BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
BMW R 1250 GS 2021
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle segment. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them unique.
Starting with the engine and drivetrain, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features an inline engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm, compared to the Honda's 102 HP and 105 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the Honda has a chain transmission.
In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension consists of a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm for the front suspension. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for preload and rebound.
BMW R 1250 GS 2021
In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features a double cradle frame type. The BMW has a slightly steeper rake of 62.9 degrees compared to the Honda's 62.5 degrees, and the trail is also slightly smaller on the BMW at 109 mm compared to the Honda's 113 mm.
Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 also offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie.
In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1525 mm, and the seat height ranges 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 2020 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1575 mm, and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 226 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.
In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers additional features such as cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 comes with LED headlights.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is praised for its great ride comfort and ergonomics, powerful engine, great connectivity app, easy-to-read display, confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and windshield perfect for off-roading.
However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has been criticized for its rough overall appearance and somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has been criticized for the flood of buttons on the left handlebar, which may not be very clear, and the handguards that are not very robust for off-road use. Additionally, the windshield on the Honda offers manageable protection.
In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 have their strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers great ride comfort, a powerful engine, and practical riding aids, while the Honda has a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and good ergonomics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific riding needs.
Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
BMW R 1250 GS 2021
The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
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.
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 2021 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 43% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 650 GBP for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 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.
