BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS 2020, it is equipped with a high-torque boxer engine that delivers a strong performance. The engine has a displacement of 1254ccm and produces 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. The bike features an electric starter and a prop shaft transmission. The suspension consists of a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm, as well as a single swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. The frame is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine design. The bike has a front tyre diameter of 19 inches and a rear tyre diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The bike weighs 249kg with ABS and has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. It is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The bike also features LED headlights and an adjustable windscreen.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line engine with a displacement of 1084ccm. The engine produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork 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. The frame is made of steel and has a double cradle design. The bike has a front tyre diameter of 21 inches and a rear tyre diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1574mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The bike weighs 226kg with ABS and has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. It is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The bike also features Bluetooth connectivity, a TFT display, and LED headlights.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 stands out for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, which provides a good sound and powerful performance. The bike also offers a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long distances. It has stable braking performance and good weather protection. The inclusion of a colour TFT display and LED headlights as standard equipment is also a positive feature.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 impresses with its powerful engine and sophisticated electronic driving aids. The optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is praised for its smooth operation. The bike also features a touch-screen colour display and offers good ergonomics, making it comfortable for long rides. The windshield is particularly useful for off-road adventures.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list. Its appearance is described as jagged with little elegance. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has an operating concept for the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive. The handguards are not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield offers only manageable protection. The ergonomics of the bike are also not ideal for standing riding.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a high-torque boxer engine and a comfortable seating position, while the Honda impresses with its powerful engine and sophisticated electronic driving aids. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2020 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Wave

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,574 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

For me, the Africa Twin is a touring enduro as a touring enduro should be. This was already true of the predecessor model and did not change with the increase in displacement and power. Because the latter remained manageable at 102 hp, and Honda even managed to shed a few kilos compared to the CRF1000L. So it remained versatile, functioning just as well on the motorway as off-road. The chassis absorbs almost all bumps, the engine remains sovereign in every situation, ergonomics and seating comfort are exemplary. A motorbike for all days as well as for the big trip - wherever that may be.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 40% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 38. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 23/09/2019.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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