BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are both popular adventure motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019, it offers a comfortable riding experience with excellent weather protection and good ergonomics. It has a powerful 136 HP boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc and a torque of 143 Nm. The bike features an electric start and a shaft drive transmission. The suspension system consists of a Telelever front suspension with 37mm diameter forks and 210mm travel, and a single-sided swingarm rear suspension with a monoshock and 220mm travel. The bike has a steel frame and a 65.1-degree rake angle. It is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, riding modes, and cruise control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a 19-inch front tire, 17-inch rear tire, a wheelbase of 1504mm, and a seat height ranging from 890mm to 910mm. The bike weighs 268kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters. Additional equipment includes LED headlights and an adjustable windscreen.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 features a powerful 102 HP inline twin engine with a displacement of 1084cc and a torque of 105 Nm. It also has an electric start but uses a chain drive transmission. The suspension system consists of a 45mm diameter upside-down telescopic front fork with 230mm travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swingarm with a monoshock and 220mm travel, also adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. The bike has a steel frame with a double cradle type and a 62.5-degree rake angle. It is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a 21-inch front tire, 18-inch rear tire, a wheelbase of 1575mm, and a seat height ranging from 850mm to 870mm. The bike weighs 248kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters. It is equipped with LED headlights.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers a great riding comfort, extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, ample torque, clean response, and overall good handling due to its low center of gravity. It also provides options for customization.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT boasts a powerful engine, a semi-active chassis with fantastic performance, sophisticated electronic riding aids, a color touchscreen display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and almost "too good" wind protection.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is noticeable heavy during braking and comes with a high price tag. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT has a confusing array of buttons on the left handlebar, is also heavy, and has a high price, although it may be justified.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2020 are both capable adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.