Ducati DesertX 2026 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Ducati DesertX 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Technical Specifications Ducati DesertX 2026 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Ducati DesertX 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Ducati DesertX 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2025

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	96 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	61.5 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	110.3 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	92 Nm	Torque	112 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13.1	Compression Ratio	10.5
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping, Clutch systems	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
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	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	890 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Engine drag torque control, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie, Modern electronics, Comfort, EBC, Engine management, Variable valve timing, Ducati Quick Shift DQS, DTC	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	90 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 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	18 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,615 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	880 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
Range	Range	333 km	Range	383 km
Combined CO2 emissions	Combined CO2 emissions	125 g/km	Combined CO2 emissions	112 g/km
Combined fuel consumption	Combined fuel consumption	5.4 l/100km	Combined fuel consumption	4.9 l/100km

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, USB socket, Modern electronics, Automatic turn signal reset, Charging & power, Lighting	Equipment	Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati DesertX 2026

The new DesertX is the latest Ducati model to be powered by the new 890cc V2 engine. And it is also the model that benefits most from the new engine. It remains as sporty, adventurous and stable as ever, but thanks to its user-friendly engine, it also excels in everyday riding and on more off-road terrain. The biggest area for improvement is long-distance comfort, though that’s really just nit-picking. The new DesertX is a very well-rounded package, offering plenty of performance both on and off the tarmac and with hardly any notable weaknesses.

A V2 engine that is very easy to control yet sporty and revvy

strong torque at low revs

very good gear ratios

high chassis stability

very good off-road ergonomics

finely tuned electronics

good feel for the front wheel

precise modulation of the front brake

practical improvements compared to the previous model

cruise control, quickshifter and USB-A and USB-C as standard

Wind protection at 1.85 m is rather average

the quickshifter can be a bit sensitive to accidental contact with boots

the rear brake has a long free travel

the passenger footrest gets in the way a bit with large boots

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