BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 are both powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is equipped with a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc, producing 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and is powered by an electric starter. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports features an in-line engine with a displacement of 1084cc, delivering 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and also features an electric starter.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure comes with a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock absorber and a travel of 220mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports, on the other hand, is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber and a travel of 220mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustable suspension settings for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles feature a steel frame. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a double cradle frame type. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4mm, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm.

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features a double disk brake type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a double disk brake type as well.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure also features anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, and cornering lights. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports offers additional features such as cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 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 wheelbase of 1504mm and a seat height ranging from 890mm to 910mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 268kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 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 ranging from 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 238kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports features Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is praised for its practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range, low fuel consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, a powerful engine, great connectivity app, easy-to-read display, confident feeling in the saddle, pleasant seating position for the pillion passenger, practical riding aids, great headlights, great ergonomics for tall people, and being easy to ride. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is commended for its very good chassis, both mechanical and electronic, the DCT option making it a superior touring bike, high-quality and practical electronic ride aids, fundamentally good wind protection, high-quality overall impression, flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve, accessible handling, very pleasant ride, and being a wonderfully versatile bike.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is criticized for its high weight, which strains when maneuvering, somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is noted for its wind protection being too good in the heat, making it difficult to have airflow even in the lowest position of the wind shield, operation via the numerous switches seeming complex overall even after 2 days of testing, and the seat feeling a bit too soft after a long day.