BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure model year 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT model year 2020 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, starter, and transmission, there are also significant differences in their technical specifications and features.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is equipped with a Boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It has an engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, has an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It has a slightly lower engine power of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a prop shaft transmission, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a chain transmission.

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

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk front brakes. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT also has ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, 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 and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1504 mm and a seat height ranging from 890 mm to 910 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 268 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575 mm and a slightly lower seat height ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 248 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers additional features such as 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 DCT, on the other hand, has LED headlights.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

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, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feeling in the saddle, a pleasant seating position for the pillion passenger, practical riding aids, great headlights, great ergonomics for tall people, and being easy to ride. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT is praised for its powerful engine, wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and almost "too good" wind protection.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is criticized for its high weight that strains when maneuvering, somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT is criticized for its confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, weight, and the price, even if it may be justified.

Overall, both the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities in terms of performance, features, and design.