BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2016 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin model year 2017 are both popular choices in the enduro motorcycle category. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, number of cylinders, and frame material, there are also notable differences in their technical specifications and overall performance.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 features an inline engine. The BMW has a larger bore of 101 mm compared to the Honda's 92 mm, which may result in better power delivery and performance. The stroke of the BMW is 73 mm, while the Honda has a slightly longer stroke of 75.1 mm. In terms of power, the BMW boasts 125 HP, whereas the Honda offers 95 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque rating of 125 Nm compared to the Honda's 98 Nm. The transmission differs as well, with the BMW utilizing a prop shaft, while the Honda uses a chain drive.

Moving on to the suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a strut front suspension with preload adjustment, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 features an upside-down telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. Both motorcycles have a single swing arm rear suspension with preload, compression, and rebound adjustment.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame, providing durability and stability. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 shares the same braking system.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the BMW has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Honda has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches, a slightly narrower rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase of the BMW is 1507 mm, while the Honda has a longer wheelbase of 1575 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm, providing a comfortable riding position. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a kerb weight (with ABS) of 238 kg, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is slightly lighter at 232 kg. The fuel tank capacity of the BMW is 20 liters, while the Honda has a slightly smaller capacity of 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is known for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, and its ability to be used off-road. It also has a high reputation among riders. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is praised for its comfortable yet engaging riding experience, well-dimensioned engine, and a seat height that may be more suitable for riders of taller stature.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is criticized for its long and expensive surcharge side, the Telelever front suspension that takes some getting used to, and a brake that is considered very sharp. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is noted for its suspension elements that perform well off-road but may feel too comfortably tuned at high speeds. Additionally, the traction control on the Honda is said to be annoying off-road, requiring constant readjustment after short breaks.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a more powerful engine and a larger fuel tank capacity, while the Honda provides a comfortable and engaging riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2016 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2016
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth875 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is about 39% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 70 days compared to 91 days for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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