Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2022

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	92 mm	Bore	81 mm
Stroke	Stroke	81.5 mm	Stroke	62.6 mm
Engine power	Engine power	102 HP	Engine power	67 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,800 rpm
Torque	Torque	105 Nm	Torque	60 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,400 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.1	Compression Ratio	11.5
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves	Valves	OHC	Valves	DOHC
Displacement	Displacement	1,084 ccm	Displacement	645 ccm

Suspension Front

Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Aluminium
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Twin-Spar

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Double piston

Brakes Rear

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	110 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	80 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,330 mm	Length	2,290 mm
Width	Width	960 mm	Width	840 mm
Height	Height	1,395 mm	Height	1,390 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,574 mm	Wheelbase	1,555 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	236 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	220 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	22 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 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.

High-torque engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Standard handguards not very robust for off-road use

Electronic operating concept requires familiarisation and close examination - keyword: flood of switches

Windshield offers manageable protection

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2012

Like the Kawasaki Versys, the small V-Strom is getting on a bit. The 1000 is so well done and easy to ride that you should consider taking the "big one" right away. In terms of versatility, however, the 650 is in no way inferior to the big V-Strom, and at a much lower price. But we wouldn't take it to the racetrack any more. And of course it has to cope with a heavy load more than a motorbike with 100+ hp.

Full torque

good sound

large tank

relaxed seating position

somewhat old-fashioned look

narrow handlebars

sluggish in bends