Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	92 mm	Bore	100 mm
Stroke	Stroke	81.5 mm	Stroke	66 mm
Engine power	Engine power	102 HP	Engine power	107 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	112 Nm	Torque	100 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	5,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.5	Compression Ratio	11.5
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Dual-clutch	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
Valves	Valves	OHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,084 ccm	Displacement	1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Brand	Brand	Showa	Brand	Kayaba
Diameter	Diameter	45 mm	Diameter	43 mm
Travel	Travel	230 mm	Travel	160 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	Pro-Link	Shock mount	Deflection
Travel	Travel	220 mm	Travel	160 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Aluminium
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Twin Tube
Rake	Rake	62.5 degree	Rake	64.7 degree
Trail	Trail	113 mm	Trail	109 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	310 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial, Wave	Technology	radial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	256 mm	Diameter	260 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	110 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	80 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 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	17 inch
Length	Length	2,330 mm	Length	2,265 mm
Width	Width	960 mm	Width	940 mm
Height	Height	1,485 mm	Height	1,465 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,555 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	242 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	247 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Range	Range	391 km	Range	416 km
Combined CO2 emissions	Combined CO2 emissions	110 g/km	Combined CO2 emissions	115 g/km
Combined fuel consumption	Combined fuel consumption	4.8 l/100km	Combined fuel consumption	4.8 l/100km

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2025

For me, the Africa twin cylinder is an adventure bike as an adventure bike should be. Despite the manageable power level for its displacement, the engine impresses with its character and sound. It is the star of the Africa Twin cylinder, offers versatility and works just as well on the motorway as it does off-road. The suspension absorbs pretty much all bumps and can be raised to a new, extremely high level with the optional semi-active suspension. The ergonomics and seating comfort are exemplary. In addition, the DCT transmission, which is unique in the bike sector and is now extremely sophisticated, is an absolute killer comfort feature. To summarise: A bike for every day, for adventurous touring and also for the big journey - wherever that may take you.

Powerful, finely controllable engine

Sophisticated electronic riding aids

Wonderfully functioning DCT

Great suspension, especially the optional electronic EERA suspension offers a very wide spread and a lot of comfort

Finely adjustable brakes

Touch-screen colour display

Good ergonomics

Suitable for long journeys

Good wind protection

Maximum lean angle may be too low for sporty riders

High centre of gravity makes it tippy when manoeuvring - especially with a lot of luggage and a pillion

Standard handguards not very robust for off-road use

Electronic operating concept requires familiarisation and careful consideration - keyword: flood of switches

Ergonomics too touristic for ambitious off-road riders

No off-road suitable rim and handguard options in the accessories range

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT 2023

Even though the new V-Strom 1050 has moved up in price to a league in which it has to be compared more with the competition than before, it has remained true to itself despite the most modern safety features, or rather, it has remained an uncomplicated motorbike that is ready for the big journey. Its favourite terrain is the road, which, thanks to the good chassis, can also be bad and bumpy. Off-road passages are no problem either, but those who regularly seek rougher terrain will be less likely to end up with the Suzuki due to its mighty weight. On paved roads, however, the mass can be moved surprisingly quickly and effortlessly. The addictive engine, the successful retro design and the extreme suitability for touring make the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT a top motorbike for long journeys.

powerful engine

wonderful ergonomics

good wind and weather protection

extensive accessories as standard

good initial tyre equipment

long-distance capability

successful retro look

High weight

ABS cannot be switched off

no quickshifter