Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018, it boasts a reliable in-line engine with a displacement of 998cc. It delivers a power output of 95 HP and a torque of 98 Nm, making it a capable off-road machine. The transmission is a chain drive, which is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. The Africa Twin features a steel frame, providing stability and strength. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork, allowing for adjustments in compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm, also adjustable in compression, preload, and rebound. The front brakes are double disk, providing excellent stopping power. The bike has a front tyre diameter of 21 inches and a rear tyre width of 150 mm, with a wheelbase of 1575 mm. The seat height is 850 mm, offering a comfortable riding position. The kerb weight with ABS is 232 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 is praised for its reliable engine, comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, and good looks. The bike also has good brakes and offers optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and performance modes, allowing riders to customize their riding experience.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

However, the Africa Twin does have some weaknesses. It lacks optimal wind protection, which may be a concern for riders who frequently ride at high speeds. Additionally, it does not have cruise control, which can be a disadvantage during long-distance rides. Another drawback is that the ABS on the front wheel cannot be switched off, limiting the control riders have in certain off-road situations.

Moving on to the BMW R 1200 GS 2017, it features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1170cc. It delivers a higher power output of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm, providing strong performance on and off-road. The transmission is a prop shaft drive, known for its smooth and efficient power transfer. Similar to the Africa Twin, the R 1200 GS has a steel frame for stability and strength. The front suspension is a strut, adjustable in preload, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm, also adjustable in preload. The front brakes are double disk, offering powerful stopping capabilities. The bike has a front tyre diameter of 19 inches and a rear tyre width of 170 mm, with a wheelbase of 1507 mm. The seat height is 850 mm, providing a comfortable riding position. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly higher than the Africa Twin at 238 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has several strengths, including its mature concept, strong engine, and easy handling. The bike also features powerful brakes and adjustable modes and traction control, allowing riders to adapt to different riding conditions. The R 1200 GS offers an extensive equipment range, providing riders with various options to customize their bike. Additionally, it has a good image and value retention, making it a popular choice among riders.

However, the R 1200 GS does have some weaknesses. Many of its features come at an extra cost, which can increase the overall price of the bike. Additionally, the boxer engine is exposed in really tough terrain, potentially leading to damage if not properly protected.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Africa Twin offers a reliable engine, comfortable seating position, and well-tuned chassis, while the R 1200 GS boasts a strong engine, easy handling, and extensive equipment range. Riders should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two models.

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018
BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore92 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke75.1 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque98 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement998 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

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
LengthLength2,335 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth875 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)232 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18.8 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

The new Africa Twin has come exactly as fans expected: Well controllable, unagitated and a wonderful travelling companion. The fact that it also looks extremely good was a pleasant bonus. So there is no reason to fundamentally change the Africa Twin, what was good remains good on the new one - and much has been improved. Thanks to Ride by Wire, you can now also enjoy performance modes on the Africa Twin, and the traction control can be adjusted 7-fold (instead of 3-fold previously) and switched off. The optional DCT is still a big hit and a lot of fun, but it also costs a lot.

Reliable engine

comfortable seating position

well-tuned chassis

good looks

good brakes

optional DCT

performance modes

not quite optimal wind protection

no cruise control

ABS on front wheel cannot be switched off

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 38% higher. A Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 experiences a loss of 730 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 570 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 10 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 99 days for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin was published on 12/05/2015 and now has more than 13,600 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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