Honda CRF110F and Yamaha TT-R110E 2020
The off-road motorcycle market is changing rapidly. To please bureaucrats who are adherents of eco-norms, Japanese manufacturers are forced to reduce the emissions of their inexpensive family models. Honda last year switched its CRF-F line (with the exception of the CRF50F) to fuel injection. Kawasaki joined with the KLX230R and KLX300R in 2020. Yamaha and Suzuki have so far remained aloof from these trends, and their analogues are still carburetor-based. And this got us thinking about comparing how the fuel-injected CRF110F looks in 2021 against the carburetor Yamaha TT-R110E
Yamaha VX 1100 personal watercraft - a brief history of the model
The Yamaha 1100 jet ski was released in 2007 and immediately took a leading position among machines in this class. Yamaha designers constantly worked to improve the design and ensured that this model of jet ski became one of the best-selling. Throughout the entire production period, the four-stroke power unit with a water cooling system and a liter engine with four cylinders remained unchanged.
The Yamaha VX 1100 jet ski has very enviable power
In 2015, the model underwent major changes. The body has lengthened and increased in width, and the volume of luggage capacity has also increased. The designers also worked on changing the appearance of the model. The modernized jet ski is equipped with an electronic ignition unit, a RiDE system for active maneuvering, cruise control and a wave reduction mode.
Jet ski Yamaha VX 1100 - technical specifications and description
The success and popularity of a water cruiser is due to its safety, increased comfort, balance, ergonomics and reliability. This model is chosen by those who are not satisfied with a conventional entry-level jet ski with standard performance characteristics. Let's figure out what's so special about this model.
Power
The liter DOHC four-stroke engine with a compression ratio of 11.4:1 is capable of developing 110 hp. Fuel supply is controlled by an electronic injection system. The high power reserve allows the jet ski to be used for water sports and racing.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy fast acceleration and maneuverability.
Maximum speed
Thanks to a powerful motor and well-chosen hydrodynamic characteristics of the hull, the jet ski quickly overcomes the 100-kilometer speed threshold. When fully loaded, it can reach a speed of 110-115 km/h. Thrill-seekers will enjoy fast acceleration and maneuverability.
Dimensions and comfort
The jet ski has quite decent dimensions and is light in weight:
- length reaches 3350 mm;
- width is 1220 mm;
- height does not exceed 1190 mm;
- dry weight does not exceed 310 kg.
The manufacturer has provided everything to make riding a jet ski safe and comfortable. A unique electronic system controls engine operation, the hull is made of durable NanoXcel material, the variable deadrise of the hull guarantees stability when maneuvering, and cruise seats provide a comfortable fit.
There is also ample storage space, cup holders and a boarding step.
The Yamaha VX 1100 jet ski has quite decent dimensions.
Test Honda CRF110F and Yamaha TT-R110E 2021
Our testers suited up and went. The spectacle turned out to be extremely touching, but the comparison of the two motorcycles itself turned out to be quite serious and professional.
Observing the young testers gave us quite a lot. It quickly became clear that the Yamaha TT-R110E has more charisma in this pair. It is louder (though not too loud), and spins up faster. Where the Yamaha roars, the Honda CRF110F rather purrs. Both testers soon decided on their favorite, and they told us why.
The girl has already driven the 2021 version of the Honda CRF110F (that’s when it first became fuel-injected). This model is still a little big for her in size and weight, but she likes how much more powerful it is than her CRF50F. The Yamaha TT-R110E was new to our lady, but she quickly got the hang of it.
Now the girl has grown up compared to last year and is quite capable of handling a 110cc class bike and its power. The Yamaha TT-R110E rode noticeably faster under her, and the rider even quite confidently pulled her rear off in turns for faster passage. According to her, the Yamaha generally turns better, and its suspension is more successful on bumps and stones.
And she also liked the size of the Yamaha better - she feels more confident on a larger motorcycle.
Our guy recently took a driving course on a Honda CRF110F, and then rode it a couple more times outside the city, and that’s where his motorcycle experience ends. It was very interesting and exciting for him to compare the larger and meaner Yamaha TT-R110E motorcycle with the already familiar Honda, especially since he is a big fan of motorcycles and knows by heart the characteristics of many models of various classes. Plus, he plans to buy a motorcycle for himself.
It turned out that the ideal SUV for him was the Honda CRF110F. The smoother ride, extra stability and lower seat have suited him very well - he's still at that stage of learning where you feel more confident being able to reach the ground with both feet. The Honda's shorter suspensions were softer than the Yamaha's, and our tester found them more comfortable at the speeds he rode at.
And all this does not mean at all that any of the guys completely rejected the idea of riding a second motorcycle.
