BMW F 850 GS 2022 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

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Overview - BMW F 850 GS 2022 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

In terms of engine specifications, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 is equipped with an in-line 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 853ccm. It has a bore of 84mm and a stroke of 77mm, producing a power output of 95 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 also features an in-line 2-cylinder engine, but with a larger displacement of 1084ccm. It has a bore of 92mm and a stroke of 81.5mm, delivering a higher power output of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions, providing efficient and reliable performance.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension with monoshock absorbers in the rear. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 offers slightly better suspension travel, with 230mm in the front and 220mm in the rear, compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 204mm front travel and 219mm rear travel. The Honda also provides additional adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound in the rear suspension, allowing for more customization and fine-tuning of the ride experience.

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

Both motorcycles have steel frames, but the BMW F 850 GS 2022 features a tubular, load-bearing engine frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has a double cradle frame. The rake and trail measurements are similar, with the BMW having a rake of 62 degrees and a trail of 126mm, and the Honda having a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front. The BMW F 850 GS 2022 does not provide specific details about the type of brakes used, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, cornering ABS, and ride by wire technology.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches, compared to the BMW F 850 GS 2022's 17-inch rear tire diameter. The wheelbase of the Honda is slightly shorter at 1574mm, while the BMW has a wheelbase of 1593mm. The seat height of the Honda is also slightly lower at 850mm, compared to the BMW's 860mm seat height. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters, while the BMW F 850 GS 2022 has a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters. The kerb weight of both motorcycles is similar, with the Honda weighing 226kg and the BMW weighing 229kg with ABS.

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 offers good wind and weather protection, a well-thought-out operating concept, practical equipment, and very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use. It also provides good seat comfort and a great connectivity solution. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 boasts a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding.

However, the BMW F 850 GS 2022 does have some weaknesses, including vibrations in the upper rev range, a boring engine, a stiff quickshifter gearstick, and front damping that is too lax. The fork is also not adjustable, and the motorcycle has a ponderous feel. The front brake could do with more bite. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 has weaknesses such as an operating concept of the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive, handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, a windshield that offers manageable protection, and ergonomics that are not ideal for standing riding.

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS 2022 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore84 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke77 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio10.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement853 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel204 mmTravel230 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountdirectShock mountPro-Link
TravelTravel219 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail126 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,305 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth922 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,593 mmWheelbase1,574 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)229 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

The BMW F 850 GS also scores points in 2022 with its pleasant ergonomics and accessible character. Operation is easy and you quickly feel comfortable on the motorbike. The longer the tour, the more you miss the finesse in the details. The damping of the fork is too lax and not adjustable. The engine gets a bit boring in the long run, and the gearstick and quickshifter are always stiff. In direct comparison with other touring enduros, it is always somewhat overshadowed by more exciting models.

Good wind and weather protection

well thought-out operating concept

practical equipment

very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use

good seat comfort

great connectivity solution

Vibrations in the upper rev range

boring engine

stiff quickshifter gearstick

front damping too lax

fork not adjustable

ponderous feel

front brake could do with more bite.

Read the full article on 1000PS.com

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW F 850 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW F 850 GS 2022 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW F 850 GS 2022 is about 9% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2022 there are more BMW F 850 GS 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 4. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin with 82 days compared to 105 days for the BMW F 850 GS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW F 850 GS was published on 11/21/2017 and now has more than 69,800 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 9/23/2019.

Price BMW F 850 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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