KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 features a V-twin engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, producing 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. It has an electric starter and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has an in-line twin engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, generating 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the Honda's 1084 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front. The KTM uses WP suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 220 mm. It offers adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound. The Honda, on the other hand, uses Showa suspension with a slightly smaller diameter of 45 mm but a slightly larger travel of 230 mm. It also provides adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound. Both motorcycles have swing arm rear suspension with monoshock absorbers, with the KTM using WP suspension and the Honda using Showa suspension. The travel and adjustment options for the rear suspension are similar for both bikes.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a steel frame. The KTM has a slightly steeper rake of 64.7 degrees compared to the Honda's 62.5 degrees. The trail is also slightly different, with the KTM having 112.8 mm and the Honda having 113 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

Both motorcycles feature double disk brakes in the front. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda goes a step further and includes cruise control and anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 21-inch front tire diameter and a 150 mm rear tire width with an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase is also similar, with the KTM having 1577 mm and the Honda having 1575 mm. The seat height is slightly higher for the KTM at 880 mm compared to the Honda's 850 mm. The fuel tank capacity is larger for the Honda at 24.8 liters compared to the KTM's 23 liters. The range is also greater for the Honda at 516 km compared to the KTM's 403 km. The combined fuel consumption is lower for the Honda at 4.8 l/100km compared to the KTM's 5.7 l/100km.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. The KTM also includes cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda features a touch-screen color display.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a robust overall impression, high-quality and practical chassis, a great seat for endurance, sporty and high-quality components, a powerful but easy-to-control engine, and practical riding aids. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT, a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and a windshield with a good adjustment range.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 lacks individual features in the basic equipment and has fiddly controls. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has an operating concept of the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive and handguards that are not very robust for off-road use.