Honda Xl1000v Varadero vs Honda Africa Twin
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Honda Xl1000v Varadero vs Honda Africa Twin. Honda Xl1000v Varadero: 98 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 247 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 210 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.0/10. Honda Africa Twin: 102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present) hp, 226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg) weight, top speed 200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Honda Xl1000v Varadero
Honda Africa Twin
Horsepower (hp)
98 hp
102 hp
Torque (Nm)
98 Nm
105 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
210 km/h
200 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
247 kg
226 kg
Type
Adventure
Adventure
Horsepower
98 hp @ 8,000 rpm
102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)
Torque
98 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
105 Nm @ 6,250 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)
Top Speed
210 km/h
200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed)
Weight
247 kg (wet/curb weight)
226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg)
Fuel
6.0–7.0 L/100km (typical real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average for CRF1100L)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Honda Xl1000v Varadero
8.0/10
"Underrated, bulletproof tourer that punches well above its used price."
Pros
+Bombproof Honda reliability record
+Shaft drive, minimal maintenance
+Exceptional long-distance touring comfort
Cons
−Fuel pump failures on FI models
−Complex fairing, expensive to repair
−Carb models need careful inspection
Honda Africa Twin
8.5/10
"The benchmark adventure bike that actually earns its mud-splattered reputation."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine reliability
+Genuinely capable off-road
+Comfortable long-distance ergonomics
Cons
−DCT servicing gets expensive
−Heavy for tight singletrack
−Spoke wheels need attention
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
