Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both powerful enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road and on-road riding.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line, 2-cylinder engine. The Africa Twin has a larger displacement of 1084cc compared to the 799cc of the Adventure R. The Africa Twin also has a higher engine power of 102 HP and torque of 105 Nm, while the Adventure R has 95 HP and 88 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Africa Twin has a front suspension with an upside-down telescopic fork from Showa, with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock from Showa, with a travel of 220mm. The Adventure R also has an upside-down telescopic fork, but from WP, with a larger diameter of 48mm and a travel of 240mm. The rear suspension is also a swing arm with a monoshock from WP, with the same travel of 240mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for the suspension.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

In terms of chassis, the Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Adventure R has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. The Africa Twin has a slightly larger rake of 62.5 degrees compared to the 63.7 degrees of the Adventure R. The trail measurement is also slightly different, with the Africa Twin at 113mm and the Adventure R at 110.4mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Africa Twin offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Adventure R also offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. The Africa Twin has a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the Adventure R has the same rear tire diameter. The Africa Twin has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1574mm compared to the 1528mm of the Adventure R. The seat height of the Africa Twin is 850mm, while the Adventure R has a higher seat height of 880mm. The fuel tank capacity of the Africa Twin is 18.8 liters, while the Adventure R has a larger capacity of 20 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of strengths, the Africa Twin has a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a DCT option, a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Adventure R has a high-quality chassis that allows for a wide range of use, an engine with great running culture and rich torque, an easy-to-read display, and a practical rally electronics package. Despite its radical chassis, it is also stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

In terms of weaknesses, the Africa Twin has an operating concept of the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive, not very robust handguards for off-road use, a windshield that offers manageable protection, and ergonomics that are not ideal for standing riding. The Adventure R does not come standard with a quickshifter, the indicator switch can be a little fiddly, and the seat may be slightly more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 offer powerful engines, advanced rider assistance systems, and capable suspension for off-road riding. The Africa Twin excels in terms of electronic features and ergonomics, while the Adventure R stands out with its chassis quality and overall versatility.