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

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has an in-line engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 136 HP compared to the Honda's 102 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 143 Nm compared to the Honda's 105 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the Honda has a chain transmission. Both motorcycles have 2 cylinders, but the BMW has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm compared to the Honda's 1084 ccm.

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

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a double cradle frame type. Both motorcycles have a rake angle of around 62 degrees, but the Honda has a slightly larger trail of 113 mm compared to the BMW's 109 mm.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has additional advanced rider assistance systems such as cornering ABS, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is 170 mm. The wheelbase is 1525 mm and the seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 249 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The rear tire width is 150 mm. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1575 mm and the seat height is also adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 250 kg, slightly heavier than the BMW, and the fuel tank capacity is larger at 24.8 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also has a windscreen that is adjustable, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a touch-screen color display.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is praised for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, good sound, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, standard color TFT display, and LED headlights. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT, touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, windshield with a good adjustment range, and semi-active suspension close to perfection.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, as well as its jagged appearance with little elegance. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 is criticized for its operating concept of the electronics not being very clear and intuitive, and its handguards not being very robust for off-road use.