BMW R 1200 GS 2010 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2010 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2010 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin model year 2020 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle segment. While they have some similarities, there are also notable differences between the two.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 features a Boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers a powerful 110 HP and 120 Nm of torque. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1170 ccm. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It offers slightly lower engine power at 102 HP and torque at 105 Nm. The transmission is a chain, and it also has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1084 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a front suspension strut with preload adjustment and a rear suspension single swing arm with preload adjustment. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020, on the other hand, features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, and a swing arm rear suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a double cradle frame type.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, but the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a rear tire width of 110 mm, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a wider rear tire width of 150 mm. The wheelbase of the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 is 1507 mm, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575 mm. The seat height and fuel tank capacity are the same for both models, with a seat height of 850 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters for the Honda and 20 liters for the BMW.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a sporty look, is well equipped, and offers enough storage space. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 boasts a high-torque 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 perfect for off-roading.

However, there are also weaknesses to consider. The BMW R 1200 GS 2010's technology of the conversion may take some getting used to. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 has a flood of buttons on the left handlebar that may not be very clear, handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, and a windshield that offers manageable protection.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a sporty look and ample storage space, while the Honda boasts a high-torque engine, advanced electronics, and off-road-friendly features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2010 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2010
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque120 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio10.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeToughened, DryClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingOil-airCoolingliquid
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

Frame typeFrame typeLoad-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 width110 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height90 %
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width110 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height70 %
LengthLength2,210 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth915 mmWidth960 mm
HeightHeight1,450 mmHeight1,395 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
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 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

A GS Adventure has practically everything you need for the big trip. But firstly, Touratech manufactures some parts for BMW anyway and secondly, it doesn't stop with the optional extras offered by the Bavarians.

Sporty look

well equipped

enough storage space

The technology of the conversion takes some getting used to

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 2010 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 is about 44% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2010 experiences a loss of 390 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 640 USD for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2020 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2010 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 16 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 64 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 1/20/2004 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 9/23/2019.

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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