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

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 75.1 mm. It offers a powerful engine with 95 HP and 98 Nm of torque. The starter is electric, and the transmission is via chain. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 998 ccm. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 has a V-type engine with a bore of 81 mm and a stroke of 62.6 mm. It has a slightly less powerful engine with 71 HP and 62 Nm of torque. The starter and transmission are the same as the Honda, and it also has 2 cylinders but a smaller displacement of 645 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin 2018 has an upside-down telescopic fork for the front suspension with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and also has adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The chassis is made of steel. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 has a telescopic fork for the front suspension with adjustable preload. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and adjustable preload. The chassis is made of aluminum.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front. However, the Honda Africa Twin 2018 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, while the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 only has ABS.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1575 mm, and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 232 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 l. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly shorter at 1560 mm, and the seat height is 830 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 213 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is slightly larger at 20 l.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin 2018 is known for its reliable engine, comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, good looks, good brakes, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). It also offers performance modes for different riding styles. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 is praised for its lively and economical engine, balanced handling, good wind protection, traction control and ABS as standard, and its resemblance to its bigger sister, the V-Strom 1000. It also has an extensive instrumentation with a gear indicator and a 12-volt socket in the cockpit area. Additionally, it is considered to have a good price.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin 2018 has been criticized for its not quite optimal wind protection, the lack of cruise control, and the inability to switch off the ABS on the front wheel. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 has been noted to have a very restrictive traction control in mode 2.