Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 vs. BMW F 800 GS 2008

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

BMW F 800 GS 2008

BMW F 800 GS 2008

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Overview - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 vs BMW F 800 GS 2008

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 and the BMW F 800 GS 2008 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer a combination of on-road and off-road capabilities. While they have some similarities in terms of engine power, transmission, and seat height, there are also notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 has a slight advantage with 95 HP compared to the BMW F 800 GS 2008's 85 HP. This extra power can provide a more exhilarating riding experience and better acceleration.

Both motorcycles feature a chain transmission, which is common in off-road bikes for its durability and ease of maintenance. This type of transmission allows for smooth power delivery and efficient transfer of power from the engine to the wheels.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 and the BMW F 800 GS 2008 have a 2-cylinder engine, which provides a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. The Honda has a slightly larger displacement at 998cc compared to the BMW's 798cc. This larger displacement can result in more torque and better low-end power.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a similar wheelbase of around 1575-1578mm, which contributes to their stability and maneuverability. The seat height is also the same at 850mm, providing a comfortable riding position for most riders. However, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is slightly heavier with a dry weight of 208kg compared to the BMW F 800 GS 2008's 191kg. This additional weight may affect the bike's agility and handling, especially off-road.

When it comes to fuel tank capacity, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 has a larger tank at 18.8 liters compared to the BMW F 800 GS 2008's 16 liters. This can result in a longer range and fewer fuel stops during long-distance rides.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is praised for its excellent and enjoyable ride, with a smooth-revving engine and great handling. It is also highly regarded for its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for adventure and off-road riding. Additionally, the unique DCT dual-clutch transmission offers convenience and ease of use.

BMW F 800 GS 2008

BMW F 800 GS 2008

On the other hand, the BMW F 800 GS 2008 is known for its relatively low price, providing good value for money. It also offers positive ride comfort, making it suitable for long rides. The bike is beginner-friendly and has a relatively low weight, making it easier to handle for riders of all skill levels. The BMW F 800 GS 2008 also offers a relatively luxurious riding experience.

As for weaknesses, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is criticized for having an unspectacular engine, which may not provide the same level of excitement as some other motorcycles in its class. On the other hand, the BMW F 800 GS 2008 is noted for having an annoying background noise in the high rev range, which can be bothersome during longer rides. Additionally, the BMW F 800 GS 2008 does not offer optional extras that are available on the larger GS models.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 and the BMW F 800 GS 2008 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda offers a more powerful engine, excellent off-road performance, and the convenience of a dual-clutch transmission. On the other hand, the BMW provides good value for money, comfortable ride, and a beginner-friendly experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 compared to BMW F 800 GS 2008

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016
BMW F 800 GS 2008

Engine and Drive Train

Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power85 HP
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement798 ccm

Dimensions and Weights

WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,578 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Dry WeightDry Weight208 kgDry Weight191 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity16 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The legend is back, Honda claimed wholeheartedly - but the mission has succeeded to the highest degree, the Africa Twin with the rather bulky name CRF1000L Africa Twin is a very agile and excellently rideable enduro that works well on all surfaces. This also applies to gravel and single trails, where easy handling is of course very important. With 95 hp, it is a proud 65 hp short of the Elite, but you don't need more for such balanced handling. In one respect, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is completely unrivalled - it can be ordered with a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

extremely good and pleasant to drive

engine revs up nicely

great handling

works very well off-road

very suitable for travelling

unique DCT dual-clutch transmission

the engine is unspectacular

BMW F 800 GS 2008

BMW F 800 GS 2008

For us, the 800 GS is not a small GS, but a GS for non-BMW fans. So in principle it combines the virtues of the 1200 without its quirks, as newcomers would say.

Low price

positive ride comfort

beginner-friendly

low weight

relatively luxurious.

Annoying background noise in the (necessary) high rev range

no optional extras of the big GS

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin vs BMW F 800 GS

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 and a BMW F 800 GS 2008. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is about 44% higher. A Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 experiences a loss of 660 GBP in one year and 1,740 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 490 GBP and 1,650 GBP for a BMW F 800 GS 2008. Compared to BMW F 800 GS 2008 there are more Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a BMW F 800 GS with 47 days compared to 50 days for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin and 22 reviews for the BMW F 800 GS since model year 2008. The first review for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin was published on 12/05/2015 and now has more than 13,600 views. This compares to more than 32,600 views for the first review on BMW F 800 GS published on 07/11/2007.

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW F 800 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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