Distance/comfort
I did more than 4500 miles in six months on a V-strom 1050, so I can vouch for its mile-munching ability. The seat feels hard to begin with, but it doesn’t take long to adjust to the relaxed riding position. Cruise control makes dual carriageways a breeze, plus there’s ample weather protection thanks to hand guards (good off-road too) and a generous screen. Annoyingly, however, the screen is only adjustable with a hex key, so can’t be repositioned on the go. An 80mm taller screen with a 50mm range adjuster kit is an option.
The Honda’s screen is better, offering even better cover from the elements.
It’s easier to adjust too, although it’s a two-handed job so has to be done at standstill. It too comes with cruise control, hand guards and a seat that’s the perfect companion for big miles. Both bikes benefit from decent, generously sized mirrors.
Verdict It’s a close-run thing – I’d happily jump aboard either and ride to Scotland and back. Neither is especially more comfortable or capable of long distances than the other, but the Honda’s superior, more easily adjustable screen gives it the edge.
Equipment
Here, they’re a mixed bag. The Honda offers five riding modes (Urban, Tour, Gravel, Off-road and User), a USB socket, self-cancelling indicators, off-road ABS, phone connectivity (Bluetooth audio and Apple Carplay/ Android Auto), and cruise control. But the lack of a standard-fit centrestand is a disappointment.
The Suzuki also packs cruise control, a dash-mounted USB port (plus a 12v socket under the seat), three power modes, and two-mode ABS system plus switchable ABS for off-road. It also has hill-hold control, a main stand and quickshifter. The 5in TFT screen doesn’t offer phone connectivity, however. Verdict If connectivity is a deal-maker for you, the Honda wins; but you still have to connect your phone via a wire to use Apple Carplay and there’s nowhere to store a phone. The Suzuki shows that practical components, like a centrestand and quickshifter, go a long way.
Value for money
The 14-grand Suzuki is £800 more expensive than the Honda and is an older model too. However, it has a strong roster of up-to-date tech, including effective and-easy-to-fathom electronics, plush suspension, an excellent up-down quickshifter and cruise control.
The Honda boasts more modes, a tricker TFT dash and connectivity, but lacks practical essentials such as a centrestand and a quickshifter. But even when you factor in these fitments as optional extras, it would still be a couple of hundred quid less than the V-strom. Given that – and the fact that Honda has also tweaked the motor for better
real-world performance (and to pretty good effect too), the CRF ultimately puts up a compelling case when it comes to what you get for your money.
Verdict The Suzuki’s getting on a bit now, so residual values are certain to drop when the company (inevitably) launches a new big Strom. Taking everything into account, it’s an easy decision to make: the Africa Twin is the better-value machine of the two.