Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 are both popular adventure motorcycles that offer a combination of on-road and off-road capabilities.

Starting with the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018, it features a reliable inline twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc. This engine produces a powerful 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque, providing ample power for both on and off-road riding. The Africa Twin also comes with a chain transmission and has a 2-cylinder configuration.

In terms of suspension, the Africa Twin is equipped with a telescopic upside-down fork at the front and a swingarm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. Both the front and rear suspensions offer adjustment options for compression, preload, and recovery, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience. The frame of the Africa Twin is made of steel, providing a sturdy and durable construction.

When it comes to braking, the Africa Twin features dual disc brakes at the front, ensuring strong and reliable stopping power. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, enhancing safety and control on various terrains.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Africa Twin has a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The bike has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height of 850mm. With a curb weight of 232kg (with ABS), the Africa Twin is slightly heavier compared to its counterpart. However, it compensates for this with a larger fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters, allowing for longer rides without frequent refueling.

Moving on to the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017, it features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 645cc. This engine produces 71 horsepower and 62 Nm of torque, offering a lively and economical performance. Similar to the Africa Twin, the V-Strom 650 also comes with a chain transmission and a 2-cylinder configuration.

In terms of suspension, the V-Strom 650 is equipped with a telescopic front fork and a swingarm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The front suspension offers preload adjustment, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The frame of the V-Strom 650 is made of aluminum, providing a lightweight yet sturdy construction.

When it comes to braking, the V-Strom 650 features dual disc brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. The bike also comes with ABS as a standard feature, enhancing safety and control.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017

In terms of dimensions and weights, the V-Strom 650 has a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The bike has a wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height of 830mm. With a curb weight of 213kg (with ABS), the V-Strom 650 is slightly lighter compared to the Africa Twin. It also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, allowing for longer rides without frequent refueling.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 offers a reliable engine, comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, attractive appearance, good brakes, optional DCT, and performance modes. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 boasts a lively and economical engine, balanced handling, good wind protection, standard traction control and ABS, stylish appearance, extensive instrumentation with a gear indicator, a 12-volt outlet in the cockpit area, and a competitive price.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Africa Twin's wind protection is not very good, lacks cruise control, and the ABS on the front wheel cannot be turned off. On the other hand, the V-Strom 650's traction control in mode 2 is overly restrictive.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 are both capable adventure motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a more powerful engine and advanced features like DCT and performance modes, while the V-Strom 650 provides a lively and economical engine, good wind protection, and a competitive price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.