Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Loading...

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles.

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line engine that has a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It produces 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. The engine is started electrically and the power is transmitted to the wheels through a chain transmission. The bike has a displacement of 1084 ccm and features a double cradle steel frame. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The bike has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1574 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. The kerb weight of the bike is 226 kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is equipped with a V-type engine that has a bore of 105 mm and a stroke of 72 mm. It produces 150 HP of power and 127 Nm of torque. The engine is started electrically and the power is transmitted to the wheels through a chain transmission. The bike has a displacement of 1252 ccm and features a double cradle aluminum frame. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 47 mm and a travel of 191 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 191 mm. The bike has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1585 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. The kerb weight of the bike is 258 kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning DCT (optional). It also has a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and is capable of long-distance riding. The windscreen of the Africa Twin is also good for off-road use. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has a sporty powerplant, a comfortable seating position, and good pillion suitability. It also features extensive electronics, an original HD pannier system, and provides good wind protection. The Pan America also comes with cornering ABS and cornering TC as standard, and has the option for a seat lowering when stationary. It also has good off-road characteristics.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has an operating concept of the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive. Its handguards are also not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield offers manageable protection. The ergonomics of the Africa Twin are also not ideal for standing riding. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 tends to generate engine heat in city mode, and it does not have a quickshifter available.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities in terms of performance, features, and riding experience.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore92 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke72 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power150 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque127 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio13
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter47 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail157 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter280 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle 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 SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth965 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,510 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,585 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)258 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity21.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange432 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

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

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

To sum up, in everyday and touring use we can say what our first impression already told us: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is a touring enduro that can do what a big, strong touring enduro must be able to do in 2021. With enough space for two, with the possibility to leave the beaten track sometimes. Of course, you will hardly tackle the wildest off-road passages with it. But what the rider dares to do on a motorbike of this weight class is more pleasant for the passenger than on many competitors, thanks to the excellent electronic suspension on the Harley. And if pillion skipped the one or other creek crossing, it was only to take photos. And not to get her feet wet. Because even the most modern electronics can't prevent that, but that's what makes such adventure bikes so much fun. It is only when it is dirty that it is identified as such, even in front of the ice cream parlour.

Sporty powerplant

comfortable seating position

good pillion suitability

extensive electronics

original HD pannier system

wind protection

cornering ABS standard

cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

good off-road characteristics.

Engine heat in city mode

quickshifter not available

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is about 53% higher. Compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 there are more Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special with 78 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 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special since model year 2021. 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 61,800 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special published on 2/22/2021.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH