Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

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

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	220 mm	Travel	152 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Aluminium
Rake	Rake	62.5 degree	Rake	63 degree
Trail	Trail	113 mm	Trail	106 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	310 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial, Wave	Technology	radial, Petal

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	256 mm	Diameter	250 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,330 mm	Length	2,240 mm
Width	Width	960 mm	Width	950 mm
Height	Height	1,395 mm	Height	1,530 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,520 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	226 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	257 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED-Headlights	Equipment	Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The supposedly less well-equipped Versys 1000 S merely dispenses with the electronically adjustable chassis of the SE - and thus offers almost the same performance as the top model. This means that the S also has all the comfort features on board that make a long journey not only bearable, but really enjoyable. You don't necessarily feel the few kilos less than the SE, but the S is also an ideal companion on long tours when comfort and uncomplicated handling are paramount.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

well controllable braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand