Ducati Desert X versus Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin
Ducati Desert X
Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- adult appearance
- technically (almost) fully equipped
- Engine with pressure and character
- wonderful suction noise
- drives equally well on road and off-road
- Long warranty and service intervals
- Motor - torque and power delivery
- Chassis
- Off-road capability
- Fitness to travel
- Pillion comfort
- Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
- Accessories sometimes very expensive
- Heated grips not standard
- moderate wind protection
- Only iPhone users can take full advantage of
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.390 mm Height : 1.425 mm
Seat : 875 mm
Weight : 223 kg
Length : 2.330 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat : 850 mm until : 870 mm
Weight : 231 (max: 446 ) kg
Engine
Displacement: 937 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 94 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.084 ccm
Hub: 82 mm
Hole: 92 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 110 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 375 km
Performance: 102 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 112 NM bei 5.500 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 384 km
Chassis
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
KYB USD 46 mm, fully adjustable (travel 230 mm) Rear suspension:
KYB Monoshock, fully adjustable (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 90/90-21
Rear tyres: 150/70R18
Double loop tubular frame (steel) Front suspension:
45mm Showa Upside-Down Telescopic Fork (Travel 230mm) Rear suspension:
Showa monoshock (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Swingarm, ProLink Suspension Showa Damper System Tyres at the front: 90/90-21
Rear tyres: 150/70-18
Brakes
Double disc, Brembo monobloc calipers (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston caliper (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc brake with radially mounted four-piston calipers (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake with single-piston caliper (∅ 256 mm)
Conclusion - what sticks
Ducati has achieved a great success with the Desert X. The machine can do a lot, but is not exactly a bargain. Whether so much technology has to be in an off-road travel enduro is certainly not without controversy. There will be both parties, namely those who say: "Too much stuff" and those who say: "Cool, finally modern technology on a real terrain machine".The test bike was kindly provided by Ducati Hamburg . There is the Desert X as a demonstrator and may be very gladly driven by you. Or you just drop by Ducati Hamburg and enjoy the beguiling sight of Italian motorcycle building art. You will certainly stop in front of the Superleggera. Take coffee, enjoy it and check your account balance! And remember: We only live once and life is damn short.
The AT remains true to itself
Which question you should seriously ask yourself: Yes, the normal chassis has been good for Honda. It's fully adjustable - but do you really do that? The electronic chassis of the Africa Twin Sports Adventure is an advantage: it can be fine-tuned while driving. This extra makes sense even for desert kings.
One last lap around the bike. It has remained good, and has also improved. Surgery succeeded. The Honda AT has remained true to itself: it still manages to convince the great feat with the overall concept without outstanding individual achievements. However, if you don't need the big cutlery with all the drums and drums, you don't have to change trains, but can continue the pre-model.
There is still so much to experience.
The test bike was provided to us by Motofun (Kaltenkirchen near Hamburg).
