Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 vs. Ducati DesertX 2023

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 are both enduro motorcycles that offer powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 is equipped with an in-line, 1084cc engine that produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 features a V-twin, 937cc engine that delivers 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. While both engines provide ample power, the Ducati DesertX has a slightly higher output.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, with the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 using Showa forks and the Ducati DesertX 2023 featuring Kayaba forks. The front forks have a diameter of 45mm for the Honda and 46mm for the Ducati, offering similar performance. The rear suspension on both models is a swing arm with a monoshock, again utilizing Showa suspension for the Honda and Kayaba suspension for the Ducati. Both motorcycles have a travel of 220mm for the rear suspension.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame, but the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has a double cradle frame while the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a tubular frame. The rake and trail measurements are also slightly different, with the Honda having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm, while the Ducati has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing strong stopping power. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Ducati DesertX 2023 offers similar features but also includes a shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, and connectivity.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The rear tire width is 150mm for both models. The wheelbase is slightly longer on the Ducati DesertX 2023, measuring 1608mm compared to the 1575mm of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020. The seat height is also higher on the Ducati, with a range of 875mm to 890mm, while the Honda offers a seat height range of 850mm to 870mm. The Ducati DesertX is lighter, weighing 223kg with ABS compared to the 248kg of the Honda.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights, but the Ducati DesertX 2023 offers additional features such as heated grips, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display.

Ducati DesertX 2023

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has a powerful engine, a wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also provides excellent wind protection. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well-thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 has some weaknesses, including a confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, its weight, and a higher price. The Ducati DesertX 2023 has a smooth running engine in the lower rev range, slightly slower suspension response compared to the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for pillion riders.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 and the Ducati DesertX 2023 offer powerful engines, advanced rider assistance systems, and off-road capabilities. However, they differ in terms of engine specifications, suspension brands, frame types, dimensions, weights, and equipment. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific riding needs when choosing between these two models.