Honda africa twin vs ducati desert x: battle of the titans in the wilderness
What To Know
- The Desert X’s suspension, on the other hand, is more focused on performance and provides a firmer ride that is better suited for aggressive off-road riding.
- The Africa Twin has a long history of success in rally racing, and its rugged construction and reliable engine make it a great choice for long-distance off-road adventures.
- The Africa Twin is the more comfortable and versatile of the two, with a more upright riding position and a smoother ride.
The world of adventure motorcycles is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, with new and exciting models emerging every year. Two of the most highly anticipated bikes in recent memory are the Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Desert X. Both machines promise to deliver exceptional off-road performance and versatility, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each bike to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Africa Twin boasts a powerful 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. The engine is known for its smooth and linear power delivery, making it easy to control in both on- and off-road situations.
The Ducati Desert X, on the other hand, features a 937cc V-twin engine that produces 110 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. The V-twin configuration gives the Desert X a distinctive sound and character, while the higher horsepower output provides more punch for high-speed riding.
Suspension and Handling
Both the Africa Twin and the Desert X are equipped with long-travel suspension that can handle rough terrain with ease. The Africa Twin features a Showa 45mm inverted fork and a Pro-Link rear shock, while the Desert X has a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension system.
The Africa Twin‘s suspension is known for its plush ride and excellent damping, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The Desert X’s suspension, on the other hand, is more focused on performance and provides a firmer ride that is better suited for aggressive off-road riding.
Electronics and Features
The Africa Twin comes with a comprehensive suite of electronics, including a full-color TFT display, ride modes, traction control, and cruise control. The Desert X also has a TFT display, but it offers a more limited range of features.
The Africa Twin‘s electronics are designed to enhance both on- and off-road performance, while the Desert X’s electronics are more focused on providing a pure and engaging riding experience.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both the Africa Twin and the Desert X are highly capable off-road motorcycles. The Africa Twin has a long history of success in rally racing, and its rugged construction and reliable engine make it a great choice for long-distance off-road adventures.
The Desert X is a newer bike, but it has already proven its mettle in the off-road world. Its powerful engine and sophisticated suspension make it a great choice for riders who want to push the limits on technical terrain.
On-Road Capabilities
While both bikes are primarily designed for off-road riding, they can also handle on-road duties with ease. The Africa Twin is the more comfortable and versatile of the two, with a more upright riding position and a smoother ride.
The Desert X is less comfortable on the road, but its higher horsepower and more aggressive suspension make it more fun to ride at speed.
Price and Value
The Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $14,399, while the Ducati Desert X starts at $16,995. Both bikes offer a good value for the money, but the Africa Twin is the more affordable option.
The Desert X has a higher price tag, but it also comes with more premium features and components.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Desert X are both excellent adventure motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin is a more comfortable and versatile bike that is better suited for long-distance travel and on-road riding. The Desert X is a more focused and performance-oriented bike that is better suited for aggressive off-road riding.
Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a comfortable and reliable adventure bike that can handle both on- and off-road riding, the Honda Africa Twin is a great choice. If you want a more focused and performance-oriented bike that is better suited for technical off-road riding, the Ducati Desert X is a great choice.
Beyond the Basics
Fuel Economy
The Honda Africa Twin gets an estimated 50 mpg, while the Ducati Desert X gets an estimated 45 mpg.
Weight
The Honda Africa Twin weighs 507 pounds, while the Ducati Desert X weighs 492 pounds.
Seat Height
The Honda Africa Twin has a seat height of 33.5 inches, while the Ducati Desert X has a seat height of 34.4 inches.
Ground Clearance
The Honda Africa Twin has a ground clearance of 9.8 inches, while the Ducati Desert X has a ground clearance of 10.2 inches.
Warranty
The Honda Africa Twin comes with a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty, while the Ducati Desert X comes with a 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which bike is more reliable?
A: Both the Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Desert X are reliable motorcycles, but the Africa Twin has a longer history of proven reliability.
Q: Which bike is better for beginners?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is a more beginner-friendly bike than the Ducati Desert X. It is more comfortable, easier to ride, and has a more forgiving suspension.
Q: Which bike is better for tall riders?
A: The Ducati Desert X has a taller seat height than the Honda Africa Twin, making it a better choice for tall riders.