By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx (MY2015) vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin (SD 04-DCT)
At the first roll of throttle after a swap, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx's triple pulls hard and doesn't turn rough as the revs climb. On the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, that same twist of the wrist brings a deep rumble and drive spread wide across the range. That pull starts low and doesn't fade.
So which one do you buy?
The Tiger 800 XCx has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: Tiger 800 XCx
For big miles, the Tiger 800 XCx edges it. Credit better wind protection.
The CRF1000L Africa Twin has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: CRF1000L Africa Twin
On upkeep, the CRF1000L Africa Twin asks a bit less of your wallet. The difference won't change your life.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
A touch ahead: CRF1000L Africa Twin
Through a string of corners, the CRF1000L Africa Twin feels a little more eager. Most of that is better suspension and stronger brakes. The gap is small, so ride both.
Real off-road capability
Inches ahead: CRF1000L Africa Twin
For dirt roads and trails, the CRF1000L Africa Twin makes slightly more sense. Put it down to more suspension adjustment. The difference is modest at best.
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: CRF1000L Africa Twin
Day in, day out, the CRF1000L Africa Twin nudges ahead in traffic. What tips it: lower running costs. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear advantage
The Tiger 800 XCx costs less, but that doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value alone. Your choice depends on what you want it for.
What makes each one tick
Tiger 800 XCx
Behind the Tiger 800 XCx's off-road styling sits a road bike that's still glad to take the gravel detour. Corner entry gives it away: the chassis steers with the polish and fun of Triumph's road triples. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, the engine stays smooth from low rpm between bends, and there's still a top-end rush when a straight opens up. Weekday mornings, its key goes first.
Nils rode the Tiger 800 XCx in Austria in 2015 (NastyNils Testride).
CRF1000L Africa Twin
On dirt, the Africa Twin's slim rally chassis and tall front wheel come alive. Back on pavement, it's still composed. A fire-road rock disappears into the long-travel suspension before it reaches the seat. The upright seat's still roomy at sundown.
Nils rode the CRF1000L Africa Twin in Styria in 2019 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Tiger 800 XCx has the lower seat: 33.1 in (840 mm) vs 34.3 in (870 mm).
- The Tiger 800 XCx has the lower wet weight: 487 lb (221 kg) vs 534 lb (242 kg).
- The CRF1000L Africa Twin makes more peak torque: 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) vs 58 lb-ft (79 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Tiger 800 XCx
Strengths
- Kit List Gets It Right
- Better Than Its Spec Sheet
- Strong and Smooth Together
- Carries Gear, Goes Far
- High build quality and reliability
Trade-offs
- Off-Road Looks, Road Character
- It Can Refuse to Start
- Rattle From the Rear End
- Coolant Clamps Can Seep
- Suspension undersprung for heavier riders
CRF1000L Africa Twin
What owners say
Strengths
- Excellent off-road capability
- Smooth, characterful parallel-twin engine
Known problems to check before you buy
Tiger 800 XCx
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
CRF1000L Africa Twin
- Intermittent cold start difficulty Some owners report that the engine struggles to start or turns over slowly when cold, particularly after being ridden for over 19,000 mi (30,000 km). The cause is often linked to the starter switch or fuel system.
- Switchgear corrosion causing electrical faults Moisture ingress into the handlebar switch clusters leads to corrosion, resulting in intermittent DCT shifting errors, headlight malfunctions, and starting issues. Cleaning and treating with anti-corrosion spray often fixes it.
- DCT transmission can stick in neutral or fail to shift Some owners report the dual-clutch transmission occasionally refusing to shift, holding a single gear, or dropping into neutral with a flashing neutral indicator and a fault warning. The cause is usually traced to the electronic shift control system, such as the shift actuator motor, the gear position or shift spindle angle sensors, or their wiring connectors, rather than internal gearbox wear. A dealer diagnostic check and a software reset or sensor replacement usually resolves it.
- Corrosion on spokes and fasteners Nickel-plated spokes and various steel fasteners are prone to rust, especially when exposed to wet conditions or salted roads. Some owners have had wheels replaced under warranty, but the issue persists.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old Tiger 800 XCx with an 8-year-old CRF1000L Africa Twin.
- Tiger 800 XCx
- about $7,200
- CRF1000L Africa Twin
- about $9,700
At eight years old, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx sits around $7,200 while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin runs about $9,700. That's a $2,500 gap in the Tiger's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 90/90-21
Where the spec sheets split
| Tiger 800 XCx | CRF1000L Africa Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) | 34.3 in (870 mm) |
| Wet weight | 487 lb (221 kg) | 534 lb (242 kg) |
| Tiger 800 XCx | CRF1000L Africa Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 799 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three | Parallel twin |
| Power | 94 hp (70 kW) | 95 hp (70 kW) |
| Torque | 58 lb-ft (79 Nm) | 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) |
| Tiger 800 XCx | CRF1000L Africa Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 US gal (19 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.8 L) |
| Tiger 800 XCx | CRF1000L Africa Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 150/70-18 |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (220 mm) | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Front travel | 8.7 in (220 mm) | 9.1 in (230 mm) |
| Rear travel | 8.5 in (215 mm) | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Tiger 800 XCx | CRF1000L Africa Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
