The motorcycles competing in the new Honda Africa Twin 1100
Le Journal moto du Net takes this week the handlebars of the new CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and its Adventure Sports version, which increase in displacement (1084 cc) and fill up with technology while losing weight ! Before delivering our verdict on this 102 hp motorcycle, let’s review its main competitors in our special trail guide..
The Honda Africa Twin changes its course towards a much more frequented path, therefore more lucrative: that of powerful and sophisticated maxi-trails! Equipped with, among other things, a TFT screen, six driving modes and an inertial unit, the "Daughter of the Desert" nevertheless retains reasonable performance and a taut silhouette thanks to its welcome weight loss: 226 kg as standard (- 4 kg).
- MNC Video :
- MNC Presentation :
- MNC special file :
- MNC of February 18, 2019 :
This positioning allows it to ensure its support with "big" trails from 1200 to 1300 cc, while maintaining a spoked wheel for intermediates from 800 to 1000 cc. Its version Adventure Sports targets for its part the "road on stilts" XXL format, with its larger tank (24.8 l), its heated handles and its adjustable screen as standard as well as its new – and optional – suspensions managed by electronic.
But all these improvements come at a price: € 14,499 for the standard Africa Twin – up € 900 Vs 2019 – and up to € 18,999 for the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with DCT dual-clutch options (+ € 1,000) and Showa controlled amortization (+ € 1,500)! Nice sum for this chain drive motorcycle, moreover still without Tubeless rims in the basic version (standard on Adv. Sports).
Here are its main competitors in the very dynamic trail type motorcycle market…
- 17,600 euros
- 136 hp
- 143 Nm
- 249 kg with liquids and "90% of full"
- Cardan transmission
The target of this new generation of CRF1100L Africa Twin! The German "benchmark", which crushes the maxi-trails market, is regularly the Top 5 of the French +125 cc market. At the end of August, the "Gehesse" passed in, to which are added some 1663 R1250GS Adventure. Compare with the 665 Africa Twin units sold over the same period (+ 631 in DCT box)…
- MNC duel:
The R1250GS emphasizes the supernatural balance provided by its "flat" engine, which combines confusing flexibility, strength and nervousness. Its 1254 cc "Boxer" inherits a variable distribution which develops 136 hp and a generous 143 Nm. Its general comfort, its standard adjustable screen and saddle are also among its strengths, as are its universal joint and its formidable front axle. Telelever. Its hefty price of 17,400 euros, however, does not include the main options, such as spoked wheels (!), Hand guards (!!), case racks and ESA piloted suspensions..
- 12,250 euros
- 95 hp
- 92 Nm
- 229 kg with fluids and "90% full"
- Chain drive
The little "sister", who lives in the shadow of the R1250GS above, is significantly more affordable thanks to the lower performance of its 853cc parallel twin assembled by Loncin. Its weight under 230 kg gives it an advantage in off-road and in town, while its rigor is appreciated in winding.
This F850GS now has a solid steel frame and comes standard with anti-slip, two drive modes, adjustable levers and a 12V socket. Its engine capacity and power of 95 hp made it one of the "natural" rivals of the old Africa Twin of 998 cc, which is now eyeing the higher category..
- 18,596 euros
- 158 hp
- 129.5 Nm
- 212 kg (dry)
- Chain drive
The Italian maxi-trail claims an exclusively road orientation with its 17-inch stick rims and sports peripherals. Also equipped with a variable distribution, the Multistrada 1260 plays in the court of the "big arms" with its 158 hp worthy of a Superbike of the early 2000s. !
- MNC duel:
Lively and fun, the Multistrada 1260 can receive piloted suspensions and also exists in a more adventurous version, with spoke rims, protections and additional travel: Multistrada 1260 Enduro.
- 113 hp
- 96 Nm
- 14,496 euros
- 204 kg dry
- Chain drive
Ducati also offers a smaller version of its road trail: the Multistrada 950, virtually identical aesthetically and technically to the 1260. With its 113 hp and 96 Nm, the Italian is evolving right in the register of the new Africa Twin 1100 ( 106 hp and 105 Nm).
The road approach of the Multistrada 950, however, distances it from the more varied field of action of the Honda, which intends to remain a benchmark in all-terrain. The Ducati is actually more of the roadster with long handlebars, with its stick rims and limited travel. And it’s not his sports equipment that will contradict us !
- 13,499 euros
- 120 hp
- 102 Nm
- 257 kg with full
- Chain drive
Graft off-road handlebars and higher-travel suspensions to the Z1000 4-cylinder roadster, and you’ve got the Versys 1000: you still had to think about it! The association turns out to be surprisingly pleasant and successful, well helped by the confusing availability of the 998 cc "4-legged" which shows an otherwise sporty face in the laps..
But the Versys 1000 is not a "trail", because it is too limited in off-road by its 17-inch stick rims, its low ground clearance and especially its 257 kg. Kawasaki equips it moreover like a road bike: adaptive headlights, heated grips, piloted suspensions, "connected" instrumentation or even inertial unit to control its ABS and anti-slip.
