Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. Husqvarna Norden 901 2022

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 has a slightly smaller bore of 90.7 mm and a stroke of 68.8 mm. The Honda Africa Twin has an engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 has a slightly higher engine power of 105 HP but a slightly lower torque of 100 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a chain transmission. The Honda Africa Twin has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1084 ccm, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 also has 2 cylinders but a slightly smaller displacement of 889 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin features a Showa upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a Showa monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 has a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 220 mm. The rear suspension is also a swing arm with a WP monoshock and a travel of 215 mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle type, a rake of 62.5 degrees, and a trail of 113 mm. The Husqvarna Norden 901, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular type, a rake of 64.2 degrees, and a trail of 106.9 mm.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin and the Husqvarna Norden 901 both offer advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. Additionally, the Husqvarna Norden 901 also features a quickshifter.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. The Honda Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1575 mm, a seat height ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 l. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1513 mm, a seat height ranging from 854 mm to 874 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 19 l.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. The Husqvarna Norden 901 also offers additional features such as connectivity, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display.

Husqvarna Norden 901 2022

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which functions wonderfully, 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 Husqvarna Norden 901 is praised for its great engine with high practicality, great engine response, linear rev range, hardly any vibrations in the saddle, high-quality electronics package, high level of travel comfort, pleasantly tuned chassis, accessible but exciting character, good wind and weather protection, and reliability even on long tours.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin is criticized for its flood of buttons on the left handlebar, which is not very clear, and its handguards, which are not very robust for off-road use. Additionally, the windshield on the Honda Africa Twin offers manageable protection. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 is criticized for its unpleasant heat development in the calf area at low speeds, unsteady engine running after a cold start, and low flywheel mass, which causes the engine to die off.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and good ergonomics, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 offers a great engine with high practicality, a high-quality electronics package, and a high level of travel comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preferences and priorities.