What To Know
- The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati DesertX are two of the most popular adventure bikes on the market.
- The DesertX is more expensive than the Africa Twin, but it also comes with more features, such as a TFT display, cruise control, and heated grips.
- First, the DesertX has a shorter wheelbase and a lower seat height, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati DesertX are two of the most popular adventure bikes on the market. Both bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrain, from paved roads to dirt trails. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Engine
The Africa Twin has a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. The DesertX has a 937cc V-twin engine that produces 110 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are powerful and smooth, but the DesertX’s V-twin engine provides a bit more power and torque.
Suspension
The Africa Twin has a long-travel suspension that provides 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches of travel in the rear. The DesertX has a slightly shorter-travel suspension that provides 8.5 inches of travel in the front and 8.3 inches of travel in the rear. Both suspensions are well-tuned and provide a comfortable ride on a variety of terrain.
Brakes
The Africa Twin has dual 310mm front brakes and a single 280mm rear brake. The DesertX has dual 320mm front brakes and a single 265mm rear brake. Both bikes have excellent braking power, but the DesertX’s brakes provide a bit more feel and feedback.
Weight
The Africa Twin weighs 505 pounds dry, while the DesertX weighs 492 pounds dry. The DesertX is slightly lighter than the Africa Twin, but both bikes are relatively heavy for adventure bikes.
Price
The Africa Twin starts at $14,399, while the DesertX starts at $16,995. The DesertX is more expensive than the Africa Twin, but it also comes with more features, such as a TFT display, cruise control, and heated grips.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Africa Twin and the DesertX are both excellent adventure bikes. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes that may make one a better choice for you than the other. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile adventure bike that’s also relatively affordable, the Africa Twin is a great option. If you’re looking for a more premium adventure bike with more features, the DesertX is a better choice.
Off-Road Performance
Both the Africa Twin and the DesertX are capable off-road performers. However, the DesertX has a few advantages over the Africa Twin. First, the DesertX has a shorter wheelbase and a lower seat height, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Second, the DesertX has a longer-travel suspension, which provides more ground clearance and allows it to handle rough terrain more easily. Finally, the DesertX has a more aggressive off-road riding position, which makes it more comfortable to ride standing up.
On-Road Performance
The Africa Twin and the DesertX are both capable on-road performers. However, the Africa Twin has a few advantages over the DesertX. First, the Africa Twin has a more comfortable seat, which makes it more comfortable to ride for long distances. Second, the Africa Twin has a more upright riding position, which makes it easier to see over traffic. Finally, the Africa Twin has a larger fuel tank, which gives it a longer range.
Technology
The Africa Twin and the DesertX both come with a variety of technology features. However, the DesertX has a few more features than the Africa Twin. First, the DesertX has a TFT display, which is more informative and easier to read than the Africa Twin’s LCD display. Second, the DesertX has cruise control, which makes it easier to maintain a steady speed on long rides. Finally, the DesertX has heated grips, which are a nice feature to have in cold weather.
The Bottom Line: Honda Africa Twin vs Ducati DesertX
The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati DesertX are both excellent adventure bikes. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes that may make one a better choice for you than the other. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile adventure bike that’s also relatively affordable, the Africa Twin is a great option. If you’re looking for a more premium adventure bike with more features, the DesertX is a better choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which bike is faster, the Africa Twin or the DesertX?
A: The DesertX is slightly faster than the Africa Twin, with a top speed of 135 mph compared to the Africa Twin’s top speed of 130 mph.
Q: Which bike has a longer range?
A: The Africa Twin has a longer range than the DesertX, with a fuel tank capacity of 6.3 gallons compared to the DesertX’s fuel tank capacity of 5.3 gallons.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Africa Twin is more comfortable than the DesertX, with a more comfortable seat and a more upright riding position.