. However, there are differences in the brands and specifications of the suspension components. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is equipped with Showa suspension, with a front fork diameter of 45mm and a travel of 252mm. The rear suspension travel is slightly lower at 240mm. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden features WP suspension, with a front fork diameter of 48mm and a travel of 240mm, matching the rear suspension travel. Both motorcycles offer adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a steel frame, while the Husqvarna Norden features a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both frames are designed to provide stability and durability for off-road riding.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports does not provide specific details about the brake type, while the Husqvarna Norden specifies that it has a cornering ABS system. This suggests that the Norden may offer enhanced braking performance and control in various riding conditions.

In terms of assistance systems, both motorcycles offer advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports also offers ride by wire technology, allowing for smoother throttle response. The Husqvarna Norden goes a step further and includes additional features such as cornering ABS, a quickshifter, and connectivity options.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with an 18-inch diameter. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a larger fuel tank capacity at 24.2 liters compared to the Norden's 19 liters.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. The Husqvarna Norden offers additional features such as connectivity, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports offers an optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) for those who prefer automatic shifting.

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is praised for its powerful and unagitated engine, comfortable chassis, comfortable seating position, superb looks, good brakes, large fuel tank, performance modes, and optional DCT. The Husqvarna Norden is praised for its high-quality and fully adjustable chassis, great comfort in the saddle, improved off-road capabilities, top-of-the-range equipment as standard, powerful yet smooth-running engine, agile geometry, good fuel consumption figures, and high-quality appearance and finish.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is criticized for its suboptimal wind protection, lack of cruise control, high saddle height that may be difficult for smaller riders to climb, and the inability to switch off ABS on the front wheel. The Husqvarna Norden is criticized for its 874mm seat height, which may be critical for smaller riders, the absence of a USB slot in the cockpit, and the standard soft luggage not being of top quality.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road adventures. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, comfort, equipment, and riding style.