BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 are both enduro motorcycles that offer great performance and versatility. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a powerful engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016, on the other hand, features an in-line engine with a displacement of 998cc. It has a slightly lower engine power of 95 HP and a torque of 98 Nm. While the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a prop shaft transmission, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 uses a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature a monoshock rear suspension, but the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a telelever front suspension, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension. Both motorcycles offer adjustable suspension settings for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame, providing stability and durability. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a slightly higher kerb weight of 249 kg compared to the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016, which weighs 232 kg. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 has a capacity of 18.8 liters.

Both motorcycles are equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers additional features like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and a traction control system.

In terms of dimensions, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575 mm compared to the 1525 mm wheelbase of the BMW R 1250 GS 2021. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm, which can be adjusted up to 870 mm.

When it comes to strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, thanks to its versatile chassis. It also has a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, and an easy-to-read display. The motorcycle provides a confident feel in the saddle and comes with practical riding aids, making it easy to ride.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 is praised for being extremely good and pleasant to drive. It has a nicely revving engine, great handling, and works very well off-road. The motorcycle is also considered very suitable for traveling, especially with its unique DCT dual-clutch transmission.

However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has some weaknesses, including a rough overall appearance and somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016, on the other hand, is criticized for having an unspectacular engine.

In summary, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a more powerful engine and a range of advanced features, while the Honda provides a unique transmission system and excellent off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences and riding needs.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeDual-clutch
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

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 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth875 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 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 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016

The legend is back, Honda claimed wholeheartedly - but the mission has succeeded to the highest degree, the Africa Twin with the rather bulky name CRF1000L Africa Twin is a very agile and excellently rideable enduro that works well on all surfaces. This also applies to gravel and single trails, where easy handling is of course very important. With 95 hp, it is a proud 65 hp short of the Elite, but you don't need more for such balanced handling. In one respect, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is completely unrivalled - it can be ordered with a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

extremely good and pleasant to drive

engine revs up nicely

great handling

works very well off-road

very suitable for travelling

unique DCT dual-clutch transmission

the engine is unspectacular

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 107% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 GBP in one year and 300 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 GBP and 1,740 GBP for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2016 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 50 days compared to 55 days for the BMW R 1250 GS. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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