Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. BMW R 1300 GS 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

Loading...

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs BMW R 1300 GS 2024

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles, but they have some key differences in their specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 HP of power and 105 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a chain transmission and has an electric starter. On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has a boxer, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1300cc. It delivers a higher power output of 145 HP and torque of 149 Nm. The engine is equipped with a prop shaft transmission and also has an electric starter.

In terms of suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and offers a travel of 220 mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has a telelever front suspension with a travel of 190 mm and a paralever rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload.

Both motorcycles have steel frames, but the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a double cradle frame, while the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has a load-bearing engine frame. The rake and trail measurements are also slightly different, with the Honda having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm, and the BMW having a rake of 63.8 degrees and a trail of 112 mm.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk front brakes. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. It also has additional features like Bluetooth, connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 also has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, combined brake system, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. It is equipped with LED headlights and a TFT display as well.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1574 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, a kerb weight (with ABS) of 226 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1518 mm, the same seat height of 850 mm, a slightly higher kerb weight (with ABS) of 237 kg, and a slightly larger fuel tank capacity of 19 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is praised for its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and a wonderfully functioning DCT (optional). It also offers a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. The windshield is also appreciated for its off-road performance.

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 is praised for its powerful engine with excellent response behavior and very good traction. It offers stable handling while still being agile and cornering-friendly. The motorbike has a practical configuration with a wide range of ergonomic customization options. The handguards provide surprisingly good wind protection, and the radar cruise control is well-integrated. The operating concept is understandable, and the display is easy to read. The brakes are powerful, and the gearbox is precise. The motorbike also has an emergency call system that is well-functioning and unobtrusively integrated.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has an operating concept for the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive. The handguards are not very robust for off-road use, and the windshield offers manageable protection. The ergonomics are also not ideal for standing riding.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has limitations in terms of configuration options, as some unnecessary extras may need to be selected. The suspension, while working at a high level, does not offer flawless response behavior or a wide adjustment range. The front collision warning system can trigger annoying false alarms in rough everyday driving. A slight rolling motion can be experienced with a very sporty riding style, and the motorbike may appear too compact for tall riders, especially from the rear. The ABS system also gives too much feedback into the brake lever during sporty riding.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda offers a sophisticated electronic package and good ergonomics, while the BMW impresses with its powerful engine and practical configuration options. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to BMW R 1300 GS 2024

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
BMW R 1300 GS 2024

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore92 mmBore106.5 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power145 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque149 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio13.3
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 ccmDisplacement1,300 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
TravelTravel230 mmTravel190 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionParalever
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake63.8 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail112 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter285 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, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

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 mmLength2,212 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth1,000 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,518 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)237 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity19 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange395 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions110 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.8 l/100km
Stationary noise over 95dBStationary noise over 95dBStationary noise over 95dB

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED-Headlights, TFT display

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 1300 GS 2024

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

BMW has developed the new R 1300 GS with a wealth of experience and expertise, which is reflected in its advanced technology and versatility. The model appeals to both experienced and new riders and offers an impressive combination of power, comfort and state-of-the-art features. It is a successful blend of compactness, power and luxury that performs both off-road and on the road. Unfortunately, the first series of the new 1300 GS is not yet 100% mature in some areas, as several recalls and vulnerable components show.

Powerful engine with very sporty reponsiveness

Very good traction

Very stable riding performance - yet the bike is agile and cornering-friendly

Handguards offer good wind protection

With minimal features, the bike looks more compact and sportier than before

Well-integrated radar cruise control

Comprehensible operating concept

easy-to-read display

wide range of ergonomics customisation options

Well-functioning and inconspicuously integrated emergency call system

Very good balance with different load conditions

Not every desired configuration is possible - sometimes unnecessary extras have to be selected

Suspension works at a good level - however, a truly flawless reponsiveness is not offered, nor is a really wide adjustment range

Front Collision Warning (FCW) triggers annoying false alarms in raw everyday use

The bike looks a little too compact for an adventure bike when ridden by tall riders, especially from the rear

ABS system gives too much feedback into the brake lever during sporty riding

Susceptibility of the side panelling to scratches on raw off-road terrain and when used with rough boots

Handguards with integrated indicators not suitable for off-road use

Mirrors with integrated blind spot warning system and exposed wiring unsuitable for off-road use

Seat comfort for rider and passenger only mediocre on long lengths - seat bench is too soft! The direct reponsiveness of the powerful engine is a little tiring on long distances for two

Despite the high price level of the GS, the quality of some components, such as the plastic gear lever, leaves a lot to be desired

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1300 GS

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a BMW R 1300 GS 2024. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1300 GS 2024 is about 70% higher. Compared to BMW R 1300 GS 2024 there are more Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 4. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1300 GS with 15 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 11 reviews for the BMW R 1300 GS since model year 2024. 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 49,900 views for the first review on BMW R 1300 GS published on 9/28/2023.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1300 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISContinental MotorradreifenSchuberthcalimoto GmbHMotorex AG