Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 features a boxer, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a higher power output of 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. This gives the BMW a slight advantage in terms of power.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have similar rear suspension setups with a monoshock and 220mm of travel. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork with 230mm of travel, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a telelever front suspension with 210mm of travel. The Honda's front suspension offers slightly more travel, which can be beneficial for off-road riding.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a double cradle frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a load-bearing engine frame. The BMW's frame design contributes to its low center of gravity, which enhances its maneuverability.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features a chain transmission, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a prop shaft transmission. The chain transmission on the Honda may require more maintenance compared to the BMW's prop shaft transmission.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is slightly larger and heavier than the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023. It has a longer wheelbase, taller seat height, and higher kerb weight. However, the BMW also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, which gives it a significantly larger range of 631 km compared to the Honda's 383 km range.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 also offers additional features like cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and anti-wheelie. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 includes additional features like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, and cornering lights.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights and TFT displays. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 also offers Bluetooth connectivity, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 includes cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a heated seat, and an adjustable windscreen.

In summary, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. The Honda offers a slightly smaller engine but comes with a range of electronic driving aids and a DCT option. It also has good ergonomics and long-distance capability. On the other hand, the BMW has a higher-torque engine, great electronics, and a comfortable ride. It also offers practical details and a larger fuel tank for extended range. However, it is heavier and comes at a higher price point.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore92 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel210 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake65.1 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail95.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth980 mm
HeightHeight1,395 mmHeight1,460 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height890 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to910 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange631 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions110 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100km
Stationary noise over 95dBStationary noise over 95dBStationary noise over 95dB

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is about 66% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 64 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 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 9/23/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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