Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2018

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It has an engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. The starter is electric, and the transmission is chain-driven. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1084 ccm. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2018 has a V-type engine with a bore of 100 mm and a stroke of 66 mm. It has an engine power of 101 HP and a torque of 101 Nm. The starter is also electric, and the transmission is chain-driven. Similar to the Honda, it also has 2 cylinders but has a slightly smaller displacement of 1037 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Honda Africa Twin has a front suspension diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom has a front suspension diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 160 mm. The rear suspension travel is also higher for the Honda at 220 mm compared to 160 mm for the Suzuki. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Honda Africa Twin has a steel frame with a double cradle design, while the Suzuki V-Strom has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The rake and trail measurements are slightly different, with the Honda having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm, and the Suzuki having a rake of 64.5 degrees and a trail of 109 mm.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, but the Honda Africa Twin offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Suzuki V-Strom only has traction control as an advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches compared to the 19-inch front tire of the Suzuki V-Strom. Both motorcycles have a rear tire width of 150 mm, but the Honda has an 18-inch rear tire diameter compared to the 17-inch rear tire of the Suzuki. The wheelbase is slightly longer for the Honda at 1575 mm compared to 1555 mm for the Suzuki. The seat height and fuel tank capacity are the same for both motorcycles, with a seat height of 850 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a higher kerb weight of 250 kg compared to the 232 kg of the Suzuki V-Strom.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2018

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin offers a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT, a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, a windshield with a good adjustment range, and semi-active suspension close to perfection. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom offers a powerful engine, good brakes with ABS and a Combined Brake System, traction control, a stable and comfortable chassis, good wind protection, high suitability for touring, complete instruments including a gear indicator, a 12-volt socket in the cockpit area, hand protectors and an engine guard as standard, and a favorable price.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin 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. The Suzuki V-Strom has a noticeable set-up torque when braking in curves.

Overall, both motorcycles have their strengths and weaknesses, but the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 offers more advanced features and a higher level of performance, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2018 provides good value for money and a comfortable touring experience.