Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and specifications.

Starting with the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023, it boasts a powerful engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, resulting in an engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. The transmission is chain-driven, and the displacement is 1084 ccm. The suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound, both in the front and rear. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The front brakes are double disk, and the front tire has a diameter of 21 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 150 mm and a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1574 mm, and the seat height is 850 mm. With ABS, the bike weighs 226 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters.

On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 features an engine with a bore of 81 mm and a stroke of 62.6 mm, resulting in an engine power of 49 HP and a torque of 60 Nm. Like the Africa Twin, it also has a chain-driven transmission, but the displacement is smaller at 645 ccm. The suspension is adjustable for preload in both the front and rear. The frame is made of aluminum and has a twin-spar design. The front brakes are double disk, and the front tire has a diameter of 19 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 150 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1555 mm, and the seat height is 820 mm. With ABS, the bike weighs 220 kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 22 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 stands out with its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and the option of a wonderfully functioning DCT. It also features a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. Additionally, its windshield is designed to be suitable for off-road riding.

On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 has its own strengths, including a good-natured chassis, a relaxed seating position, and a relatively powerful engine. It also features an aggressive exhaust trim, handguards, and a relaxed riding feel.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 does have some weaknesses. The operating concept of the electronics is not very clear and intuitive, and the handguards are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield also offers only manageable protection, and the ergonomics may not be ideal for standing riding.

Similarly, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 has its own weaknesses. It may not have a really sophisticated look, and the windscreen is a little too small.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a more powerful engine, advanced electronics, and better ergonomics, while the V-Strom provides a more relaxed riding experience and a larger fuel tank capacity. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's specific preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
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 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

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 2023 and a Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is about 195% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 2009 there are more Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 650 with 43 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 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

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