BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1200 GS 2016, it boasts a powerful boxer engine with 125 HP and 125 Nm of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration and impressive power delivery. Additionally, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a low consumption rate, making it an efficient choice for long rides. The comfortable seating position allows for extended periods of riding without discomfort. Furthermore, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is designed to be versatile and can be used both on and off-road, making it suitable for various riding conditions. It also has a high reputation in the motorcycle community, known for its reliability and performance.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 features an in-line engine with 102 HP and 105 Nm of torque. While it may have slightly less power than the BMW R 1200 GS 2016, it compensates with a high-torque engine that delivers strong performance. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is equipped with sophisticated electronic driving aids, providing enhanced safety and control. Additionally, it offers the option of a wonderfully functioning DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), which allows for seamless gear shifting. The touch-screen color display adds a modern touch to the motorcycle's dashboard. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 also has good ergonomics, ensuring a comfortable riding experience, and is designed for long-distance capability. The windshield is specifically designed for off-roading, providing adequate protection against wind and debris.

Despite their strengths, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a long and expensive surcharge side, which may deter some potential buyers. Additionally, the Telelever front suspension may take some getting used to, as it has a different feel compared to traditional forks. The brakes on the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 are also known to be very sharp, requiring careful modulation.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020, on the other hand, has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear or intuitive to use. The handguards provided may not be very robust for off-road use, potentially compromising their durability. While the windshield offers some protection, it may not be sufficient for more extreme off-road conditions.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 excels with its powerful engine, low consumption, and comfortable seating position, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 stands out with its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and long-distance capability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2016 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2016
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

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 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 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 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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.

High-torque engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

long-distance capability

windshield perfect for off-roading

Flood of buttons on left handlebar not very clear

handguards not very robust for off-road use

windshield offers manageable protection

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is about 8% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2016 experiences a loss of 420 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 650 GBP for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 70 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 23/09/2019.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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