- 12,499 euros
- 94 hp
- 88 Nm
- 189 kg (dry)
- Chain drive
The recent 790 Adventure also plays on both counts thanks to its twin with a contained displacement (799 cc) but powerful. Moss suspension travel, 21 and 18-inch spoked rims, incisive chassis and fuel tank deported to the engine characterize the Austrian motorcycle, also available in a more adventurous "R" version..
Its vertical twin chipped at the engine develops 94 hp – like the old Africa Twin – and is joined by the services of sophisticated traction control and several driving modes. Its color instrumentation is also a real tablet. So many "techno" equipment now integrated into the Honda, which however suffer from the comparison in terms of weight since the Katoche announces 189 kg dry…
- 12,499 euros
- 158 hp
- 140 Nm
- 217 kg (dry)
- 16,990 euros
- Chain drive
At the top of the “big arm” trail category is the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and its spectacular 1300 cc (1.3 l!) V-twin, which bluntly balances 158 hp on its rear wheel radiated via a chain! Despite these breathtaking figures, the Austrian – also available in version "R" (more off-road) and "T" (more road) – skillfully exploits the know-how of "Katoche" to consider muscular all-terrain.
- MNC test : 1290 Super Adventure S, maxi-trail maxi-performance !
Muscular too, the sessions "lifting" of this 217 kg motorcycle – without the full! – after a fall, just like the bill with regard to its price of 17,000 euros! This precise and responsive motorcycle receives advanced technologies (adjustable ABS and anti-skidding, huge TFT screen, piloted suspensions, adaptive headlights, etc.).
- 11,699 euros
- 80 hp
- 85 Nm
- 229 kg (with full)
- Cardan transmission
What a pleasant surprise that this new Guzzi V85TT motorcycle, right on its release by MNC confronted with … the Africa Twin! Its successful line exudes a crazy class, at the height of the charm displayed by its V-twin of 853 cc.
- MNC duel :
The sympathetic and well finished Italian does not capitalize on excessive performance (80 hp and 85 Nm) and is positioned in a relevant way in terms of price: 11,699 euros for this motorcycle equipped with a cardan shaft (the only one in this displacement range ). Despite its 19 and 17 inch spoked rims, the Guzzi is however moderately convincing in off-road … Its weight of 229 kg is also to be taken into account..
- 12,499 euros
- 101 hp
- 101 Nm
- 232 kg all full
- 12,799 euros
- Chain drive
Discreet and hardworking, the V-Strom 1000: this bike without real defect suffers only from its physical appearance and the progressive suffocation that the standards inflict on its twin of 1037 cc old design (this cc engine comes from the origin of the late sportswoman TL1000!).
- MNC test :
Unlike the Africa Twin, the V-Strom does not use – or little – the off-road track and on the contrary prefers to enhance its trail-road qualities: correct comfort, correct performance and delightful liveliness thanks to its contained weight and its 17-inch spoke rims (spokes on "XT" above). And then at 12,799 euros, the Suz ‘is really well placed !
- 13,200 euros
- 95 hp
- 79 Nm
- 200 kg (dry)
- Chain drive
In the large family of the Tiger 800s, the XCX is undoubtedly the one that most closely resembles – deviates the least – from the rally-raid philosophy. Unlike the more road-going XR models, it is equipped with spoke rims (21 inches at the front, 17 at the rear), long-travel suspensions (220 and 215 mm), hand guards and an aluminum engine guard.
Efficient cycle part and state-of-the-art equipment: MNC recognizes the striking strengths of the Tiger 800. But it is also necessary to point out its front brake and its comfort of saddle perfectible, as well as extremely high prices: to envisage 13,200 euros for the XCX and 14,500 for the XCA. Note that a deep evolution is, with in particular a sharper line and engine modifications….
- 141 hp
- 122 Nm
- 242 kg dry
- 16,100 euros (XR)
- Cardan transmission
The heavyweight of the trail category! The Tiger 1200 evolves in another dimension than the Africa Twin and rather embodies a luxurious "GT" motorcycle. An example ? It is the only one to date equipped with an electric windshield on its versions, very, very high-end (20,300 € for XRT with stick rims and 21,600 € for XCA with spoke rims)
- MNC tests :
Extremely well equipped, neat and rigorous, the Tiger 1200 only fishes for its overweight linked to its 1215 cc in-line 3-cylinder and its numerous equipment. Its rims in 19 and 17 inches and its correct ground clearance are sufficient on rolling tracks, but beware of excess: this motorcycle with a transparent cardan shafts in the 265 kg with fluids and the full 20 liters !
