Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 features a V-twin engine with a bore of 105 mm and a stroke of 72 mm, delivering a powerful 150 HP and 127 Nm of torque. It has an electric starter and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 is equipped with an in-line twin engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, producing 102 HP and 105 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks on the front and a swing arm with a monoshock on the rear. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a larger front suspension diameter of 45 mm compared to the Pan America's 47 mm. The Africa Twin also offers a greater front suspension travel of 230 mm, while the Pan America has a travel of 191 mm. Both motorcycles have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for their front and rear suspensions.

In terms of chassis, the Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has an aluminum frame with a double cradle design, while the Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 features a steel frame with a double cradle design. The Pan America has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65 degrees compared to the Africa Twin's 62.5 degrees. The Africa Twin has a shorter trail measurement of 113 mm, while the Pan America has a longer trail of 157 mm.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes on the front. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Pan America also includes suspension that is electronically adjustable, cruise control, and anti-wheelie control, while the Africa Twin offers anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Pan America has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm, while the Africa Twin has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches and a narrower rear tire width of 150 mm. The Pan America has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1585 mm compared to the Africa Twin's 1575 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm. The Pan America has a higher kerb weight of 258 kg, while the Africa Twin weighs slightly less at 248 kg. The Africa Twin also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters compared to the Pan America's 21.2 liters.

In terms of equipment, the Pan America offers Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Africa Twin is equipped with LED headlights.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

In terms of strengths, the Pan America offers a sporty powerplant, a comfortable seating position, good pillion suitability, extensive electronics, an original HD pannier system, wind protection, cornering ABS and TC as standard, optional seat lowering when stationary, and good off-road characteristics. The Africa Twin boasts a powerful engine, a wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and almost "too good" wind protection.

However, the Pan America has some weaknesses, including engine heat in city mode and the unavailability of a quickshifter. The Africa Twin has a confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, a higher weight, and a higher price, although it may be justified.

Overall, both the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 offer impressive features and capabilities for off-road and adventure riding, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses.