Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

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Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

When comparing the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021, it is clear that both motorcycles have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023, it boasts a powerful engine with 102 HP and 105 Nm of torque. This provides ample power for off-road adventures. The bike also features sophisticated electronic driving aids, including ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. These advanced rider assistance systems enhance safety and control on various terrains. Additionally, the Africa Twin offers a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) option, which provides seamless gear shifting. The bike's touch-screen color display is another notable feature, providing easy access to information and settings. The Africa Twin also has good ergonomics, making it comfortable for long-distance rides. The windshield is designed for off-road use, providing adequate protection. However, the operating concept of the electronics may not be very clear and intuitive, and the handguards may not be robust enough for intense off-road use. The ergonomics may also not be ideal for standing riding.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and excellent ergonomics. The bike's powerful engine generates 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque, providing impressive acceleration and performance. The BMW also features a great connectivity app and an easy-to-read display, enhancing the overall riding experience. The bike has a confident feel in the saddle and offers practical riding aids for added convenience. The versatile chassis of the R 1250 GS accommodates every route, making it suitable for various riding conditions. The bike is also easy to ride, even for less experienced riders. However, some riders may find the overall appearance of the BMW to be rough, and the gearshifts at low revs may feel somewhat clumsy.

In terms of technical specifications, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has an inline engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It has a displacement of 1084 ccm and is equipped with a chain transmission. The front suspension features an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The bike has a steel frame with a double cradle design and a rake of 62.5 degrees. The front brakes are double disk, and the bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The front tire has a diameter of 21 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 150 mm and a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1574 mm, and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 226 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. It has a range of 383 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100km. The Africa Twin is also equipped with Bluetooth, connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 features a boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It has a displacement of 1254 ccm and is equipped with a prop shaft transmission. The front suspension consists of a telelever with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension features a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The bike has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design and a rake of 62.9 degrees. The front brakes are double disk, and the bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The front tire has a diameter of 19 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 170 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1525 mm, and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 249 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. It has a range of 421 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km. The R 1250 GS is also equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, and good ergonomics, while the R 1250 GS provides great ride comfort, excellent ergonomics, and a versatile chassis. Riders should consider their specific preferences and priorities when choosing between these two models.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023
BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore92 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke81.5 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power102 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque105 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,084 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake62.5 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail113 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, WaveTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter256 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,330 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth960 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,574 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)226 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange383 kmRange421 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions112 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions110 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

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 accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 47% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021 there are less Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 38 compared to 66. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 106 days for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2020 1000PS.de editors have written 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin was published on 23/09/2019 and now has more than 109,400 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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