Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs Honda Africa Twin
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Versys 1000
Honda Africa Twin
Horsepower (hp)
120 hp
102 hp
Torque (Nm)
102 Nm
105 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 km/h
200 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
255 kg
226 kg
Type
Adventure
Adventure
Horsepower
120 hp @ 9,000 rpm
102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)
Torque
102 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
105 Nm @ 6,250 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)
Top Speed
220 km/h (estimated; manufacturer limited)
200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed)
Weight
255 kg (wet/curb weight — SE model with semi-active suspension)
226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L, real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average for CRF1100L)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Versys 1000
8.2/10
"The unglamorous workhorse that outperforms bikes twice its price."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine reliability
+Genuinely adjustable suspension
+Strong wind protection
Cons
−Seat foam deteriorates quickly
−Styling divides opinion sharply
−Early ABS feels grabby
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.
