Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2022
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
BMW R 1250 GS 2022
Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2022
The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2022 are both popular enduro motorcycles known for their off-road capabilities and long-distance touring capabilities. However, there are several key differences between the two models.
In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. The BMW R 1250 GS, on the other hand, features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a higher output of 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has a chain transmission while the BMW R 1250 GS has a prop shaft transmission.
When it comes to suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm in the front, and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm in the rear. The BMW R 1250 GS, on the other hand, features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm, and a single swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm in the rear.
In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has a double cradle frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS has a load-bearing engine frame. The rake and trail measurements are similar, with the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm, and the BMW R 1250 GS having a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109mm.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020
When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes in the front. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The BMW R 1250 GS also has ABS, along with anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 226kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. The BMW R 1250 GS has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525mm and the same adjustable seat height range of 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is higher at 249kg and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.
In terms of equipment, both motorcycles are equipped with LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS also features cornering lights, adjustable windscreen, and app integration.
In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which is highly regarded, touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It is also noted for having a windshield that is perfect for off-roading.
BMW R 1250 GS 2022
The BMW R 1250 GS is praised for its extremely torquey boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, great app integration, sophisticated operating concept, great ergonomics, many customization options, great handling with strong confidence in the front, and easy driveability.
However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has some weaknesses, including a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, and a windshield that offers manageable protection.
The BMW R 1250 GS has some weaknesses as well, including awkward shifting at low revs, a seat that is considered too lax, and brakes and suspension that are no longer on par with the strong competition.
In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin offers a high-torque engine and sophisticated electronic driving aids, while the BMW R 1250 GS provides an extremely torquey boxer engine and a comfortable seating position. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.
Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2022
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
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.
BMW R 1250 GS 2022
The BMW R 1250 GS presents itself as a very complete motorbike even in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it convinces on intensive rides. The motorbike scores points with its wonderful engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in direct comparison with other touring enduros in the top league, it is now showing its first weaknesses in terms of equipment and the components installed. However, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1250 GS
There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2022 is about 48% higher. A Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 experiences a loss of 650 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS 2022. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2022 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 36. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 50 days compared to 106 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.
