BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a powerful 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque. The engine is started electrically and is paired with a prop shaft transmission. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 features an in-line engine with a displacement of 1084cc. It produces 102 HP and 105 Nm of torque. The engine is also started electrically but has a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022, 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 motorcycles offer preload and rebound adjustments for the suspension.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a double cradle frame type. The rake angle is 62.9 degrees for the BMW and 62.5 degrees for the Honda, with a trail of 109mm and 113mm, respectively.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 also offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525mm and a seat height of 850mm, adjustable up to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 249kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, providing a range of 421km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.75 l/100km. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1575mm and the same seat height and adjustability as the BMW. The kerb weight with ABS is 250kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters, providing a range of 516km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.8 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 is equipped with LED headlights.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. It is also praised for being easy to ride.

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022, on the other hand, is praised for its high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning dual-clutch transmission (DCT), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, windshield with a good adjustment range, and semi-active suspension that is close to perfection.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is criticized for its rough overall appearance and somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT 2022 is criticized for its operating concept of the electronics not being very clear and intuitive and its handguards not being very robust for off-road use.