Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Loading...

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 are both enduro motorcycles, but they have several differences in terms of technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has a larger bore and stroke compared to the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009. This results in a higher engine power of 102 HP and torque of 105 Nm for the Africa Twin, while the V-Strom 650 has a lower engine power of 49 HP and torque of 60 Nm. Both motorcycles have a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Africa Twin offers more adjustment options with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. On the other hand, the V-Strom 650 only has preload adjustment for both the front and rear suspension.

When it comes to the chassis, the Africa Twin has a steel frame, while the V-Strom 650 has an aluminum frame. The Africa Twin also has a double cradle frame type, which may provide better stability and rigidity compared to the V-Strom 650's twin-spar frame type.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Africa Twin has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches compared to the V-Strom 650's 19 inches. However, both motorcycles have the same rear tire width of 150 mm, but the Africa Twin has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches compared to the V-Strom 650's 17 inches.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Africa Twin has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1574 mm compared to the V-Strom 650's 1555 mm. The Africa Twin also has a higher seat height of 850 mm compared to the V-Strom 650's 820 mm. The Africa Twin is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 226 kg compared to the V-Strom 650's 220 kg. However, the V-Strom 650 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 22 liters compared to the Africa Twin's 18.8 liters.

Now let's move on to the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The Africa Twin has a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) option. It also has a touch-screen color display and good ergonomics, making it comfortable for long-distance rides. Additionally, the Africa Twin's windshield is well-suited for off-road use.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

On the other hand, the V-Strom 650 has a good-natured chassis and a relaxed seating position, providing a comfortable and relaxed riding feel. It also has a relatively powerful engine and an aggressive exhaust trim. The V-Strom 650 comes with handguards for added protection.

However, the Africa Twin has some weaknesses. The operating concept of the electronics may not be very clear and intuitive for some riders. The handguards are not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield only offers manageable protection. The ergonomics of the Africa Twin may not be ideal for standing riding.

As for the V-Strom 650, its weaknesses include not having a really sophisticated look and a slightly small windscreen.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 offers a more powerful engine, sophisticated electronics, and better suspension adjustments compared to the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009. However, the V-Strom 650 has a relaxed riding feel and comes with handguards for added protection. Both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022
Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore92 mmBore81 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke62.6 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power49 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,800 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque60 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,400 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio11.5
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement645 ccm

Suspension Front

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin-Spar

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,290 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth840 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,390 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,555 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)220 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity22 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

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

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

In principle, you can do anything with a V-Strom. It is, for example, a faithful hack'n moped that reliably gets you to work day after day. But it's also a weekend bike that you can take to the Kalte Kuchl or the Soboth on a Sunday. And of course, the V-Strom is particularly well suited for extended tours and trips.

Good-natured chassis

relaxed seating position

relatively powerful engine

aggressive exhaust trim

handguards

relaxed riding feel.

Not a really sophisticated look

windscreen a little too small.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Suzuki V-Strom 650

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 and a Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 is about 193% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 4 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 650 with 43 days compared to 82 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 38 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 since model year 2005. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 4,000 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 650 published on 16/09/2003.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH