Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. Ducati DesertX 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

Loading...

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs Ducati DesertX 2022

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they share some similarities in terms of engine type, transmission, and suspension, they also have distinct differences in their specifications and features.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque, providing ample power for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2022 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc. It delivers slightly more power with 110 horsepower but has a lower torque rating of 92 Nm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The Honda Africa Twin utilizes Showa suspension components, while the Ducati DesertX uses Kayaba suspension. Both suspension systems offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience. The front forks on both bikes have a travel of 230mm, while the rear suspension travel is 220mm.

When it comes to the chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a double cradle frame, while the Ducati DesertX features a tubular frame. Both frames provide stability and durability for off-road riding.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disc brakes at the front. The Honda Africa Twin does not specify the type of brakes used, while the Ducati DesertX features powerful brakes that provide excellent stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Honda Africa Twin includes ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Ducati DesertX also offers riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. The Honda Africa Twin has a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the Ducati DesertX has a slightly larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase of the Honda Africa Twin is 1574mm, while the Ducati DesertX has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1608mm. The seat height of the Honda Africa Twin is 850mm, while the Ducati DesertX has a higher seat height of 875mm. The Honda Africa Twin has a kerb weight of 226kg, while the Ducati DesertX is slightly lighter at 223kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Honda Africa Twin is 18.8 liters, while the Ducati DesertX has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. The range of the Honda Africa Twin is 383km, while the Ducati DesertX has a slightly shorter range of 375km. The combined fuel consumption of the Honda Africa Twin is 4.9 l/100km, while the Ducati DesertX has a higher fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km.

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Honda Africa Twin includes Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The Ducati DesertX offers connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin has a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is good for off-road riding. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well-thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin has an operating concept of the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive. Its handguards are not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield offers manageable protection. The ergonomics are also not ideal for standing riding. The Ducati DesertX has a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, and the suspension response is slightly behind that of the fork. It also has a very high, non-adjustable seat height and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers a powerful engine, sophisticated electronics, and good ergonomics, while the Ducati DesertX boasts a great chassis, powerful brakes, and extensive standard equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to Ducati DesertX 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
Ducati DesertX 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore94 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power110 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio13.3
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDesmodromic, DOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement937 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter46 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandShowaBrandKayaba
TravelTravel220 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.4 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail122 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,608 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)223 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A
RangeRange383 kmRange375 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions133 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.6 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentConnectivity, Heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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

Ducati DesertX 2022

Ducati DesertX 2022

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.

great chassis with fully adjustable suspension

sophisticated driving modes

powerful engine

powerful brake

well thought-out detail solutions

extensive standard equipment

Smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range

Suspension response slightly behind that of the fork

Very high, non-adjustable seat height

Little space and no handholds for pillion passenger

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Ducati DesertX

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a Ducati DesertX 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati DesertX 2022 is about 20% higher. Compared to Ducati DesertX 2022 there are more Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a Ducati DesertX with 102 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 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX since model year 2022. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 9/23/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 71,700 views for the first review on Ducati DesertX published on 12/9/2021.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH