Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc. It produces 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque, providing a powerful and unagitated performance. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021, on the other hand, features a V-twin, 2-cylinder engine with a larger displacement of 1252cc. It delivers a higher output of 150 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, offering a sportier powerplant.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and a swing arm with a monoshock in the rear. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a front fork diameter of 45mm and offers a travel of 252mm in the front and 240mm in the rear. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has a slightly larger front fork diameter of 47mm and offers a travel of 191mm in both the front and rear. The suspension is also adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 features a steel frame, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is equipped with an aluminum frame. Both frames provide durability and stability.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

When it comes to braking, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 is equipped with double disk brakes in the front, branded by Nissin, providing reliable stopping power. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 also features double disk brakes in the front, but with Brembo branding, ensuring excellent braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer ABS, traction control, and riding modes. However, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 goes a step further and includes additional features such as suspension that is electronically adjustable, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and cornering traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. The rear tire diameter is 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1580mm and a seat height of 900mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 243kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 24.2 liters. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has a slightly smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches and a wider rear tire width of 170mm. The rear tire diameter is 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1585mm and a seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is slightly higher at 258kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 does not have any additional equipment listed, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 offers Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 is praised for its powerful and unagitated engine, comfortable chassis, comfortable seating position, superb looks, good brakes, large fuel tank, performance modes, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is commended for its sporty powerplant, comfortable seating position, good pillion suitability, extensive electronics, original HD pannier system, wind protection, cornering ABS, cornering TC, and optional seat lowering when stationary.

However, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 does have some weaknesses, including not quite optimal wind protection, the absence of cruise control, a high saddle that can be difficult for smaller riders to climb, and the inability to switch off ABS on the front wheel. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 also has a few weaknesses, such as engine heat in city mode and the unavailability of a quickshifter.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 offer impressive features and capabilities. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 excels in its powerful engine and comfortable chassis, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 stands out with its sporty powerplant and extensive electronics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.