Africa twin or pan america? which adventure bike reigns supreme?

The Honda Africa Twin is a legendary adventure motorcycle that has been conquering off-road trails worldwide for decades. Its latest iteration, the CRF1100L Africa Twin, is a testament to Honda’s unwavering commitment to off-road excellence.

Key Features:

• 1,084cc parallel-twin engine with 101 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque
• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or manual transmission options
• Long-travel suspension with 9.1 inches of front and rear travel
• Advanced electronics package with multiple riding modes and traction control
• Large fuel tank with a capacity of 6.3 gallons

Harley-Davidson Pan America: The American Icon

Harley-Davidson, known for its iconic cruisers, has ventured into the adventure motorcycle segment with the Pan America. This all-new machine combines Harley‘s signature styling with modern technology, creating a formidable competitor in the adventure market.

Key Features:

• 1,252cc Revolution Max liquid-cooled V-twin engine with 150 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque
• Six-speed transmission
• Semi-active suspension with 7.5 inches of front and rear travel
• Extensive electronics suite with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection
• Spacious fuel tank with a capacity of 5.6 gallons

Performance Comparison

Engine:

The Pan America’s larger displacement and V-twin configuration give it a significant advantage in horsepower and torque over the Africa Twin. However, the Africa Twin’s DCT transmission provides smooth and seamless gear changes, particularly off-road.

Suspension:

Both motorcycles offer long-travel suspension, but the Africa Twin‘s slightly longer travel and more sophisticated Showa suspension components give it an edge in off-road handling.

Electronics:

The Harley-Davidson Pan America boasts a more comprehensive electronics package, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection. However, the Africa Twin‘s electronics are still highly capable and offer a wide range of riding modes and traction control settings.

Off-Road Capability

The Honda Africa Twin is renowned for its exceptional off-road prowess. Its lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, and advanced electronics make it a formidable machine on rough terrain.

The Harley-Davidson Pan America is no slouch off-road either. Its powerful engine, semi-active suspension, and off-road-oriented tires provide it with impressive off-road handling. However, it may not be as nimble as the Africa Twin in technical terrain.

Road Handling

On paved roads, the Pan America’s V-twin engine provides ample power for effortless cruising. Its comfortable ergonomics and semi-active suspension make it a pleasant companion on long journeys.

The Africa Twin is also capable of handling road riding well, but its more upright riding position and off-road-biased suspension may not be as comfortable for extended road trips.

Price and Availability

The Honda Africa Twin starts at $14,399, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America starts at $17,319. Both motorcycles are available at authorized dealerships nationwide.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle

The Honda Africa Twin is the ideal choice for serious adventure riders who prioritize off-road performance and versatility. The Harley-Davidson Pan America is a more suitable option for riders who want a capable adventure motorcycle with a unique blend of American styling and modern technology.

Final Verdict

The Honda Africa Twin and Harley-Davidson Pan America are both excellent adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin remains the benchmark for off-road performance, while the Pan America offers a more comprehensive electronics package and a unique American flavor. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual riding style and preferences.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which motorcycle has more horsepower?
A: The Harley-Davidson Pan America has more horsepower than the Honda Africa Twin.

Q: Which motorcycle has better off-road capability?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is generally regarded as having better off-road capability than the Harley-Davidson Pan America.

Q: Which motorcycle is more expensive?
A: The Harley-Davidson Pan America is more expensive than the Honda Africa Twin.

Q: Which motorcycle has a longer fuel range?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a longer fuel range than the Harley-Davidson Pan America.

Q: Which motorcycle has a more comfortable riding position?
A: The Harley-Davidson Pan America has a more comfortable riding position for road riding, while the Honda Africa Twin is better suited for off-road riding.