Yamaha V-MAX 2012 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Yamaha V-MAX 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Overview - Yamaha V-MAX 2012 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Yamaha V-MAX 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

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Details

Technical Specifications Yamaha V-MAX 2012 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Yamaha V-MAX 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Yamaha V-MAX 2012

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	90 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	66 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	199 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	166.8 Nm	Torque	105 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.3	Compression Ratio	10.1
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Prop shaft	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	5	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	OHC
Displacement	Displacement	1,679 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	Deflection	Shock mount	Pro-Link

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc

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	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	200 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	50 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,395 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	820 mm	Width	960 mm
Height	Height	1,190 mm	Height	1,395 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,700 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	775 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	24.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha V-MAX 2012

The big Vmax from Yamaha is a unique bike. This applies to the technical side, with the largest V4 engine in a bike of all time, as well as to the emotional side of riding a Vmax. Few bikes can offer such brute grunt in every riding situation, and even fewer of them are cruisers. Although its stubborn turning behaviour detracts from the riding pleasure, the seating position is quite cramped and the sound could be more indicative of the massive displacement, the propulsion is addictive. The Vmax 1700 is definitely a niche product, but also an absolutely awe-inspiring, unique bike.

Very powerful V4 engine, with an insane amount of torque in every situation

Well-damped suspension

Beautiful workmanship

Very potent brakes

High fuel consumption

seating position rather cramped with a wide leg spread

extremely stubborn steering behaviour of the used test machine

suspension cannot fully suppress movements when leaning

sound of the powerful V4 could be more perceptible

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2023

The Africa Twin is a true Enduro with tough handling qualities. It looks robust and is well equipped for almost any application. The engine is good, but won't blow adrenaline junkies away. The wind protection is great, but too good in summer. Components and attachments are of a high standard. The overall build quality is superior and the mobile phone integration is a great solution. Even after many test rides, the switches still seem illogical and confusing. In direct comparison, it somehow floats above things. It simply drives confidently and well, but cannot shine with spectacular values.

Very good chassis - both mechanical and electronic

DCT option makes it a superior touring bike

high quality and practical electronic ride aids

fundamentally good wind protection

high quality overall impression

flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve

accessible handling

very pleasant ride

wonderfully versatile bike.

Wind protection too good in the heat - even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly lets any wind through

operation via the numerous switches seems complex overall even after 2 days of testing

seat seems a bit too soft after a long day.