Head to head
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L vs Yamaha Tenere 700
Big adventure twin against middleweight adventure twin. The decision is really about how much of your riding is genuinely off-road and how much is loaded touring.
The two bikes
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
Adventure · 2016–2026 · Japan
Full-size adventure tourer built to carry luggage and a pillion over long distances.
Best for: Long-haul touring riders who also want real dirt-road ability.
Parts: Extensive luggage and crash-protection ecosystem; consumables sit in the large-capacity band.
Parts that fit it →Yamaha Tenere 700
Adventure · 2019–2026 · Japan
Deliberately simple middleweight with off-road-biased geometry and less weight to pick up.
Best for: Riders whose route includes trails and gravel more than motorways.
Parts: Strong rally-parts scene; cheaper tyres and pads than the big twin.
Parts that fit it →Side by side
Ownership factors, not brochure figures — these are the differences you feel every week.
| Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L | Yamaha Tenere 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Adventure | Adventure |
| Production years | 2016–2026 | 2019–2026 |
| Loaded touring | Stronger — designed for it | Capable but firmer and busier |
| Off-road | Good for its size, heavy to pick up | Better — lighter and more forgiving |
| Luggage options | Very broad OEM and aftermarket | Broad, rally-focused |
| Tyre cost | Large-capacity band | Middleweight band |
| Protection needed | Bars and bash plate for trail use | Bars and bash plate for trail use |
Verdict
The Africa Twin for two-up touring with luggage. The Ténéré 700 if the trail matters more than the motorway.
Already own one of these?
Questions riders ask
Is the Ténéré 700 or Africa Twin better for beginners to adventure riding?
The Ténéré 700 — less weight to manage when it falls over, which happens while learning off-road technique.
Which is cheaper to run?
The Ténéré 700. Its tyres, pads and chain sit in the middleweight price band rather than the large-capacity one.
Can either tour two-up with luggage?
Both can, but the Africa Twin is designed around it. The Ténéré is noticeably firmer and busier once fully loaded.