The girl did not like that the Honda CRF110F requires more intelligent steering, but it is much easier to jump on it. And the guy, although slightly taken aback by the sharper throttle of the Yamaha TT-R110E, enjoyed riding it over a couple of downright scary rocky and sandy sections.
It was interesting to watch how our test riders improved their skills before our eyes by switching motorcycles. The guy very soon drove faster and more aggressively, because he really didn’t want to lag behind the small girl. And for her, as a more experienced athlete, quickly getting used to the new motorcycle became a matter of honor.
It’s interesting that the Honda CRF110F seemed more stable to both guys. All the numbers indicate that the Yamaha TT-R110E should be much less nimble. We assumed that young people simply felt more confident and safer on the lower, smoother Honda with softer suspension - or maybe the difference in weight played a role. The girl quite confidently stated that the Yamaha turns better - and who are we to argue?
Ergonomics
Both testers had nothing bad to say about the ergonomics. True, larger riders would like more clearance between the footrest and the gearbox tab on the Honda. The rear brake pedal is comfortable on both bikes and the drum brakes are adequate for the size and speed. Plus, both bikes have good engine braking.
Tires
The Honda CRF110F is shod with CST tires, while the Yamaha TT-R110E is shod with Cheng Shin. CST, however, also means Cheng Shin Tires. The Honda's tires are a newer design, but the Yamaha's are so old they still have UK size markings. It was not possible to measure them accurately, but the differences in their dimensions are insignificant. And if you just can't stand the fact that your child drives on cheap (albeit quite good) tires, both models can be converted to Dunlop Geomax MX33 (and earn the title of Parent of the Year).
Weight
Even though the Honda CRF110F and Yamaha TT-R110E are designed for kids, our young riders didn't do a very good job of picking them up after a fall. The Honda is heavier, but has a lower center of gravity, making it a little easier to lift. But for a 30-kilogram girl, a bike weighing about 80 kilograms is an unbearable weight. It’s a little easier for the guy: he’s older and somewhat larger, but he couldn’t do it without help. Of course, these motorcycles are intended for children, but not for independent riding, so adult supervision is required, and these adults managed to get used to small, but not too light motorcycles during the test.
Both models look premium and feature modern graphics. Honda is perhaps a little more interesting thanks to its cross-country double-spar frame.
Cost of maintenance and reliability
While children enjoy riding, pragmatic adults think about such prosaic things as the cost of ownership, maintenance and reliability. The design of the Yamaha TT-R110E dates back many years and is known for its reliability. The current generation of Honda CRF110F is completely new, but in our experience, all models of the Honda CRF-F line are distinguished by impeccable reliability and a well-deserved reputation for being indestructible. So you don’t have to worry too much about these motorcycles, and the maintenance is quite typical: clean the air filter, change the oil, look after the chain and battery.
Getting to the Honda CRF110F filter is easy. It's located between the tank covers, but you don't even have to remove the plastic to access it. The airbox cover is secured with four bolts. Just unscrew them and the filter is in your hands, ready for cleaning.
And Yamaha made accessing the filter a whole quest. You need to remove the seat (two bolts), then the right plastic (two bolts and two screws). Then three self-tapping screws securing the airbox cover. That's nine hardware and two tools - compare to four hardware and one tool for the Honda.
Yamaha's drain plug is located on the side of the engine, and the oil level is determined by the dipstick. Honda has a plug located at the bottom, and there is also a dipstick in the filler neck. Everything seems to be more or less the same, but Yamaha is a little simpler.
Both motorcycles use the same chain tightening system - bolt, adjusting nut and locknut. When adjusting the chain, you should also adjust the rear brake. Yamaha makes this easier thanks to the wing on the brake lever, while Honda uses a regular nut for the same purpose. Of course, modern chains are reliable and do not require tightening too often - especially if they are lubricated regularly. By the way, both motorcycles have surprisingly good chain guards.
It makes sense to recharge the batteries of both motorcycles when used rarely. This is done in the same way, for example, you can permanently connect an adapter to the terminals, and connect the charger to it.
One thing regarding the fuel system that makes the Honda CRF110F much more interesting is the injector. The carburetor can become clogged with deposits if the motorcycle is not ridden frequently. And such a small carburetor as on the TT-R110E - the 16th Mikuni - has narrow jets and is even more susceptible to clogging. The fuel-injected Honda does not have such problems.
Both motorcycles are equipped with an electric starter, but the fuel-injected Honda is much easier to start than the carb Yamaha. A short press of the CRF110F starter button is enough to instantly be ready to ride. But the TT-R110E in the cold requires turning on the suction, plus a couple of minutes to warm up. If this motorcycle falls, the Mikuni carburetor may flood, making starting difficult. And again, this is not a problem for Honda. The kickstarters on both motorcycles work quite well - one or two kicks are enough to start a warm engine.
