Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc. It delivers a power output of 95 HP and a torque of 98 Nm. The BMW R 1250 GS, on the other hand, features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It offers a higher power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and offer smooth and responsive acceleration. The Honda Africa Twin has a chain transmission, while the BMW R 1250 GS has a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 252 mm in the front, and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 240 mm in the rear. The BMW R 1250 GS features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm, and a single swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustable suspension settings for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to customize their riding experience.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles feature a steel frame, providing stability and durability. The Honda Africa Twin has a wheelbase of 1580 mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525 mm.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front, providing excellent stopping power.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer advanced features such as ABS, traction control, and riding modes. The BMW R 1250 GS also offers additional features like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, and cornering ABS. Both motorcycles have LED headlights for enhanced visibility.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the BMW R 1250 GS has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Honda Africa Twin has a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.2 liters compared to the BMW R 1250 GS's 20-liter capacity. The Honda Africa Twin also has a higher seat height, ranging from 900 mm to 920 mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS has a slightly lower seat height, ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm. Both motorcycles have a kerb weight of around 243 kg to 249 kg.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights for improved visibility. The BMW R 1250 GS also offers additional features such as cornering lights and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its powerful and unagitated engine, comfortable chassis, comfortable seating position, superb looks, good brakes, large fuel tank, performance modes, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). The BMW R 1250 GS is praised for its great ride comfort and great ergonomics, powerful engine, great connectivity app, easy-to-read display, confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, versatile chassis that accommodates every route, and being easy to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin is criticized for its not quite optimal wind protection, lack of cruise control, high saddle that can be difficult to climb for smaller riders, and the inability to switch off the ABS on the front wheel. The BMW R 1250 GS is criticized for its rough overall appearance and somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and riding needs when choosing between these two models.