Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

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	112 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.3	Compression Ratio	10.5
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
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
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
Travel	Travel	150 mm	Travel	230 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	152 mm	Travel	220 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel
Rake	Rake	63 degree	Rake	62.5 degree
Trail	Trail	106 mm	Trail	113 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, Petal	Technology	radial, Wave

Brakes Rear

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

Assistance Systems

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

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	950 mm	Width	960 mm
Height	Height	1,530 mm	Height	1,485 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)	257 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	231 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights	Equipment	Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2024

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

The Honda CRF1100L Africa twin cylinder impresses with its high level of riding comfort and versatility. Thanks to the low seat height and a wide range of clean, but rather conservatively designed Advanced Rider Assistance Systems, it is ideal for road riders and off-road beginners. The proven, finely controllable engine and the cleanly responsive suspension offer a smooth riding experience. The long-distance comfort, including a low, integrated seating position, matches the good-natured character of the machine. The operating concept of the electronics could be more intuitive and requires familiarisation. The ergonomics for standing off-road and the chassis reserves for tougher off-road sections could be improved. The handguards are also not robust enough for intensive off-road use. Overall, however, the Africa twin cylinder is a well-balanced, comfortable touring machine that masters even light off-road terrain with ease.

finely controllable engine

Wide range of electronic driving aids

touch-screen colour display

cleanly responsive chassis

Long-distance comfort

well-integrated seating position

good-natured character

Operating concept of the electronics not intuitive

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riders

Chassis reserves not sufficient for hard off-road use

Handguards not very robust for off-road use