Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle category. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, displacement, and front brake type, they also have notable differences in specifications and performance.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc. It produces 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque, which provides a pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine for a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS features a boxer engine with the same number of cylinders and a displacement of 1170cc. It offers a more powerful engine with 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque, making it a strong performer.

In terms of suspension, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear. The suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound, providing versatility for different riding conditions. However, some riders find that the suspension is too comfortably tuned at high speeds, which may affect its off-road performance. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS is equipped with a strut front suspension and a single swing arm suspension at the rear. The front suspension is adjustable for preload, offering some customization options for riders.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Both motorcycles have a steel frame, ensuring durability and stability during rides. They also have double disk front brakes for effective stopping power. However, the BMW R 1200 GS offers additional features such as adjustable modes and traction control, providing enhanced handling and safety. It also has extensive equipment options, allowing riders to customize their motorcycle according to their preferences. The BMW R 1200 GS also has a good image and value retention, making it a popular choice among riders.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm, while the BMW R 1200 GS has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170mm. The wheelbase of the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is slightly longer at 1575mm compared to the BMW R 1200 GS's 1507mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850mm, which may be suitable for riders with a height of 175cm. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has a kerb weight of 232kg, while the BMW R 1200 GS is slightly heavier at 238kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is 18.8 liters, while the BMW R 1200 GS has a larger capacity of 20 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin offers a comfortable ride and a perfectly dimensioned engine. Its seat height is also slightly lower than the BMW R 1200 GS, making it suitable for riders with a height of 175cm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS has a mature concept with a strong engine and easy handling. It also offers powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, and an extensive equipment range. It has a good image and value retention, which may be appealing to some riders.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The suspension elements of the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin are too comfortably tuned at high speeds, which may affect its off-road performance. The traction control also needs to be readjusted after every short break, which can be annoying for off-road riders. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS has many features that come at an extra cost, which may increase the overall price of the motorcycle. Additionally, the boxer engine of the BMW R 1200 GS may be exposed in really tough terrain, which can be a disadvantage for off-road riders.

In conclusion, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin offers a comfortable ride and a perfectly dimensioned engine, while the BMW R 1200 GS provides a mature concept with a strong engine, easy handling, and extensive features. Riders should consider their preferences and riding style to choose the motorcycle that best suits their needs.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017
BMW R 1200 GS 2017
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Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017
BMW R 1200 GS 2017
BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore92 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke75.1 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque98 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,335 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth875 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)232 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 41% higher. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 13 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 91 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 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. 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 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

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Price BMW R 1200 GS

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