Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and advanced features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with a 1084cc inline twin-cylinder engine that delivers 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM Adventure R features a slightly smaller 799cc inline twin-cylinder engine that produces 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin boasts a Showa upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension consists of a Showa monoshock with a travel of 220mm and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. On the other hand, the KTM Adventure R is equipped with a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 240mm. The rear suspension features a WP monoshock with a travel of 240mm and preload adjustment.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

When it comes to chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the KTM Adventure R features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. The Honda Africa Twin has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm, while the KTM Adventure R has a slightly steeper rake of 63.7 degrees and a trail of 110.4mm.

In terms of brakes, both bikes are equipped with double disc brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM Adventure R also offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. The Honda Africa Twin has a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the KTM Adventure R has the same rear tire diameter. The wheelbase of the Honda Africa Twin is 1575mm, while the KTM Adventure R has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1528mm. The seat height of the Honda Africa Twin is 850mm, while the KTM Adventure R has a higher seat height of 880mm. The fuel tank capacity of the Honda Africa Twin is 18.8 liters, while the KTM Adventure R has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin excels in its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and a windshield that is perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the KTM Adventure R stands out with its high chassis quality that ensures a wide range of use, engine that offers great running culture, rich torque, and perfectly dimensioned power, easy-to-read display, and practical rally electronics package. Despite its radical chassis, the KTM Adventure R is also stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin's weaknesses include handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, a flood of switches on the left handlebar, and a windshield that offers manageable protection. On the other hand, the KTM Adventure R's weaknesses include the lack of a standard quickshifter, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that is a little more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use when choosing between the two.