Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some distinct differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.
Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It delivers 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020, on the other hand, is equipped with an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043cc. It offers a higher power output of 120 horsepower, but slightly lower torque at 102 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.
In terms of suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features an upside-down telescopic fork with a travel of 230mm in the front, and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm in the rear. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 also has an upside-down telescopic fork in the front, but with a shorter travel of 150mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 152mm. Similar to the Africa Twin, the suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
In terms of chassis, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a steel frame with a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020, on the other hand, has an aluminum frame with a slightly steeper rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 106mm.
Both motorcycles feature double disk brakes in the front, providing reliable stopping power. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 are equipped with ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Africa Twin also offers cornering ABS, ride modes, and anti-wheelie control, while the Versys 1000 SE features a quickshifter.
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The rear tire width is 150mm. It has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 226kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is 180mm. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1520mm and a slightly lower seat height of 840mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is higher at 257kg, but it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.
In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. However, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers additional features such as heated grips, cornering lights, and a more advanced LED headlight system.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning dual-clutch transmission (optional). It also offers a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. The windshield is also considered perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is praised for its high riding comfort for both the rider and passenger, great wind and weather protection, and a high-quality chassis that can be adjusted very precisely to meet the requirements. It is also known for its well-controllable and rev-happy engine, providing strong pull.
In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, and the handguards are not very robust for off-road use. The windshield also offers manageable protection. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020, on the other hand, has a windshield that is considered too generously dimensioned at high temperatures, limiting the amount of wind that reaches the rider even at the lowest setting. The display and mobile phone app also cannot keep up with the competition.
In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a high-torque engine and sophisticated electronic driving aids, while the Versys 1000 SE provides high riding comfort and a well-controllable engine. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.
Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
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.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a particularly well-designed representative of a type that is so difficult to categorise. In the end, it is simply a very good and universal motorbike. At the regulars' table, it will hardly score points with 120 hp. But in practice, all elements of the motorbike are designed and dimensioned in such a way that you enjoy riding it for a long time. On long tours, it has sufficient power, offers dynamic handling and high riding comfort. Compared to the competition, you hardly miss the power. Kawasaki should improve on the integration of a Navigatinos app in the display.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is about 6% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with 106 days compared to 156 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE since model year 2019. 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 25,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE published on 11/6/2018.
