Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Overview - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Green Light for All Your Rides

Spot road closures early — and always reach your destination on time with calimoto!

Details

Technical Specifications Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	81 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	62.6 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	71 HP	Engine power	102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	8,800 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	62 Nm	Torque	105 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.2	Compression Ratio	10.1
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Can be restricted for A2 licence	Can be restricted for A2 licence	Yes	Can be restricted for A2 licence	Yes
Displacement	Displacement	645 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	45 mm
Travel	Travel	150 mm	Travel	230 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	Deflection	Shock mount	Pro-Link
Travel	Travel	159 mm	Travel	220 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Twin Tube	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	64 degree	Rake	62.5 degree
Trail	Trail	110 mm	Trail	113 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	310 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	260 mm	Diameter	256 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	110 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	80 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,275 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	835 mm	Width	960 mm
Height	Height	1,405 mm	Height	1,395 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,560 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	815 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Seat Height up to	Seat Height up to	855 mm	Seat Height up to	870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	216 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	226 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2020

The V-Strom 650 XT may be getting on a bit, but it's still a good bike. Especially if you don't need a colour display and don't intend to leave the paved road. The 650 is an easy motorbike to ride and is hardly ever out of its depth. What's more, this model has already proven itself a zillion times over, which underlines its durability and longevity.

Simple, uncomplicated bike

proven technology

good price/performance ratio

Design and equipment are a bit outdated

very limited off-road capability

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

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.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding