Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	77 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	120 HP	Engine power	102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	102 Nm	Torque	105 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.3	Compression Ratio	10.1
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Digital	Ignition	Transistor
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,043 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial, Petal	Technology	radial, Wave

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,240 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	895 mm	Width	960 mm
Height	Height	1,400 mm	Height	1,395 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	840 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	250 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	238 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	24.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is not a completely new model - even if it looks like one from the design point of view. The look has been cleverly adapted to the current aggressive Kawasaki line with two pointed headlights and many edges at the front. Technically, on the other hand, it has been cautiously upgraded - but quite sensibly. Two additional horsepower boost the output to 120 hp, which is excellent to ride thanks to the wonderful in-line four-cylinder characteristics. The chassis corresponds to the sporty demands of a Kawasaki, but the ergonomics and comfortable seating position allow for long journeys - just like a big enduro. With useful accessories such as a pannier set, top case, heated grips and additional headlights, the Versys 1000 becomes a serious long-distance tourer - the comparatively low base price makes these gimmicks quite affordable.

Sporty look

comfortable seating position

powerful and cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

adjustable windshield

stable chassis

well-controlled braking system

clever range of accessories

comparatively low price.

Windshield only adjustable when stationary

gear indicator costs extra

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

The Africa Twin is a true Enduro with tough handling qualities. It looks robust and is well equipped for almost any application. The engine is good, but won't blow adrenaline junkies away. The wind protection is great, but too good in summer. Components and attachments are of a high standard. The overall build quality is superior and the mobile phone integration is a great solution. Even after many test rides, the switches still seem illogical and confusing. In direct comparison, it somehow floats above things. It simply drives confidently and well, but cannot shine with spectacular values.

Very good chassis - both mechanical and electronic

DCT option makes it a superior touring bike

high quality and practical electronic ride aids

fundamentally good wind protection

high quality overall impression

flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve

accessible handling

very pleasant ride

wonderfully versatile bike.

Wind protection too good in the heat - even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly lets any wind through

operation via the numerous switches seems complex overall even after 2 days of testing

seat seems a bit too soft after a long day.