BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2015 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin model year 2016 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1200 GS 2015, it is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers a powerful 125 HP and 125 Nm of torque. This engine provides excellent performance and acceleration. The transmission is a prop shaft, which ensures smooth and efficient power delivery. The bike has a displacement of 1170 ccm and is powered by a 2-cylinder engine. The front suspension is a strut with preload adjustment, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with preload adjustment. The frame is made of steel, providing durability and stability. The front brakes are double disk, ensuring strong and reliable stopping power. The bike has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm, with a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1507 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 238 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016, on the other hand, features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 75.1 mm. It delivers a slightly lower engine power of 95 HP and torque of 98 Nm. The transmission is a chain, which is commonly used in off-road motorcycles. Similar to the BMW, it is powered by a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998 ccm. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, while the rear suspension is a swing arm with the same adjustment options. The frame is also made of steel, providing strength and stability. The front brakes are double disk, ensuring reliable braking performance. The bike has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm, with a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer than the BMW at 1575 mm, and the seat height is the same at 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly lighter than the BMW at 232 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is known for its powerful engine, delivering impressive performance on and off-road. It also has a reputation for being reliable and has a comfortable seating position. Additionally, it has a relatively low fuel consumption, making it more economical for long rides.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is praised for its excellent and pleasant driving experience. The engine revs up nicely, providing a thrilling ride. It also has great handling, making it easy to maneuver in various terrains. The bike is highly capable off-road and is suitable for traveling long distances. One unique feature of the Africa Twin is its DCT dual-clutch transmission, which provides smooth and seamless gear changes.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a long and expensive surcharge side, which may be a drawback for some buyers. The Telelever front suspension may also take some getting used to for riders who are accustomed to traditional suspension systems. Additionally, the brake on the BMW is reported to be very sharp, requiring careful modulation.

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016, on the other hand, has been criticized for having an unspectacular engine compared to its competitors. However, this may be subjective and dependent on individual preferences.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 are excellent enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a powerful engine and low fuel consumption, while the Honda provides an enjoyable riding experience and off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2015 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2015
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

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 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth875 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

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

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is about 35% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2015 experiences a loss of 450 GBP in one year and 1,080 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 GBP and 1,740 GBP for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 50 days compared to 66 days for the BMW R 1200 GS. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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