BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has an inline engine. The BMW has a larger bore of 101 mm compared to the Honda's 92 mm, which may result in better overall performance. However, the Honda has a larger stroke of 81.5 mm compared to the BMW's 73 mm, which may contribute to better torque delivery. In terms of power, the BMW offers 125 HP, while the Honda provides 102 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque rating of 125 Nm compared to the Honda's 105 Nm. Both motorcycles have a 2-cylinder configuration and a similar displacement, with the BMW at 1170 ccm and the Honda at 1084 ccm.

Moving on to the suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 features a front strut suspension with preload adjustment, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has an upside-down telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. Both motorcycles have a swing arm rear suspension with preload and rebound adjustment. The BMW's suspension setup may provide a more comfortable and controlled ride on various terrains, while the Honda's suspension offers more adjustability for personalized settings.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. However, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 utilizes a twin-tube, load-bearing engine design, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 features a double cradle frame. The BMW's frame design may offer better stability and handling, while the Honda's frame may provide improved strength and durability.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk front brakes. This ensures strong stopping power and reliable performance in various riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The BMW has a slightly wider rear tire width of 170 mm compared to the Honda's 150 mm. The BMW also has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1507 mm compared to the Honda's 1574 mm. Both motorcycles have the same seat height of 850 mm. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a kerb weight of 238 kg, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 weighs slightly less at 226 kg. The BMW also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters compared to the Honda's 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is praised for its mature concept, strong engine, easy handling, powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, extensive equipment range, good image, and value retention. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 is praised for its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has many features that come at an extra cost, and its boxer engine may be exposed in really tough terrain. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has an operating concept for the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive, less robust handguards for off-road use, a windshield that offers manageable protection, and ergonomics that may not be ideal for standing riding.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a more mature and well-established package with a powerful engine and extensive equipment options, while the Honda provides a powerful engine, advanced electronic aids, and a user-friendly touch-screen display. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2017 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

BMW R 1200 GS 2017
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle 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 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,574 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 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 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

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

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 1200 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 13% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 84 compared to 4. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 82 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. 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 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 23/09/2019.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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