BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a displacement of 1254cc. It produces 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque, providing ample power for off-road adventures. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, features an in-line engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It has a slightly lower power output of 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque. While both bikes have electric starters, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a transmission system that uses a prop shaft, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT uses a chain.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is equipped with a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension features a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. Both bikes offer adjustable suspension settings for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of chassis, both bikes feature steel frames. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a double cradle frame type. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4mm, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113mm.

When it comes to brakes, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT also offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is 170mm. It has a wheelbase of 1504mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 890mm to 910mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 268kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The rear tire width is 150mm. It has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 248kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, features LED headlights.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is praised for its practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range, low fuel consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feeling in the saddle, a pleasant seating position for the pillion passenger, and practical riding aids. It also offers great headlights and ergonomics for tall people, making it easy to ride. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, is praised for its powerful engine, wonderfully functioning semi-active chassis, sophisticated electronic driving aids, touchscreen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also offers almost "too good" wind protection.

However, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has some weaknesses, including its high weight, which can strain maneuvering, and somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs. It is also criticized for its jagged appearance with little elegance. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, on the other hand, has a confusing flood of buttons on the left handlebar, and some may find its weight to be a drawback. Additionally, the price of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT may be considered high, even if it may be justified.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers practicality, a powerful engine, and a range of riding aids, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT provides a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and good ergonomics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.