Adventure motorcycle showdown: africa twin vs tenere
What To Know
- While the Africa Twin has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque, the Ténéré’s smaller displacement and lighter weight give it an edge in fuel efficiency.
- The Africa Twin’s plush suspension and comfortable seating position make it a great choice for long-distance touring, while the Ténéré’s more compact dimensions and agile handling make it a more enjoyable ride in urban environments.
- The Honda Africa Twin has a longer suspension travel, with 230mm of travel in the front and 220mm of travel in the rear, compared to the Yamaha Ténéré’s 210mm of travel in the front and 200mm of travel in the rear.
In the realm of adventure motorcycles, two titans stand head and shoulders above the rest: the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Ténéré. Both bikes boast a rich heritage and a reputation for unmatched off-road prowess. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Ténéré to help you make an informed decision about your next adventure companion.
Engine and Powertrain
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 101 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. The Yamaha Ténéré, on the other hand, utilizes a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces 72 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. While the Africa Twin has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque, the Ténéré’s smaller displacement and lighter weight give it an edge in fuel efficiency.
Suspension and Handling
Both bikes feature long-travel suspension systems designed to handle the rigors of off-road riding. The Africa Twin boasts a Showa 45mm inverted fork with 230mm of travel and a Pro-Link rear suspension with 220mm of travel. The Ténéré counters with a KYB 43mm inverted fork with 210mm of travel and a Monocross rear suspension with 200mm of travel. In terms of handling, the Africa Twin’s longer suspension travel and more aggressive geometry give it a slight advantage in tackling rough terrain.
Electronics and Features
The Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Ténéré come equipped with a range of electronic rider aids and features. The Africa Twin features a 6.5-inch TFT display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as cruise control, heated grips, and a quickshifter. The Ténéré offers a smaller 4.3-inch TFT display, but it still includes Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and heated grips. Notably, the Africa Twin also has a more advanced traction control system and a dual-clutch transmission option, which the Ténéré lacks.
Off-Road Capability
When it comes to off-road performance, both the Africa Twin and the Ténéré are highly capable machines. The Africa Twin’s longer suspension travel and more powerful engine give it an edge in tackling challenging terrain, while the Ténéré’s lighter weight and narrower profile make it more nimble in tight spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes for off-road riding depends on your individual riding style and the specific terrain you plan to encounter.
On-Road Comfort and Performance
While both bikes are designed primarily for off-road adventures, they also offer surprisingly good on-road comfort and performance. The Africa Twin‘s plush suspension and comfortable seating position make it a great choice for long-distance touring, while the Ténéré’s more compact dimensions and agile handling make it a more enjoyable ride in urban environments.
Price and Value
The Honda Africa Twin starts at $14,299, while the Yamaha Ténéré starts at $10,999. The Africa Twin’s higher price tag reflects its more powerful engine, more advanced electronics, and longer suspension travel. However, the Ténéré offers excellent value for money, providing a well-rounded adventure bike at a more affordable price point.
The Verdict: Which Bike Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Ténéré depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bike with maximum off-road capability, a powerful engine, and a full suite of electronic features, the Africa Twin is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable bike that offers a good balance of off-road performance and on-road comfort, the Ténéré is a great option.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which bike has a more powerful engine?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a more powerful engine, with 101 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque compared to the Yamaha Ténéré’s 72 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which bike has a longer suspension travel?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a longer suspension travel, with 230mm of travel in the front and 220mm of travel in the rear, compared to the Yamaha Ténéré’s 210mm of travel in the front and 200mm of travel in the rear.
Q: Which bike has a larger fuel tank?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a larger fuel tank, with a capacity of 6.3 gallons compared to the Yamaha Ténéré’s 5.8 gallons.
Q: Which bike is more expensive?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is more expensive, with a starting price of $14,299 compared to the Yamaha Ténéré’s starting price of $10,999.
Q: Which bike is better for off-road riding?
A: Both bikes are highly capable off-road machines, but the Honda Africa Twin has an edge in terms of off-road capability due to its longer suspension travel and more powerful engine.