- 9,699 euros
- 73.4 hp
- 68 Nm
- 204 kg with full
- Chain transmission
Is it still possible to compare the Africa Twin and the Tenere 700? A legitimate question with regard to the 395 cc (689 Vs 1084 cc) and the 32.6 hp (73.4 Vs 106 hp) which separate them! Not to mention their difference of 22 kg (204 Vs 226 kg) and above all of 4,800 euros (9,699 Vs 14,499 €): the price difference is equivalent to a new 125 cc or to a recent occasion of medium displacement !
- MNC test : Tenere 700, Yamaha takes down the dune
The two still share a surname with a strong rally-raid connotation and the desire to perpetuate an authentic trail spirit. But when Yamaha gives itself the means of its off-road ambitions with its simple, light and versatile "T7", Honda takes the – more lucrative – track of high-tech maxi-trail..
- 112 hp
- 117 Nm
- 257 kg fully loaded
- 15,999 euros (with electronic suspensions)
- Cardan transmission
The stainless "Super Tenere" continues its way with a positioning more and more close to that of a "big" road bike. The Yamaha is appreciated more for its excellent comfort and mechanical roundness than for its off-road capabilities suggested by its spoked rims and its evocative appearance..
- MNC test : 2014 Super Tenere XT1200ZE, the same but much better !
Excellent companion to travel far and in duo, the Super "T" leaves to the young Tenere 700 the task of hurtling down the dunes. Who would want to "tank" the full 257 kg made of this 1199 cc motorcycle ?! Its parallel twin is also not very sensational, while the controlled suspensions of the "XT1200ZE" – the only one marketed in 2019 with the Raid Edition – are on the contrary quite impressive.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 technical specifications
| 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin | Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2020 | |
|
Engine |
||
| Type | Inline twin, 4-stroke | Inline twin, 4-stroke |
| Displacement | 1084 cc | 1084 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 92 x 81.5 mm | 92 x 81.5 mm |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Distribution | Single ACT, 4 valves / cyl | Single ACT, 4 valves / cyl |
| Compression tx | 10.1: 1 | 10.1: 1 |
| Power | 101.97 hp @ 7,500 rpm | 101.97 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Couple | 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm | 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm |
| Food | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Start-up | Electric | Electric |
| Standards | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
| Consumption announced | 4.9 l / 100km (4.58 l with DCT) | 4.9 l / 100km (4.8l with DCT) |
|
Transmission |
||
| Clutch | Multi-disc in oil bath with anti-dribble or DCT double clutch | Multi-disc in oil bath with anti-dribble or DCT double clutch |
| Ordered | By cable | By cable |
| Gearbox |
6 reports (DCT with specific off-road mode) |
6 reports (DCT with specific off-road mode) |
| Final drive | By chain | By chain |
|
Cycle part |
||
| Frame | Double steel cradle and aluminum buckle | Double steel cradle and aluminum buckle |
| Front suspension | 45mm Showa inverted fork preload adjustable |
45 mm inverted fork, mechanical preload adjustments. Option : electrical adjustments in preload and expansion (EERA) |
| Suspension Ar | Preload and rebound adjustable Showa single shock |
Showa monoshock, mechanical preload and rebound adjustments. Option : electrical adjustments in compression and rebound (EERA) |
| Front travel | 230 mm | 230 mm |
| Travel Ar | 220 mm | 220 mm |
| Front brake | Dual 310 mm disc, 4 piston radial calipers | Dual 310 mm disc, 4 piston radial calipers |
| Ar brake | Single 256 mm disc, 1-piston caliper | Single 260 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| ABS |
Road and off-road modes (off at the rear). Not deactivatable at the front |
Road and off-road modes (off at the rear). Not deactivatable at the front |
| Front rim |
Aluminum with 90/90/21 spokes (Tubetype) |
Aluminum with 90/90/21 spokes (Tubeless) |
| Rim Ar | 150/70/18 spoke aluminum (Tubetype) | Aluminum spoked in 150/70/18 (Tubeless) |
| Tires | Bridgestone Adventurecross Tourer or Metzeler Karoo Street with air chamber | Bridgestone Adventurecross Tourer or Metzeler Karoo Street without air chamber |
|
Dimensions, weight, capacities |
||
| Length | 2330 mm | 2330 mm |
| Width | 960 mm | 960 mm |
| Height | 1395 mm |
1560 mm (1620 mm with screen in high position) |
| Saddle height | Adjustable without tools: 850 to 870 mm | Adjustable without tools: 850 to 870 mm |
| Caster angle | 27.5 ° | 27.5 ° |
| Hunt | 113 mm | 113 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,575 mm | 1575 mm |
| Ground clearance | 250 mm | 250 mm |
| Full weight |
226 kg (236 kg with DCT) |
238 kg (240 kg with EERA, 248 kg with DCT and 250 kg with EERA + DCT) |
| Fuel tank | 18.8 liters | 24.8 liters |
|
Commercial information |
||
| Availability |
During November () |
October to November () |
| Colors |
|
|
| Guarantee | 2 years parts and MO | 2 years parts and MO |
| Price |
|
|
| Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin | Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2020 |
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