BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS 2020, it is equipped with a boxer engine that delivers an impressive 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. This high-torque engine provides a good sound and ensures a powerful performance on and off-road. The bike also offers a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long distances. The braking performance is stable, and the bike offers good weather protection. It comes with a colour TFT display as standard and LED headlights, providing clear visibility. However, one weakness of the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is its manageable standard equipment and long surcharge list. Additionally, some may find its appearance to be jagged with little elegance.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 boasts a very good chassis, both in terms of mechanical and electronic components. It offers a DCT option, which makes it a superior touring bike. The electronic ride aids are of high quality and practical, enhancing the overall riding experience. The wind protection is fundamentally good, although some may find it too effective in hot weather as even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly allows any wind through. The engine of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 is flawless, with great response and a linear torque curve. The handling is accessible and the ride is very pleasant. The bike is also versatile, allowing for various riding styles. However, one weakness of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 is the complex operation via the numerous switches, which may seem overwhelming even after two days of testing. Additionally, some riders may find the seat to be a bit too soft after a long day of riding.

In terms of technical specifications, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a larger engine displacement of 1254cc compared to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022's 1084cc. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a slightly higher engine power of 136 horsepower, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers 102 horsepower. The torque is also higher in the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 with 143 Nm compared to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022's 105 Nm.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm.

Both bikes have a steel frame, but the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a double cradle frame type. The rake and trail are similar in both bikes, with the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 having a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109mm, and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm.

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk front brakes. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 does not specify the type of brakes, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers cornering ABS in addition to ABS.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and ride by wire. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers additional features like cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

The dimensions and weights of the bikes are also slightly different. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a wheelbase of 1525mm and a seat height of 850mm, which can be adjusted up to 870mm. The kerb weight of the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 with ABS is 249kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575mm and the same seat height and adjustable seat height as the BMW R 1250 GS 2020. The kerb weight of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 with ABS is slightly lighter at 238kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, both bikes offer LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has an adjustable windscreen, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers additional features such as Bluetooth, connectivity, and a TFT display.

Overall, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 excels in terms of its high-torque engine, comfortable seating position, and stable braking performance. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers a very good chassis, practical electronic ride aids, and a versatile riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.