BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2017 is equipped with a boxer engine, which provides a mature and well-established concept. The engine has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, resulting in a powerful output of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft, which ensures smooth and efficient power transfer. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1170 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS features a strut front suspension with preload adjustment and a single swing arm rear suspension with preload adjustment. The frame is made of steel, providing a sturdy and reliable structure. The front brakes are double disk, ensuring powerful stopping capabilities.

The dimensions and weights of the BMW R 1200 GS include a 19-inch front tire diameter, a 170 mm rear tire width, and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase measures 1507 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 238 kg. The fuel tank has a capacity of 20 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports model year 2018 is equipped with an in-line engine. The bore measures 92 mm and the stroke is 75.1 mm, resulting in an engine power of 95 HP and a torque of 98 Nm. The transmission is a chain, providing efficient power transfer. Similar to the BMW, the Honda has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 998 ccm.

The suspension of the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports consists of an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, and a swing arm rear suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The frame is also made of steel, ensuring durability and stability. The front brakes are double disk, providing reliable braking performance.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a 21-inch front tire diameter, a 150 mm rear tire width, and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase measures 1580 mm and the seat height is 900 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is slightly higher than the BMW at 243 kg. However, the Honda has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.2 liters.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 offers a mature concept, a strong engine, easy handling, powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, an extensive equipment range, and a good image and value retention. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has a powerful and unagitated engine, a comfortable chassis, a comfortable seating position, superb looks, good brakes, a large fuel tank, performance modes, and an optional DCT.

However, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 does have some weaknesses, including the fact that many features come at an extra cost and the boxer engine may be exposed in really tough terrain. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 has some weaknesses such as not quite optimal wind protection, the absence of cruise control, a high saddle that may be difficult to climb for smaller riders, and the inability to switch off the ABS on the front wheel.