Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs KTM 790 Adventure 2020

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive off-road capabilities. However, they have some notable differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is equipped with a 1084cc inline twin engine that produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 features a slightly smaller 799cc inline twin engine that delivers 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque. While both engines are powerful and capable, the Honda Africa Twin offers slightly more power and torque.

In terms of suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 comes with a Showa upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a Showa monoshock at the rear. The front suspension has a diameter of 45mm and offers a travel of 230mm, while the rear suspension provides a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 is equipped with a WP upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a WP monoshock at the rear. The front suspension has a diameter of 43mm and offers a travel of 200mm, similar to the rear suspension. Both motorcycles offer excellent suspension performance, but the Honda Africa Twin provides slightly more travel, which can be advantageous in off-road conditions.

In terms of chassis, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features a steel frame with a double cradle design. This provides a sturdy and reliable structure. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. This design offers high chassis stability and durability. Both chassis designs are suitable for off-road riding, but the KTM 790 Adventure's frame design may provide slightly better stability.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 also offers additional features like cornering ABS and anti-wheelie control, which can enhance safety and performance in various riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. It also has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1509mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 830mm to 850mm. It has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. Both motorcycles offer comfortable seating positions and sufficient fuel capacity for long-distance riding.

Moving on to the strengths of each motorcycle, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 stands out for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and the option for a wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). It also features a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. Additionally, the windshield of the Africa Twin is well-suited for off-roading.

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has its own strengths. It boasts an engine with manners and character, offering a unique riding experience. The motorcycle also provides enormously high chassis stability, ensuring a confident ride. The brakes on the KTM 790 Adventure are without reproach, offering excellent stopping power. Furthermore, the bike has tremendous off-road capabilities and delivers low average fuel consumption.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar, which may not be very clear or user-friendly. Additionally, the handguards on the Africa Twin are not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield offers only manageable protection.

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has an unattractive surcharge policy, which may make it less appealing to potential buyers. The original seat on the KTM 790 Adventure is also not optimally shaped, which may affect comfort during long rides.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers more power and torque, along with additional features like cornering ABS and anti-wheelie control. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure provides a unique riding experience, excellent chassis stability, and impressive off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
KTM 790 Adventure 2020
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Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
KTM 790 Adventure 2020
KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore92 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandWP
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel200 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountPro-LinkShock mountDeflection
BrandBrandShowaBrandWP
TravelTravel220 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake64.1 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail107.8 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,509 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height830 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to850 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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 (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Flood of buttons on left handlebar not very clear

handguards not very robust for off-road use

windshield offers manageable protection

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

In my eyes, the KTM is the sportiest of all mid-range touring enduros. If you are looking for a touring machine that is brutally nippy on road and off-road, you will find it here. At the same time, however, the chassis and engine offer sufficient comfort and good manners to keep the rider from going mad even on longer liaison stages.

Engine with manners AND character

Enormously high chassis stability

Brakes without reproach

Tremendous off-road capabilities

Low average consumption.

Unattractive surcharge policy

original seat not optimally shaped

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs KTM 790 Adventure

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a KTM 790 Adventure 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is about 50% higher. A Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 experiences a loss of 650 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 720 GBP for a KTM 790 Adventure 2020. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure 2020 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 18. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Adventure with 101 days compared to 106 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 20 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure published on 06/10/2018.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

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Price KTM 790 Adventure

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