The Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Ténéré 700 are two adventure bikes that riders compare all the time. On paper they look similar: twin-cylinder engines, 21-inch front wheels, serious off-road intentions. On the trail and on the highway, they feel like very different motorcycles. This Africa Twin vs Ténéré 700 comparison focuses on the CRF1100L Africa Twin (2020 onward) and the Yamaha Ténéré 700, from wet weight and seat height to touring comfort.
Quick Answer
- Choose the Ténéré 700 if you prioritize off-road riding, low weight and simplicity.
- Choose the Africa Twin if you ride lots of highway miles, carry a passenger or luggage, or want more power and electronics.
Key Specs Compared
Figures below are the 2026 US specifications published by Honda and Yamaha for the standard versions (Africa Twin with manual gearbox). Honda and Yamaha do not publish horsepower figures on their US spec pages, so we don't quote them here. Specs vary by version (Adventure Sports ES, DCT) and model year, so check the exact bike you're considering.
| Africa Twin CRF1100L (2026, manual) | Ténéré 700 (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,084cc parallel twin | 689cc parallel twin (CP2) |
| Weight | 510 lb curb | 459 lb wet |
| Seat height | 34.3 / 33.5 in (two positions) | 34.4 in |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal | 4.2 gal |
| Wheels | 21 in front / 18 in rear, spoked | 21 in front / 18 in rear |
| Suspension travel | 9.1 in front / 8.7 in rear | 8.3 in front / 7.9 in rear |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or DCT automatic | 6-speed manual |
| MSRP (2026) | $15,199 | $10,999 |
Engine and Performance
The Africa Twin's 1,084cc twin is over 50% larger than the Ténéré 700's 689cc twin. On the highway, two-up or loaded with luggage, that extra displacement is where the Honda pulls ahead.
The Ténéré 700 uses the 689cc CP2 twin it shares with the Yamaha MT-07. For reference, Cycle World's dyno test of a 2023 Ténéré 700 measured 61.7 hp and 42.5 lb-ft at the rear wheel. For 2025, Yamaha added ride-by-wire with two throttle maps and a shorter intake duct aimed at low- and mid-range torque.
Off-Road Ability
On paper, the Ténéré 700 has the edge for technical riding: it is about 50 lb lighter than the manual Africa Twin (459 lb wet vs 510 lb curb, as published), and that difference shows when you pick the bike up, ride slow technical terrain or push through sand.
The Africa Twin is built for off-road use too, with spoked 21/18-inch wheels, 9.1 inches of front travel and electronics such as traction control with several levels, wheelie control and off-road ABS settings. Its extra weight is the main trade-off in tight sections.
Comfort and Touring
For long-distance riding, the Africa Twin has the advantage on paper: a larger 5.0-gallon tank (6.6 gallons on the Adventure Sports ES), more displacement for loaded riding, cruise control as standard and a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional DCT automatic transmission is another option the Ténéré 700 doesn't offer.
The Ténéré 700 is comfortable for an off-road-focused bike, but its smaller screen and tank make long highway days more tiring. Many owners add a screen extension and wind deflectors to fix that; see our Ténéré 700 accessories guide and our windshield measuring guide.
Technology
The Africa Twin has the more extensive electronics package: a six-axis IMU with cornering ABS, three ABS modes, seven-level traction control, wheelie control, six riding modes and cruise control. The Ténéré 700 started out with a much simpler setup; for 2025 Yamaha added ride-by-wire with two throttle maps, switchable traction control and a 6.3-inch color TFT, on top of the three-mode selectable ABS the US model already had for 2024.
Protection and Accessories
Whichever you choose, both bikes need protection before serious off-road riding. The radiator, headlight and levers are exposed on both.
Africa Twin CRF1100L
Full upgrade path: Africa Twin upgrades guide.
Ténéré 700
Full protection plan: Ténéré 700 protection guide.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Ténéré 700 is for you if:
- you spend most of your time on dirt roads and trails;
- you're a solo rider who packs light;
- you want a simple bike that's easy to work on;
- you value low weight over power.
The Africa Twin is for you if:
- you ride long highway stretches to reach the dirt;
- you ride two-up or carry heavy luggage;
- you want more power, more electronics or an automatic DCT gearbox;
- you want a bike that can tour comfortably and still handle serious off-road terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Africa Twin better than the Ténéré 700 off-road?
Both are very capable, but the Ténéré 700's lower weight makes it easier to ride in technical terrain, especially for less experienced riders.
Which is better for touring?
The Africa Twin, thanks to its larger engine, bigger fuel tank, standard cruise control and optional DCT automatic gearbox.
Which has a lower seat?
According to the 2026 US specs, the standard Africa Twin's seat adjusts between 34.3 and 33.5 inches, while the Ténéré 700 is listed at 34.4 inches. So the Africa Twin can sit lower in its low position.
Shop Africa Twin CRF1100L accessories and Ténéré 700 accessories.