What To Know
- In this blog post, we will compare these two legendary machines, pitting the Honda Africa Twin against the Ducati Multistrada 950 in a comprehensive head-to-head showdown.
- Both the Africa Twin and the Multistrada 950 come packed with a range of features and technology.
- The Multistrada 950, on the other hand, excels on paved roads, offering sporty handling, a powerful engine, and a versatile suspension system.
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, two names that immediately come to mind are the Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 950. Both bikes offer a thrilling blend of on-road performance and off-road capability, making them ideal for riders who crave adventure in all its forms. In this blog post, we will compare these two legendary machines, pitting the Honda Africa Twin against the Ducati Multistrada 950 in a comprehensive head-to-head showdown.
Off-Road Prowess
The Honda Africa Twin has a long-standing reputation as an off-road beast, with its rugged chassis, long-travel suspension, and powerful engine. It excels in tackling rough terrain, inspiring confidence in riders who venture off the beaten path. The Ducati Multistrada 950, while not as hardcore as the Africa Twin, still offers impressive off-road capabilities. Its versatile Skyhook suspension system allows for quick adjustments to suit different riding conditions, making it capable of handling both asphalt and dirt roads with ease.
On-Road Performance
On paved roads, the Ducati Multistrada 950 shines with its sporty handling and responsive engine. Its V-twin engine delivers ample power and torque, providing a thrilling ride on winding roads. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable and relaxed on-road experience. Its parallel-twin engine provides smooth power delivery, while its upright riding position reduces fatigue on long journeys.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. The Ducati Multistrada 950, on the other hand, features a 937cc V-twin engine that generates 113 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque. While the Ducati has the edge in horsepower, the Africa Twin’s torquey engine provides more grunt at low speeds, making it better suited for off-road riding.
Suspension and Handling
The Africa Twin boasts a long-travel suspension system with 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches in the rear. The Multistrada 950’s Skyhook suspension system offers 6.7 inches of travel in the front and 6.3 inches in the rear. The Africa Twin’s longer travel and more rugged construction give it an advantage when riding over rough terrain. However, the Multistrada 950’s electronically adjustable suspension allows for quick and easy adjustments to suit different riding conditions.
Features and Technology
Both the Africa Twin and the Multistrada 950 come packed with a range of features and technology. The Africa Twin features a 6.5-inch TFT display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, as well as a host of rider aids such as traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control. The Multistrada 950 offers a 5-inch TFT display, Ducati’s proprietary Ducati Multimedia System, and a similar suite of rider aids.
Price and Value
The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports starts at $13,999, while the Ducati Multistrada 950 starts at $13,395. Both bikes offer excellent value for money, with the Africa Twin providing more off-road capability and the Multistrada 950 delivering a more sporty on-road experience.
The Verdict: Honda Africa Twin vs Ducati Multistrada 950
The Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada 950 are both exceptional adventure motorcycles that cater to different riding styles. The Africa Twin is the clear choice for riders who prioritize off-road performance, with its rugged chassis, long-travel suspension, and torquey engine. The Multistrada 950, on the other hand, excels on paved roads, offering sporty handling, a powerful engine, and a versatile suspension system.
Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you crave off-road adventures and long-distance journeys, the Honda Africa Twin is the perfect companion. If you prefer a more sporty and versatile ride that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions, the Ducati Multistrada 950 is an excellent choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which bike is better for off-road riding?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is better suited for off-road riding due to its rugged chassis, long-travel suspension, and torquey engine.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides?
A: The Honda Africa Twin offers a more comfortable riding position and smoother power delivery, making it better suited for long journeys.
Q: Which bike has more features and technology?
A: Both bikes offer a range of features and technology, with the Africa Twin featuring a larger display and more rider aids, while the Multistrada 950 has a more user-friendly infotainment system.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ducati Multistrada 950 is more fuel-efficient than the Honda Africa Twin, with a claimed fuel economy of 50mpg compared to 45mpg.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Ducati Multistrada 950 is slightly more affordable than the Honda Africa Twin, with a starting price of $13,395 compared to $13,999.