Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. Ducati DesertX 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs Ducati DesertX 2023

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and advanced features. However, they have some key differences that set them apart.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It delivers a power output of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc. It offers a slightly higher power output of 110 HP but a lower torque of 92 Nm. Both bikes have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with Showa suspension components, including a 45mm diameter fork with 230mm of travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension offers 220mm of travel and the same adjustable settings. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 features Kayaba suspension components, including a 46mm diameter fork with 230mm of travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension also offers 220mm of travel and the same adjustable settings.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features a double cradle frame, while the Ducati DesertX 2023 features a tubular frame. The rake and trail measurements are also slightly different, with the Honda having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm, and the Ducati having a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 does not provide specific details about the brake type, while the Ducati DesertX 2023 also has double disc brakes but does not specify the size or type.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 includes ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Ducati DesertX 2023 also offers riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have 21-inch front tires and 18-inch rear tires with a width of 150mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a wheelbase of 1574mm and a seat height ranging from 850mm to 870mm. It has a curb weight (with ABS) of 226kg and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters, offering a range of 383km. The Ducati DesertX 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1608mm and a higher seat height ranging from 875mm to 890mm. It has a curb weight (with ABS) of 223kg and a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, offering a range of 375km.

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer modern features. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 includes Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The Ducati DesertX 2023 offers connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is praised for its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT transmission, touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 is praised for its great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is criticized for its unclear and unintuitive operating concept of the electronics, not very robust handguards for off-road use, a windshield that offers limited protection, and ergonomics that are not ideal for standing riding. The Ducati DesertX 2023 is criticized for its smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, slightly delayed suspension response compared to the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for pillion riders.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Honda offers a powerful engine, advanced electronics, and good ergonomics, while the Ducati offers a great chassis, sophisticated driving modes, and extensive standard equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to Ducati DesertX 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
Ducati DesertX 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore94 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power110 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio13.3
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDesmodromic, DOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement937 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter46 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
TravelTravel220 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.4 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail122 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 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 diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,608 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height875 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)223 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A
RangeRange383 kmRange375 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions133 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.6 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentConnectivity, Heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.

great chassis with fully adjustable suspension

sophisticated driving modes

powerful engine

powerful brake

well thought-out detail solutions

extensive standard equipment

Smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range

Suspension response slightly behind that of the fork

Very high, non-adjustable seat height

Little space and no handholds for pillion riders.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Ducati DesertX

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a Ducati DesertX 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati DesertX 2023 is about 19% higher. Compared to Ducati DesertX 2023 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a Ducati DesertX with 78 days compared to 106 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 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX since model year 2022. 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 71,700 views for the first review on Ducati DesertX published on 09/12/2021.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

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