The ultimate adventure showdown: honda africa twin faces off against ducati multistrada 1200

The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a unique blend of on- and off-road performance, making them ideal for riders who want to explore both worlds. But which bike is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 95 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is powered by a 1,198cc L-twin engine that produces 158 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Honda Africa Twin is no slouch, and its parallel-twin engine provides plenty of power for both on- and off-road riding.

Handling and Suspension

The Honda Africa Twin has a long-travel suspension system that provides 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches of travel in the rear. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 has a shorter-travel suspension system that provides 6.7 inches of travel in the front and 6.3 inches of travel in the rear.

The Honda Africa Twin‘s long-travel suspension gives it a more comfortable ride on rough roads and off-road trails. However, the Ducati Multistrada 1200’s shorter-travel suspension gives it better handling on paved roads.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Honda Africa Twin is designed for serious off-road riding. It has a long-travel suspension system, a low center of gravity, and a wide range of rider aids that make it easy to ride off-road.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is also capable of off-road riding, but it’s not as well-suited for it as the Africa Twin. It has a shorter-travel suspension system and a higher center of gravity, which makes it more difficult to ride off-road.

On-Road Performance

The Honda Africa Twin is a comfortable and capable on-road motorcycle. It has a plush seat, a comfortable riding position, and a smooth ride.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is also a comfortable and capable on-road motorcycle. However, it has a sportier riding position and a firmer suspension, which makes it more suited for spirited riding.

Technology and Features

The Honda Africa Twin comes with a range of technology and features, including a digital instrument panel, cruise control, and heated grips. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 comes with a more comprehensive range of technology and features, including a full-color TFT instrument panel, a semi-active suspension system, and a keyless ignition.

Price

The Honda Africa Twin starts at $13,999. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 starts at $16,995.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Honda Africa Twin is the better choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is capable of serious off-road riding. It has a long-travel suspension system, a low center of gravity, and a wide range of rider aids that make it easy to ride off-road.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is the better choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is more suited for on-road riding. It has a shorter-travel suspension system, a higher center of gravity, and a sportier riding position.

Verdict

The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 are both excellent adventure motorcycles. The Africa Twin is the better choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is capable of serious off-road riding. The Multistrada 1200 is the better choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is more suited for on-road riding.

The Final Word

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for how each bike rides and see which one is better suited for your riding style.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which bike is faster, the Honda Africa Twin or the Ducati Multistrada 1200?

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is faster than the Honda Africa Twin. It has a more powerful engine and a shorter-travel suspension system, which gives it better acceleration and handling on paved roads.

2. Which bike is more comfortable, the Honda Africa Twin or the Ducati Multistrada 1200?

The Honda Africa Twin is more comfortable than the Ducati Multistrada 1200. It has a plush seat, a comfortable riding position, and a smooth ride. The Multistrada 1200 has a sportier riding position and a firmer suspension, which makes it less comfortable on long rides.

3. Which bike is better off-road, the Honda Africa Twin or the Ducati Multistrada 1200?

The Honda Africa Twin is better off-road than the Ducati Multistrada 1200. It has a long-travel suspension system, a low center of gravity, and a wide range of rider aids that make it easy to ride off-road. The Multistrada 1200 has a shorter-travel suspension system and a higher center of gravity, which makes it more difficult to ride off-road.